Scottsboro, Alabama - December 9, 2019 - Scottsboro City Council Regular Session - 10% Remaining Budget Approved for $2,219,292

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

Agenda Item 4 - Ten percent of remaining FY 2020 Budget Approved for $2,219,292.00

AGENDA

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VIDEO

October 8, 2018 Scottsboro City Council Regular Session, 90% Budget Approval and Lodging Tax Reallocation, Solid Waste Authority Meeting - UPDATE - Oct. 9, 2018 Fiscal Year 2019 Budget

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

90% OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2019 BUDGET APPROVED FOR THE CITY OF SCOTTSBORO

$19,437,856.00

BUDGET DOCUMENT - Prepared by Rick Wheeler on 10-9-2018

Lodging Tax Reallocation - 40% Tourism; 20% Downtown Redevelopment Authority; 20% Commercial Development Authority; 20% Main Street Program

AGENDA

Facebook end of meeting, reports section live video stream:   https://www.facebook.com/garry.l.morgan.5/videos/10217220018756256/

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council Work Session August 6, 2018 - The Blizzard Saga Continues - Negligent Actions Apparent - Health Issue or Political Extortion Attempt? Mr. Smith Speaks Again, Wants to Remove Mayor from Supervisory Chain - UPDATE: August 7, 2018 - Capital Expense Program Planning, Non-Existent? Equipment Repair Issue, Invoice Listing

Council Member Smith, photo by G. Morgan

AN EXAMINATION OF FAILED LEADERSHIP, NEGLIGENT ACTIONS AND POLITICAL EXTORTION

Council Member Keith Smith stated he wanted to remove the Mayor from the supervisory chain of Mr. Eddie Blizzard, Department Head of Streets and Sanitation Departments. 

Mr. Smith's Comments Video

Mr. Smith may suggest anything as a seated council member, he may not act in violation of the laws of the State of Alabama. It appears there is an intentional effort by Mr. Smith, Mr. Blizzard and outside influences to interfere in the legal day to day operations of the City of Scottsboro in a strange political extortion attempt by removing the Mayor of Scottsboro from supervising the Street Department and Sanitation Department Director/Department Head by attempted improper, if not unlawful action. 

The City of Scottsboro has serious Personnel Policy issues created by past Mayors and City Councils. The current relationship between the current City Council and the Mayor is hampered by the actions of Smith, Blizzard and others who have a misguided, vindictive political agenda. This vindictive agenda does not have the best interests of the Citizens of the City of Scottsboro at heart. 

IMPROPER/ILLEGAL CONDUCT 

Documentation regarding Mr. Eddie Blizzard and Mayors actions. 

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HEALTH-DISABILITY OR CIRCUMVENTION OF PERSONNEL POLICY, LAW VIA A POLITICAL EXTORTION SCHEME

The sick leave excuse from Mr. Blizzard's attending physician should be called into question, it is not a physician's expertise to state that a hostile working environment is a reason to excuse an employee from work for medical reasons, for an indefinite period of time. The sick leave excuse now appears to be utilized by Blizzard and Smith as an unscrupulous plan to remove the Mayor from Blizzard's supervisory chain. If there is a hostile work environment, as Blizzard and Smith claim, this is a legal/personnel issue and there is no proof offered in the open council meeting that a hostile work environment exists.

Council Member Smith does not seem to realize what the resulting actions would be on the efficient operation of the City of Scottsboro, nor the requirements of law regarding the Mayor's responsibilities, duties, including fiscal responsibilities. The Mayor MUST NOT SET SILENT regarding these wrongful, attempted actions on the part of Blizzard, Smith and other unstated parties.

This question must be asked - Is there a serious medical problem regarding Mr. Blizzard, or is this a political extortion attempt? If Mr. Blizzard is suffering from some sort of stress or Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), shouldn't he be evaluated by a qualified person such as a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, then City Officials or appropriate authorities should consider permanent disability so that Scottsboro may fill the job if there is a true PTSD issue. If the issue is heart related, then a Cardiologist should provide input and permanent Disability should be considered if medical evaluation warrants. Has the Mayor caused this one Department Head all of these problems?

Because of Smith and Blizzard's actions, there should be a large question if Blizzard's problems are medically related or an action of unscrupulous political extortion?

LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES, DUTIES OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL

This article from the Alabama League of Municipalities, The Duties of the Mayor and City Council, very clear and concise duties regarding the Mayor and Council including their relationship as stated by the Code of Alabama (Current Code References listed). http://trussville.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Duties-of-the-Mayor-Council.pdf

UNNAMED SCOTTSBORO OFFICIAL SOURCE REPORT OF MEETING BETWEEN MAYOR SHELTON, MR. BLIZZARD, CITY ATTORNEY AND CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Paraphrased quote from Mr. Blizzard: 'I do not work for you Mayor, I work for the City Council, you can't fire me.' 

FAILED LEADERSHIP AND OVERSIGHT

 It is beyond ridiculous that one person manages the Street and Sanitation Departments. This occurred as a result of unprofessional management practices of the former Mayor, a broken personnel management system, an uninformed City Council, and personal favoritism benefiting an unqualified employee by the former Mayor of Scottsboro. 

The lack of a trained replacement, second in command in the Street and Sanitation Departments separately is a demonstration of a lack of leadership on the Department Head, Mr. Blizzard; fixing long time standing problems with equipment function and breakdown is the responsibility of the Department Head, Mr. Blizzard. The Mayor and City Council are also responsible for this failure of leadership and personnel management.

The failure to provide Capital Expense oversight for equipment replacement and repair is the responsibility of the Department Head, Finance Director, Mayor and City Council.

INVESTIGATION NEEDED

There should be a full investigation by an outside agency to determine if law was violated and-or if  legal/criminal actions should be pursued, and the extent of problems in Scottsboro's Personnel Management which still exist and exasperate the current personnel and legal problem. The investigation should also determine if there is a valid or bogus medical claim regarding Mr. Eddie Blizzard.

Investigation should also include violation of Bid Laws of the State of Alabama. Information has been obtained from a source that the invoices listed below were all on one invoice. It has been reported that a Scottsboro City Official requested the breakup of the invoices so they would not appear to violate the State Bid Law. 

SEPARATE ISSUES - PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT REPAIRS

Equipment Repairs 

Five separate invoices with one date - July 17, 2018  All invoices are from one vendor, "Tractor and Equipment Company" of Birmingham Alabama, Decatur, Alabama location. 

1) Invoice W21531 D61EX12 Crawler (Komatsu Bulldozer) Repair - sticking brake; cost $1410.46

2) Invoice W21530 Same Equipment as above, bulldozer - Repair - broken bolts, removal of rock guard and rollers; cost $769.50

3) Invoice W21529 Same equipment as above, bulldozer - Repair - cab air conditioner and heater; cost $8868.47

4) Invoice W21528 Same equipment as above, bulldozer - Repair - radiator, clean, repair, re-core; cost  $9126.92

5) Invoice W21526 Same equipment as above, bulldozer - replace undercarriage; cost  $17,210.49

Total for this equipment repair, a 2006D61EX12 Crawler, Komatsu Bulldozer  - $37,385.84

A similar Komatsu D61  Bulldozer  Fair Use rights for non-profit news and commentary, photo by machinerytrader.com (photo crop by G.Morgan)

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Invoice sample, there are 4 more multi-page invoice documents as noted above. Note date and time stamp, they are all the same, also note name as purchase order block.

CAPITAL EXPENSE PLANNING THROWN OUT THE WINDOW?

A question that must be asked, what has happened to the City of Scottsboro's Capital Expense Program planning?

AGENDA

A short Budget Meeting was held after the council meeting, the video will be provided later.

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VIDEO PART 1 OF MEETING

VIDEO PART 2 OF MEETING

Scottsboro City Council Meeting Regular Session, Final 2017-2018 Budget Approval - Council Member Smith Questions Cost Overruns on City Projects October 23, 2017

Scottsboro City Hall photo by G. Morgan

Facebook City Council Reports Video

https://www.facebook.com/garry.l.morgan.5/videos/10214410610282800/

AGENDA

VIDEO

                                                      PHOTOS

City Council President Tony Wallingsford, center, asks for motions to bring agenda items forward for a vote. City Clerk Whitney Phillips sits on Mr. Wallingsfords's right; City Attorney Steve Kennamer reads applicable document on Mr. Wallingsford's left.

Council Member Keith Smith, photo left, asks questions regarding city projects cost overruns.

Mayor Robin Shelton, photo left, addresses Mr. Smith's (photo right) concerns. Council Member Gary Stewart, center, looks on.

Scottsboro City Council Meeting - Part 1 Work Session; Part 2 Regular Session March 27, 2017 - First Monday, Downtown Scottsboro, Scottsboro Downtown Redevelopment Authority, Scottsboro Cruise-In

Scottsboro's First Monday Trade Days is the longest continuous historical event in Jackson County Alabama and the City of Scottsboro. The last Mayor to strongly support this event was Mayor Dan Deason. 

The event has taken big hits in the last few years, primarily due to the intentional denigration by an earlier Tourism Advisory Committee, which recommended the event be held one time a year; a city councilman who commented that it was not worth the time and effort; and a Scottsboro event coordinator under Mayor Potter who went to the square and literally ran people off. The current City Council has offered very little support for the event, but offers considerable support for conflicting events. There should be an effort to advertise Scottsboro and all it's events. This photo -  Earliest known photo of First Monday (photo owned by G. Morgan, former proof photo from the Asheville Post Card Co.)

Scottsboro Boys Trial was on a First Monday, April 1931. (photo owned by G. Morgan from obsolete news paper file auction purchase - Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.)

1955 Ford Times photos - Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

21st Century First Monday, photo by G. Morgan

MY POSTING ON FACEBOOK REGARDING "DOWNTOWN SCOTTSBORO" MARKET ON THE SQUARE

Downtown Scottsboro, Market on the Square - conflicts - non-profit status and relationships. Co-mingling of funds, governmental and non-profit funds? This letter was provided via Facebook messenger and the Downtown Scottsboro Facebook site early this morning.

At last night's City Council meeting, March 27, 2017, it was stated that “Downtown Scottsboro” is a non-profit 501c3 organization.

The City Council voted to cover the activities regarding ‘Market on the Square,’ on the City of Scottsboro's insurance as a co-sponsor of this event. I asked for your 501c3 status on March 9, 2015, you did not answer my request. I'm once again asking for proof of your non-profit (NP) status, if you have a NP status.

What is your relationship to the ‘Revive Scottsboro’ group? Is the ‘Revive Scottsboro’ group a 501c3 organization connected to “Downtown Scottsboro?” I ask this question due to my removal from the ‘Revive’ group when I asked about its’ purpose. I noticed discriminatory comments, and questions about inclusivity of all citizens. It is and was my opinion that the ‘Revive’ group is a discriminatory organization which does not stand up to tests regarding supporting equitable treatment of all citizens. Leadership of the group failed to answer simple questions regarding purpose of the group.

Upon review of your Facebook page it was noticed that previous funds allegedly provided to this group were paid, per your request, to the DRA, Scottsboro Downtown Redevelopment Authority for Christmas decorations, the DRA is a corporate entity of the City of Scottsboro.

Does the “Downtown Scottsboro” organization have a board and leadership, do you have an official organization, do you have bylaws, and what is your connection to the DRA? It has been previously stated that you are not connected with the DRA, obviously that is not true since you advertised a place to send checks on your Facebook page,to the DRA as pictured below  https://www.facebook.com/downtownscottsboro/

"Downtown Scottsboro" in your Downtown Market flyer you state you are a non-profit entity and that you collect funds. As such, and with the connection to the City of Scottsboro, and the DRA it is important that you disclose your non-profit status.

The issue of revitalization/redevelopment are important issues, and Scottsboro is in need of a strong revitalization/redevelopment program. However, its purpose and activities were questioned during its’ formation. The American Planning Association has specific guidelines regarding Redevelopment Programs. Previous article and questions raised about the DRA and their purpose along with video regarding its’ formation. http://arklite.blogspot.com/…/scottsboro-city-council-work-…

All of this is confusing, I'm asking for clarifications regarding relationships to the Scottsboro DRA, “Downtown Scottsboro” and Revive Scottsboro. Please respond on Facebook Messenger or my email address, as supplied on Facebook messenger. I would like to see a copy of your 501c3 status, if you have one.

The three above photos were taken form the "Downtown Scottsboro" Facebook page, a public page on Facebook. ( the photos copy purpose are Fair-Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary). The Market on the Square is one week after First Monday. 

SCOTTSBORO CRUISE-IN

The Cruise-In on the Square was a great benefit to the First Monday Event and drew large crowds. It was announced at last nights City Council Meeting the Cruise-In would be moved to behind 50-Taters in the old K-Mart parking area.

This event was conceived to support First Monday as this poster depicts. The event is to be moved off of the Square beginning in April 2017. The Scottsboro City Council approved a $4950.00 Tourism Grant for the event to be located behind 50-Taters on County Park Road. There was no prior discussion as to the intention to move the Cruise-In event. It seems the movement of the event was reached in secret.

The Cruise-In supports children in county schools who cannot afford food after school is out, an admirable program. I wish them the best of luck. It is unfortunate the City of Scottsboro does not support this event remaining on the Square. The early events were held surrounding the current city hall. 

Links regarding the Cruise-In supporting it with videos and lots of pictures, going back to 2008.

http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/car%20show

http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Cruise%20In

BUDGET HEARINGS

During the Scottsboro Budget hearings I had requested funds to advertise First Monday and/or the City of Scottsboro. Not one City Council Member, nor our current Mayor said anything about any level of advertising support. The silence was broken by Dr. Andrew Hodges of the Downtown Revitalization Authority stating, First Monday should be supported.

CONTRACT AND GRANT FOR NEW SCOTTSBORO ENTRY WAY SIGNS

When this came before the City Council I asked if this sign could be attached to the new entry way signs 

There was no commitment to this request, silence regarding the City Council supporting First Monday is not golden. The City of Scottsboro does have the First Monday Event on the City website.

http://www.cityofscottsboro.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=42&Itemid=118

My work supporting First Monday is voluntary, I also maintain the First Monday Facebook page which may be found at https://www.facebook.com/tradedayscottsboro/

BOTTOM LINE

The City Council and the Mayor need to take a leadership role in this city regarding the various events. The last Mayor to offer constructive event planning and coordination was Mayor Dan Deason. Hopefully, the current council and Mayor will wake up and realize they have a leadership responsibility.

DOWNTOWN SQUARE RENOVATION

Square renovation will begin on April 17, 2017. The renovation will begin on the east side, starting on the southeast corner.

SCOTTSBORO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - DUEL SESSION

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

WORK SESSION AGENDA

WORK SESSION VIDEO

                                   REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
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      (note the items marked on the work session agenda as agenda)

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council Meeting Regular Session, FY 2017 Budget Approval, Organizational Meeting Announcement and Swearing-In Ceremony Announcement, October 24, 2016

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan.

Monday's City Council Meeting revealed the 2017 budget, posted below. November 7, 2016 Swearing in Ceremony at the First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 9AM; organizational meeting of City Council at City Hall at 12 Noon.

2017 Budget - 90% approved

AGENDA

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council Regular Session August 22, 2016

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

AGENDA

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I had received information regarding the Scottsboro Municipal Court being billed by the City Financial Department for $3000 per month for use of the court area. Below is listed the information regarding this billing. On 23 August I had a discussion with the Mayor of Scottsboro and the City's Director of Finance  Rick Wheeler. The line item on the budget regarding the $3000.00 per month has not been paid since 2014. Mr. Wheeler stated that currently there was only $1000 in the fund  The line item has been approved by the City Council as a regular annual budget item. General expenses for supplies, janitorial services, etc are absorbed by the Police Department. 

I was also informed that a letter of concern was forwarded to the Mayor and the Finance Director in 2011 by Judge Word, who was the City's Municipal Court Judge at that time. 

Request for Records was submitted to the City Magistrate, she did not produce the requested records, citing that Judge Word had informed her the budget information contained in that letter was confidential, I informed her that is wrong, all budget information and correspondence relating to budget information is open for public inspection unless there is a specific exemption, such as money for undercover operations of the Police Department, where there might be a specific exemption by law. A Request for Records was submitted to Mayor Potter for that information. As a result this info regarding the municipal court was provided

MUNICIPAL COURT BUDGET INFO

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Council Meeting Video

Continuation, Approval of election results

Scottsboro City Council Regular Session February 22, 2016

Scottsboro City Hall (photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA

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VIDEOS

Scottsboro, Alabama February 22, 2016 Regular Session of the Scottsboro City Council. Jackson County Rescue Squad Receives Commendation presented by Mayor Potter from the Milton, Ga. Mayor for the Rescue Squads participation in a January 16, 2016 resue from the Tumbling Rock Cave near Hollywood, Alabama. Several local Rescue Squads and Cave Rescue Units participated in this rescue - Huntsville, Alabama Cave Rescue Unit and the Hamilton county, Tn, Rescue Squad, Cave Rescue Unit participated and safely extracted an injuried explorer from the cave. Full Story may be read http://www.chcrs.org/news-blog/tumblingrockcaverescue11616 and http://www.waff.com/story/30984480/rescuers-bring-injured-girl-to-surface-after-hours-trapped-in-cave

Scottsboro, Alabama February 22, 2016 City Council Regular Session, Alcohol Beverage License Public Hearing. License Approved pending final inspection; 442 West Willow St., Lucky's Liquor Emporium, LLC,  


February 22, 2016 Scottsboro City Council Regular Session Mayor and City Council get pay raise, city debt to be increased for capital projects = Capital Improvement Projects, Mayor & Council Pay increase Commercial Development Authority Budget.

City Attorney Job Description, Appointments and Vacancies. The City Attorney was asked after the meeting if this was a Full Time or Part Time Job Description - His reply was "Part Time."I asked if he had a contract for his services with the city, he stated, "Verbal contract, no written contract." Is the City Attorney the only part time employee which has full city benefits such as medical insurance? This could be part of a compensation package but there is no written contract, which seems very unusual, particularly since this is a deviation from the current personnel policy of Scottsboro regarding benefits for full time vs part time employees. This also brings up questions regarding the employment of the law firm of Lanier and Ford, particularly the services of Mr. Woody Sanderson. Is there a contract; is Sanderson also a part time employee?

For a small city of 15,000 how many attorneys do we need. But, then again, after looking at the problems revealed -

Sexual Discrimination as Policy in Scottsboro Alabama - Multiple part series about the unsavory and unethical actions of male supervisory employees of the City of Scottsboro. Everything from illegal surveillance on female employees, mayors jealousy, slander, unfair application of policy, broken cash control, failure to effectively supervise upper level management, lack of professional leadership skills and training and sexual harassment.  http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Surveillance

The city's officials may need a New York Law Firm before it is over.

Scottsboro City Council Work Session, 2 Part Series

Scottsboro City Hall (Photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA

Citizen Presentation - Rob Carlile expressed concerns about a promised abatement and contracts regarding his commercial property.

Scottsboro Mayor Potter's unsigned agreement with Carlile Properties

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Letter to Scottsboro City Council President

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Erin Dixon, Human Resource Director made presentation regarding Scottsboro Personnel Handbook

Josh Little,City Engineer gave report on Stewart and Porter Roads.

Video Part 1 - Committee Reports on Capital Projects

Council Member Keith Smith openly stated he could not agree with going forward on any of the projects at this time.

Video Part 2

Scottsboro City Council Work Session and Regular Session - Budget Report by Mayor, September 14, 2015

(photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA for work session and regular session

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FY 2016 BUDGET

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MAYORS BUDGET PRESENTATION

Mayor Melton Potter presents the Scottsboro City Budget for Fiscal Year 2016 to the Scottsboro City Council. 90% of the budget was approved per law during the regular council session.