Council - Regular Meeting

on Tuesday.

5:30.

All right, it is 5:30. Thank you everybody for being here. We will run through our agenda in preparation for our 6 pm meeting. Um we will start the meeting with a proclamation for historical preservation month. Um then we'll have a recognition by the fire department. Um, then we'll have approval of minutes. Approve April 13th, 2026 5:00 p.m. council work session. Approve April 20th, 2026, 9:30 a.m. council work session. And approve April 20th, 2026, 10 a.m. council meeting. No changes. Any questions? All right, we will set public hearings. Ordinance number 264644. Approve reasoning request 1447 26 south of 4021 Saddle Horn Bin Southwest to residential single family. That will be for June 1st, 2026 at 6 p.m. And ordinance number 264645. Approve reasoning request 144826 intersection of Norris Mill and Bird Spring to residential single family RS5 for June 1st, 2026 at 6 p.m. And ordinance number 264646 approve reasoning request 144926 Southwest of 3405 Damble Road to residential single family RS7 for June 1st, 2026 at 6 p.m. No changes on any of those. Still good. Okay. Resolutions. Resolution number 26094 approve MUB yield reduction payment. No changes that I'm aware of. This this did pass by the board today. Um so the municipal utilities board did approve this at their meeting today. Resolution number 26095 approved special use permit for Verizon Wireless to install a temporary cellular facility at 3536 Gordon Terry Parkway for the upcoming Rock the South concert. Um no changes that I'm aware of. Resolution number 26096 approve ALDOT permit for removal and replacement of turnout into Wilson Morgan Park from Alabama 67.

No changes. Any questions? Resolution number 26097 approve all permit for landscaping after removal of Beltline frontage road from Sandler Road to Central Parkway. No changes. Any questions? All right. Resolution number 26098, award bid number 260003 to Hood Contracting for Bunny Lane Widening. No changes. Any questions? Resolution number 2699, approve traffic signal removals for the intersections of Fourth at Grant and Fourth at Johnson Street Southeast.

No changes. Any questions? All right. Resolution number 26100, award bid number 26016 to BCA for renovations at Kerry Matthews Recreation Center. No changes. Any questions? Resolution number 26101, approve budget amendment for the purchase of audio and video equipment for council chambers. No changes. Any questions? All right. Resolution number 26102 declare item surplus no longer needed by the city Decator Information Services Department. No changes. Any questions? Resolution number 26103 accept community foundation of greater Decator Decater Animal Services Advisory Board donation to animal services for Brick Memorial.

We do have one small thing to clarify. Um we are the above amount that was set aside the $2,58 um is going to be anything that's left unspent is going to be a charitable donation at this point. Okay. All right. Thank you. Resolution number 26104 apply for a safe street grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation. There's no changes. I will not be at the council meeting. So if there's any questions I could answer now, but this is just a a grant from AL to do but for lack of a better word Carl's here. He can help but it's okay.

If you have any questions that work there and saw Yeah. He can answer any question. Any question. That's right. All right. Thank you, Alan. Resolution number 26105 accept Alabama Department of Conservation grant for Highway 67 bike trail from Country Club Road to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Welcome Center. That's the same thing. I mean, one week deal with additional monies agreement. If we had one, this one will replace that one. This one is just for 1.5. The other one was for million. This one.

All right. Any questions for Allan on either one of those? All right. Resolution number 26106 approve Wilson Morgan Rec Center change order number eight. No changes.

No changes. Any questions? Resolution number 26107 approve proposal with DC Strategy Group LLC. No changes. Any questions? Resolution number 26108, approve purchase of Civic Plus software for the city clerk's office. No changes, any questions? Ordinances. Ordinance number 264643. Approve annual advalorum tax levy for FY2027. No changes. And again, this is not a tax increase. This is our annual requirement to uh to pass that. All right. Boards and committees appoint Kelly Terry to the Animal Services Board with term expiring October 31st, 2030.

No changes. All right. Anybody got anything else to add? All right. We'll start at 6 PM. Thank you.

All right, it is 6 o'clock. We'll call the meeting to order. Dane Shaw will lead us in our invocation and pledge. Let us pray. Father, we are thankful for another day to be able to come make decisions for the city. We ask for your wisdom and your strength. We ask you give us your insight and your vision. We ask for your protection and your your um your goodness on every family here. and we give you all the glory and praise in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Dane. Roll call. Here

All right. Thank you everybody for being here. Up first is a proclamation by the mayor for historical preservation month.

Okay. Where is local history preservation is an effective tool for revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering local pride, and maintaining community character while enhancing availability. And whereas historical pre preservation is relevant for communities across the nation, both urban and rural, and for Americans of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic backgrounds. And whereas it is important to celebrate the role of history and the built environment in our lives and the contributions made by the dedicated individuals in helping to prover preserve the tangible aspects of the heritage that has shaped us as a people. Now therefore, I, Kent Lawrence, mayor of the city of Decar, Alabama, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as historical preservation month and call upon the people of Decar to join their fellow citizens across the United States in recognizing and participating in this special observance. would like to present this to a few people from the commission and

board. Ready, John? Wow. Thank you all. Thank you all very much. All right. At this time, we like to ask Chief Springer to come forward. He has got a recognition for Pastor Ted Amy and Decatur resident Aliyah Glenn. Chief.

Okay. Good evening, Mayor and Council. On Tuesday, March the 31st, just before 8:00 a.m., Decator Fire Units responded to reported apartment fire in the 1500 block of 16th Avenue Southeast. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the structure. Our firefighters worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents while bringing the fire under control. Eight department units sustained significant damage, displacing 13 residents. Thankfully, no one was injured. Community support is vital during times like this and tonight we recognize two individuals who impa whose impact on those affected was truly significant. During this incident while driving to work, Leah Glenn observed smoke and fire coming from the apartment complex. Without hesitation, she went door to door to alert residents and assisted one family in carrying their small children out of the building as it filled with smoke. Her actions demonstrated quick thinking, immediate response, and exceptional courage. On behalf of the city of Decatur and Decatur Fire and Rescue, we are proud to present her with this significant, excuse me, with this certificate of recognition and gratitude for her bravery and selfless actions during this incident. Thank you very much for your courage that day. I'd just like to say citizens like you is what makes Decator such a great community. Thank you so much.

As the situation unfolded and the needs of displaced families became clear, Ted, Amy, and the church at Stone River responded swiftly. Within an hour, the church opened its doors and members gathered to provide shelter, food, and support to those affected. Their compassion, generosity, and commitment to serving others were in a full force and truly commendable. On behalf of the city of Decatur and Decatur Fire and Rescue, we are honored to present you with this certificate of recognition and gratitude for your outstanding support and service during this incident. Mr. Ted a church with me.

Yes, sir. Thank you. Just one more quick thing I want to say about Pastor Ted. I saw Ted at uh Publix just shortly after I was born in this position and he hollered at me down the aisle and he said uh congratulated me said the church was praying for our city and for our department and he went on to say just know whatever the question is whatever your needs are the answer is yes and uh they held true that day and we appreciate that.

Thank you. Thank you chief um thank you pastor Amy and Aliyah as well. I think the mayor said it. There's a lot of special people in Decator and it's always uh important to recognize that we get an opportunity. So appreciate what y'all did on what for me was probably their worst day. Um y'all were there and stepped in. We thank y'all for that and it it was a horrible day for the people that lived there, but there was so much love shown that day. It's just really important. We appreciate that very much.

Thank y'all. We will now move into our agenda. The approval of minutes. Uh we'll take these as one if that is okay. Um, approve April 13th, 2026, 5:00 p.m. council work session. Approve April 20th, 2026, 9:30 a.m. council work session and approve April 20th, 2026 10 a.m. council meeting. Have a motion by Mr. Atkins. Second by Mr. Bullard. Any discussion? Roll call. I.

All right. The amendments are approved with a vote of four to zero. Set public hearings. Ordinance number 264644. Approve reszoning request 144726 south of 4021 Saddle Horn Bin Southwest to residential single family RS5 for June 1st, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. This was said in that public hearing. Um, up next is ordinance number 264645. Approve resoning requests 1448-26 intersection of Norris Mill and Bird Spring to residential single family RS5 for June 1st, 2026 6 p.m. And ordinance number 264646. Approve reasoning request 144926 Southwest of 3405 Damble Road to residential single family RS7 for June 1st, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Moving into resolutions. Resolution number 26094 approve m municipal utility board yield reduction payment. Um we have heard this if you want to just kind of give everybody uh exactly what this is and I know you covered it last week but just a quick rundown for those that are here.

Sure. This is a good evening council mayor. Uh this is just related to uh Decatur utility series 2021A uh non-T taxable bonds. Um it's essentially uh the time that we took on the debt uh interest rates were significantly lower than what they are now and uh because of the yield that the underlying investments have earned for these bonds to remain non-t taxable. This represents a yield reduction payment to the to the IRS. Okay. And we ask for your consideration for approval. And this was approved today by the municipal utilities board. Have a motion by Mr. Atkins. Second. Second by Miss Worler. Any discussion? Roll call.

I I Atkins I I All right. Resolution number 26094 is approved with a vote of 4 to zero. Resolution number 26095 approves special use permit for Verizon Wireless to install a temporary cellular facility at 3536 Gordon Terry Parkway for the upcoming Rock the South concert.

How you doing? Good evening. My name is Jeff Bass. I'm with CMS. We uh we received the application and this is for a special use permit for Verizon to uh basically install one of the cellular cows. It's basically just a temporary uh telecommunications tower that they bring in on wheels. Has a generator and it just boosts that signal for the time being. Uh they're proposing to install it May the 29th and it will be pulled out on June the 26. We've reviewed this application. It is our recommendation for approval. Okay. So moved. We have a motion by Miss Worler. Second. Second by Mr. Bullard. Any discussion? Roll call. I I

All right. Resolution number 26095 is approve of the vote of 4 to zero. Resolution number 26096 approve ALDOT permit for removal and replacement of turnout into Wilson Morgan Park from Alabama 67. Yeah, this is a part of a project we're doing to um eliminate the crossover there and add some turn lanes into the park. Okay. So, we have a motion by Mr. Atkins. Second. Second by Miss Worler. Any discussion? Roll call. I I Atkins, I

All right. Resolution number 26096 is approve of the vote of four to zero. Resolution number 26097 approve ALDOT permit for landscaping after removal of beltline frontage roads from Sandland Road to Central Parkway. This is a permit to remove the frontage road between Sandland and the entrance to the park or Central Parkway. Okay. So move a motion by Miss Worler. Second. Second by Mr. Atkins. Any discussion? Roll call. Iler

I. Resolution number 26097 is approved with a vote of 4 to zero. Resolution number 26098 award bid number 26003 to Hood Contracting for Bunny Lane widening. Yeah, we open bids for our budding lane improvements. We had two respondents and Hood Contractor was the low bidder and we recommend awarding the bid to them. Okay, so moved. Have a motion by Miss Worler. Second. Second by Mr. Atkins. Any discussion? Roll call. I I

resolution number 26098 is approve with a vote of 4 to zero. Resolution number 26099 approve traffic signal removals for the intersections of fourth at Grant and Fourth at Johnson Street Southeast. Yeah, this is for uh price for Temple to do their work so we can remove the signals at those two intersections. Okay. And the signals are being removed because you did a Let's get a motion in a second. I'm sorry. You're good. So moved. Have a motion by Miss Worler. Second. Second by Mr. Bullard. Discussion. Okay. So these are being removed because you did a study and determined that the the rate of traffic flow through there was not

correct. A traffic study was completed determined that the traffic signals aren't warranted. So we're going to pull them down and replace it with four-way stop sign. Yeah. This actually came as a request from multiple uh businesses in the area. I've had a lot of positive comments um about it specifically in the last week. We had Morell Engineering look at it and do the study and they provided the outcome and engineering concurred with that. Yes. All right. Any other discussion? Roll call.

I resolution number 26099 is approved with a vote of 4 to 0. Resolution number 261000, award bid number 2616 to BCA for renovations at Kerry Matthews Recreation Center. Good evening, council, mayor. Um, we opened a bid on Carrie Matthews for the renovation of that facility. Uh, BCA was the lowest responsible bidder and we are recommending to award this bid to BCA uh so they can begin work on Carrie Matthews. We have a motion by Mr. Atkins. Second. Second by Miss Worler. Any discussion? What is the estimated time of completion? 150 days. Does that sound right? That was

sounds good to me. That is the that is the current estimate. Okay. And that bid was at 1.86. Um we set aside I think in October 2 and a half. So we've used a little bit of that, but um we do have the budget. Um this is our already budgeted item. It's been a long time coming. Um, I think 2019 is really when this this started. So, I think there'll be a lot of people glad to see this tonight.

Yeah, I'm excited about the project. Um, I think everybody in here is is very excited. I know the community is going to greatly appreciate this upgrade and I also appreciate Brandon from BCA uh being here to support this tonight. All right, any other discussion? Roll call. I I resolution number 2610 is approved with a vote of 4 to zero. Resolution number 26101 approved budget amendment for the purchase of audio and video equipment for council chambers. Uh good evening council. This resolution is as it reads. It's to upgrade some of the audio and video equipment uh with the vendor SA Media Group. So move a motion by Miss Worler.

Second. Second by Mr. Bullard. Any discussion? This is just part of some ongoing upgrades um to the council chambers. I think the AV upgrades um will be well received especially as we work through cast this and some additional Yes, sir. primarily help our uh video um feed or have better audio for that. All right. Any other discussion? Roll call. I Atkins I All right. Resolution number 26101 is approve of a vote of 4 to zero. Resolution number 26102 declare item surplus no longer needed by the city of Decatur information services department.

Yeah, this is just a surplus resolution. So passing this resolution will allow us to take some of these is um items and um in this case recycle. We have a motion by Mr. Atkins. Second. Second by Miss Worler. Any discussion? Roll call. I I

resolution number 26102 is approve of the vote of 4 to zero. Resolution number 26103 accept community foundation of greater Decator Decator Animal Services Advisory Board donation to animal services for the brick memorial. Yes. This is a resolution for the city to accept a check on behalf of the uh community foundation of greater Decar to uh to erect a project on our front lawn that will be a brick memorial project that will allow um citizens of Decar to um donate purchase a brick so that they can remember an animal or something to that effect. U so it'll be a nice aesthetic for our facility but also be a nice um be something nice for our citizens to be able to uh to to participate and do. So move. We

have a motion by Miss Worler. Second, second by Mr. Atkins. Any discussion? Roll call. I I

All right. Resolution number 26103 is approved with a vote of 4 to 0. Resolution number 26104 apply for a safe street grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation. Yes, this is a we looked with Kimley Horn to do a safety plan for the city of Decatur. So, basically this is um to apply for a grant for the safety plan which if we get the plan done uh then we can have some monies that where we can apply for more grants to help fix the problems they find with that plan. And this is that first step. Okay, move a motion by Mr. Atkins. Second.

Second by Mr. Bullard. Any discussion? Kimley Horn was also contracted with ALDOT um on some really on the whole 6th Avenue. Correct. 31 and 67 at intersection. So it's a good fit. All right. Any other discussion? Roll call. I resolution number 26104 is approve with the vote of four to zero. Resolution number 26105 accept Alabama Department of Conservation grant for Highway 67 bike trail from Country Club Road to Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Welcome Center. Um this is we had done this in the past. This is an additional 500,000. So previously we did it for a million. This is now 1.5.

It would be two payments of 500,000 this year and then you'll split up 125,000 times four. So I think 1.5. Yep. So move. We have a motion by Miss Worler. Second. Second by Mr. Atkins. Any discussion? Roll call. I I I. Resolution number 26105 is approved with a vote of 4 to zero. Resolution number 26106 approve Wilson Morgan Rec Center change order number eight.

Uh this is another change order at the rec center that gives us back a small credit. Uh there's a few changes in there, but uh nothing um that is really out of the ordinary, but if there's any questions about anything in there, be happy to talk through it. So move. A motion by Mr. Atkins. Second. Second by Mr. Bullard. Any discussion? Roll call. I Atkins I

resolution number 26106 is approve of the vote of 4 to 0. Resolution number 26107 approved proposal with DC Strategy Group LLC. Um this is for Dan Coutril um who is a lobbyist for us in DC. Um he has left his previous firm and has started DC strategy group. Um this is essentially the same agreement we had previously um with him through Maynard. Um I think that's all Herman is that right? So moved. We have a motion by Miss Worler. Second.

Second by Mr. Bullard. Any discussion? I would just like to say I've enjoyed um working with Dne. He's been very helpful um in many different uh ways since we've worked with him in the past term and into this new administration. So, I will support this and I'm in contact with him probably weekly. So, he is doing a lot for the city. Any other discussion? Roll call. I Hkins I I All right. Resolution number 26107 is approve with a vote of 4 to zero. Resolution number 26108 approve purchase of Civic Plus software for the city clerk's office.

Good evening. Uh as discussed last last week uh this software is for the city clerk's office. It will all the software will fall under one company instead of two separate companies. It's for the agendas, minutes, as well as the request for information. Okay. So, move have a motion by Mr. Atkins. Second. Second by Mr. Bullard. Any discussion? I would just like to say it's a I think this another step in the right direction when it comes to software. These things are always changing. Um, but we put a lot of money in software. Um, just another upgrade to allow for easier accessibility and use both internally and externally for our citizens. Any other discussion?

Roll call. I I All right. Resolution number 26108 is approved with a vote of 4 to zero. Ordinances ordinance number 2646433 approve annual advalorum tax levy for fiscal year 2027. Herman. All right. Basically, state law requires in May of each year that you reaffirm your tax levy or your adorable tax and that's what this is doing. There's no increase in our tax levy for advoral. We've said that for many weeks now but just for one more. All right. Thank you, Herman. We have a motion by Mr. Atkins.

Second. Second by Miss Worler. Any discussion? Again, no new tax increase. Roll call. I I Ordinance number 264643 is approved with a vote of 4 to zero. Boards and committees appoint Kelly Terry to the animal services board with term expiring October 31st, 2030. So move. We have a motion by Miss Worler. Second. Second by Mr. Atkins. Any discussion? Just Kelly is an animal lover. So, need I say more? All right. Roll call. I I

All right. The appointment of Kelly Terry to the animal services board is approved with a vote of 4 to0. Um the next council work session will be held on May 11th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The next regular council meeting will be held May 18th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Um at this point, I will turn it over to Herman Marx. Um, well, the mayor's got one item before we go.

Let us have a thank you letter I'd like to read. On behalf of Bridgeel Life Incorporated, I'm writing to say thanks to you and the city of Decar for donating a vehicle to our re-entry and rehabilitation program. This vehicle will assist us in getting our clients to and from work, doctor's visits, drug treatment centers, and probation officer visits. We appreciate you for believing in us to provide a service to make Decar a safe and productive place for all citizens. Thanks again for assisting us bridging the gap by restoring lives and reclaiming dignity. Best regards, Darius Clayton.

Thank you, mayor. Now, Herman, um speak on executive session. We would uh like move or ask y'all to move to go into executive session to discuss a property interest that the city has and give you an update and clarification. Of course, you would not make any decision, but we need to update you so you will know exactly where where we are with it as far as the proposal. Uh then I would ask that of course that you announce that once that's completed that you are injured you're not in other words you're not coming back to f further any more parts of this meeting. Okay. So once you meet and it's any it's you adjourn.

So I'd like to ask for a motion to go into executive session and we will not reconvene at the adjournment of executive session. So moved. We have a motion by Miss Worler. Second. Second by Mr. Bullard. Any discussion? Roll call. I I All right. The motion to move into executive session is approve with a vote of four to zero. Thank you all for being here this evening.