Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting - May 11, 2023

The Huntsville City Council met on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. Council President John Meredith was absent; Councilmember Jennie Robinson presided as Pro Tem. The meeting included recognitions, presentations on HEALS Inc., the mid-year budget, and homeless services, multiple public hearings, and a wide range of routine and substantive resolutions. Four members of the public spoke during the second public comment period.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the agenda (with deletions of items 20O and 20Q, and addition of 7C).
• Approval of the minutes of the April 27, 2023, regular meeting.
• Resolution 23-389 honoring Mr. Carl Melton for his lifelong dedication to country and community (unanimous approval).
• Resolution 23-390 authorizing the City Clerk to assess demolition/cleanup costs for a public nuisance at 2106 Boardman St. SW ($8,329.77).
• Resolution 23-391 setting a public hearing for revocation of licensure (case 388) on June 8, 2023, at 4:00 PM.
• Resolution 23-392 setting a public hearing on zoning of 56.75 acres at South Memorial Pkwy and Hobbs Island Road for June 22, 2023.
• Resolution 23-394 authorizing expenditures for payment ($50,644,783.57).
• Resolution 23-395 reappointing Dane Block to Huntsville-Madison County Railroad Authority (five-year term).
• Ordinance 23-386 disposing of surplus equipment to Huntsville Utilities.
• Ordinance 23-387 declaring property surplus for auction.
• Ordinance 23-388 amending the speed limit street schedule.
• New Business items approved in one motion (items 20A, 20B, 20D, 20F-20J, 20L, 20M, 20P, 20R, 20S, 20U-20AB) except those held for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jerry Cox (public hearing on 2106 Boardman St.): Supported the demolition action, but urged the city to speed up the process from initial identification to resolution, citing blight in other areas.
• Jerry Burnett (2405 Green Hill Dr.): Expressed concern about a “party house” in his neighborhood that attracts dangerous activity, including shootings; asked for city action to address safety and a nearby burned-out property.
• Tremaine Johnson (6500 Walden Run): Sought help obtaining a business and liquor license for a new restaurant location at 2020 Country Club Dr. (old Allure Nightclub); faced parking agreement issues with adjacent AMF bowling alley.
• Sarah Colletti: Raised issues about pronunciation of names (including her own), decorum and free speech at council meetings, and asked for clear guidelines.
• Howard Bankhead (2101 Keodell St.): Requested an update on plans for a driving range at John Hunt Park, emphasizing accessibility for youth and seniors.

Discussion Items

• HEALS Inc. Presentation (7A): Executive Director Heather Mason reported on the organization’s school-based medical, dental, and optometry services for low-income children. In 2022, HEALS provided over 1,900 medical visits, 955 dental visits, 203 optometry visits, and 2,500 dental screenings; 60% of optometry patients received glasses. The organization plans to launch a mobile medical unit in July 2023. Council praised the program and its impact on absenteeism.
• Mid-Year Budget Review (7B): Finance Director Penny Smith presented economic indicators and a proposed mid-year budget adjustment of $5.26 million. Revenue highlights: sales tax up 9% over prior year, property taxes 4% over budget, lodging taxes “exploding” (34% over last year in recent months). Expenditures are tracking under budget. Proposed adjustments include increases for permits, property taxes, IT software/hardware ($2M), and other departmental needs. Council discussed potential impacts of debt ceiling, interest rates, and the amphitheater’s performance. The budget adjustment ordinance (20E) was later approved.
• Homeless Services Presentation (7C): Scott Erwin, Director of Community Development, outlined the city’s approach: accountability, awareness, and addressing root causes (addiction, mental health, abuse). He reported that the city has provided over $20 million to homeless service providers since 2021, including $1.987 million for grant-funded services and $3.3 million for the First Stop center. New software (Counting Us, Show the Way) will improve data collection and case management. Councilmembers discussed challenges with trash and debris at homeless camps, the need for compassionate relocation, and the importance of preventing crisis homelessness. Approximately 100-150 transitional housing units are planned using $6.1 million in leveraged funds.
• Item 20C – Sanitation Cost of Services Study: Resolution to contract with Gresham, Brickner & Bratton, Inc. for a cost-of-services study for sanitation services. The study will take 3-4 months and is not a rate increase; it will provide data for future decisions.
• Item 20K – Aquatic Center Phase 4: Resolution approving a $6,464,000 fixed-price contract with Garber Construction for renovation of the legacy pool, including HVAC upgrades, LED lighting, bleachers, pool finishes, and retractable roof system.
• Item 20N – MOU with Huntsville Hospital: Resolution authorizing a memorandum of agreement to pass through grant funds for equipment (generators) for the field hospital.
• Item 20T – West Huntsville Long-Term Planning: Resolution to contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for planning of the I-65 corridor annexed property (about 5,000 additional acres). The original 2011 plan for 9,000 acres has resulted in major developments (Mazda Toyota, Amazon, etc.) and new tax revenue supporting other city services. The updated plan will focus on remaining parcels and potential new residential and school resources.

Key Outcomes

• All votes on consent calendar items and held discussion items were unanimous (4-0, with Meredith absent).
• The mid-year budget adjustment ordinance (23-400) was approved as presented, increasing the general fund budget by $5.26 million.
• The council directed staff to provide a report on plans for a driving range/putting green at the former municipal golf course (now cross-country facility).
• Councilmember Keith requested a future discussion on policies for vacant properties and blight, with a report to be presented in the coming months.
• The next regular council meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2023; a special session for a license revocation hearing will be held June 8, 2023, at 4:00 PM.

Board Appointments

• Patricia King was nominated to the Bingo Review Committee (term to expire April 8, 2024); the appointment will be voted on at the May 25, 2023, meeting.

New Business Items Introduced

• Ordinance 23-424: Surplus property lease to Barracuda Restaurant, LLC.
• Ordinance 23-425: Annexation of 1.00 acre on Taylor Lane.
• Ordinance 23-426: Renaming a portion of Meridian Street to Lewters Way.
• Ordinance 23-427: Declaring additional property surplus. These items will be considered for adoption at the next regular meeting.