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

September 9, 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, George Sides, Gary Thomas, Hezikiah Walker, Jr., and Mayor Randy Stephens.

A quorum was in attendance.

Item #5- Approval of the Minutes – The minutes of the August 26, 2021 and the minutes of the Workshop Session on September 7, 2021 were reviewed. A motion was made by George Sides to accept the minutes of the August 26, 2021 regular meeting and the September 7, 2021 Workshop Session as written. The motion was seconded by Gary Thomas. All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #6 – Old Business – Spraying Weeds and Commerce Bridge – Hezikiah Walker gave an update on the status of obtaining a price for the herbicide. Mayor Stephens informed the council that the Commerce Bridge project is finished and completely paid off.

Item #7- Bill List – A motion was made by Chris Edwards to approve the bill lists for September 9, 2021. The motion was seconded by Gary Thomas. All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #8- Department Reports – A motion was made by Chris Edwards to approve the department reports A-G for May 2021. Gary Thomas seconded the motion. All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #9 – Resolution #7-2021 -Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Gant – George Sides made a motion to approve Resolution #7-2021 Appalachian Regional Commission
(ARC) Grant. The motion was seconded by Chris Edwards. Roll Call Vote: David Box – Yes; Norman Holt -Yes; Chris Edwards – Yes; George Sides, Jr. -Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas- Yes; Hezikiah Walker, Jr- Yes; and, Mayor Randy Stephens- Yes. All in favor and the motion carried. Yes – 8.

Item #10 – Resolution 8-2021 – City of Dora Personnel Policy – Randy Spears made a motion to suspend the rules and allow immediate consideration to adopt Resolution #8-2021. The motion was seconded by David Box. Roll Call Vote: David Box – Yes; Norman Holt – Yes; Chris Edwards – Yes; George Sides, Jr. -Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker, Jr- Yes; and, Mayor Randy Stephens – Yes. All in favor and the motion carried. Yes – 8.

Randy Spears made a motion to approve Resolution #8-2021 and to amend the policy by adding that the Police Chief can give an employee permission to carry a concealed firearm during work hours. Motion was seconded by David Box. Roll Call Vote: David Box – Yes; Norman Holt -Yes; Chris Edwards – Yes; George Sides, Jr. -Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker, Jr – Yes; and, Mayor Randy Stephens – Yes. All in favor and the motion carried. Yes – 8.

Item #11 – Roadside Dangerous Trees – Randy Spears made a motion to approve up to
$2,500.00 to remove 3 Dangerous Trees in the city limits (Morgan-Burnwell Road, Doliska Road, and Sharon Boulevard by the Post Office). Chris Edwards seconded the motion. All in favor and the motion was approved.

Item #12 – Surplus Building- Forgotten Tails -Norman Holt made a motion to give a metal building currently located on the Keel Property to Forgotten Trails Rescue who is helping the city with the Dog Ordinance. Randy Spears seconded the motion. All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #13 Police Car Bids – Chris Edwards made a motion to approve the $12,000.00 bid from Phillip O’Neil for the 2015 Surplus Police Car. The motion was seconded by Randy Spears. All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #14 – Golf Course Loan Payment – Randy Spears made a motion to take $200,000.00 from Golf Course Account and make a lump sum payment towards principal of loan on Golf Course Clubhouse. Gary Thomas seconded the motion. All in favor and the motion carried.

Chris Edwards made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Randy Spears seconded the motion. All in favor and the meeting adjourned.

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

September 7, 2021

The Council of the City of Dora, Alabama met in the Dora Municipal Building at
7:00 p.m.

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

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Personnel Policy. A few minutes were spent to discuss the herbicide project.

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

August 26, 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 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 Jared Hall. Present at the meeting were Norman Holt, George Sides, Randy Spears, Gary Thomas, Hezikiah Walker, Jr., and Mayor Randy Stephens. Councilmembers, David Box and Chris Edwards were absent. A quorum was in attendance.

Item #5- Approval of the Minutes – The minutes of the August 12, 2021 were reviewed. A motion was made by George Sides to accept the minutes of the August 12, 2021 as written. The motion was seconded by Hezikiah Walker. All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #6 – Old Business – Spraying Weeds – Hezikiah Walker made the motion to obtain a firm estimate of the cost to spray weeds on specified roads. The motion was seconded by Norman Holt. Roll Call Vote: Norman Holt – Yes; George Sides – Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas- Yes; Hezikiah Walker- Yes; and Mayor Stephens – No. Motion Carried- 5 – Yes and 1-No.

Item #7- Bill List – A motion was made by Randy Spears to approve the bill lists for August 26, 2021 as submitted. Motion was seconded by Gary Thomas. All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #8 – Ordinance #1- 2021 – Canine Control – Randy Spears made a motion to suspend rules and allow immediate consideration to adopt Canine Control Ordinance # 1- The motion was seconded by Norman Holt. Roll Call Vote: Norman Holt – Yes; George Sides – Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker – Yes; and Mayor Stephens – Yes. All in favor and the motion carried. Yes – 6. All in favor and the motion carried.

A motion was made by Randy Spears to adopt Ordinance # 1-2021- Canine Control. Norman Holt seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Norman Holt: Yes; George Sides – Yes; Randy Spears – Yes; Gary Thomas – Yes; Hezikiah Walker – Yes; and Mayor Stephens – Yes. All in favor and the motion carried. Yes – 6.

Item #9 – Personnel Policy – Discussion regarding additional items to add to Personnel Policy and also to send to City Attorney to approve. Will discuss further at next meeting.
No Action Taken.

Item #10 – Golf Request – Mowing Around Lakes and Driving Range – We received a quote of $4,600.00 to cut around the lake and the driving range. Randy Spears made the motion to hire someone to cut around lake and the driving range for $4,600.00. Motion was seconded by Norman Holt. All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #11 – Golf Request – Tree Removal – A motion was made by Norman Holt to remove tree at golf course at a cost of up to $500.00. Gary Thomas seconded the motion. All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #12 – Keel Property – Mayor asked Council to visit the Keel property and make suggestions as to how the City should utilize this area.

Item #13 – Graves Property 1317 Sharon Boulevard – Property owners contacted the City to see ifwe were interested in buying the property at $139,900.00. Council not interested.

Item #14 – Renew City Sign at Dora High School – Norman Holt made a motion to renew sign at Dora High School in the amount of $150.00. The motion was seconded by Randy Spears. All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #15- Salary Adjustments – Magistrate, Lawanda Bradley and Street Superintendent, Jeremy Hicks – Randy Spears made the motion to approve a salary adjustment of$1 .35 per hour (new rate $19.25 an hour and annual rate of $40,040.00) for Magistrate, Lawanda Brandley. Norman Holt seconded the motion. All in favor and the motion carried.

A motion was made by Randy Spears to approve a salary adjustment of $0.89 per hour
(new rate of$19.25 an hour and annual rate of $40,040.00) for Jeremy Hicks. The motion was seconded by Gary Thomas. All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #16 – Adjourn -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.

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.

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

July 22, 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 Gary Thomas. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Pro-Tem,
Norman Holt.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro-Tem Norman Holt. Roll call was taken by
SuLeigh Warren. Present at the meeting were David Box, George Sides, Chris Edwards, Randy
Spears, Hezekiah Walker, and Gary Thomas and Mayor Pro-Tem Norman Holt. Mayor Randy Stephens was absent. A quorum was in attendance.

Item #5 – Approval of the Minutes – The minutes of the July 8, 2021 regular meeting minutes
were reviewed. A motion was made by Randy Spears to accept the minutes as written. The
motion was seconded by Hezikiah Walker. All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #6, Bill List – A motion was made by Gary Thomas to approve the bill list for July 22, 2021. Motion was seconded by Chris Edwards. All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #7 – Alabama League of Municipalities Dues – Chris Edwards made a motion to pay the
Alabama League Dues in the amount of $1.215.64. Randy Spears seconded the motion. All in
favor and the motion carried

Item #8 – Park and Rec – George Sides, Jr. made a motion to loan 30 of Dora’s football
helmets to the Sumiton Park and Rec provided they help pay for the reconditioning of the
helmets. The motion was seconded by Gary Thomas. All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #9 – Dodge Charger Bids – Police Chief updated the council on the removal of the decals
on the Dodge Charger. The decals were removed, and the vehicle will be ready for pick-up
tomorrow, Friday, July 22. Starting bids will remain at $10,000.00. At this time, no bids have
been submitted. No action required at this time,

Item #10 – Weeds on Roadway – Council discussed spraying weeds on secondary roads.
Councilman Hezikiah Walker stated he was doing research into herbicides. He is waiting to hear back from a company that does this work for the county. No action taken at this time.

Item #11 – Personnel Manual – Mayor Pro-Tem Norman Holt informed the council that Mayor
Stephens continues to update the City’s Personnel Manual. No action required.

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

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

July 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, Randy Spears, Hezekiah Walker, Jr., and Mayor Randy Stephens.   Absent from the meeting were Chris Edwards, George Sides, and Gary Thomas.  A quorum was in attendance. 

Item #5— Approval of the Minutes – The minutes of the June 24, 2021 meeting were reviewed.    A motion was made by Randy Spears to accept the minutes of the June 24, 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 

July 7, 2021.  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 June 2021.  Norman Holt seconded the motion.  All in favor and the motion was carried.

Item #8 –Open Bids – Dodge Charger – There were no bids submitted for the Dodge Charger.  Mayor Stephens said that an individual voiced interest in bidding for the Charger if the police decals were removed.  A motion was made by Randy Spears to spend the approved $125.00 and have the decals removed.  Norman Holt seconded the motion.  All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #9 – Sellers Road Project – A motion was made by Randy Spears to approve the proposal from Norris Paving in the amount of $13,000.00 to patch an area of Sellers Road.  The motion was seconded by Norman Holt.

Item #10 – City Website – A motion was made by Norman Holt to approve the transfer the billing and login information to the city and to pay Jeffery Winborne of the Daily Mountain Eagle $1000.00 to develop the page and $100.00 a month to manage the accounts.David Box seconded the motion.  All in favor and the motion carried.

Item #11 – Personnel Policy – Mayor Stephens discussed the need and plans to begin updating the city’s current personnel policy.  He presented proposed changes to city’s Time Off Polices (Jury Duty, Paid Time Off, FMLA, Bereavement Leave, and Holiday).  Mayor Stephens will be presenting additional updates in future council meetings. 

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