THE MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW HOPE, ALABAMA, HELD ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2016

Mayor Butch Taylor called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Mayor Taylor asked everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Butch Taylorgave the Invocation.

The following members were present for Roll Call:

Councilman Dowdy

Councilwoman Manley

Councilman Jones

Mayor Butch Taylor

Councilman Hill

Councilman Lemley

Kimberly Passalaqua, City Clerk, was present to keep the minutes.

The Council held a FY2017 Budget Public Hearing at 6:45pm prior to the meeting.

Councilman Hill requested the following addition to the agenda:

16. Concert

Councilman Lemleymade a motion to accept the agendawith the above addition. Councilman Jones seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Councilman Hillmade a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting held on August 15, 2016. Councilwoman Manleyseconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Councilman Jones made a motion to approve the minutes of the election canvassing meeting held on August 30, 2016. Councilman Lemley seconded the motion and it passed with 4 yea votes. Councilman Dowdy and Councilman Hill abstained.

Councilman Dowdy moved to approve Accounts Payable as presented. Councilman Jones seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Councilman Lemley moved to approve the three Water Department Expense Vouchers submitted for reimbursement. Councilman Hill seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Mayor Taylor Opened the floor for public comment regarding the property in violation of Ordinance 2016-390 – Public Nuisance, located at: 1586 Johnson Ave, New Hope Alabama. Shirley McKirley, New Hope Resident, asked for an explanation of the violation. Mayor Taylor explained. No further public comments were expressed. Councilman Hill moved to approve Resolution 413. Councilman Lemley seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Councilman Hill motioned that the Chevy C2500 truck, previously used for vector and weed control, be considered surplus and the Council accept sealed bids at the next meeting September 19th at 7:00pm. Councilman Lemley seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Mayor Taylor explained an engine was blown in one of the new Police vehicles. He suggested that Steven Smith attempt to internally swap the engine with the parts car the City has on the lot. Councilwoman Manley moved to approve the engine swap done internally by City staff. Councilman Dowdy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

After much discussion about bicycle safety and concern Councilman Hill moved to approve the Special Event Permit request for September 17th for a bike rally riding through New Hope; organized by the Spring City Cycle Club. Councilman Jones seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Councilman Jones moved to approve the 27th Annual Founders Day’s Special Event Permit request. Councilman Dowdy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The City Clerk request to attend the semi-annual Clerk’s Training Institute at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, October 26th-28th. Councilman Jones moved to approve the City Clerk’s training request. Councilwoman Manley seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Mayor Taylor made the following announcements:

  • Final Budget Public Hearing 6:45pm September 19th, the public is invited for input.
  • Music at the Gazebo, Tuesday at 6:00pm.
  • ALDOT TAP Grant specifications have been released, applications are due in January 2017 if the City is interested.
  • The City Attorney is working on an ordinance to regulate solicitors.

Mayor Taylor passed out a packet of a rough drawing of the build he is proposing for a new city hall facility. Numerous councilmembers and public made positive comments supporting the project idea.

Councilman Jonesmade a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05pm. Councilman Hillseconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

______ATTEST: ______

Butch Taylor, Mayor Kimberly Passalaqua, City Clerk