Regular Session Minutes of the Council of the City of Dora, Alabama
August 12, 2021
The Council of the City of Dora, Alabama met in the Dora Municipal Building at 6:00 p.m. We were led in prayer by Mayor Randy Stephens. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Randy Stephens.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Randy Stephens. Roll call was taken by SuLeigh Warren. Present at the meeting were David Box, Norman Holt, Chris Edwards, George Sides, Randy Spears, Gary Thomas, Hezekiah Walker, Jr., and Mayor Randy Stephens. A quorum was in attendance.
Item #5-Approval of the Minutes – The minutes of the July 22, 2021 regular meeting minutes were reviewed. A motion was made by Gary Thomas to accept the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by George Sides. All in favor and the motion was carried.
Item #6- Old Business – Spraying Weeds – Hezikiah Walker presented his findings regarding the use of herbicide to spray weeds on the sides of City roads. Norman Holt made a motion to table the decision until we can determine health risks, what specific areas need to be sprayed, and the cost to spray this specific area. The motion was seconded by David Box. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item #7 – Bill Lists- A motion was made by Randy Spears to approve the bill lists for August 12, 2021. Motion was seconded by Norman Holt. All in favor and the motion was carried.
Item #8 – Department Reports – Gary Thomas made the motion to approve Departmental Reports A-G for July 2021. The motion was seconded by Randy Spears. All in favor and the motion was carried.
Item #9- Inmate Communication System – Randy Spears made a motion to approve the subscriber agreement with NCIC Inmate Communication, Inc. to provide the city inmate telephone and related communication services for a period of three years. Norman Holt seconded the motion. All in favor and the motion was carried.
Item #10 – Resolution #5 2021 – FY 2022 City of Dora Transportation Plan – A motion was made by Randy Spears to approve Resolution #5 2021 – FY 2022 City of Dora Transportation Plan. The motion was seconded by Chris Edwards. Roll Call Vote: David Box – Yes; Norman Holt – Yes; Chris Edwards – Yes; George Sides – Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker, Jr. – Yes; Mayor Stephens – Yes. Motion carried.
Item #11 – Resolution #6 -2021 – Rails to Trails Funding-Gary Thomas made a motion to approve Resolution #6 – 2021 Rails to Trails Funding to light the walking track from Highway 78 to intersection of Sellers Road (1.88 miles); Total cost of project $444,000.00 to be paid with Recreational Trails Grant (if granted) in the amount of $268,755.26 and the remaining cost of $175,244.64 to be paid by the city. The motion was seconded by Christ Edwards. Roll Call Vote: David Box – Yes; Norman Holt- Yes; Chris Edwards – Yes: George Sides- Yes; Randy Spears – Yes: Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker, Jr. – No; Mayor Stephens- Yes. Motion Carried.
Item #12 – Ordinance #1-2021- Dog Ordinance – Discussed a proposed ordinance that would address canine control in the city limits. The ordinance is currently being reviewed by an attorney No action required at this time.
Item #13 – Forgotten Tails Rescue – George Sides made a motion to approve donating a total of $2,500.00 to Forgotten Trails Rescue to help with canine needs to kennels set-up. Motion was seconded by Randy Spears. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item #14 – Judge’s Pay – A motion was made by George Sides to approve a raising City Judge, Steven Gravlee’s salary from $500.00 to $1,000.00. David Box seconded the motion. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item #15 – Park Director – Chris Edwards made a motion to temporarily stop paying Park Director, Rodney Smithers, until park activities resumed. Randy Spears seconded the motion. Voting: Yays – David Box, Norman Holt, Chris Edward, George Sides, Randy Spears, Gary Thomas, and Mayor Randy Stephens. Nays – Hezikiah Walker, Jr. Motion Carried.
Item #16 – Personnel Policy – Mayor Randy Stephens gave all council members copies of the updated Personnel Policy for them to review for corrections and approval. No action required at this time.
Item #17 – Driving School Costs – Norman Holt made a motion to raise Driving School Costs from $105.00 to $150.00. David Box seconded the motion. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item #18 – Christmas Decorations – George Sides made a motion to authorize the Christmas Decorations Committee led by Hezikiah Walker, Jr. a budget of $5,000.00 to spend for the Christmas Decorations. The motion was seconded by Norman Holt. All in favor and the motion was carried.
Item #19 – Fire Department Position – Norman Holt made a motion to approve the hire of Jerry Gosnell, a current volunteer firefighter, at $8.00 an hour to fill-in when regular firefighters are absent. Motion was seconded by Gary Thomas. All in favor and the motion carried.
Item #20 – Bids for Dodge Charger – There were no bids on the Dodge Charger. Chris Edwards made a motion to lower the opening bid to $9,000.00 with bids accepted through August 26, 2021. Motion was seconded by Randy Spears. All in favor the motion carried.
Chris Edwards made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Randy Spears. All in favor and the meeting was adjourned.