Regular Session Minutes of the Council of the City of Dora, Alabama

May 27, 2021

The Council of the City of Dora, Alabama met in the Dora Municipal Building at 7:00 p.m. We were led in prayer by Mayor Stephens. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Stephens.            

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Stephens.  Roll call was taken by SuLeigh Warren.

Present at the meeting were David Box, Norman Holt, Chris Edwards, George Sides, Gary Thomas, Hezikiah Walker, Jr., and Mayor Randy Stephens.  Randy Spears was absent.  A quorum was in attendance.

Item #5— Approval of the Minutes – The minutes of the May 13, 2021 regular meeting minutes were reviewed. A motion was made by Norman Holt to accept the minutes as written. The motion was seconded by David Box.  All in favor and the motion was carried. 

Item #6— Bill List – A motion was made by Norman Holt to approve the bill lists for May 25, 2021 and May 27, 2021. The motion was seconded by Gary Thomas.  All in favor and the motion was carried. All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #7 – Fire Department Request – A motion was made by George Sides to approve the purchase for the Fire Department of a Hurricane Gas powered PPV fan from Central Alabama Training Solutions (CATS) in the amount of $1,675.00 and a Res-Q-Jack also from CATS in the amount of $3,599.00.  Norman Holt seconded the motion.  All in favor and the motion was carried. 

Item #8 – Recreational Trails Program (RTP) – A motion was made by George Sides to accept the Recreational Trails Program grant money ($268,755.00) from ADECA (Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs) for lighting on the Horse Creek Golf Walking Trail.  Norman Holt seconded the motion. All in favor except for Hezikiah Walker, Jr., who abstained.  The motion carried.

Item #9 – Dollar General #7036 – A motion was made by Chris Edwards to approve alcohol license for Dollar General #7036.  David Box seconded the motion.  

Roll Call Vote: David Box – Yes; Norman Holt – Yes; Chris Edwards – Yes; George Sides – Yes; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker, Jr. – Yes; and Mayor Randy Stephens – Yes.

The motion carried.

Chris Edwards made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was seconded by David Box.  All in favor and meeting was adjourned.  

Regular Session Minutes of the Council of the City of Dora, Alabama

May 13, 2021

The Council of the City of Dora, Alabama met in the Dora Municipal Building at 6:00 pm.   We were led in prayer by Hezikiah Walker, Jr.   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, Randy Spears, Gary Thomas, Hezikiah Walker, Jr., and Mayor Randy Stephens.   George Sides, Jr., was absent.

A quorum was in attendance. 

Item #5— Approval of the Minutes – The minutes of the April 22, 2021 and the minutes of the Special Called Meeting on April 29, 2021 were reviewed.    A motion was made by Chris Edwards to accept the minutes of the April 22, 2021 regular meeting and the April 29, 2021 Special Called Meeting as written.  The motion was seconded by Gary Thomas.  All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #6— Bill List – A motion was made by Gary Thomas to approve the bill lists for 

May 6, 2021 and May 11, 2021.  The motion was seconded by Randy Spears.  All in favor and the motion was carried. 

Item #7— Department Reports – A motion was made by Norman Holt to approve the department reports A-G for April 2021.  David Box seconded the motion.  All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #8 – Old Business – Land Acquisition and Youth Football –

A. Update Land Acquisition – Mayor Stephens informed the council that the closing for the purchase the Charles and Joyce Keel property in the amount of $75,000.00 is schedule for Tuesday, May 18, 2021.  Estimated closing costs is $750.00.

B.  Youth Football Program – Mayor Stephens re-opened the discussion on combining the Dora and Sumiton Parks’ Recreational Football program.  Mayor Stephens called on Park Director, Rodney Smithers and Dora Park football coach, A.J. Pruitt to discuss their thoughts about this merger.  Each discussed positive and negatives.  Mr. Smithers stated he has talked with the parents and they want to continue with a Dora team.  Chris Edwards made a motion to keep the Dora program.  The motion was seconded by Randy Spears.  Roll Call Vote:  David Box – Yes; Norman Holt – No; Chris Edwards – Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker Jr. – No; and Mayor Stephens – Yes.  Motion Carried.  5- Yes; 2- No.

Item #9 – Gutters – Mayor Stephens presented a quote in the amount of $1,802.71 from Creative Aluminum to install new 6-inch gutters at the City Hall.  A motion was made by Randy Spears to approve the bid from Creative Aluminum in the amount of $1,802.71 to install gutters at City Hall.  Norman Holt seconded the motion.  All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #10 – Alcohol License – Mayor Stephens informed the council that the new Dollar General has applied for a license to sell alcohol.  City Clerk, SuLeigh Warren said that all required documentation has been submitted.  The legal ad will be run twice in the Mountain Eagle for public comment.  The council will vote yes or no on this issue at next scheduled meeting.

Item #11 – Golf Carts – Mayor Stephens stated that the current golf carts will be 5 years old this fall.  With the record-breaking activity over the past year at the golf course with no anticipated slow-down, there is a need to purchase new golf carts.  Two bids to purchase new golf carts were presented. Club Car submitted a bid in the amount of $4,064.36 per golf cart with Lithium Batteries. This includes a $2,800 credit for the trade-in of old carts with a 5-year full warranty.  The total cost will be $292,633.92 (72 carts). The other bid was from E-Z-Go in the amount of $4,725.00 for each Lithium Battery cart, which includes a trade-in credit in the amount of $1,750.00. Total Cost is $340,200.00 (72 carts).  Randy Spears made the motion to approve the purchase from Club Car in the amount of $292,633.92.  The motion was seconded by Norman Holt.  All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #12 – Executive Session – Mayor Stephens requested an Executive Session to discuss pending legal matters.  Chris Edwards made a motion to go into Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Randy Spears.  Roll Call Vote:  David Box – Yes; Norman Holt – Yes; Chris Edwards – Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker, Jr. – Yes; Mayor Randy Stephens – Yes.  All in favor and the motion carried.  

Randy Spears made a motion to return to regular session.  Norman Holt seconded the motion.  All in favor and the motion carried.

The council returned to open meeting.

Gary Thomas made a motion that he thought it was in the best interest of both entities and the citizens of Dora to settle the 2018 lawsuit out of court. The motion was seconded by Norman Holt.  Randy Spears and Chris Edwards stated for the record that although they are now on the Board of Directors of the Dora Utilities, they were not on that board when Dora Utilities filed the lawsuit against the City of Dora. Roll Call Vote:  David Box – Yes; Norman Holt – Yes; Chris Edwards – Abstain; Randy Spears – Abstain; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker, Jr. – Yes; Mayor Stephens – Yes.  Motion carried. 

A motion was made by Gary Thomas to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Chris Edwards.  Meeting adjourned.  

Special Called Meeting Minutes of the Council of the City of Dora, Alabama

April 29, 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 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 Chief Jared Hall.  Present at the meeting were David Box, Chris Edwards, Randy Spears, Gary Thomas, Hezikiah Walker, Jr, and Mayor Stephens. Absent from the meeting were Norman Holt and George Sides.  A quorum was in attendance.  

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss possible land acquisition.

Mayor Stephens reported to the council that the property belonging to the heirs of Charles and Joyce Keel, adjacent to city lake, was about to be listed for sale at a price of $79,000.00. 

Mayor Stephens suggested the city make a formal offer of $75,000.  Randy Spears made a motion to allow Mayor Stephens to offer $75,000, plus buyer’s portion of closing costs, and sign all contracts accordingly.  Roll call vote was taken: David Box – Yes, Chris Edwards – Yes, Hezikiah Walker, Jr. – Yes, Gary Thomas – Yes, Mayor Stephens, – Yes. All in favor and the motion carried.

Randy Spears made a motion to adjourn the meeting.   David Box seconded the motion.  All in favor and the meeting was adjourned.

Regular Session Minutes of the Dora City Council – City of Dora, Alabama

April 22, 2021

The Council of the City of Dora, Alabama met in the Dora Municipal Building at 7:00 pm. We were led in prayer by Gary Thomas. 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, Chris Edwards, Randy Spears, George Sides, Gary Thomas, Hezikiah Walker, Jr., and Mayor Randy Stephens. Norman Holt was absent

A quorum was in attendance.

Item #5— Approval of the Minutes – The minutes of the April 8, 2021 meeting were reviewed. A motion was made by Chris Edwards to accept the minutes of the April 8, 2021 meeting as written. The motion was seconded by David Box. All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #7— Old Business – Expense Account for Mayor/ Update on Fencing, Lighting,
and Commerce Bridge – Mayor Stephens called the League of Municipalities’ Legal Department about having an expense account for the Mayor. He was informed that an expense account is not allowed because it will be considered changing the pay package and this cannot be done in the middle of a term. However, it is acceptable for the mayor to be reimbursed for actual expenses. Other old business – The lights and fencing have been installed at the Park. Commerce Bridge should be finished sometime next week.

Item #6— Bill List – A motion was made by Randy Spears to approve the bill list for
April 20, 2021. The motion was seconded by George Sides, Jr. All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #8 – Resolution #4 2021 – Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday – A motion was made by Randy Spears to approve Resolution # 4 2021 – Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday. Gary Thomas seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: David Box – Yes; Chris Edwards – Yes; George Sides – Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker, Jr. – Yes; and Mayor Stephens – Yes. All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #9 –Rip Rap for Commerce Street Bridge – Chris Edwards made a motion to approve spending an extra $5,000.00 above the contract of thenew Commerce Street Bridge to purchase extra rock. Motion was seconded by Gary Thomas. All in favor except for George Sides who abstained because he owns property in this area. Motion carried.

Item #10 – Glover Road Trash Pick-up – Williams and Callabrese – The city has provided garbage service to Glover Road for many years. Recently, it was determined that Glover Road is a private drive and not a city road. The City is not allowed to provide garbage service on private drives, but they may bring their garbage to the end of the road for pick-up. Council Members discussed how this issue will be handled going forward. The decision was tabled until next council meeting. No action taken.

Item #11 – Coach Chavis Williams Proposal – Coach Chavis Williams spoke to the council and those attending the meeting to discuss combining the Dora and Sumiton Parks’ Recreational Football program. Mr. Williams explained his goals are to develop children to play football and to teach fundamentals so that the players will be ready for high school football. After much discussion a vote of the council was tabled. Mr. Williams will schedule a meeting with the children’s parents to obtain their input. No action taken.

Gary Thomas made the motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Randy Spears. All in favor and meeting was adjourned.

Regular Session Minutes of the Council of the City of Dora, Alabama

April 8, 2021

The Council of the City of Dora, Alabama met in the Dora Municipal Building at 7:00 pm.   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, Randy Spears, Gary Thomas, Hezikiah Walker, Jr., and Mayor Randy Stephens.   Councilmember, George Sides was absent.  A quorum was in attendance. 

Item #5— Approval of the Minutes – The minutes of the March 11, 2021 were reviewed.    A motion was made by Gary Thomas to accept the minutes of the March 11, 2021 as written.  The motion was seconded by Norman Holt.  All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #6— Bill List – A motion was made by Randy Spears to approve the bill list for 

April 8, 2021 as submitted.  The motion was seconded by David Box.    All in favor and the motion was carried. 

Item #7— Department Reports – A motion was made by Randy Spears to approve the department reports A-G for March 2021.  Gary Thomas seconded the motion.  All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #8 – CDBG Grant Discussion – Kevin Kessler, grant writer from Community Consultants in Huntsville, spoke with the council and discussed options available for the

2021 Community Development Block Grant.  No Action Taken.

Item #9 – ARC Grant Discussion – Kevin Kessler discussed with the council an additional grant, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).  He reviewed the grant ceiling and match requirements.  No Action Taken.

Item #10 – Resolution #3-2021 – Mitigation Resolution – Approving and Adopting the Northwest Alabama Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan – Chris Edwards made a motion to approve Resolution #3-2021 – Mitigation Resolution.  The motion was seconded by Randy Spears. Roll Call Vote:  David Box – Yes; Norman Holt – Yes; Chris Edwards – Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker, Jr. – Yes; George Sides – Absent. All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #11 – Fence Project – Randy Spears made the motion to approve the estimate from Jasper Fence Company in the amount of $10,900 for fence to be placed around sewer pumping stations at Horsecreek and Commerce, Sharon Boulevard and Railroad Avenue, Sharon Boulevard between Armory and AT&T Building, and Washington City Road.  Norman Holt seconded the motion.  All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #12 – James Kelley Proclamation – Outstanding Lifetime Achievement – Mayor Randy Stephens read the Proclamation recognizing James Kelley.  Norman Holt made the motion to approve Proclamation recognizing James Kelley For Outstanding Lifetime Achievement.  The motion was seconded by Gary Thomas. All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #13 – Fire Department Lights – Bays – Randy Spears made a motion to approve the purchase of LED Lights in the amount of $2,484.00 to be installed at Fire Department.  Chris Edwards seconded the motion.  All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #14 – Mayor’s Request – Mobile App – Chris Edwards made a motion to reimburse Mayor Randy Stephens $108.00 for the purchase of GPS – GIS Map application for his phone.  The motion was seconded by Norman Holt.  All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #15 – Animal Control Supplies – Randy Spears made a motion to approve the purchase of a net gun kit and two traps in the amount of $1,579.99 to be used for Animal Control.  The motion was seconded by David Box.  All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #16 – Police Officer Pay Package – Mayor Randy Stephens proposed a new pay package for the police officers.  New Rates: New Academy Graduates – $15.00 per hour; 1 year experience – $15.50 per hour; 2-4 years’ experience – $16.00 per hour; and 4-6 years’ experience – $16.50 per hour.  Also, once an officer reaches $16.50 per hour, the officer will receive a $0.25 per hour raise annually upon the anniversary of last step increase.  The maximum rate is $18.00 per hour.  While in the police academy Cadets will be paid $11.00 per hour.  Part-time officers will be paid according to the scale with no additional benefit.  Salary Paid supervisors, Chief and Sergeant, will receive an equivalent raise of $1.00 per hour, $2,080.00 a year.  Randy Spears made a motion to approve the Police Officer Pay Package.  The motion was seconded by David Box.  All in favor and the motion was carried.

A motion was made by Randy Spears to adjourn the meeting.   The motion was seconded by Norman Holt.  All in favor and meeting was adjourned.