February 1, 2021 - Scottsboro, Alabama - Scottsboro City Council Work Session - Citizen Presentations regarding CASA - Update - February 4, 2021 - "Feel'n the "Bern"," Part 1 - Responsibilities Regarding Main Street-Downtown Scottsboro, Scottsboro Trade Days Leadership Responsibility, Who is Responsible, Where Does the Money Go and Why Political Censorship/Violation of Civil Rights and Alabama Constitutional Rights as to Speech on Facebook by Organizations Funded by Scottsboro, Regulated and Advertised by the City of Scottsboro - Records Request

 

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G.Morgan

AGENDA

Alabama State Motto - Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary (unknown photographer)

Responsibilities and Political Speech/Censorship - "Feel'n The "Bern" Part-1 (Part 2 Next Week)

 Does Senator Sanders Political Platform Represent "Mainstreet - Downtown Scottsboro" or the City of Scottsboro at the Published Address Below?.

Senator Sanders' Web Site: https://berniesanders.com/

(photos below)

Senator Bernie Sanders Pictures on City of Scottsboro Affiliated Sites

Yes, City of Scottsboro - "Downtown Scottsboro - Main Street" - Note the Address, 316 S. Broad St., Scottsboro, Al., 35768 - That is the Address of Scottsboro City Hall.

Photo captures of Facebook posting of "Downtown Scottsboro-Main Street," (images are public domain) address City Hall, Scottsboro, Al. a site which I was censored and blocked for placing this comment after the Senator Bernie Sanders pictures: "We shall never forget. ""After serving in the Air National Guard and dreaming of becoming a police officer, Brian D. Sicknick joined the Capitol Police force in 2008. He died the day after he was overpowered and beaten by rioters from the mob at the Capitol."" . Names/photos are altered on the Facebook posting photo above to protect innocent merchants or individuals. Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

Three images from the Downtown Scottsboro Facebook site representing Senator Bernie Sanders. These images are in the public domain.

Senator Sanders political platform on issues: https://berniesanders.com/issues/

Senator Sanders public domain photos Photos from Downtown Scottsboro - Main Street Facebook site page. Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary. 

Does Senator Sanders represent Downtown Scottsboro - Mainstreet Scottsboro or the City of Scottsboro? Why is it that only Senator Sanders photos are posted? No other political photos were allowed, other photos were censored, such as these 2 below.

"Trump Shouts: Come to Scottsboro Trade Days."

Royalty Free - clipart.com - Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary

"MeMaw says: Look what I found at Scottsboro Trade Days."

Unknown photographer - Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

This statement and other photos of political persons resulted in censorship, photos and this statement removed, including blocking from posting on the City's Facebook sites listed. "We shall never forget. ""After serving in the Air National Guard and dreaming of becoming a police officer, Brian D. Sicknick joined the Capitol Police force in 2008. He died the day after he was overpowered and beaten by rioters from the mob at the Capitol."" Quote in part from New York Times article about the murdered Capital Police Officer during the Sedition and Insurrection riot in Washington, D.C. .

The sites where the political censorship and blocking occurred are associated with the City of Scottsboro Alabama in its official capacity. Trade Day is regulated and sponsored and advertised by the City of Scottsboro while the Main Street-Downtown Scottsboro is funded in part by the City of Scottsboro tax payers.

Censorship actions such as this violates Alabama's Constitution: "SECTION 4 Freedom of speech and press. - That no law shall ever be passed to curtail or restrain the liberty of speech or of the press; and any person may speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty."

Freedom of Speech Precedents for Alabama: https://law.justia.com/lawsearch?query=freedom%20of%20speech%20in%20alabama

Freedom of Speech on Social Media - The Unincorporated Town Concept Regarding Social Media

Congressional Research Service attorneys have linked, Marsh vs Alabama (1945) Supreme Court Decision, to the concept of speech and inappropriate censorship of speech on social media involving the "Unincorporated Town Concept:" Pg 23  https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R45650.pdf

Two Issues as mentioned below and in the records request.   

1) Political Speech Policy on your Facebook Sites and official policy regarding Political speech related to the Main Street Program and related organizations.

2) Organizational chart of the Main Street Program and all subsidiary connections, agreements e.g. Downtown Scottsboro, and Scottsboro Trade Days.. To include your financial and organizational status relationship with the City of Scottsboro, Alabama and any other public entity connections.

This information may be provided by mail, address below, or I will be glad to pick up the documents requested at your listed address, which is the City of Scottsboro, Scottsboro City Hall, 316 S. Broad St., Scottsboro, Alabama 35768

                                           Records Request

VIDEO

Scottsboro, Alabama - November 4, 2019 - Scottsboro City Council Work and Regular Sessions

Scottsboro City Hall photo by G. Morgan

AGENDA

Clarion article: http://www.theclarion.org/index.php/news/top-stories/2298-council-fills-board-vacancies

VIDEO

Work Session and Regular Session

Scottsboro, Alabama April 23, 2019 - Jackson County Commission - Regular Session, Historical Documents Board Appointments, Do They Know What They Have Gotten Themselves Into? - Commission Chair Interview

Jackson County Courthouse, North Entrance (photo by G. Morgan)

Support the First Monday Trade Days event around the Courthouse Square in Beautiful Downtown Scottsboro, Alabama. The oldest known photo of the First Monday Event, called Jockey Day or Horse Swappers Day, Summer 1915. (Photo owned by G. Morgan)

More info on First Monday - http://cityofscottsboro.com/index.php/events/first-monday

Discussion of the Historical Documents Board and Display issues, including Ten Commandment Displays with Commission Chair Tim Guffey. 

AGENDA

(Click on image for an expanded view.)

It was stated the historical Documents Board would be an Advisory Board to the Jackson County Commission. The Board must raise money to construct and/or erect displays in which they choose, no county funds may be spent. As an Advisory Board the Board's meetings will be secretive, no public disclosure unless the board chooses otherwise. The Board will make a recommendation to the Jackson County Commission, then the Commission will approve or disapprove the recommendations.

Does the Historical Documents Board know what they have gotten themselves into? Have their duties and responsibilities been explained? Some members indicate no, they did not realize they were selected for the board or knew of their responsibilities or liabilities. (1:15PM April 24, 2019) 

Quote from John Porter, Esquire Jackson County Commission Attorney, begin at 14:18 in the Commission YouTube video, stated: ". . .government, county funds can not be used to defend or in litigation. . ." Not only will the Historical Documents Board be responsible for raising all money in the construction or erection of the historical documents on Courthouse Property, they will, according to the statement of the county attorney, be responsible for defending themselves if or when they are sued in Federal Court for the documents they may plan to place on county property, even if the county approves placement of the documents, icons or statuary. See video below or at this link: https://youtu.be/kYA4PO_rhmA

Historical Documents Board

(Click on document to enlarge image.)

VIDEO and COMMISSION CHAIR INTERVIEW at END of VIDEO

Scottsboro, Alabama - April 22, 2019 - UPDATE: April 23, 2019 -Records Request of March 19, 2019, Records Not Disclosed - UPDATE-April 24, 2019 - Were Crimes Committed? Scottsboro City Council Meeting Regular Session - First Monday Trade Days

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

UPDATE - April 24, 2019 - Were crimes committed?

Interviews of Public Officials in the City of Scottsboro reveal allegations of alleged Criminal Conspiracy and False Statements relating to allegations of theft and possible criminal sexual harassment and violation of city personnel policy - Creation of a Hostile Work Environment, within the Municipal Court System of the City of Scottsboro. A result of alleged false statements and personnel misconduct, involving local allegations and allegations made to the Alabama Attorney General by appointed Public Officials.

According to those interviewed, this was an alleged planned personal attack against one or more female employees of the City of Scottsboro, thus the alleged conspiracy and the alleged submission of false statements.

There appears to be an effort to cover-up alleged false allegations of theft/misappropriation of government funds from the Municipal Court System. Interviews of Public Officials and employees of the City of Scottsboro reveal there is an EEOC complaint which the City of Scottsboro must answer soon. Interviews reveal there is an ongoing Alabama Attorney Generals Investigation.

The alleged criminal activity involves current and former Scottsboro Public Officials, both appointed and elected. Information regarding specific complaints and disciplinary actions, including reports is what these Public Records Requests concern.

UPDATE - PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST

As of April 22, 2019 the following request for Public Records dated March 19, 2019, as indicated below, has not been honored. 

The City of Scottsboro Alabama hired an outside Attorney to conduct an inquiry/investigation into allegations of specific individual Public Officials were allegedly creating a hostile work environment and possible violations of Federal Law relating to Sexual Discrimination of Female Employees; the outside Attorney was Ms. Hope Hicks, Esquire, was paid $11,800 for her professional opinion/attorney fees, (disclosed in February 25the City Council meeting, agenda item 3 approved (update this blog story Apr. 25, 2019)) findings or report. To date the Public Records Request, as described below, has not been fulfilled, however the request is under review by the City Attorney.

I have inquired weekly to the Mayor and City Clerk of Scottsboro, Alabama regarding this request. It has been discovered via inquiry there are specifically 3 documents pertaining to this request, possibly more documents, which includes related disciplinary action documents. 

This request serves a public purpose to disclose the events and conduct of Public Officials within the City of Scottsboro involving either alleged illegal conduct or violation of public policy or personnel policy of the City of Scottsboro. 

The citizens of the City of Scottsboro have a right to know about inappropriate behavior of Public Officials which unfortunately has all the appearances, and evidence disclosing a pattern of wrongful conduct on the part of appointed Public Officials, relating to sexual discrimination and the creation of a hostile work environment. Specifically in this incident, involving the Scottsboro Municipal Court System and the City of Scottsboro's Finance Director. Information has also been received that a former elected official of the City of Scottsboro may have contributed as an antagonizer or instigator regarding the alleged unlawful act or violation of public policy regarding creation of a hostile work environment and/or sexual discrimination as a factor in the allegations.

I find it hard to believe that an Attorney paid in excess of $11,000 to conduct an inquiry/investigation into the creation of a hostile work environment, specifically when there has been established patterns regarding policy or law violations,  would not produce a work product which would make either recommendations or identify wrongful conduct of parties involved and or corrective actions which should be taken.

Verbal conversation with the City Attorney revealed, he is examining documents, however he stated,  there exists a 2001 Attorney General's Opinion allowing for no disclosure of some of the documents. I asked of the City Attorney to please cite the specific reasons for the non-disclosure; his answer would be, no records available to be released, as to a reason of non-disclosure. When asked how long will it be, he stated: "When I have time." The City Attorney did state there was one record at this time which could be released. I informed the City Attorney to please provide all documents at one time or cite reasons for non-disclosure at the time of the records release.

 Date of Request - March 19, 2019

 Under the Alabama Open Records Law 36-12-40 et seq., I am requesting an opportunity to inspect or obtain copies of said public records, (Describe the records or information sought with enough detail for the public agency to respond.)  Also give the reason why you wish to review these records. (You must give a valid reason)

Dates of Records Requested – September 1, 2018 thru March 15, 2019

1)   Records Requested:  Consultation Report, Memorandums of Record, Human Resource Management Report from Ms. Hope Hicks, Esq., an Attorney hired to conduct - Inquiry, Findings or Suggestions relating to the Scottsboro Municipal Court and personnel employed by the City of Scottsboro Municipal Court, and/or within the City of Scottsboro as an Employer of employees, as a result of complaints relating to Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, the Creation of a Hostile Work Environment, or a violation of Civil Rights as it relates to employees of the City of Scottsboro.

2)   Records Requested: Complaints of Sexual Harassment, Sexual Discrimination, and Creation of a Hostile Work Environment relating to the Employees of the City of Scottsboro working in the Municipal Court of Scottsboro, Alabama. Complaints made to Mayor, Human Resources Director, and/or the consulting Attorney, Ms. Hope Hicks, Esq., regarding the previously mentioned subject matter.

3)   Records Requested: Any Findings, Memorandums, Documents or Reports related to the subject matter requested above, within the date range listed above, including documents from City of Scottsboro’s Mayor, any City Council Member, Human Resource Director, Municipal Court Judge, or Finance Director.

Records Requested are to be utilized for non-profit news reporting on my blog, “In the Boro,” https:arklite.blogspot.com. Records provided may be released to other area media outlets. Information requested serves a public purpose to inform citizens.

Oldest known photo of the First Monday event held around the Courthouse Square in Beautiful Downtown Scottsboro, Alabama every month. Called Jockey Day or Horse Swappers Day in 1915. (photo owned by G. Morgan) Y'all come on out and support this oldest continuing historical event in Scottsboro, more info http://cityofscottsboro.com/index.php/events/first-monday

AGENDA

Facebook Live Video of Reports Section

https://www.facebook.com/garry.l.morgan.5/videos/10218698511077640/

VIDEO

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
                                        Click on image to expand.
      (note the items marked on the work session agenda as agenda)

VIDEO

Scottsboro City Council, Regular Session February 27, 2017 - First Monday Photos

Earliest known photo of First Monday, original proof photo owned by Garry Morgan, prior Asheville Post Card Company.

First Monday April 1931, Scottsboro Defendants Trial, photograph and attribution owned by Garry Morgan (auction purchase), Fair Use for non-profit news and commentary.  

First Monday Trade Days mid-1950s from Ford Times 1956 - Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

First Monday Trade Days 2015 photo by G. Morgan

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

First Monday Trade Days always the weekend prior to the First Monday of each month.

Visit our First Monday info page on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/tradedayscottsboro/

City Council Meeting 2-27-2017

AGENDA

VIDEO

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