The Board of Commissioners of the City of Dothan, Alabama, met in
regular session in the Commission Chambers of the
Roy
Driggers
Municipal
Building at 5:30 P.M.,
Tuesday, April 8, 2008 with the following members present:
Mayor Pat Thomas, Associate Commissioners Larry Matthews, Paul
Lee, John E. Craig, Jr., Taylor Barbaree and Keith Seagle. Commissioner
Amos M. Newsome, Jr. was absent. Also
present were City Manager Michael West, City
Clerk
Pam McCoy, Secretary Tammy Danner,
who recorded the Minutes of the Meeting, and the local news media
representatives.
Mayor Thomas called the meeting to order. Pastor Bill Bastien, Heritage Baptist
Church, then led in
prayer, afterwhich Commissioner Seagle led in the Pledge of Allegiance
to the Flag.
On
behalf of the Commission, Mayor Thomas extended condolences to
Commissioner Newsome in the loss of a family member.
Commissioner Barbaree moved that the Minutes of the Meeting of March 25,
2008, be approved, motion seconded by Commissioner Matthews and
unanimously approved.
At
this time, Commissioner Paul Lee, who has chaired the School Funding
Committee and Dr. Sam Nichols, Dothan City Schools Superintendent
presented the Commission with a proposal for use of the $1 million
appropriation from the City of Dothan. Dr. Steve Stokes,
Dothan City School Board Chairman, Board members Margaret Johnson and
Brenda Guilford were also present. Commissioner Craig asked if there was
something included in the $160,000.00 that would involve getting the
parents of the students involved in school. Dr. Nichols said yes. We are
working to create a program that would involve more parents.
Commissioner Seagle said that from all the studies he has read more
money is not the answer; the answer is parent involvement, children
coming from homes where their parents have a high school diploma and
understand the value of education. Dr. Nichols said that community
involvement is important also, because it is difficult to get some
parents involved.
Commissioner Seagle said this $1 million is not the total that the City
gives to the Dothan
City
schools. He said in the past when our property tax was at 8 mills, the
City would step forward with approximately $2.8 million to make up the
difference. Since this last year, by State law, we are up to 10 mills.
Commissioner Seagle said we are proposing to continue to give the $2.8
million also, plus this other; so we are talking about $3.8 million from
the City. Commissioner Barbaree said there are also in-kind services
that are not included in this. Finance Director Angela Palmer stated
that it does not include debt service. She said it totals $3.5 million
when you include the debt service. Commissioner Seagle said so we are
talking about adding $1 million from the sales tax to the $3.5 million.
He said the check that the City writes will be about $4.5 million if we
approve this. City Manager West said no; we pay the debt service. They
send us a check for half of the debt service. Commissioner Seagle said
so we are back to about $3.8 million. Mr. West said that is correct.
Commissioner Matthews asked if the ninth grade coordinators were
counselors. Dr. Nichols said that would be a function, but it would not
be their total responsibility.
Commissioner Barbaree said we challenged the School Board to come to us
with a plan. He said they have done that and he looks forward to putting
this on the agenda and moving forward with it. Commissioner Craig
concurred. There being no further discussion, Mayor Thomas stated that
this would be put on the next City Commission agenda in two weeks.
Commissioner Seagle presented and read a proclamation, proclaiming the
month of April, 2008 as “Autism Awareness Month” in the City of Dothan. Fran C. Heisner, Families with Autism
Support and Encouragement Group Coordinator, and others were present for
the proclamation.
Commissioner Seagle presented and read a proclamation, proclaiming the
month of April, 2008 as “Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month” in the
City of Dothan. Ann Wessel, President, Wiregrass
Parkinson’s Support Group was present for the proclamation. Ms. Wessel
presented Mayor Thomas with a painting done by Lori Sessions, a computer
graphic artist.
Commissioner Barbaree expressed appreciation to everyone who attended
the District 5 meeting held last night for the
Murphy Mill/Bethlehem/Brannon Stand Road
area. There will be another District 5 meeting scheduled for Monday,
April 14th at Harvest Church. Chairman Mark Culver of the
Houston County Commission will be the key speaker.
Commissioner Matthews emphasized how great the recent Special Olympics
and Miracle Field events were. He said they are all winners; there were
no losers, no one came in last. Commissioner Craig concurred.
Commissioner Lee requested an update on the right-of-way acquisitions
for the widening of the
Ross Clark Circle
also, the resurfacing of
Cottonwood Road/ Ross Clark Circle
Intersection and Highway 84 East. He said all those intersections are in
dire need of attention and this project should not delay this
resurfacing. City Manager West said he would have someone contact ALDOT
to see where they are on these.
Commissioner Craig said we also need to look at getting sewage to some
areas in town like Halls Mill Road. He
said those people are having all types of problems because of the rain.
Commissioner Craig then asked for an update on the recycling program.
Jerry Corbin, Public Works Director said the delivery date for the truck
that has been ordered has been pushed back a month. He said we look to
start the program the first Monday after the Fourth of July. Mr. West
asked when the letters would be sent out to those chosen to participate
in the pilot program. Mr. Corbin said they will go out the first week of
May.
Mayor Thomas stated that on the next administrative meeting, he would
like to revisit the City Commission meeting time. He said after three
months of meeting at 5:30 p.m. he has not seen any difference in
attendance. Mayor Thomas said in his 10½ years on the Commission, it
comes down to if you have business in front of the Commission, you will
be here, if you don’t, you won’t. He said we have a lot of City
employees that are here right now who are on the payroll and away from
their families. Mayor Thomas said he did not see any reason for that to
continue if the number of people at the meeting is not going to
substantially change.
Kim Meeker, Leisure Services and Angela Turner, Movie Gallery announced
the Movie Gallery USTA Pro Tennis Classic Tournament to be held April
20-27, 2008 at the Westgate Tennis Center.
Ms. Tracie Melvin of Elite Professionals announced the 4th
Annual Heritage Trail to be held April 13th in the Bamadale
and Rocky Branch neighborhoods. She introduced several queens who will
reign over the Heritage Trail. The purpose of the event is to celebrate
African American culture and achievement in the local community. Ribbon
cutting ceremonies will begin at 1:30 p.m. Ms. Melvin invited everyone
to attend.
City Manager West announced that the Doug Tew Little League grand
opening will be this Saturday, April 12th at 9:30 a.m.
Administrative Professionals Day is April 23rd. Lunch will be
served in the Civic Center for $5.00 per person. The Fire Department
will be holding graduation for the rookie candidates April 11th
at 1:30 p.m. The roof at Doug Tew is presently being replaced. We are
also in the process of redoing the work on Central Fire Station. Mr.
West reminded everyone of the public hearing regarding the Beaver Creek
Wastewater Treatment Plant on April 15th at the Opera House
at 6:00 pm. The annual city track meet kicks off at Dothan High School
this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. Mr. West announced that Plum Road will open tomorrow.
Mr. West said it appears we will be spending, because of the increase in
fuel cost this year, about $670,000.00 more than we spent last year.
Mayor Thomas asked if that is what is projected or to date? Mr. West
said that is what is projected for the year. Larry Muench, General
Services Director said it is about $675,000.00 to date. We are
projecting about $600,000.00 over budget. Mr. West said the City uses
thousands of gallons a day, but we continue to monitor the cost of fuel.
Mayor Thomas introduced Ordinance No. 2008-86 rezoning property of
Dothan Exchange, LLC from O-2 and R-65-A Districts to B-3 and B-4
Districts, said property located from the end of existing Murphy Mill
Road to Flynn Road. Commissioner Barbaree moved for immediate
consideration, motion seconded by Commissioner Lee and upon the motion
being put to vote, those voting “yea, “ were Thomas, Matthews, Lee,
Craig, Barbaree and Seagle; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the
majority of six “yeas” to no “nays.”
Commissioner Lee then moved for adoption of Ordinance No. 2008-86,
motion seconded by Commissioner Barbaree and upon the motion being put
to vote, those voting “yea,” were Thomas, Matthews, Lee, Craig, Barbaree
and Seagle; “nay:” none. The motion was carried by the majority of six
“yeas” to no “nays.”
Mayor Thomas expressed appreciation to Mr. Roarke for his investment in
our city.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-87 appropriating $400,000.00
to the Dothan Downtown Redevelopment Authority for the renovation of
properties on North Foster Street. Commissioner Barbaree
moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Matthews.
Commissioner Craig said he would vote for this, but he wanted to see
some profit making come out of this.
Commissioner Seagle said the toughest decisions that leaders make are
not about right and wrong. He said it is the dilemmas we have to choose
from two undesirable options. Commissioner Seagle said he looks at this
dilemma and he sees on one hand not funding the DDRA is going to slow
the progress and downtown will probably continue to look like it did 20
years ago. On the other hand, we are forcing taxpayers, working
families, minimum wage workers, and single mothers to pay for something
that every real estate developer says is a losing proposition.
Commissioner Seagle said he agonizes over such decisions and the advice
he always gets is to stick with your principles and people will
appreciate that even if they disagree. He said he finds himself in the
midst of a tax and spend program here that he cannot support.
Commissioner Seagle said he thinks government should stick to the basics
of people’s property, freedom and providing essential services and we
should leave business to the business people. Commissioner Seagle said
he had nothing against downtown development, museums, libraries, ball
parks, etc. He said we should be able to build all we want and all we
can afford, but taxpayers’ monies and therefore his priorities are more
along the lines of clean water, efficient sewage, landfills, lower
electric rates, potholes, traffic flow, police and fire services, etc.
Commissioner Seagle said his goal is to cut spending to the point that
we can reduce taxes. He said you can love him or hate him for it, but
that is in his heart of hearts and that is who he is and he has to be
true to that. Commissioner Seagle said that puts him at odds with some
good people here at this table, some friends at this table and they
honestly think that what is best is to spend. Commissioner Seagle said
he thinks this Commission plans on spending as much as possible in the
next 18 months. He said he will look at each proposal independently and
will judge them according. Commissioner Seagle said he would respect
their views and hopes his will be respected also, but you will have to
move forward on this one without him. There being no further discussion
and upon the motion being put to vote, those voting “yea,” were Thomas,
Matthews, Lee, Craig and Barbaree; “nay:” Seagle. The motion was carried
by the majority of five “yeas” to one “nay.”
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-88 appropriating $57,000.00
to the Wiregrass Transit Authority to purchase replacement vehicles.
Commissioner Barbaree moved for adoption, motion seconded by
Commissioner Matthews. Commissioner Seagle said this fits the example of
one of the essential public services that is necessary because we do not
have a private business alternative to this. He referred back to the
minutes of the December 4, 2007 meeting where we appropriated $40,000.00
for the Wiregrass Transit Authority for operating expenses with the
understanding that they would come back later for some money for
capital. Commissioner Seagle said, at the time, he mentioned that we
should have some type of systematic process in place to decide how we
allocate funds to non-profits. He said Mayor Thomas’s response was that
it was an excellent idea and that’s why it is in the works; that‘s why
there is a committee already in place that was committed to looking at
this and making recommendations. Commissioner Seagle then asked for an
update on that committee. Mayor Thomas said he would have one at the
next meeting. He said this is not a non-profit organization; it is an
arm of City and County government that was created years ago.
Commissioner Seagle said we have about $2.5 million in the budget that
we give to non-profits not including what we give to schools. He said he
feels the way we do it is by piecemeal and we need to be able to look at
the whole picture and decide how to divide up the pie equitably.
Commissioner Craig agreed. He said they both thought sometime ago that
we would see some screening of this and have some advice on it. There
being no further discussion the resolution was unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-89 entering into a permit
agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the
installation of 67 interstate flood lights to light Highway 84 West at
an approximate cost of $21,000.00. Commissioner Barbaree moved for
adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Craig and unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-90 agreeing to settle all
claims of Mary Beth Brackin against the City of Dothan and its employees
in the amount of $30,000.00. Commissioner Craig moved for adoption,
motion seconded by Commissioner Matthews. Commissioner Seagle asked City
Attorney Len White if he had any additional comment on this. Mr. White
said no. There being no further discussion the resolution was
unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-91 rescinding Resolution
Number 2007-410 and entering into an agreement with David Jones to serve
as Public Defender for the City of Dothan at an annual salary of
$18,500.00. Commissioner Lee moved for adoption, motion seconded by
Commissioner Barbaree and unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-92 filing an application
with the State of Alabama Department of Education for participation in a
Summer Food Service Program for Children, entering into an agreement
with the United States Department of Agriculture for administration of
the program, and entering into an agreement with the Dothan City Board
of Education for providing the food services. Commissioner Barbaree
moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Craig and
unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-93 authorizing the Mayor to
file, on behalf of the City of Dothan, an application for a loan to be
made by the Alabama Water Pollution Control Authority to aid in
financing the cost of construction of necessary wastewater treatment and
transport works. Commissioner Lee moved for adoption, motion seconded by
Commissioner Barbaree. Commissioner Seagle said when this came up before
we were doing the pre-application. That is when we discovered that the
State required us to have a public hearing first. Commissioner Lee said
many of us knew that. City Manager West said we knew that all along; it
is requirement of ADEM. Commissioner Seagle said he mentioned having it
and the idea was rejected. Mayor Thomas disagreed. He said Commissioner
Seagle mentioned having a public forum, which is a completely different
thing than a question and answer session that is required by the State
to borrow the money. Commissioner Seagle asked if a public forum is
completely different from a question and answer session. Mayor Thomas
said a public forum to determine whether or not we want to move forward
with this project as opposed to a public question and answer session to
get the required financing is two different things. Commissioner Seagle
said we find out from the State that we have to have one and we are
having one on April 15th. He said at this point we are
authorizing the Mayor to file this application for a loan on our behalf.
Commissioner Seagle asked if this has to be filed after the 15th
or can we file this now? Mr. West said we have to file it now because
they have “x” amount of dollars and if we do not get on the list then if
we need money this year we will end up going to the bond market and
paying a percent and a half more for it, which will cost the City
hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional interest rates.
Commissioner Seagle said for clarification purposes, we can go ahead and
make this application now, but we still have to have our public meeting.
Mr. West said that is correct. Commissioner Lee said one other
clarification; we did not find out, we already knew that this meeting
was necessary. Commissioner Seagle said he would refer back to the
minutes because he recalled saying we should have this meeting and the
idea was rejected. Commissioner Lee said, “totally different meeting”.
Mayor Thomas said a meeting to determine whether this was needed or not
was flatly rejected because the Commission had already determined the
course of action, determined what we were going to do, had the process
already into the ADEM files. He said that is the wrong time to have a
forum to see if you are going to proceed. Commissioner Seagle said he
recalled saying that perhaps it could be in the form of a briefing to
help explain the need. He said anyone who cares can refer to the
minutes. Commissioner Matthews asked if this would be a public meeting.
Mr. West said yes. ADEM will have a representative there along with
representatives from Polyengineering and Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and
Cannon. He said the public will be allowed to speak. There being no
further discussion the resolution was unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-94 entering into an
agreement with Gehl’s Guernsey Farms, Inc. for the lease of one Hot Top
2 Dispenser to be utilized at Miracle Field concessions at a cost of
$200.00. Commissioner Barbaree moved for adoption, motion seconded by
Commissioner Matthews and unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-95 entering into a permit
agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation to install poles
and conduits for new electric service at 4771 Montgomery Highway.
Commissioner Lee moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner
Matthews and unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-96 entering into a permit
agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation to lower the
existing water main at U.S. Highway 84 East and Middlewind Court at no
cost to the City. Commissioner Lee moved for adoption, motion seconded
by Commissioner Matthews and unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-97 awarding the bid and
entering into a contract with H&L Construction, Inc. for the
installation of the Morris Street Drainage Improvements, CDBG Project
No. B-06-MC-01-0010, in the amount of $171,330.90. Commissioner Matthews
moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner Lee. Commissioner
Barbaree asked if a construction company from Dothan bid on this
project? Mr. Corbin said it was advertised and there was no one from
Dothan to bid. He said H & L Construction built our last two bridges.
There being no further discussion the resolution was unanimously
adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-98 approving the payment of
invoices for the month of March, 2008 in the amount of $14,854,869.90.
Commissioner Craig moved for adoption, motion seconded by Commissioner
Matthews and unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-99 appointing Larry Matthews
as a member of the National Peanut Festival Association, Inc. Board of
Directors. Commissioner Lee moved for adoption, motion seconded by
Commissioner Barbaree. Commissioner Seagle said he noticed Commissioner
Lee’s name was on the administrative agenda for this last week. Mayor
Thomas explained that Commissioner Matthews expressed an interest in
serving on this Board and we agreed. There being no further discussion
the resolution was unanimously adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-100 approving purchases over
$7,500.00 by the City. Commissioner Barbaree read each item in the
meeting.
| ITEM |
VENDOR |
AMOUNT |
| IMSA Certification
Training in Traffic signs, Signals, and Marketing |
IMSA Southeastern Section
Trussville, AL |
$10,775.00 |
| Traffic Signal
Maintenance Equipment |
Quality Traffic Systems
Nashville, TN |
$11,720.00 |
| Wiregrass Festival
of Murals Appropriation |
Wiregrass Festival of Murals
Dothan, AL |
$10,000.00 |
| Asbestos Abatement
for Demolitions of Old Police/City Jail Building to include
labor, equipment, and Materials |
Alabama Environmental, Inc.
Cottondale, AL |
$16,100.00 |
| Installation of nine
(9) 14'x16' gray Raynor Dura Coil Rolling Steel Service Doors |
Southern Door Company
Dothan, AL |
$34,750.00 |
Commissioner Barbaree then moved for adoption of Resolution No.
2008-100, motion seconded by Commissioner Lee. Commissioner Craig asked
why we are buying a mural for $10,000.00. Mr. West said this is money
that was allocated in the budget for mural maintenance. This will help
clean and put a UV coating on the murals. Mr. West said this was
something that was agreed to in the last budget and Mrs. Palmer is
getting your approval now to cut a check and send to them. Commissioner
Seagle asked if the Wiregrass Festival of Murals is a non-profit
organization. Mr. West said yes. Commissioner Seagle said he was sure
they are worthy as well as the other 30 organizations we give money to.
He said we are doing this as a piecemeal. This is another $10,000.00
going out that we are not able to see in relation to all of the other
$2.5 million that is going out to charitable organizations. Commissioner
Seagle said he looked forward to the Mayor’s report on that committee
and maybe we can get a handle on a better way to do this. Mr. West said
the other option you have here is that they would be glad to turn over
the maintenance of the murals to the City. Commissioner Seagle said if
it is ours, it is ours, but if they are asking us to give to a
non-profit, we need to look at how we do that. Commissioner Lee
reiterated that this was approved in the budget. Mr. West confirmed.
There being no further discussion the resolution was unanimously
adopted.
Mayor Thomas introduced Resolution No. 2008-101 approving the following
advance travel requests for City employees:
| NAME |
CONFERENCE |
AMOUNT |
| Richard W. Ash |
Electric Cities of Alabama
Perdido Beeach, AL |
$789.37 |
| Jinri Jiang |
Blue Water Bay Swim Meet
Niceville, FL |
$275.00 |
| Jinri Jiang |
ARPA District Swim Meet
Troy, AL |
$25.00 |
| Roy Woodham |
Site visit to two CALEA
Accredited Agencies
Huntsville, AL |
$298.08 |
| Jinri Jiang |
Panama City Swim Meet
Panama City, FL |
$275.00 |
| Jinri Jiang |
Bainbridge Swim Meet
Bainbridge, GA |
$50.00 |
| Jinri Jiang |
Pensacola Navy Swim Meet
Pensacola, FL |
$25.00 |
| Jinri Jiang |
Ft. Walton Swim Meet
Ft. Walton, FL |
$275.00 |
Phil Pelham
Ted Adams |
Power Systems Equipment: Functions & Maintenance
Scottsboro, AL |
$2,231.40 |
Todd McDonald
Steve Spry |
Alabama Planning Association Conference
Birmingham, AL |
$1,288.00 |
Commissioner Barbaree then moved for adoption of Resolution No.
2008-101, motion seconded by Commissioner Matthews and unanimously
carried.
Mayor Thomas announced the appointment of David Jamison as a member of
the Housing Authority of the City of
Dothan. He also expressed appreciation to Mr.
Lamar Horne for his serving on this board for many years.
There being no further business, Commissioner Barbaree moved that the
meeting be adjourned, motion seconded by Commissioner Lee and upon the
unanimous vote of "yea," the meeting was duly adjourned.
/s/Pam McCoy, City Clerk
Approved:
/s/Larry Matthews, Associate Commissioner
/s/Amos M. Newsome, Jr., Associate Commissioner
/s/Taylor Barbaree, Associate Commissioner
/s/Keith Seagle, Associate Commissioner
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