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

Scottsboro Property Management Issues - Lack of Accountability

What other property management issues are lurking in secret about Scottsboro property demolition and the non-accountable property management actions of Scottsboro officials? Fair Use photo for non-profit news and commentary reporting, photo credit is unidentified.

                                         Council Agenda

Questions about poor city governance - lack of accountability relating to property demolition and approvals.

Wilson Street property donation to the Rescue Squad is on the agenda for Monday night's, July 25, 2016 city council meeting, item 3.

The Rescue Squad has not requested a donation, for money or property. Why is the property being donated to the Rescue Squad absent any request or acceptance from the squad of what seems to be Council Member Smith's mandated donation?

This property was taken into the inventory of Scottsboro's real property as dilapidated, public nuisance property, not approved by the city council for induction into our property inventory. Why? By city officials own admission, the property was not condemned.

Is it the City of Scottsboro's policy to accept nuisance, dilapidated property into its' inventory, then the citizens pay the cost of cleanup, demolition and costs to maintain the property with no council approval?

There has been no accounting for the cost of demolition or property maintenance of the Wilson Street Tupelo Pike property or the Willow Street property demolition on private property. Nor has there been any accountability of actions on the secret acquisition and sale of the boat. Why?

Search of North Alabama property demolition listings on the web for the area indicated demolition costs for similar properties such as the Willow Street property and maintenance could have been between $6000-$10000. Costs for the Wilson Street property could have been between $4500-$7500. There are no file indications, upon search, that there were any itemization of costs of the actual demolition or costs to maintain incured or approved for either property. Link to demolition site cost report: http://demolition.promatcher.com/cost/

Why are non-accountable city government officials allowed to continue to rip off the tax-payers of Scottsboro, Alabama without the city council taking action to inform the public of any action to improve poor management practices? Blog listing regarding these issues - http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/property%20management

Scottsboro City Council Meeting Work Session - July 18, 2016 - Scottsboro Property Mismanagement Philosophy - Lack of Oversight

LACK OF OVERSIGHT

Scottsboro City Hall, where secrets are formulated facilitating poor governance. Not once has the demolition of  property outside of flood hazard mitigation, been approved by the Scottsboro City Council. Nor, has dilapidated property which has been declared a public nuisance, outside of flood hazard mitigation, been approved by the city council to be taken into the city inventory via a donation. In my opinion, Scottsboro's demonstrated practices of property management demonstrates a disregard for frugal and efficient management practices. The attempted justifications for mismanagement and what appears to be unlawful practices casts suspicion on the purposes of the misbehavior of some Scottsboro City Officials. The responsibility for oversight of Real Estate belonging to the City of  Scottsboro falls on the City Council. (photo by G. Morgan)

Scottsboro Property Listing

Many thanks to Scottsboro Mayor Melton Potter for volunteering to provide this property list for all properties owned by the City of Scottsboro, Alabama (Click on image for an expanded view.).

AGENDA of Work Session

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Outline Presentation by Garry Morgan regarding Funding of the Rescue Squad and Scottsboro Property Management Issues.

Click on image for an expanded view.

Council Member Smith's conduct toward citizens who do not support his position is that of demonstrated spitefulness, disrespect and untruthfulness.

Council Member Keith Smith, long term appointed political official as Police Chief of Scottsboro, now City Council Member. As he has reminded folks, 3 term elected official, bragging about it before the City Council and stating, "Never has this happened before." (photo by G. Morgan)

Declared public nuisance - Secret Condemnation and Demolition of dilapidated property, the Gross East Willow Street Property occurred sometime in 2014-2015, the demolition work was not approved by the City Council. There was no itemization or fixation of costs regarding the property demolition and city property maintenance estimated to be between $7500-$10,000. Statement of that problem - http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/03/house-demolished-by-city-of-scottsboro.html

Fair Use Rights for Google Earth photo utilized for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

Declared public nuisance - Secretly donated, dilapidated property and its' demolition of the Tupelo Pike - Wilson Street Property, 2014-2015. The property intake of the dilapidated property nor demolition of the property was approved by the City Council. Estimated cost of demolition,$5000.00 Now the City Council wants to donate the property to the Jackson County Rescue Squad stating the property is worth maybe $2000.00 However, upon research the property values of similar cleared, level lots demonstrate a vlue of between $4500-$7500, http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Scottsboro_AL/type-land/pg-2  Good luck to the rescue squad in their sale, if the donation occurs. They did not state they were willing or would take the property. At least you would think there would be some sort of willingness to accept the property presented to the City Council.

Fair Use Rights for Google Earth photo utilized for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

Requirements of Property Delapidated Property Demolition, Declarations, filings and Approvals may be found at http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/alcode/11/2/40/2  andprevious problems related to these issues may be found at, articles include links and references to the Code of Alabama 11-53B  http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/demolition%20on%20private%20property

VIDEOS

Part 1

                                          VIDEO Part 2


VIDEO Segments reflecting comments of Mr. Smith and City Attorney related to excuses regarding the city's failure to follow law in regards to property management - demolition, acceptance of real estate into city ownership and funding the Rescue Squad. Never in their presentation did they actually address the issues I brought forward. At one point you can hear one of the council members tearing up paper. Rude, harassing, disrespectful, untruthful comments and actions pointed toward me for my suggestions and bringing forth problems and suggesting solutions originating from Mr. Smith.


Then there is the City Boat/Cabin-Cruiser Issue  involving the secret acquisition and sale of the boat without city council approval. A lack of city council approval for the acquisition and sale of property is a growing problem relating to the ignoring and disrespect for law in the City of Scottsboro. Link regarding the boat issue: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-boat-and-mayor-of-scottsboro-deep.html

This is a boat similar to the one sold for $3000.00, a 1979 Marinette Cabin Cruiser. Fair Use photo for non-profit news reporting and commentary, unknown contributor.

Scottsboro City Council, Work Session and Regular Session - Top Issues - Mr. Smith Wants to Donate City Real Estate, Fire Department Receives Grants for Emergency Equipment

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

AGENDA

(Click on image for an expanded view.)

VIDEO 

                                       
                    Press Release From Scottsboro Fire Department
                          (Click on image for an expanded view.)

"The Scottsboro Fire Department is pleased to announce we have been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $163,850. This grant will be used to update and upgrade our EMS equipment. New 12-Lead Cardiac Monitors, Automated Compression Devices, Video Laryngoscopy, and Intraosseous Infushion equipment will be added to our first out engines, providing our citizens with some of the most advanced pre-hospital technology in Alabama."

                                    PROPERTY ISSUES

City Council Member Keith Smith has suggested that demolished property on Tupelo Pike be donated to the Rescue Squad. This brings up the issue of the proper disposition of demolished real estate property which has not been resolved. The city may not "just donate" property. (photo by G. Morgan)

. The Jackson County Rescue Squad is an admirable organization and does wonderful things for the community. This does not mean that laws of the state may be violated to satisfy public officials whims and nefarious motives such as has occurred with the boat (article link on the boat: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2016/06/the-boat-and-mayor-of-scottsboro-deep.html )   disposal and property abatement demolition.

PROPERTY PROBLEMS 

Apparently the City of Scottsboro has several demolished real estate properties. The Laws of the state have much to say about demolished real property: "Section 11-53B-9 Sale of property upon default."

The point is this, real estate has value, a demolished property cost the citizens of Scottsboro, there is a fair market value of the real estate and there is the cost of demolition which must be added to the cost of the property. There are also several issues involving elected and appointed city officials intentionally violating the laws of the state regarding property abatement and the demolishing of property and the sale of property in the City of Scottsboro. 

 Fixing the costs of demolition have not been accomplished. Re: "Section 11-53B-5 Fixing of costs."

"Upon demolition or repair of the building or structure, the appropriate city official shall make a report to the governing body of the cost thereof, and the governing body shall adopt a resolution fixing the costs which it finds were reasonably incurred in the demolition or repair and assessing the same against the property..." This requirement has never been accomplished as long as I have attended city council meetings for 13 years. 

Fixing the misapplication of law and policy has also not been accomplished. The city council is responsible for the acquisition and disposal of the citizen's real property.

This is what should be accomplished immediately, it is a common sense approach and a solution to problems which pompous, misbehaving public officials within the city of Scottsboro have created.  

1) Identify all real estate property belonging to the City of Scottsboro and assess a "fair-market value" to all real estate property. 2) If the property is demolished property to abate a public nuisance, list the cost of demolition of the property on the property list. 3) When a person's property presents a public nuisance the laws of the state should be followed as to the proper procedures in abatement and if necessary, demolition of the property. It is not sensible to hold demolished property in the real property inventory of the City of Scottsboro as there is a insurance and upkeep cost to the demolished properties. 4) A fair property value should be listed and the cost of demolition assessed against the property. At that point, the property should be sold as soon as possible,

Never, ever should property be sold or given away belonging to the citizens of Scottsboro in violation of the Laws of the State of Alabama. When this occurs, responsible parties must be held accountable. Additionally, the City Council has no business in covering up any wrongful act by public officials particularly when it involves property, money and issues involving ordinances and policies involving personnel management. The Council and Mayor are responsible for keeping the citizens informed.

Unfortunately, misconduct and misapplication of public policy extends beyond failed property management and includes failed personnel management, sexual harassment, failed organizational communications and retaliatory conduct.

The Boat and the Mayor of Scottsboro - Deep Throat 11 - The Expose Continues - Shh, we had a boat, now we don't, the Mayor sold it, where's the money, but don't tell anyone - Update and Sexual Harassment.

Photo of Mayor Melton Potter at the State of the City Address. Photo by G.Morgan

(UPDATE JUNE 30, 2016)

Code of Alabama 1975 § 11-43-56 “Except as otherwise provided in this title, the council shall have the management and control of the finances and all of the property, real and personal, belonging to the city or town.”

UPDATE - July 6, 2016:  Whose fault is it, the Mayor, Mr. Wheeler, or the City Council, maybe all?

Informant says "Boat case forwarded to DA's office for review."

In other developments, the informant has reported more incidents of sexual harassment from the financial department for the City of Scottsboro. Unfortunately, it appears that our fearless leaders are as confused about this issue as they are on Das Boat. It seems the boy just can't keep his "camera to himself." And City Leadership does not want to correct the problem, instead they hide the problem. This is turning into a multi-issue mess of failed leadership practices and incompetence. 

Sinking Boat Politics - A lack of leadership and corrective action.

Sexual Harassment - "Prevention is the best tool to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers are encouraged to take steps necessary to prevent sexual harassment from occurring. They should clearly communicate to employees that sexual harassment will not be tolerated. They can do so by providing sexual harassment training to their employees and by establishing an effective complaint or grievance process and taking immediate and appropriate action when an employee complains."  

https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/publications/fs-sex.cfm

City of Scottsboro leadership has not required nor provided training regarding sexual harassment.

THE BOAT 

In December 2012 a citizen donated a boat to the City of Scottsboro. I vaguely remember a discussion about this as it was stated a boat would be good to show industrial prospects around the community. 

Goosepond Colony (GPC) Marina photo - The folks at GPC did not know any specifics about the boat other than to confirm the City of Scottsboro did have a boat tied up on the end of one of the docks. (Fair use photo for non-profit news reporting and commentary.)

AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CITY PROPERTY. A QUESTION OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE?

The Clarion, article by Heather Garner - "After doing a public records request asking for a copy of the city council meeting minutes showing acceptance of the boat donation; city council meeting minutes showing the boat was declared as surplus property; a copy of the donation letter given to the Culvers and a copy of the bill of sale showing the boat was sold, it was discovered that the City Council never publicly accepted the donation, the property was never declared surplus, and that copies of the donation letter and bill of sale were not kept for recording, by the City. According to Rick Wheeler, City Finance Director, the boat was never listed as an asset by the City and it was never insured by the City."

More on the boat issue:

http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10166:sale-of-boat-causes-controversy-&catid=42:clarion-rotation-stories&Itemid=142

During today's discussions (June 30, 2016) with Mayor Potter regarding the insurance carriers loss control report, I asked the Mayor, who was responsible for management of property within the city in regards to the boat issue? His reply, "Rick Wheeler." 

UPDATE - Bill of Sale provided on June 27, 2016

Boat was sold in April 2014

(click on image for an expanded view)

This is a boat similar to the one sold for $3000.00, a 1979 Marinette Cabin Cruiser. Fair Use photo for non-profit news reporting and commentary, unknown contributor.

City took payments from purchaser

Clarion Report

"Records received by the City of Scottsboro, on a Cash Collection History Report, show cash payments in the amount of $2,300 on December 13,2013, $200 on January 3, 2014, $200 received on February 7,2014 and $300 on March 3,2014, received from Rick Nugent."

 There is other information which has been provided to me regarding Scottsboro's financial accountability and the numerous accounts of the City of Scottsboro. It is this citizens opinion that a forensic audit of the City of Scottsboro should be accomplished as soon as possible by the Alabama Department of Public Examiners which should include all financial accounts, cash records, and all property records and control policies.

Fair use for non-profit news reporting and commentary. 

Does the City of Scottsboro leadership pass the test of good governance?