The Huntsville City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included special recognitions, public hearings, a major water rate increase, a new mixed-use development agreement, and discussion on a hands-free driving ordinance. The council approved most items, postponed several key discussions, and heard public comments on transit changes and employee compensation.
Water Rate Increase (Ordinance 23-628): Huntsville Utilities proposed a 35% increase to generate $16.3 million in new revenue. Council President Meredith offered an amendment to reduce the impact on low-usage customers by lowering the first two tiers of usage rates and changing the tier structure. The amendment also created a new 5/8-inch meter availability charge at $14 and adjusted the apartment master meter charge. Councilmember Kling proposed an amendment to keep the availability fee at $12.34, but it lacked a second. After extensive discussion, the council approved the amended ordinance unanimously (5-0). The new rates are expected to be implemented by November 1, 2023.
Hands-Free Driving Ordinance (Ordinance 23-694): Councilmember Little presented the ordinance to strengthen the existing texting ban by making it a primary offense, prohibiting holding a wireless device while driving. The ordinance includes exceptions for emergencies, hands-free use, and utility workers. Councilmember Keith raised concerns about enforcement and the potential for racial disparities, suggesting a dash-cam requirement or checkpoint approach. The council postponed the ordinance to the September 28, 2023 meeting for further discussion.
Stadium Commons Mixed-Use Development (Resolution 23-722): The council approved a development agreement with Parkway Vesta, LLC for an 18-acre project adjacent to Joe Davis Stadium. The project includes 100 hotel rooms, 70,000 sq ft retail, 25,000 sq ft office, and 200 multifamily units. The city will lease 300 parking spaces in a new garage for 25 years at an average annual cost of $1 million. The 10-year tax return is projected at $32.5 million, with a net positive cash flow of $22 million after lease payments. The city’s investment is recouped in 4.5 years.
Outdoor Roller-Skating Rink at Stoner Park (Resolution 23-733): The council approved a $143,000 design contract with Nola | Van Peursem Architects for a new outdoor roller-skating rink. The facility will be used for roller skating, roller hockey, and other events. Councilmember Keith contributed a portion of his council improvement funds to the design. The project is part of a broader strategy to renovate existing parks and add new amenities.
Council Improvement Fund Guidelines (Resolution 23-720): Proposed amendments to require a $10,000 minimum allocation and restrict funds to capital expenses. Councilmembers debated the impact on nonprofits and community organizations. A compromise was suggested to lower the minimum to $5,000 and allow non-capital expenditures if funded through a general fund transfer. The item was postponed to September 28, 2023.
Pedestrian Access and Redevelopment Corridor (PARC) Grant Application (Resolution 23-769): The council authorized the mayor to apply for federal grants to fund the Mill Creek bridge and multimodal corridor project, which already has a $20 million BUILD grant. The city seeks additional funds to reduce its capital outlay.
Transit Service Changes Presentation: The Parking/Public Transit Department proposed changes to three bus routes to improve on-time performance and simplify routes. The changes include eliminating stops at Valley Garden Apartments and relocating others. A public hearing is scheduled for September 20, 2023. Councilmember Kling noted constituent concerns, particularly for elderly residents.
Three, and we are meeting in the City Council Chambers in Huntsville, Alabama. Thanks to all of you who are with us here in person as well as those who are watching at home. Please note for the record that all council members are in attendance, and we are convening this session of the Huntsville City Council, and the meeting will be called to order. And that will be followed by uh the national anthem performed by Miss Danny Keynes in celebration of Huntsville's Music Month. Please stand for the invocation if you can. And the rockets bread collab. The bones bursting in there. Gave proof through the night that a flag was still there. Oh save us that star space. Or the home of the breath. Mr. Lillard and myself got hung up watching you uh perform instead of facing the flag. Um wonderful, wonderful. And also want to thank, I believe it's Huntsville High. Is that right? The Huntsville High group. Okay, great. Uh, for um entertaining us on the way in and uh while we were waiting on the meetings to start. So thanks to all of you all for your participation and kicking off tonight's meeting. Council members, you have the agenda before you for this regular meeting of the city council on September 14th, 2023. Item AT has been added to the agenda this afternoon, but will require a four-fifths majority vote in order to remain on the agenda and be considered this evening. Chair makes a motion. Can you which item is it? Um, I'm sorry, 2018. Yes, ma'am. Motion by the chair, second by Mr. Clang. All in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed say nay. Motion carries, and that will be added. Are there any other additions uh to be or changes to be made to the agenda? All right, the chair makes the motion to approve the agenda as amended. Is there a second? Second by Dr. Robinson. All in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. Motion carries. All right. Um hearing no nays, the agenda will stand approved and accepted as amended. Council members, you have a copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Huntsville City Council held on August 24th, 2023 before you. Uh to be presented to our officers, and we want to um we want to recognize them for doing a great job out in our community. Chief. Thank you, Mayor and members of council. Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity. This is Officer Bond. Standing next to him at Deputy Chief Hudson on his left is um Captain Riley and then Sergeant Shorter. So on January 15th of this year, Officer Bond responded to a local hotel on Governor's House Drive for a possible overdose. And when he got there, he observed the victim laying on the ground, and a male subject was attempting to render aid to that person.