Scottsboro City Council - Combined Session Sep. 9, 2013

 

Monday was a combined work session and regular session of the Scottsboro City Council.

 

AGENDA

 

Items 1-4 were approved during the Regular Session. There was a public hearing for an alcohol license which was approved for Norma J. Baker at the Bass Quick Stop location on Parks Avenue.

 

A Resolution was approved per a request from Mr. Smith in regards to a residence on the west end of College Ave. A creek runs under the home and has destroyed the foundation. The city had requested help from the Federal Legislative Delegation to expedite FEMA fund disbursal.. The Resolution was addressed to the Federal Legislators as individuals. This issue has been ongoing for over 2 years. 

 

Resolution

 

Mayor's Report: 1) Mayor suggested the 5th Monday, Sep 30, 2013 at 4:30PM be the time for the Budget Hearings at City Hall. 2) The Scottsboro Fire Department has the Breast Cancer T-Shirts for sale-$10.00 each; the Fire Department raised $35,000 last year for cancer patients via their

"pink shirt" sales.

 

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council Work Session - Maple Street Property Purchase - Grand Theft Garbage Trucks

The big news involves a $724,488 FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant to purchase property involved in the August 2010 Maple Street Flood. 12 homes and 3 lot owners will be offered fair market value for their property prior to the time of the August 2010 flood. The Federal share of the grant is $543,366; City of Scottsboro's share is $90,000 of which $10,000 in Engineering costs will be counted as part of the city's share. Previous stories on this blog with photos regarding the 2010 flood issue: http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Disaster%20Relief%20August%202010%20Flood

Grand Theft Garbage TruckS: Joy riders will pay dearly for this crime. Apparently 2 garbage trucks belonging to Scottsboro's Solid Waste Department were stolen this past week. One was stolen last week while another was stolen over the weekend. Both trucks were taken from the Martintown Landfill. Unconfirmed sources say both have been recovered, one was burned the other was recovered in Stevenson. The vehicles were for landfill use only. Arrests in the case are expected soon.

In other Business: 1) Library Roof project. $108,000 from the Bond Reissue will be used to fix the roof at the Scottsboro City Library. Mayor Potter stated a pitched roof will be installed to assist in drainage. Air conditioning units will be removed-relocated or replaced. 2) Morgan Butler, Esquire representing the Architectural Review Board discussed proposals for the use of  the old Derrick Building. The Architectural Review Board had met concerning the issue without posting the required notice at City Hall or notifying the press concerning the meeting.

Architectural Review Board member Morgan Butler, who has a law office on the north side of the square near the Derrick Office Building fire site, discusses Architectural Board recommendations with the City Council. (photo by G. Morgan)

 3) Solid Waste Surplus Property discussion. 4) Review of Employee Job Descriptions discussion.

Scottsboro City Council Work Session Report

The big issue at Monday's City Council work session was a suggestion to close the rail road crossing at North Broad Street in Scottsboro. The Norfolk and Southern Rail Road had been in contact with the city and has requested that 2 crossings be closed.

Mr. King, City Engineer

Scottsboro City Engineer Charles King spoke about the issue. 2 rail road crossings were considered for closing. The Kyle Street crossing and the North Broad Street Crossing. Mr King suggested that only the North Broad Street crossing be closed. It was discussed Monday and last Monday night that the North Broad Street crossing is dangerous due to its track elevation and low approach to the track.

18 North Side residents were present at the work session to express their concerns and demonstrate unity. Mrs. Tiajuana Cotton, speaking in behalf of the Voters League, stated: "The people of the North Side Community feel we are being disenfranchised. There has been one death as a result of blocked rail road crossings. We are very concerned and appalled that any crossing would be closed."

Mrs.Tiajuana  Cotton, Voters League Spokesperson

Mrs. Cotton reminded the council about the several North Side Community residents whose homes were flooded in August 2010.  "The Maple Street flooding issue has not been resolved." Note figure 3-2 in the Flood Mitigation Plan Map, Scottsboro's 2004-2020 Plan at this link Strategic Plan - 2020 - City of Scottsboro, Alabama  Figure 3-2 does not include the Maple Street area as a flood zone. The red asterisks indicates the end of the FEMA flood consideration area at or before the rail road tracks. Maple Street is the street immediately above the rail road tracks. The area north of the middle red asterisk was the area which flooded pictured below.

Figure 3-2 Scottsboro's 2004 2020 Development Plan

 (reference flooding issue: http://blog.al.com/breaking/2010/08/drainage_problem_in_scottsboro.html and http://arklite.blogspot.com/2011/01/scottsboro-city-council-meeting-maple.html ) Mrs. Cotton continued, "what message are you sending to the community concerning north side residents?" Mrs Cotton closed with the sentiment that it seemed the city council had already decided on closing the rail road crossing.

City Council Member Gary Spears. Mr. Spears stated, "a final decission has not been made to close the crossing."

City Council Member Gary Spears spoke about the possibility of an under or overpass at one of the rail crossings, he also spoke about long waits at crossings.  City Attorney Steve Kennamer stated the issue of an underpass or overpass has been an issue that has been discussed for 40 years.

City Council Member Thermon Bell

City Council Member Carol McCrary

Council Members Bell and McCrary voiced their concern about the rail crossing issue. Both assured citizens there would be no immediate decision made and "we hear your concerns."

City Council President Matthew Hodges

Mr. Hodges stated that the council will need to consider these matters further at another work session to include considering community needs. He assured citizens that no decisions would be made until we look closely at the rail crossing situation.  Daily Sentinel article concerning the issue: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_42812886-72d8-11e1-9505-001871e3ce6c.html

Other Agenda Items: 1) Industrial Development Board position to be filled at Monday's council meeting. 2) Shriner's Roadblock event to collect charitable contributions to be placed on Monday's agenda; date April 1, 2012 8AM to 12PM. 3) Street Department excess property discussion, 13 items to be declared excess property. Sale of property proceeds to be utilized for the Street Department capital expense purchases. 4) Board of Education appointment will not be made next Monday.

Scottsboro City Council Meeting for May 23, 2011

Monday, 30 May was Memorial Day, there was no City Council Meeting. The next Scottsboro City Council Work Session will be on June 6, 2011.

May 23, 2011 City Council meeting outline: 1) The City of Scottsboro 2002 Bond issue debt was refinanced at 2.87%. Total amount of the 2002 Bond debt was $5,230,000 Daily Sentinel article: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_c7bbdb6a-8650-11e0-8a75-001cc4c002e0.html 2) Sewer Rehab project approved for the Scottsboro Industrial Park. DRN Utilities of Tuscaloosa was awarded the $497,270.00 low bid for the project. 3) Matching funds of $57,673.00 for rural public transportation was approved. 4) Jason Phillipe was approved for the Scottsboro Industrial Development Board. 5) Jeanine Arnold was reappointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment; 3 positions on the Zoning Board of Adjustment  are open, contact Mrs Cathy O'Shields, City of Scottsboro - 256-574-3100.

Mayors Report:  Soccer Field work continues; Splash Park Ribbon Cutting scheduled for June 2, 2011 at 9AM,  Daily Sentinel article- http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_8c52048a-8bca-11e0-91f5-001cc4c03286.html  Scottsboro City School System last student day is today, Tuesday, June 1, 2011; East Maple St. Flood update, grant request has been sent to FEMA, awaiting approval.

Scottsboro City Council Meeting - Maple Street Flooding Issue

Scottsboro City Council listens as Rev Granville Anderson expresses concerns of the minority community in Scottsboro relating to the flooding issue.

Rev. Granville Anderson, Pastor of the St. Paul AME Church, Scottsboro, Al., addresses the Scottsboro City Council concerning the East Maple Street Flood disaster, Mayor Potter listens intently to the message delivered by Reverend Anderson,"...people of the area have lost faith in their city government...," Mayor Potter's reply, "this hasn't been easy on any of us...the waiting pretty much kills us."

Council member Gary Speers discusses East Maple Street flooding issue, Mr. Speers stated, "the city is doing the best that it can...the residents have not been forgotten."
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Monday night was a city council work session. 1) Wade Stapler spoke concerning the hazards of Al. Hwy 79 and U.S. 72 intersection. With input from Chief Dawe and the Mayor it was reported that since 2006 the intersection has tallied 4 fatalities, 15 injuries and 33 accidents. This intersection is the most dangerous intersection in Jackson County.

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There have been hundreds of accidents at the Hwy 72 and Al Hwy 79 intersection and many, many deaths. Approximately 8 years ago a group of concerned citizens posted crosses at the intersection during an election cycle representing the number of deaths which have occurred at this location, the crosses numbered over 50. The crosses were taken down within 48 hours of being placed. The political signs were allowed to remain.

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2)Proposed Distracted Driving Ordinace Discussed.

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3) Salvation Army fund request discussion for $4500.00 relating to the East Maple Street flood disaster. It was stated that $2120.00 would go to pay for motel bills of the citizens displaced as a result of the flood. The Mayor stated the funding to buy out the properties is a slow process.

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Rev. Granville Anderson spoke to the City Council regarding the plight of the flood victims. He stated many had to move back into their dilapidated structures. Rev. Anderson stated that the rich and influential Scottsboro citizens receive funding for projects while the poor people of Scottsboro suffer. He stated no one from the City Council with the exception of Council member Gary Speers had been to the area to check on the people in the flood zone. Several on the city council offered their apologies for not inspecting the area and making themselves available to the citizens of the flooded area.

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Marqueta Johnson spoke to the council stating she and her husband lost everything including their jobs. She stated, "we are just trying to make it day to day...we are confused as to what is going on...we have lost everything."

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Rev. Anderson stated, "the people of the area have lost faith in their city government...they see it as an issue of the have and have nots, you care about people with money, they need to know you care about them." At that point the apologies rolled in and some council members stated, "I have a phone and I am available to all citizens," other council members chimed in with, "I wish they didn't feel that way" and "I'm sorry."

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Council member Gary Speers told Rev Anderson, "the city is doing the best that it can." Mayor Potter further stated, " This has not been easy on us, the waiting is killing us." City Council President Matthew Hodges stated, "if we need to come out there we will;" Council member Keith Smith replied, "we will fight for any group in the city with a problem."

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Mayor Potter stated the E. Maple property appraisals have been completed and the city was waiting on FEMA's response to this disaster.

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Associated links to the Scottsboro Flooding Story: The Daily Sentinel- http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_0a633696-1844-11e0-9195-001cc4c03286.html

Scottsboro Stories- http://scottsborostories.blogspot.com/2010/08/scottsboro-residents-upset-over-long.html

Watch for Snakes n Scottsboro- http://arklite.blogspot.com/2010/08/scottsboro-residents-upset-over-long.html

Scottsboro City Council

Councilman Keith Smith, left and newly elected School Board member Daryl Eustace.

Mayor Potter presents Certificate of Election to Keith Smith and Daryl Eustace.

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There were two sessions in tonights City Council meeting, a work session and a regular meeting afterwords. I will list if the work session item was approved during the regular council meeting.

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1) County Commissioner Horrace Clemmons appeared before the City Council to request that the City of Scottsboro pay for the cleanup of the rest room at First Monday. He stated he had received several complaints that the rest room was dirty and created a bad image for the county and city. Clemmons stated if the city will not clean up the rest room the commission will close the facility. Council President Matthew Hodges stated the Administrative Committee will take the issue under advisement. Daily Sentinel article: http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=b48a4c03807f9c58

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My Comments: First Monday has been a 100 year plus tradition in Jackson County. The current political administration of the City and County have utilized First Monday as a political football. The city has refused to provide advertising for the event except on their web site which contains inaccurate information. Now the county comes forth after spending near $500,000 dollars in pay increases over and beyond any reasonability and refuses to clean that which is their responsibility to clean. It is the county commissions responsibility to serve the people not themselves.

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The First Monday event brings visitors to our town which produces tax revenue. Scottsboro and Jackson County are known for the traditional First Monday event. First Monday has become a political football for local politicians. Local politicians have turned a positive event which represents Scottsboro and Jackson County into just another place in which politicians ruin tradition and tourism opportunities. The County Commissioners have a responsibility to keep the rest rooms open and clean them. A rest room with running water must be made available in order that people may wash their hands. For County Commissioner Horrace Clemmons to say it is the city's responsibility to clean county property is beyond ridiculous, it is just plain stupid. Hand washing prevents disease, porta-toilets do not have hand washing facilities.

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Hopefully, the Scottsboro City Council will demonstrate better sense than the self serving, irresponsible Jackson County Commission.

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2) Sheila Shepard from the Jackson County Economic Development Authority, EDA, made a presentation concerning an Enterprise Zone designation to provide Tax Free incentives to business and industry locating in Jackson County and Scottsboro. The designation of an Enterprise Zone was approved by the City Council. EDA site describes the various incentives. http://www.jacksoncountyeda.org/incentives.html 3) The City Finance Director, Rick Wheeler, made a presentation concerning changing the City Business License. There will be 5 additional business classifications added to the city business license. 4)Charles King, City Engineer, discussed zoning change request for a parcel of land located on Hwy 35 in Larkinsville. The City Council approved a Public Hearing date of October 11, 2010 for the rezoning issue. 5) Police Chief Dawe made presentation concerning the annual closing of Micah Way for the Scottsboro Track and Field Event on Sep. 18 2010. The portion of Micah Way from the Wal-Mart Shopping Center Northeast entrance to the high school entrance will be closed from 8AM to 6PM on Saturday Sep 18th. The City Council approved the closing at the regular session. 6) Fuel Supply bids were opened, JAT Oil & Supply of Chattanooga, Tn. was the lowest bidder. The council approved the bid. 7) Bid opening for oil & lubricant supplies was awarded to PARMA Energy Corporation of Chattanooga, Tn. as being the lowest bidder. 8) Mr. David Long made presentation concerning Chevy Lane paving. Chevy Lane is located between Long Hollow Rd and Hwy. 35. Mr. Long stated the city had been paving this road and making repairs for many years but has stopped. Apparently there is a question of whether the road is in the city inventory of roads or is a private roadway. The city attorney will be looking into this matter. 9) Certificate of Election was presented to winners of the recent city election. Council Member Keith Smith was present as was newly elected School Board member David Eustace. (Photo's above)

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Reports: 1) Mayor stated That there will be an observance of National Constitution Week, Friday September 17, 2010 is Constitution Day. http://www.constitutionday.com/ 2) Discusion of Flood issue on Maples Street. FEMA Grant money available, cost share, city will provide 25% and FEMA will provide 75%.. This concerns the purchasing of property in the flood area. Previous articles on the issue. The Flood-- http://arklite.blogspot.com/2010/08/scottsboro-residents-upset-over-long.html and A Helping Hand--http://arklite.blogspot.com/2010/08/city-council-meeting-monday-august-23.html 3) Mayor Potter discussed the Planning Project related to frontage roads along U.S. Hwy 72. Mayor Potter stated their are $6 million dollars in Recovery Zone Funds available in Alabama. These are reduced interest Bond Loans, the Fed will pay for 45% of the loan interest. The Mayor took a bold step to recommend that the $6 million dollars be utilized to complete the planning of service roads along Hwy 72 and for the city to build the service roads with the Recovery Zone Act bonds. My comments: Bravo Mayor, absolutely, this is a bold but necessary move to provide infra-structure improvements. Part of the money should be utilized to fund improvements relative to the flooding on the North Side of the Tracks along Maple Street and other needed projects in the orginal, historical part of town. Pevious articles related to planning along Hwy. 72. June 22, 2010-- http://arklite.blogspot.com/2010/06/scottsboro-city-council-work-session.html July 20, 2010-- http://arklite.blogspot.com/2010/07/scottsboro-city-council-what-is-cda.html

City Council Meeting, Monday August 23, 2010---Disaster Relief

Click on image to enlarge. Letter from St. Paul Church regarding Flood Victim disaster relief.

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At a meeting at St. Paul AME Church last night, Wed., Aug. 25, 2010, Rev. Anderson stated he had met with the Mayor and other city officials to include FEMA representatives. Officials have suggested that residents which were flooded should move. It was stated property owners homes will be purchased and new homes will be made available at no charge to the current property owners. Currently flood victims are staying in area motels. Food assistance is being provided. Rev Anderson stated the motel stays will be extended, FEMA trailers will be made available as well as public housing. It was stated efforts are being made to acquire furniture to replace lost furniture. Fund raisers are scheduled at St.Paul Church, North Houston St., Friday and Saturday at 6PM.
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Flood Story updates from the Daily Sentinel:
Cost of improved drainage could cost $17 million. http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=6818d2b02874b883
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A helping hand. http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=7f473e4cf6e400ae
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History of flooding. http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=54e73eae2aef599f

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There was no Old Business. New Business: 1) The terms of the current Municipal Court Judge and Assistant Judge will expire on Sep. 30, 2010. The terms of the 2 Municipal Prosecutors will expire on Sep. 30, 2010. Interested candidates for the positions should turn in their requests to the city Clerk no later than 4:30PM, Sep. 17, 2010 2) Larry Ward from Morgan Keegan made presentation concerning bond refinancing. This involves the refinancing of General Obligation Municipal Bonds. Judge Ward stated the bonds would benefit the city due to lower rates, total savings realized would be $375, 000. 3) Ordinance to rename Willis Street to Lost Luggage Lane.approved. A section of Willow St west of Cedar Hill Dr. will receive an honorary designation during the period of the Labor Day weekend to celebrate Unclaimed Bagge's 40th Anniversary.4) 3 Board members were appointed to the Industrial Development Board. Reappointed was Mr. Joe Porch, appointed was Mr. Steve Livingston and Mr. Roy Light. Mr. Light is also the Scottsboro Water, Sewer and Gas Board Director. 4) There are 3 vacancies on the Scottsboro Museum Board. Requests to fill the positions must be turned in by 4:30PM, Sep 17, 2010 to the City Clerk. 5) Bid opening for the recycling of 100 tons of recyclable waste. Tyaylor Group received the bid award for $10 per ton. 6) Rev. Granville Anderson of the St. Paul United Methodist Church made presentation concerning needs of the Flooding victims. The Maple Street area of Scottsboro experienced serious flood damage as a result of torrential rains last week. A special committee was formed to assist Flood victims in relocation. Councilman Gary Speers is the fund relief coordinator and Rev. Granville Anderson is serving as a liaison for the people effected by the flood, coordinating city, funding and community efforts. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, local businesses and several local residents have made donations of food and money to assist the flood victims. Donations for the Flood victims may be made to the Greater St. Paul African American Methodist Episcopal Church Disaster Relief Fund at the First National Bank of Scottsboro. (See above update below letter.) 7)CDBG grant approved for sewer line improvement in the industrial park. The grant is a cost share grant, $400K will be provided with the Water Sewer and Gas Board providing $150K. 8) Work Session on Sep 6 will be rescheduled for Sep. 13, due to Labor Day weekend, prior to the regular City Council meeting.

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Reports: a) Water Sewer and Gas Board has provided $34K for street repair. b) Discussion concerning trip to TVA Board meeting in Knoxville.

c) Witt-Russell Refrigeration Group will be relocating from Brea California soon. Information concerning the recent acquisitions and selling of Carrier's Heat Transfer Products Group, HTPG.

Apparently the new company will be called "HTPG."

Carrier-Witt-Russell-Monomoy Capital/Starboard Capital acquisition and sale information. Carrier's parent company is United Technologies, UTX. It appears UTX is shedding part of its holdings to become leaner and more profitable.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/carrier-corp-sells-heat-transfer-products-group-98230934.html

http://mcpfunds.com/press.php
http://www.yumasun.com/articles/new-62496-business-pet.html

About Monomoy Capital http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=20337494

Starboard Capital Partners: http://investing.businessweek.com/businessweek/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=34515554
http://investing.businessweek.com/businessweek/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=109241148

Witt-Russell was Carrier's heat transfer products group. The world market has made it very difficult for U.S. refrigeration products to be profitable, welcome to the "world economy."
Monomoy is dedicated to constructive investing and business improvement. http://www.mcpfunds.com/

Best of luck to the new company. Moving its HQ out of California is a profitable move. http://www.witthtp.com/facilities.html