Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting – June 22, 2023

The Huntsville City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. All five council members were present: President John Meredith, President Pro Tem Jennie Robinson, and Councilmembers Bill Kling, Devyn Keith, and David Little. The meeting included a life-saving medal presentation, approval of a zoning change, multiple board appointments, infrastructure contracts, and public testimony on traffic safety and garbage collection.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda and Minutes: The agenda was approved unanimously. The minutes of the June 8, 2023 regular meeting were approved as submitted.
• Finance Committee Report: Resolution No. 23-487 authorizing expenditures for payment in the amount of $26,278,599.95 was approved unanimously.
• Huntsville Utilities Item: Resolution No. 23-494 authorized an additional $1.4 million (budgeted total now $4.4 million) for repairs to sedimentation basins and replacement of a fluoride tank at the Southwest Water Treatment Plant, approved unanimously.
• Legal Department Items: Two easement vacations were approved unanimously: (a) Lots 1 & 2, Beasley Properties at 6775 Highway 72 West; (b) Lots 1-A and 1-B, Exchange Center at 220 & 238 Exchange Place SW.
• Unfinished Business: Three ordinances were approved unanimously:
  • Amendment to Classification and Salary Plan Ordinance (No. 89-79).
  • Amendment to Budget Ordinance No. 22-736 modifying authorized department strength.
  • Declaration of surplus IT equipment for disposal via Managed Asset Recycling Solutions.
• New Business (Consent Agenda): Items 20A–D, 20F–K, 20M–S, and 20U–W were approved in one motion without discussion. These included travel expenses, donations, low-bidder agreements, contract assignments, land leases (Roger Martin Farms for 15 and 90 acres), engineering modifications (Northern Bypass), annual water pollution report, change orders (Sandra Moon Community Center Phase 3, Joe Davis Stadium Renovation), sponsorship agreements (Jazz in the Park), software agreement (NEOGOV), fire and rescue agreements (Huntsville Dream Center, TriHaz Solutions), police agreements (VirTra, Unmanned System ISAO), plat approval (North Huntsville Industrial Park Phase 13), and three special employee agreements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jerry Cox (4029 Talesar Circle, Huntsville) asked whether the public would have input during the city’s study on garbage collection pricing. He noted issues with recycling, missing green carts, and non-utility households receiving service. Mayor Battle clarified that the study focuses on pricing and cost of service, not expansion or service changes.
• Howard Ross (6620 Willow Point Drive, Huntsville) addressed a prior meeting’s incomplete presentation. He argued that purchasers under a land contract (bond for title) should be considered owners and allowed to pull their own permits, citing an Alabama Supreme Court case (Lewis v. Hickman, 200 Ala. 672) and the city code’s definition of owner.
• Shane Goodwin (1503 Governor’s Drive SE, Huntsville) spoke about a recent fatal crash on Governor’s Drive and the ongoing danger from speeding. He said USPS and UPS have stopped delivering packages to his area due to dangerous conditions, and first responders seem resigned to the problem.
• James Laster (1505 Governor’s Drive SE, Huntsville) echoed concerns about speeding on Governor’s Drive, noting many accidents over 30 years, including a recent fatality. He asked for a reduced speed limit (to 35 mph) and more enforcement, recalling that earlier speed signage and enforcement had temporarily helped.

Discussion Items

• Special Recognition: Police Chief Giles presented the Life-Saving Medal to Officer Julia Kuhn for applying a tourniquet to a shooting victim on December 20, 2022, which saved his life.
• Public Hearing – Zoning: A public hearing was held on Ordinance 23-393 to zone 56.75 acres on the east side of South Memorial Parkway and south of Hobbs Island Road to Highway Business C-4 District. Planning Manager Thomas Nunez presented the item. No public speakers. The ordinance was approved unanimously.
• Board Appointments (Voted On): Six appointments were approved unanimously:
  • Jim Batson to Water Utility Board (3-year term)
  • Kimberly Lewis to Electric Utility Board (3-year term)
  • Ryan Lindow to Emergency Management Board (5-year term)
  • Stephen Walker to Bingo Review Committee (2-year term)
  • Marta Buckman to Beautification Board (fill vacancy, term to Sept 30, 2024)
  • Jim Batson to Natural Gas Utility Board (3-year term)
• New Business Item 20E – HudsonAlpha Expansion: Economic Development Director Jim McGuffey presented a development agreement for a 108,000 sq. ft. building with over 100 jobs. The city’s contribution is up to $2 million (paid in three tranches based on milestones) for the campus expansion in Research Park West. Councilmember Keith noted the diversification of the job base away from DOD. Approved unanimously.
• New Business Item 20L – City Hall Change Order No. 5: City Administrator John Hamilton explained that Change Order No. 5 (part of a quarterly consolidation) covers numerous small adjustments plus a large allowance for metal screening material for the parking garage, which came in higher than estimated due to inflation and de-scoping. The change order is about 1% of the $90 million project. Approved unanimously.
• New Business Item 20T – Holmes Avenue Complete Street Grant Application: A resolution authorizing the city to apply for a USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant of up to $30 million (70/30 federal/local match, meaning city would contribute $9 million) for improvements along a 3.25-mile stretch from Sparkman Drive to downtown. McGuffey said work would be within existing right-of-way and could proceed with design in 2024 if granted. Councilmember Keith noted floodplain concerns and expressed support. Councilmember Kling asked about a fallback plan if the grant fails; McGuffey said the city would still pursue resurfacing and striping improvements. Approved unanimously.
• Councilmember Comments:
  • Mayor Battle announced Armed Forces Week events, including a concert and fireworks, and the opening of Legacy Park.
  • Councilmember Keith promoted the Legacy Park ribbon cutting (June 28).
  • Councilmember Little announced an informational session on June 28 for a proposed development in Hampton Cove.
  • Councilmember Robinson welcomed the mayor back from Paris, summarized the new fireworks ordinance (allowing non-explosive, non-aerial sparklers), and detailed water conservation concerns on Green Mountain. She noted a 5,000-gallon tank exists, voluntary conservation is urged, and a public meeting will be held June 28 at 6 PM at Sandra Moon Complex to discuss capacity and future development.
  • Councilmember Kling raised traffic safety on Governor’s Drive (east of California to Covemont), asking city and state to evaluate speed limits and safety barriers. Mayor Battle responded that electronic message boards are being added and the eastern bypass extension will help. Kling also asked City Attorney Trey Riley to clarify stadium naming: Joe Davis Stadium remains the name; the playing field lease allows temporary naming by the soccer organization, but the stadium name is permanent.
  • President Meredith announced the next Council President’s Forum (July 4) will be a recorded tour of Orion and a conversation with the Music Officer.
• New Business Items Introduced (due back July 13):
  • Ordinance 23-520 amending Bingo regulations.
  • Ordinance 23-521 amending Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual (sections on part-time employees).
  • Ordinance 23-522 declaring 16.81 acres on Green Cove Road surplus for sale to Roots Multi Clean, Inc.

Key Outcomes

• All votes were unanimous (5-0) with no opposition recorded.
• Life-Saving Medal awarded to Officer Julia Kuhn.
• Zoning change for 56.75 acres to Highway Business C-4 District passed.
• $1.4 million additional approved for Southwest Water Treatment Plant repairs (total $4.4 million).
• $2 million city contribution approved for HudsonAlpha expansion (incentive agreement).
• Change Order No. 5 for new City Hall and parking deck approved (amount not specified in transcript but described as about 1% of $90 million project).
• Grant application authorized for Holmes Avenue Complete Street Project (up to $30 million, $9 million city match).
• Garbage collection study: The mayor clarified it focuses on pricing; public input may be considered separately.
• Board appointments confirmed for six positions.
• Three ordinances introduced (Bingo, Personnel Manual, Green Cove Road surplus) with public hearing set for July 13, 2023.
• Public safety concern on Governor’s Drive will be reviewed by city and state traffic engineers; electronic message boards and eastern bypass are part of ongoing efforts.