Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting - February 9, 2023

The Huntsville City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. Mayor Tommy Battle was absent recovering from surgery; City Administrator John Hamilton presided over recognitions. The meeting covered a public transit improvement plan, land acquisitions for a recreation center and a park, electric vehicle chargers, and several administrative items. Most votes were unanimous except one personnel hearing postponement (3-1).

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda and minutes of January 26, 2023.
• Mayor's Special Recognitions: Life Saving Medal awarded to Officer Balando Valander for rescuing a driver from a burning vehicle; Resolution No. 23-76 recognizing the 200th Anniversary of Huntsville Utilities Water Works (the oldest public water system west of the Appalachians).
• Council Special Recognitions: Presentation recognizing Turkmenistan diplomats visiting through the Open World program.
• Finance Committee Report: Resolution No. 23-79 authorizing expenditures for payment in the amount of $19,364,678.91.
• Board Appointments: Keith Buckman to Beautification Board (Place 3, term exp. Sept. 30, 2024); Dr. Annie Saylor to Wellstone, Inc. (Place 11, term exp. April 1, 2027).
• Board Nomination: Celia Wettstein to Beautification Board (Place 15, term exp. Sept. 30, 2023), referred to next meeting.
• Legal Department: Four ordinances vacating utility and drainage easements (Taylor Subdivision, McJohn Industrial Park, Lantern Pointe, MidCity Subdivision).
• Unfinished Business: Ordinance amending Commercial Collection Practice (Chapter 22, Solid Waste) to clarify the Public Works Director's discretion; Ordinance amending Personnel Policies (Section 22.4 and 22.13) to remove obsolete language and authorize an annual employee appreciation event.
• New Business Items (20A-C, 20G-W): Approved en masse, including travel expenses, donations, bid awards, cooperative agreements (APHIS, US Marshals), CDBG-CV modification, special employee agreements, park naming (Michelle McMullen Park at Lowe Mill), budget ordinance amendments, and several workers' compensation settlements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Second Roster Public Comments:
  • Frank Matthews (Birmingham): Expressed anger over the death of his cousin Christina Nance in a police van; called for legislation changes requiring accountability for police and politicians, referencing the Council member's arrest.
  • David Trenkle (Huntsville): Raised concerns about the "Road to Ditto Landing" project, arguing the new road would compromise the existing greenway. Requested a dedicated 10-foot-wide pedestrian/bike path alongside the road and noted security concerns for the water pumping plant.
  • Beverly Peterson (District 1): Questioned what is being done about gun violence in North Huntsville and poor road conditions (potholes).
  • Katina Williams (Huntsville): Thanked the council and police for keeping neighborhoods safe; encouraged continued good work.
  • Andre Wilson (District 2): Proposed a citywide student quarantine and sterilization program to protect against pandemics and shootings; also advocated for accessible DWH (disabled/wheelchair) upgrades at all commercial entrances and emergency exits.

Discussion Items

• Public Transit Improvement Plan Update (7A): Consultant James Gomez of Nelson/Nygaard presented an updated five-phase plan. Key recommendations: add Sunday service (highest priority), create a new Route 56 in South Huntsville (restoring service discontinued in 2019), improve frequency on high-ridership routes (e.g., Route 8 to 30-minute service), and introduce a reverse-commute Route 100 to major employers west of the city (airport, Toyota, etc.). Phase 1 also includes route alignment changes (Route 4 shortened, Route 9 shifted). Capital investments: more bus shelters, larger buses, and pedestrian improvements. Implementation timeline: Phase 1 expected early 2024, concurrent with new downtown transfer center; overall plan 4-6 years. Councilmember Robinson praised restoration of South Huntsville service and suggested adding a stop at Hays Farm. Councilmember Kling asked about frequency of Route 100 (initially one bus every 75-90 minutes). City Administrator Hamilton noted that phases are not tied to specific years and will be budget-dependent.
• Personnel Hearing for Queron Wherry (8A): The item, postponed from January 26, was again postponed to a special session on February 23, 2023, at 3:00 PM. Motion by President Meredith, seconded by Robinson. Vote: 3-1 (Meredith, Robinson, Little aye; Kling nay). Councilmember Keith had recused himself earlier.
• EV Charger Agreement (17A): Resolution authorizing the Mayor to approve an agreement with Seven States Power Corporation for DC fast chargers (DCFCs) in the Twickenham Square parking garage. Total installation cost: $526,218; city's share: $105,243 (80/20 cost split with TVA). Two chargers with four ports, capable of charging any EV in under an hour. Site chosen for its amenities (dining, hospital access) and proximity to major corridors (565, 231, 431, 72). Huntsville Utilities will own and operate the chargers for at least five years. Expected operational by August 2023. Councilmember Robinson expressed support and noted need for Level 2 charging at hospitals; Joe Gertis (HU) confirmed discussions about future charging infrastructure and an ordinance for new developments.
• Land Purchase for West Huntsville Recreation Center (20D): Resolution authorizing a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Had Land Equity II, LLC for approximately 4.96 acres on Martin Road, west of the Arsenal. Purchase price: $1.1 million (below appraised value). Site will be a recreation center modeled after the Mark Russell Rec Center (two basketball courts, weight room, meeting space). The land is not large enough for athletic fields; additional fields will be sought elsewhere. City has a 60-day due diligence period; closing expected April 7; construction hoped to begin by end of 2023. Councilmember Little highlighted the need for such facilities in West Huntsville. Unanimously approved.
• Hays Farm Park Amendment (20E): Resolution authorizing Amendment 1 to the Development Agreement with Hylis, Inc. (representing the Hayes family). The amendment increases the park budget from $3.6 million to $5.6 million: developer contributes $1 million, city contributes an additional $1 million (total city share $4.6 million). The 9-acre urban park is part of a larger 500-acre conservation area (including nature trails, active park, and primitive wildlife habitat). Developer John Hayes (family has gifted over 1,300 acres worth $26 million to the city) pledged $1 million cash. The park will connect to a greenway network and serve as a central gathering place for South Huntsville. Council approved unanimously, with praise for the Hayes family's contributions.
• Feasibility Study for Government Service Building (20F): Resolution for an agreement with Chapman Sisson Architects for a feasibility study (test fit) of the potential relocation of the Madison County courthouse to 320 Fountain Circle (current city-owned building that will be vacated after new City Hall opens). Cost: $22,500. The county has already completed half the study. City will assess if the site meets the county's needs, potentially saving taxpayer money by using existing parking garages. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: All items on the consent calendar and discussed items, except where noted.
• Personnel Hearing Postponed: Continued to February 23, 2023, at 3:00 PM in Council Chambers (3-1 vote).
• Public Hearing Set: Resolution to set a public hearing for March 23, 2023, on zoning 3.47 acres on Winchester Rd. to Highway Business C-4 District.
• New Business Introduced: Ordinance to annex 1.96 acres east of Wall Triana Blvd. and south of McCrary Rd.; Ordinance declaring property surplus and conveying to RaceTrac, Inc.
• Next Steps for Transit Plan: Staff to develop budget and implementation schedule; Phase 1 may begin in FY2024. EV chargers to be operational by August 2023. Rec center design and construction to proceed after closing (April 7). Hays Farm park design to be completed in March 2023, with bid package in June 2023.
• Councilmember Keith: Made a personal statement apologizing for his actions and recused himself from the remainder of the meeting. Council expressed support.