MINUTES OF A REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
OF THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TALLASSEE, ALABAMA
JULY 27, 2021
The Mayor Pro Tempore and the City Council of the City of Tallassee, Alabama convened in regular session on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tallassee Municipal Complex. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro Tempore Godwin and the following were recorded as present:
Mayor John Hammock-absent
Council Members Jeremy Taunton
Sarah Hill
Damian Carr
Bill Hall
Terrel Brown
Bill Godwin
Fred Randall Hughey
The Tallassee City Council convened in a regular council meeting beginning at 6 p.m. on July 27, 2021 in the City Council Chambers. All councilmembers were present. In the absence of Mayor Hammock, Mayor Pro Tempore Godwin presided over the meeting. Councilmember Carr delivered the invocation. City Attorney John Smith acted as secretary of the meeting in the absence of City Clerk Pitchford.
Approval of minutes. The draft of the minutes of the work session held on July 13, 2021 were reviewed. There were no additions or corrections. On motion of Councilmember Hall and a second by Councilmember Brown, all councilmembers voted to approve the minutes as drafted. Next, the draft of the minutes of the regular council meeting held on July 13, 2021 were reviewed. There were no additions or corrections. On motion of Councilmember Brown and a second by Councilmember Taunton, all councilmembers voted to approve the minutes as drafted.
Item 1. Mayor Pro Tempore Godwin called the council’s attention to Item 1 on the agenda, a request by Corrie Sid to approve an on-premises liquor license for her new business to be located on Sistrunk Street. Ms. Sid was not present for the meeting but her brother-in-law, Tallassee resident Brad Davis, spoke on her behalf and explained the purpose of the business and need for the license. Mr. Davis asked that the council approve the request for the license. There was no opposition to the request voiced from the audience and neither the Tallassee Police Department nor any member of the city council had received any opposition to the request. On motion of Councilmember Hill and a second by Councilmember Brown, all councilmembers voted to approve the request.
Item 2. Mayor Pro Tem Godwin recognized Councilmember Taunton who, in turn, recognized the Alabama state champion 13-year-old Tallassee Babe Ruth All Stars. Each coach and player was introduced and applauded for their success and for their representation of the City of Tallassee. There was a discussion among the members of the council about a special monetary contribution to the team to assist with their travel to New York state to participate in the Babe Ruth World Series. The council discussed that, in light of the fact that no Tallassee Babe Ruth team had accomplished this feat in over 25 years, and because of the recognition the team had brought and would bring to the city, a contribution above the amount the city council typically donates to the city’s all-star youth sports teams served a public purpose and was appropriate. On motion of Councilmember Hill and a second by Councilmember Hall, with Councilmembers Taunton and Huey abstaining due to having family members on the team, all councilmembers, including Mayor Pro Tem Godwin, approved a $1200.00 special donation to the team from the city’s Tallassee Organizations account which contained sufficient funds to cover this donation.
Item 3. Mayor Pro Tem Godwin announced that the contract with the Friendship Water Authority had not been signed by the Authority. City Attorney Smith stated that the council did not need to take further action on this item at this time.
Item 4. Mayor’s reports. Mayor Pro Tem Godwin recognized Building Inspector Coker and asked for a status report on the grant to demolish dilapidated and nuisance buildings in the city. Mr. Coker reported that demolition of certain of the buildings that are subject to the grant is to begin on or around August 4, 2021.
Item 5. Council reports.
Ward 1- Councilmember Taunton asked that city residents be patient with city work crews due to a shortage of city workers.
Ward 2- Councilmember Hill announced a Finance Committee meeting for August 9, 2021 beginning at 9 a.m. at city hall, provided Mayor Hammock and City Clerk Pitchford are available to participate on that date and time.
Ward 3- No report
Ward 4- No report
Ward 5- No report
Ward 6- No report
Ward 7- No report
There being no further business before the council, on motion of Councilmember Hill and a second by Councilmember Hall, all councilmembers voted to adjourn the meeting and the meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
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JOHN HAMMOCK, Mayor
ATTEST:
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WHITNEY PITCHFORD, City Clerk