Scottsboro City Council Meeting

City Attorney Steve Kennamer answered several legal questions concerning the Goose Pond Zoning issue.

Scottsboro City Council, the Mayor was on an official trip to Washington D.C.
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The big issue that has "hung over" the City Council for several months was resolved, the zoning of the Goose Pond Island Industrial Property. The property was taken into the city limits several years ago as R1 while part of the Aluminum Mill was still operating. The vote carried 3 votes for the M1 rezone, 2 votes against the M1 rezone. The Council voted as follows, yes for the rezone or no against the M1 rezone: Mr. Bell-Yes; Mr. Smith-No; Mr. Speers-Yes; Mr. Thomas-No; Mr. Hodges-Yes

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The council vote was preceded by a hearing on the rezoning issue, 2 persons spoke concerning the issue.

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New business: 1) Mr. Elbert Dougherty was appointed as Airport Manager. 2) Mr. Joe Rogers, Ms Arlene Grede and Mr. Elbert Beaird were appointed to the Tree Commission. 3) A vacancy was announced for the Port Authority Board. Requests to be placed on this Board must be submitted to the City Clerk no later than 12 noon, Thursday March 19, 2009. 4) Public Hearing for an Alcoholic Beverage License to be issued to Pamela Smith, business name: Scottsboro Wild Horse Saloon, 3502 S. Broad St. Mr. Speers asked several questions about the name Scottsboro in the name of the establishment. A discussion ensued with Mr. Speers making a motion to table the issue, a second was received. The vote concerning the Alcohol Beverage License will be made at a subsequent meeting. 5) Public Hearing for an Alcoholic Beverage License to be issued to Charles A. (Von) Hamm, East-side Quick Mart, 1007 E. Willow St. The license was approved after the hearing. 6) Bid Opening for Fire Department pick up truck was awarded to Harbin Ford as low bidder for a 2009 Ford Pickup for $22,904.00 7) Bid opening for a Landfill Compactor was awarded to Tractor Equipment Company for $206,000. 8) Uniform and shop towel bid was awarded to Ameripride as low bidder. 9) Reports: Mr. Speers announced a Black History Month Celebration at the Rec-Com on Feb. 28, Saturday 6PM, there will be several guest speakers.

Scottsboro City Council Meeting

Goose Pond Island (90acre +/-) Industrial Property and lakeside home developments surrounding property. The site of much controversy concerning the zoning of the property as R1, Residential when taken into the City Limits by an Act of the Legislature. The site owner is applying for rezoning to M1, Light Manufacturing. ( The issue of jobs vs home owners, Scottsboro's The Daily Sentinel article on growing unemployment http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=637b07c6dee3dabc )

Councilman Keith Smith cast the lone dissenting vote in support of the homeowners. Mr. Smith had requested a separate Appraisal Report, titled the Neil Taylor Appraisal Report, which recommended the city purchase all industrial property, annex it and rezone it to Residential. (The Daily Sentinel's Editorial Board Comments on the Neil Taylor Report: http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=0a09195e538b2a69 Daily Sentinel Publisher's Op-ed article: http://thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=0f7af3f30ee3cdeb

Mr. Matthew Hodges, City Council President, stated this is one of the most difficult decissions he has made during his tenure as a City Council member.

Mr. Gary Speers seconded the motion to approve M1 Zoning with restrictions. Mr. Speers stated that his decision was based on what he believes is best for Scottsboro after review of available information.

Mr. Thermon Bell made the motion to rezone the property to M1 with restrictions. Mr. Bell stated he believes this is what is best for the City of Scottsboro in providing opportunities for jobs.

The Scottsboro City Council, Councilman Terry Thomas, 3rd from left, ( Mr. Thomas's specific comments on video may be seen in the link below.) stated he would vote for the rezoning measure if there were restrictions on the property. Mr Thomas also added an additional restriction that would prevent any access to the industrial property from the home development area. Mr. Thomas has stated that he could not support the rezoning unless there were adequate restrictions to protect the home owners in this matter. A future public hearing and a final council decision in January should mark the end of this ordeal.
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Old Business: 1) Consider a zoning ordinance for the Goose Pond Island old aluminum plant property. Mr Bell made a motion to rezone the property from R1 to M1 with restrictions, Mr. Speers seconded the motion. The motion carried by a 4 to 1 vote. There were changes made to the original zoning request which will require an approval by Mr. Christopher property owner and a subsequent public hearing. Final approval will depend on Mr. Christopher's agreement concerning the restrictions and a final council vote after the public hearing. Huntsville Times article by David Brewer on issue with video: http://blog.al.com/breaking/2008/12/scottsboro_council_again_delay.html (Council Member video comments attached with this link from David Brewer of the Huntsville Times.) 2) Bid opening for Rec Com cleaning contract. Low bidder was Ms. Hester at $105.00 per day.

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New Business: 1) Consider a city ordinance change to City Council Work Session times from twice a month to once a month, tabled. 2) The following Alcohol Beverage License were approved: a. Comfort Inn Suites; b. Tavern Grill, 3202 S. Broad St.; c. Bains Tavern, 3608 E. Willow St., old Scotters. Mr Bains stated he will open in the middle of January. 3) Approval of 90% of 2008-2009 budget. 4) New Organization Chart and Job Descriptions for Rec Com approved. Changes involve Park and Ball Field Grounds Keepers positions. 5) Bid opening for Mayors vehicle was awarded to Harbin Chevrolet for $34,978.50 for a used, 15,000 miles, 2008 Tahoe Hybrid Sports Utility Vehicle.

The Current Poll on Scottsboro City Council and the Goose Pond Island Zoning Issue.

Goose Pond Island Industrial property and the island home development behind the plant. A dilemna of governmental socialism. The Industrial Operation was zoned R1 while the plant was operating not taking into the "non-conforming use" (grandfather clause) provisions of Scottsboro's Zoning Ordinance, original dated 1974 and the subsequent update of 1985.

The current poll at right concerning Scottsboro City Council's decision making efforts on Goose Pond Island Industrial Property zoned R1, Residential issue reflects a 78% of poll respondents believe that Scottsboro City Councils actions are negative in nature, not reflecting the majority view of citizens. This is up from the 65% of 2 months ago. The large majority of citizens believe the City Council is procrastinating and the use of the property should be Manufacturing, M1 in support of job opportunities.

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The recent report mentioned in The Daily Sentinel concerning the Neil Taylor Report, http://www.thedailysentinel.com/story.lasso?ewcd=9d383ecf8c6ee7e0 I went to City Hall and viewed this report. The underlying plans of some citizens of Scottsboro is brought forth. The continuance of local Governmental Corporate Socialism in property investment. The Taylor report favors only the lakeside property owners side of the argument and that of Government Socialists. It is a one sided report admitting to the one sided interviewing of the lakeside property owners and the continuing expansion of governmental property investment for the benefit of the select few who own lakeside property.

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The Mayor Bailey 2001Fowler Report and TVA's Scottsboro Land Plan Usage in the TVA Enviromental Assessment regarding the usage of the island property as mixed zoning of Residential and Manufacturing is never mentioned. The average working citizen and the unemployed of Scottsboro are not represented in the Taylor Report. Those represented are the lakeside property owners and select local politicians. The intentional destruction of Native American Burial Sites are never mentioned. The hazardous wastes and the designation of the property as a Brownfield Site are never mentioned. What is mentioned is the suggestion that Scottsboro purchase all the property on the island and develop it and the lakeside property owners private interests. The report did not mention how many jobs will be lost in this socialist scheme of governmental property investment. There was no mention of costs to the Citizens of Scottsboro of Mr. Taylor's proposal. It would surely mean further indebtedness for the citizens of Scottsboro and more job loss in an economic depressed time with inflation on a rise.

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Look at who is making this appraisal and suggestion of socialist governmental action of property investment, former government employees supporting furthering government investment removing private opportunity of business investment and job opportunities for the citizens of Scottsboro at the expense of Scottsboro's citizens.

Tyranny in Scottsboro, Socialist Bourbon Democrats at Work

Local Democrat Leadership and political mouthpieces have stated they expect the government to clean up aquatic weeds around their private property. Local Democrat politicians are supporting influential lakeside property owners instead of jobs and good sense in Jackson County. http://arklite.blogspot.com/2008/12/more-on-tva-aquatic-weed-control.html Eliminate the weeds from the lake you eliminate the fishery and the natural balance of the ecosystem. Local politicians refuse to listen to scientific evidence or facts, they only listen to those who give them political contributions and the wealthy of the community. Other Links to this issue: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2008/11/weed-control-on-lake-guntersville_13.html , http://arklite.blogspot.com/2008/11/weed-control-on-lake-guntersville.html

The old Aluminum Plant. The site of much controversy. Now some members of our City Council apparently believe the City of Scottsboro should eliminate all jobs in the industrial area and place homes instead of jobs in the industrial park. The area is a hazardous waste dump and has been declared a Brownfield site. Home developers destroyed Native American Burial Grounds in this area.

Once again the tyrants of the local Democratic Party in conjunction with al.com/Advance Internet censors have eliminated my forum name from the al.com Scottsboro forum for speaking out against the actions of local Democrats. I am banned once again from posting on al.com. No violations of forum policy, just political speech in disagreement with the local Democrat Party and those who support the advancement of socialism in our community.

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Lies and deceit have been the watchword of local Democrats and their tyrannical actions. Speak up about the local political party and they eliminate your voice by censorship on local message boards.

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I have been threatened with bodily harm, harassed by the local political party goons. All for attempts at discussion, disagreement and questioning of the reason for local political decision making.

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Citizens of Scottsboro, Jackson County Alabama, you have a serious problem with local political leadership associated with the Democrat Party, they are deceiving tyrants.

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The latest censorship issue apparently stems from the use of Goose Pond Island industrial property and its zoning to residential as a result of a legislative act. Home owners are demanding the removal of industrial property. Now comes a property appraisal group and suggest in a report the city of Scottsboro buy the industrial property, all of it, more socialism. This company was hired on the suggestion of City Council Member Keith Smith. It seems our city council is supportive not of jobs in Scottsboro or the working man or woman but influential owners of lakeside property and their selfish schemes of depriving the working men and women of Scottsboro jobs. Now those same lakeside owners with boat docks expect the taxpayers and ratepayers of the TVA to foot the bill for the cleanup of weeds around their private boat docks. Then, as if their high and mighty attitude is not enough, they come forward to request the city to buy the remaining industrial property and make it a residential area. Local selfish, social, elitist at work, destroying job opportunities! Speaking up about these moves by our illustrious political leadership has resulted in me being banned once again from the al.com Scottsboro so called discussion Forum.

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It is truly a sad day in the United States and Scottsboro Alabama that an individual can not speak in opposition to political issues without being threatened, banned from discussion and subject to intimidation by local political tyrants and their supporters.

Notice of Variance Hearing, Goose Pond Rezoning Issue

Mr Chandler in behalf of Mr. Christopher is scheduled to meet with the Zoning Board of Adjustment in a Special Call Meeting on Tuesday Dec. 23, 2008, 6PM at the City Council Chambers for the purpose of utilizing the old Aluminum Plant property on Goose Pond Island for warehousing and storage. Official notice is in today's Daily Sentinel.

Scottsboro City Council Meeting

New Fire Chief, Chief Chris White. Chief White was among 6 candidates interviewed for the job.

Council President Matthew Hodges conducts Public Hearing concerning the Goose Pond Island Rezoning issue.

Full house tonight at the Scottsboro City Council Meeting and Public Hearing concerning the rezoning of Goose Pond Island.

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Old Business: 1) Public Hearing on the rezoning of Goose Pond Island old aluminum plant property from R1 to M1. 5 citizens spoke for the property to be rezoned, a petition with over 500 local residents signatures was presented for the rezoning initiative. The North Island Investment Group made a presentation supporting restrictive covenants on property usage. 2 citizens spoke in favor of retaining the R1, Residential Zoning designation for the property. It was pointed out that statements had been presented to the public in Chamber of Commerce publications by developers that the property in question would be utilized for usage as identified in residential zoning. 2) Consider Zoning Ordinance. Tabled, postponed until further information could be acquired by the new council members and the proposed covenant restrictions could be reviewed.

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New Business: 1) Polymide Water Sewer and Gas Bid Opening approval. The low bid was awarded to Lambert Construction Co. of Stevenson for $166,076.10 for infrastructure improvement of the Polymide Plant area. 2) Air;port Resolution approved for improvements and agreement with Alabama Department of Transportation, $34,310.00 3)Mayor Potter announced, Cpt. Chris White was approved for the Fire Chief's position, the City Council approved, effective Dec. 1, 2008. 4) Council Members Gary Speers and Thermon Bell made Board Appointments for committees they sit as Chairman. 5) Mayor Potter announced that Dec. 26, 2008 will be a Holiday for the City of Scottsboro. The 24th thru the 26th of December will be the Christmas Holiday dates for the City of Scottsboro.

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Mayor's and Other Reports: Dec. 1 at 6PM will be the Christmas Parade; Thursday and Friday Nov. 27 & 28 will be a Holiday period for the City of Scottsboro. The next City Council Meeting will be Dec. 8, 2008 at 6PM. City Budget Hearings will continue on Dec. 8, 9, & 11, 2008 at 4:30PM.

Scottsboro City Council Work Session

Goose Pond Island, looking to the Southeast. A public hearing will probably be held in November for the rezoning of the plant area. (item 6 below)
Entrance to the development, bottom right center, looking up river.
Another view, looking to the northeast, plant in foreground.

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1) Discussion concerning telecommunications tower on July Mountain by Phillip Chaney, Telecommunications Superintendent for the Scottsboro Electric Power Board. The emergency power generator is old and has experianced problems. Funding discussion concerning emergency power generation equipment. It was also stated that air conditioning is needed for the facility. The city's share of this project would be $5573.00. 2) Presentation by Pat Blankenship concerning city court collections contract. 3) Presentation by John Drain concerning Draft Beer in Scottsboro. Discussion ensued concerning procedure to approve the usage of draft beer in restaurants in Scottsboro. 4) City Clerk report on cost of property appraisal of the Johnson Property next to airport, cost $350.00. 5) City Clerk report on access road at Police Station, $2000.00 for engineering and design, $40,000 for road construction. This project involves the continuation of the frontage road in front of the Police Station from Redstone Federal Credit Union. 6) City Clerk presentation concerning Resolution to hold a public hearing concerning the 90.12 ac on Goose Pond Island change of zoning from R1, Residential to M1, Light Manufacturing. 7) City Attorney presentation concerning Annexation request of Section Gin and Grain Co. Inc., 8.7 ac which contains the store at the foot of Sand Mt. by the intersection of SR 35 and 40. 8) Discussion on sign ordinance by city Attorney, ex-Mayor Ron Bailey spoke offering the help of the Chamber of Commerce. 9) Council member Terry Thomas presentation/discussion on Rec-Com cleaning contract. 10) City Clerk presentation concerning House of Ruth. This house is owned by the City of Scottsboro, it was donated for use by the city for the housing of homeless women who are released from jail. This home is managed by Christine Sumner. Part of the roof of the home is leaking. It was reported that the cost of repairing the leak would be approximately $400.00. It was further reported that there are other areas which are deteriorating and is in need of repair. 11) Discussion of Industrial Park at Hollywood project for the continuation of Water Sewer and Gas lines into the park.