Council Meeting Minutes 2-23-2021

Mar 10, 2021

MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF TALLASSEE, ALABAMA

FEBRUARY 23, 2021

 

 

 

 

The Mayor and the City Council of the City of Tallassee, Alabama convened in regular session on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tallassee Municipal Complex. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hammock and the following were recorded as present:

 

Mayor                          John Hammock

Council Members         Jeremy Taunton

Sarah Hill

Damian Carr

Bill Hall

Terrel Brown-absent

Bill Godwin

Fred Randall Hughey

 

John Smith was present as city attorney and secretary for the meeting.

 

Mayor Hammock presented the minutes of the council work session held on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. There were no additions or changes. Upon motion of Council Member Hill and second by Council Member Taunton, the minutes were approved by a unanimous vote.

 

Mayor Hammock presented the minutes of the regular council meeting held on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. There were no additions or changes. Upon motion of Council Member Huey and second by Council Member Brown, the minutes of the January 26, 2021 regular council meeting as submitted were approved by a unanimous vote.

 

Item 1: Mayor Hammock brought to the attention of the council a proclamation for Arbor Day. On motion of Councilmember Hill and second of Councilmember Taunton, the council unanimously approved the proclamation.

 

Item 2: Building Inspector Andy Coker gave a presentation concerning the current status of the CDB Grant for abatement of nuisance structures within the city. He also reported on investigations by his office into ordinances and codes to prevent loud noises and offensive odors within the city.

 

Item 3: Mayor Hammock brought to the council’s attention property located at 291 Macedonia Road. The property abuts Carrville Cemetery and the city has been offered the property for $37,000.00. On motion of Councilmember Hill and second of Councilmember Carr, the council unanimously approved that the Mayor negotiate with the property’s owner on a purchase of the property.

 

Item 4: The Mayor brought to the attention of the council the possibility of the construction of a new, elevated water storage tank south of downtown, along Highway 229 and adjacent to the former Donald Reeves Airport property now occupied by GKN Aerospace. The city as the opportunity to acquire a small parcel of land with road frontage access on which the tank could be constructed. On motion from Councilmember Hill and a second of Councilmember Taunton, the council unanimously approved the purchase of this property for $9,900.00.

 

Item 5: The Mayor reported on economic development possibilities for Tallassee to include a furniture store to be located at the Patton Place Shopping Center and a possible hotel. Mayor Hammock is to continue to negotiate with these entities.

 

Item 6: Mayor Hammock brought to the attention of the council an amended and restated water agreement between the City of Tallassee and Town of Eclectic. This agreement would replace and supersede the existing water agreement with Eclectic that runs through 2027. On motion of Councilmember Taunton and second of Councilmember Hill, the council unanimously approved the agreement.

 

Item 7: The Mayor brought to the attention of the council an agreement between the City and the Alabama Department of Public Health for sharing data. On motion of Councilmember Godwin and second of Councilmember Hall, the council unanimously approved the agreement.

 

Item 7: The Mayor brought to the attention of the council non-exclusive franchise agreement between the city and Charter Communications for providing internet, cable television and telephone services. On motion of Councilmember Hall and second of Councilmember Godwin, the council unanimously approved the agreement.

 

Item 8: Mayor Hammock reported on a number of additional items.

 

  1. The Mayor reported that a new business, Contraband Barbeque, was opening on North Ann on February 23, 2021.
  2. The Mayor reported that local artist Steven Lee was being paid by a private donor to create murals downtown and that work on those would begin in the next several days or weeks.
  3. Tallassee Talk is now available on the city’s website.
  4. The Mayor indicated that Courtney Thornton’s job title should be changed to Program Director and indicated his intention to make that change. No member of the council had an objection.
  5. The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce will hold a virtual banquet on February 25, 2021. The Chamber will also conduct a silent auction.
  6. Trash clean-up is proceeding.
  7. The Mayor raised the voting delegate to the Alabama League of Municipalities’ annual conference to be held in May 2021. The Mayor will be attending. On motion of Councilmember Hill and a second by Councilmember Hall, all councilmembers voted to name Mayor Hammock as the voting delegate.
  8. The Mayor reported that adverse weather conditions had delayed asphalt work on city-maintained roadways, He expected that, with the current warmer and drier days, that the work would begin within the next few weeks.
  9. The Mayor reported on a serious water leak on E.B. Payne Drive that began on February 21, 2021. The leak was contained and appropriate repairs and improvements have been, and are being made. The Mayor expressed his appreciation to all city workers who assisted with this work.
  10. The Mayor Finally, the Mayor remembered Tallassee Board of Education member Lacey Brewer who recently passed away as a result of complications from the COVID-19 virus. A memorial service for Ms. Brewer will be conducted on February 27, 2021 at O’Brein Stadium.

 

Item 7: Several councilmembers made reports.

  1. Councilmember Taunton expressed sympathy for the victims of COVID-19 and asked for the community to have patience with government and businesses as they adapt to current conditions created by the pandemic. He also expressed his appreciation to city workers for their efforts in dealing with issues created by the pandemic.
  2. Councilmember Hill commended city workers for their efforts during winter season. She reported repairs and improvements to Whatley Drive were expected to begin on March 1, 2021. She reported on the recent meeting of the Council’s Finance Committee. Finally, she raised the possibility of the city creating a position of Grants Coordinator. This is to be a full-time position and the employee is to have duties consistent with those on the attachment hereto. On motion of Councilmember Godwin and second of Councilmember Taunton, and all councilmembers voting in favor, the position was created. Mayor Hammock is to locate persons qualified for this position and, where a hire is made, the City Council will take appropriate steps to fund the position.
  3. Councilmember Hall reported the asphalt repairs were needed in Noble subdivision.
  4. Councilmember Huey expressed his sympathy for those affected by the pandemic. He suggested that speed bumps were needed on Lilly and 7th He discussed the vacant lot located at the southwest corner of the Fitzpatrick Bridge. City and Alabama Power Company and other utility vehicles stage at this location and have create ruts in the earth that need to be repaired. Mayor Hammock is to discuss this issue with the owners of the property and try to reach an agreement whereby the city is given permission to stage from the area in exchange for the city repairing the ruts and otherwise maintaining the lot.

 

Item 8: There being no further business before the council, and upon motion of Councilmember Hill and second of Councilmember Taunton, the council unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_____________________________________________

JOHN HAMMOCK, Mayor

ATTEST:

 

 

_______________________________

WHITNEY PITCHFORD, City Clerk