Scottsboro, Alabama UPDATE: MAY 26, 2018 Council Member Jessica Butler Resigns Effective June 4, 2018 - May 21, 2018 Scottsboro City Council, Dual Session, Dock Street Issue and Intersection of U.S. Hwy 72 and County Park Rd.

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

Council Member Jessica Butler receives certificate of election from Council President Patrick Stewart September 12, 2016.  (Photo by G.Morgan)

Council Member Jessica Butler resigns from Place 1 on the Scottsboro City Council; Ms. Butler's resignation is effective June 4, 2018. Jackson County Sentinel's article.  

http://jcsentinel.com/news/article_1f79c1e2-605a-11e8-93a6-e7b14db51283.html

On March 14, 2018 Ms. Butler was on the agenda of the Pike County Georgia Board of Commissioners regarding her introduction as the Chief Executive Officer of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce. Info and photograph available from the meeting minutes at the link listed:   http://www.pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BOC3.14.18.html#.WwmRD-4vzIV 

State law requires council members to live within the city limits of the entity in which they serve.   http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/alison/codeofalabama/1975/11-43-1.htm

LETTER OF RESIGNATION

May 25th, 2018

Scottsboro City Hall
316 S Broad Street 
Scottsboro, AL 35768

Dear Mayor Shelton, Council President Wallingsford and Members of the City Council,

It is with great difficulty and a heavy heart that I make this decision. 
Due to life changes and recent job changes I will be spending more time out of town. I feel it is fair to the community at this time that I resign from my place 1 position effective June 4th.
It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Scottsboro and to serve with this council. I appreciate the respect and character you have shown me as a fellow member. I love this community and consider it home and family. I sincerely thank the community for allowing me the opportunity to serve.

Sincerely,

Jessica Butler

AGENDAS

Dock Street, Regular Session, Agenda Item 3 - 6 citizens were in attendance from the River Ridge Subdivision area. 

Dock St. to be closed temporarily. Improvements to the area seriously needed, this is serious money making property, potential for private restaurant, hotel and dock area on the river is fantastic. Remember the B.B. Comer Bridge Project, this project is much simpler, much less expensive with more potential for growth and expansion of tourism.

DOCK STREET VIDEO

Mr. Smith discusses city debt and upcoming projects, debt picture as reported by Mr. Smith is $17,821,177. This is not counting the debt carried by the City of Scottsboro for Goose Pond Colony and the school system debt, both separate corporate entities of the city. The U.S. Hwy 72, John T. Reid Parkway, so called improvement project, was met with opposition from Mr. Smith and Mr. Stewart, just call it "Stop Light City."

STOP LIGHT CITY VIDEO

Jackson County Sentinel article by Will Whaley about project. http://m.thedailysentinel.com/news/article_fc3fb22e-5ad0-11e8-b696-ab74c680e20e.html?mode=jqm

VIDEO OF  COUNCIL MEETINGS

Scottsboro City Council Work Session, Labor Day First Monday and Important Reports from the Capital Improvements Project Committee and the Mayor of Scottsboro - September 6, 2016

September 3rd, 4th and 5th was the Labor Day First Monday Trade Days Event. City of Scottsboro First Monday History: http://www.cityofscottsboro.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=39&Itemid=119  Photos by G. Morgan

First Monday 1915 - Horse Swapper Days, Scottsboro Alabama. Original photo owned by G. Morgan

The First Monday Trade Days event represents the heart of Scottsboro's Valued History. Some have suggested that it should be removed from the square as it takes up parking, I say, those who say this do not realize the historical significance and prosperity of the event.

To remove First Monday from the Courthouse Square is denying the reality of history and the importance of history to our community. First Monday goes back to the foundations of our judicial system where the Grand Jury met on the first Monday of the month and people traveled far and wide to see their friends, talk about politics, their families events, to participate in government and trade. Historically, First Monday was the one or few days that government worked to bring the people together. We still celebrate the historical significance of the event today in Scottsboro, Alabama. This is the First Monday we know and prosper from its' history,

In the past horses were traded, stories told. Today stories are told and items are traded; now we have a Cruz-In on the First Saturday where vintage and antique cars are shown, music played, food consumed, awards given, friends meet and poor children fed through the Cruz-In Back-Pack Kids program. This is the Spirit of First Monday!

Car shows, trade'n and meeting old friends - First Monday Trade Days Weekend is always the weekend immediately before the First Monday of each month, and of course the First Monday. The suggestion to move First Monday off the square is a bad idea.  Photo's and video by G. Morgan

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA

Presentation Outline by Jim Olyniec, Capital Projects Plan

VIDEOS

We want our money...

 As a result of a recent Attorney Generals Opinion, Scottsboro claims hundreds of thousands of dollars due them, taken by Jackson County improperly. A $381,000 up to $420,000 dispute over - Who gets the Privilege Tax?

  http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/09/breaking-news-as-result-of-recent.html

Agenda item 3 - Reference demolition of the warehouse at N. Houston and Maples St.

Large difference in bids regarding demolition of city property on N. Houston and Maple St.; near $65K vs over $200K. City documents state no hazardous materials, contractor I spoke to who inspected the dilapidated structure stated that is not the case. Reference old roof structure containing asbestos and lead throughout the building.

MAYORS REPORT

Scottsboro City Council Work Session and Public Hearing on Veterans Field Renovation - The Financial Bleeding of Scottsboro's Citizens via Cost Over-Runs on Recreation Projects is Unacceptable, August 15, 2016

Scottsboro City Hall photo by G. Morgan

SCOTTSBORO CITY ELECTIONS - DON'T FORGET TO VOTE NEXT TUESDAY, AUGUST 23,2016 AT THE SCOTTSBORO REC-COM

Mayor Interviews: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/08/questions-for-scottsboros-mayoral.html

City Council Questions: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/08/scottsboro-alabama-city-council-place-1.html

Also, don't miss the Scottsboro Political Forum - Tuesday August 16 at the Scottsboro High School Small Auditorium beginning at 5:30PM http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Political-Forum-to-be-held-on-Tuesday--August-16th-at-Scottsboro-High-School-small-auditorium--starting-at-5-30-p-m-.html?soid=1102673188472&aid=C-kjGC4x-7U

Political Forum featuring all candidates will be broadcast on WWIC Live Link: http://www.wwicradio.com/listen-live.html

Scottsboro Ball fields, Scottsboro Recreation; photo from the City of Scottsboro dot com (Government Source) - Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary. 

Last night a public hearing was held regarding the Veterans Field Ball Park Renovation Project. The project was originally slated for  $1.1 million dollars. The original plans and communications were and are lacking. The results, an announced $600,000 cost overrun, the Citizens of Scottsboro cannot afford such a cost overrun. It has also been announced the Rec-Com swimming pool renovation will be another $1 million dollar cost over-run taking that project to $2,000,000. That was originally a million dollar project. 

AGENDA

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council Meeting - Patrick Stewart Receives Certificate of Election, July 25, 2016

Scottsboro City Council President Patrick Stewart receives Certificate of Election from Council President Pro-Tem Keith Smith, Stewart was unopposed. Photo by G. Morgan

Photo by G. Morgan

Photo by G. Morgan

It was announced that the parking lot across from the Post Office is now open. The Scottsboro downtown Redevelopment Authority purchased the property to expand parking in the downtown area.

Council Member Gary Stewart stated at last night's City Council Meeting that he had requested to see the plans for the Ball Field Renovation project but the Mayor had not provided him with the plans after several requests. Council Memeber Tony Wallingsford  indicated that he had trouble regarding disclosure of the plans. The change orders in the plans reflect an approximate $150,000+ increase in the $1.1 million budgeted amount for the project. 

Council Member Keith Smith also stated that he was informed of considerable cost increases in the Rec Com pool renovation project.

Wilson Street Tupelo Pike Property declared excess property which clears the way for the property to be donated to the Rescue Squad. The Squad indicated they did not need the property and it would be sold to raise funds for their move into the National Guard Armory. 

The State Guard has indicated they will close the Armory in October of this year. The Armory reverts back to the City of Scottsboro once the National Guard closes the facility. Preliminary plans have been made to allow the Rescue Squad to use of the Armory Facility.

AGENDA

Click on image for an expanded view.

VIDEO

Special Call Meeting Scottsboro City Council Regarding Bond Issue - Presentation by Larry Ward Managing Director, Public Finance, Raymond James & Associates June 9, 2016

Scottsboro city Hall (photo by G. Morgan)

UPDATED - Saturday, June 11, 2016

What is a municipal bond? source:slideshare.net - Fair Use for non-profit news and reporting and commentary.

"We have never overcharged the City of Scottsboro..." Larry Ward 

Managing Director, Public Finance, Raymond James & Associates in regards to accusations several months ago that the City of Scottsboro was being overcharged on bond issues as compared to other cities. Mr. Ward went on to say that statement was not true, and the fallacy has been confirmed by internal audits.

TOTAL COST?

 I think it disturbing that there has been an attempt to convince citizens that the bond issue for $3 million dollars was only going to cost $2.76 million. There is no statement as to fees and total interest cost for the specific bond issue that has been provided to the public at this time.

 It was speculated in a previous meeting by at least one city council member, based on information/charts provided them, that the total cost of the bond issue would be $4.5 million dollars including interest and fees. What is it now? Utilizing a mortgage calculator at http://www.dollartimes.com/loans/mortgage-rate.php?length=30&amount=1000000 the total payback on $3,000,000 for 10 years is $3,452,970.00. The total payback for $2,760,000 for 10 years is $3,176,732.40 ($2.76 million is the claim from the bond issuer saying that the City of Scottsboro will receive $3 million dollars for $2.76 million [payback?].).

AGENDA 

VIDEOS

Scottsboro City Council Special Call Meeting

                             Larry Ward, Special Presentation

SPECIAL CALL MEETING OF THE SCOTTSBORO CITY COUNCIL - Scottsboro Debt and Prioritization Failure!?

About Scottsboro's Debt and Priority Failures  (photo by G. Morgan)  http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Scottsboro%20Debt

Cost according to City Council Member estimates - $4.5 million dollars. It has also been stated that within the next 2 years the landfill will need to be expanded, cost - another $2 million. 

NOTICE OF SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE

CITY OF SCOTTSBORO, ALABAMA

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Scottsboro, Alabama, will hold a special meeting on Thursday, June 9, 2016, at 6:00 P.M. at the City Hall located at 316 Broad Street, Scottsboro, Alabama 35768, for the purpose of, among other things, considering the adoption of an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of the City's General Obligation Warrants, Series 2016, which are to be issued for the purpose of providing for various public capital improvements in the City, including, without limitation, fire department, public recreation and cultural facilities improvements, and paying the costs of issuance of said Series 2016 Warrants. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend.

Dated this 2nd day of June, 2016.

/s/ Patrick Stewart

President of the City Council

Scottsboro City Council Work Session - A Question of Priorities - Financial Info Regarding City Capital Projects - Raymond James Financial $2.83 Million Payback for $3 Million in Bonds?? First Monday Weekend, "Cruz'n the 'Boro"

Scottsboro City Hall (photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA

Click on agenda for an expanded view.

Special Video - Segments from Raymond James Financial Services on proposed bond issue. Mayors comments on project dates, Council Member Smith and Wallingsford expresses concerns and ask important questions.

Recent photo of tornado taken from roof of Highlands Medical Center. (photo WHNT-TV Fair Use for non-profit News Reporting.)

There seems to be a question of priorities regarding spending of money. There is not one shelter in Scottsboro built by the City of Scottsboro. The Jackson Coiunty Courthouse is the only approved shelter; this leaves areas west, east and south in the City of Scottsboro without sufficient storm shelters. There are large mobile home communities in these areas.

HIGH RISK CORRIDOR - New Research of the increased frequencies of Tornado Activity in the Tennessee River Valley. http://blog.al.com/breaking/2013/09/birmingham_huntsville_part_of.html

(Fair Use rights for non-profit news reporting.)

Analysis in a research paper co-authored by a researcher at UAH showing the average annual path length (in km) of all significant (F2-F5) tornadoes passing within 40 km (25 miles) of a point between 1973 and 2011. The research graphic demonstrates that the Deep South has emerged as the nation's new tornado alley. (Coleman & Dixon research/American Meteorological Society).

Full City Council Meeting Video

First Monday Trade Days Weekend - Saturday Scottsboro Cruz'n


                            SCOTTSBORO BBQ COOKOFF

Scottsboro City Council Regular Session February 22, 2016

Scottsboro City Hall (photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA

(click on image for an expandd view)

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 - New City Clerk Seated

Monday was a work session of the Scottsboro City Council. (photo by G. Morgan)

 

City of Scottsboro's new City Clerk is seated, Whitney Phillips.

 

AGENDA

 

Morris Necklaus made a presentation concerning a blown transformer in the city's old bailer building. The city leased the building for $1.00 per annum to Mr. Necklaus for recycling materials. The City Attorney stated that in accordance with the lease Mr. Necklaus's business, Recycling for Scottsboro, is responsible for making all repairs. The City of Scottsboro leased its old Recreation Center on South Broad St., next to the Scottsboro Police station, to a church. The city replaced the roof on the church at no cost to the church. Mr. Necklaus commented that the building has been without electricity for a week.

 

A picture of Scottsboro's Bond Debt - total debt service after subsidy, including School debt, Goosepond Colony debt, Industrial Development debt is $86,681893.82. Principal on all bond debt is $58,450,000.00; total debt service is $98,178,119.31 as of  Apr. 11, 2013. 

" Painted Debt of the city," presented to the City Council by Larry Ward of Raymond James Inc., bond refinancing discussion.

Bob Young of Frazier Lanier Inc. also made a presentation on bond refinancing

 

VIDEO