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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting - August 8, 2024

City Council — Thursday, August 8, 2024

BodyHuntsville, Alabama

SessionCity Council

DateThursday, August 8, 2024

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:40:44

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

1:40

Good evening.

1:42

It is 5:30 on August 8th, 2024, and we're meeting in the City Council Chambers of Huntsville, Alabama, and all council members are present.

1:51

I'd like to welcome everyone that's here with us this evening, and for those also that are watching online and on TV.

1:57

We're committing the session of Huntsville City Council, and the meeting is now called to order.

2:01

And we'll begin with an invitation offered by the Huntsville, Alabama Public Safety Chaplains, Chaplain Donald Ede, and then that will be followed by Councilmember John Meredith leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

2:12

So please stand as you're able.

2:30

And we pray tonight.

2:33

Grace.

2:48

Amen.

2:50

Mr.

2:51

Merrick.

2:53

I pray to fire of the United States of America.

2:58

And to the Republic for which it stands.

3:01

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

3:11

Thank you, Chapla Chaplain Eade, and uh thank you, Mr.

3:14

Meredith.

3:15

Council members, you have the agenda before you for this regular meeting of the city council on August 8th, 2024.

3:21

Are there any additions or deletions to be made to the agenda?

3:24

Move to approve the agenda.

3:25

Motion by Dr.

3:26

Robinson to approve, second by Mr.

3:28

Kling.

3:28

All in favor say aye.

3:30

Any opposed say nay.

3:31

The agenda is approved.

3:32

And council members, you also have a copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Huntsville City Council held on July 25th, 2024.

3:39

Are there any changes or additions to be made to the minutes that you have received?

3:43

Hearing none, those minutes will stand approved.

3:47

We have no recognitions from the mayor this evening, but we do have one for the council.

3:51

Six A is a resolution honoring Letronic Hunter for his contributions to the city of Huntsville through leadership at Amazon's Black Employee Network.

3:59

Move to second.

4:03

All in favor say aye.

4:04

Hi.

4:05

Any opposed say nay.

4:06

The resolution passes.

4:07

Mr.

4:07

Keith.

4:12

Rock and roll.

4:14

Thank you.

4:15

Council members, you know the most important thing of a council member is to cut a ribbon and recognize the great rope of the people in our community.

4:22

And we take that very seriously.

4:46

And he wasn't lying.

4:48

After that, a friendship was born because not only did you help me at Lowe's that day, but you helped my community, which led to the cleanup of Blue Springs, which led to the donation of almost $15,000 in litter supports as well as paint for the project on Blue Springs.

5:09

We're putting on what is now the largest Juneteenth event in the city of Huntsville.

5:13

So I could read these resolutions, but I rather give opportunity for people to know you from your own words and to recognize the people who support you to be you.

5:20

But on behalf of District One, as well as the City of Huntsville, as well as Massett County.

5:24

We are blessed to have you, Tron.

5:26

This resolution recognizes the work that you've done.

5:34

Good evening.

5:35

So though you all know my name is Latroncher Hunter.

5:37

I call Tron for short.

5:39

I've been here resident in Huntsville, Alabama since 2013.

5:43

Um I'm here with my family, my lovely wife on Crystal, and my two kids, Khalida and Leon, and my mother-in-law, Ms.

5:50

Doris, and my church family as well.

5:53

Um, that really guys and a part, a integral part of my life.

5:57

Um, and then want to give a shout out to my work family on Stanley that's coming from from Birmingham.

6:02

Um, I currently am one of the global co-presidents of the Black Employee Network at Amazon.

6:08

So at Amazon, we have 14 affinity groups, and a part of that uh being a part of the Black Employee Network, I get the opportunity to sit in front of the executives and speak on behalf of 400,000 African Americans that work at Amazon.

6:22

We are currently have out that 400,000.

6:25

We have about 28,000 members of the Black Employee Network globally throughout the world that do great things in our community.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Procedural█████████████████████21%

Budget Equity Analysis█████████████13%

Infrastructure Development███████████11%

Public Engagement██████████10%

Community Engagement████████8%

Parks and Recreation████████8%

Public Safety███████7%

Zoning And Land Use█████5%

Economic Development████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting - August 8, 2024

The Huntsville City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers. All council members were present: President David Little, Jennie Robinson, Bill Kling, Devyn Keith, and John Meredith. Mayor Tommy Battle and city staff also attended. The meeting included special recognitions, public hearings, a third-quarter financial update, board appointments, and action on several major infrastructure projects.

Consent Calendar

Approval of the agenda and minutes of the July 25, 2024 regular meeting.
Resolution honoring Latrondrick Hunter for his leadership at Amazon’s Black Employee Network (Resolution No. 24-551) – presented and approved 5-0.
Public hearings and resolutions for grass liens on 28 properties ($9,000.96 total assessments) – approved 5-0.
Setting a public nuisance hearing for August 22, 2024 at 3106 Drake Ave SW – approved 5-0.
Resolution authorizing expenditures for payment in the amount of $32,456,651.35 (Resolution No. 24-554) – approved 5-0.
Resolution authorizing travel for Councilmember Devyn Keith to the ICMA Conference in Pittsburgh, PA (Sept. 20-25, 2024) – approved 5-0. Keith noted travel would be canceled if he is not re-elected.
Nine board appointments and reappointments to various city boards, all approved 5-0:
- Steve Thornton (Museum Board)
- Ina Smith (Museum Board)
- Lyle Voyles (Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals)
- Kevin Moore (MidCity Improvement District)
- DeMarco McClain (Von Braun Center Board of Control)
- David Blair (Huntsville Hospital EMS Advisory Board)
- Beth Zinn (Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals)
- Rey Almodovar (Von Braun Center Board of Control)
- Chris Hanback (Downtown Redevelopment Authority)
Board appointment nominations for Eric Milberger, Kenneth Chandler, and Larry Stewart to the Board of Examinations and Appeals for Construction Industries – referred to August 22 meeting.
Consent agenda for new business items (20A, C-H, J, L, N-Q, S-Y, AA-AF) approved in one motion, including: travel expenses, low-bid contracts, budget amendment, district improvement funds, two land leases with Roger Martin Farms (15 and 96 acres), construction materials testing, engineering design for Sparkman Dr bridge replacement, facilities use agreement, election officials and supplies, salary adjustments, invocation of letters of credit for various subdivisions, surety bond forfeiture, contract modifications, special employee agreements, and an asphalt bid contract.

Public Comments & Testimony

Joy Johnson (agenda-related): Objected to the description of land in items 20G and 20H as “unimproved,” arguing that wild land is already improved by nature. Also asked for explanation of letters of credit and for discussion of Pinhook Creek projects to include pictures.
Second roster speakers (non-agenda topics): Cathy Reisenwitz and Jackson Hannah spoke on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs); Connie Oakley spoke on GRAMI; Tonia Stulting spoke on library matters; Alex Kim-Yohn spoke about recording of public comments.

Discussion Items

Third-Quarter Financial Update (FY24): Finance Director Penny Smith presented an unaudited report. Sales and use tax increased 3.8% over the prior year; property tax collections are on budget; Simplified Sellers Use Tax (online sales) grew 15.1%; permits lag but are expected to meet budget; lodging tax is hugging prior year but uncertain due to federal budget constraints. The city is on track to come in under budget by about 5% for expenditures. Councilmembers Robinson and Keith discussed the need for a conservative budget for FY25, noting slower growth and the impact of a 7% cap on property tax growth effective FY26.
MidCity Drive Streetscape Improvements (20I): Shane Davis, Director of Urban and Economic Development, presented the final public investment in the Madison Square Mall redevelopment. The contract with Bulls Construction Group ($2,684,846) will complete streetscape along MidCity Drive, including a paver section that can be closed for pedestrian events. Progress on private development was highlighted. Approved 5-0.
U.S. 231/431 Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge Design (20K): Davis outlined the $1.9 million contract with Rosales + Partners to complete design of a three-span cable-stay bridge (approximately 2,300 feet). The bridge is part of a larger $50 million federal grant project addressing flood mitigation, pedestrian safety, and connectivity. The contract includes wind tunnel testing and peer review. Councilmember Robinson noted the intersection averages 1.6 pedestrian fatalities per year. Approved 5-0.
Pinhook Creek Channel Improvements Design (20M): A $998,978 contract with Garver LLC to finalize design of flood mitigation improvements, pedestrian bridges, a new downtown linear park, greenways, parking, and permitting. The design will incorporate aesthetic water features and hardscaped public spaces. Approved 5-0.
Holmes Avenue Streetscape Easements (20R): Resolution authorizing acquisition or condemnation of 11 easements (5–11 feet wide) for a complete streets project from Church Street to Wynn Drive. The project will add dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks. Councilmember Keith confirmed the project starts at Church Street, not from the top. Approved 5-0.
North Huntsville Greenway Master Plan (20Z): A $242,700 contract with Lord Aeck Sargent Planning & Design for a 12-month master plan to create a “Huntsville BeltLine” connecting downtown to Alabama A&M University along an abandoned rail corridor. The plan will analyze development opportunities, public spaces, and address existing challenges. Councilmember Keith praised the initiative for reconnecting the north community to downtown. Approved 5-0.
Street Name Change – Glennmoore Drive to James Everett Drive (19A): Ordinance to rename an 840-foot segment of Glennmoore Drive to James Everett Drive to eliminate confusion with another Glennmoore Drive in Madison County. No addresses affected. Approved 5-0.
Donation to Huntsville Animal Services (20B): Resolution accepting over $51,000 in veterinary equipment and furniture from the Animal Services Foundation to outfit the new surgical room. City Administrator John Hamilton explained the equipment supports the spay/neuter program and the no-kill mission. Approved 5-0.

Key Outcomes

All votes on resolutions and ordinances were unanimous (5-0) unless noted.
The council adopted the 2025 budget input session schedule: changed to September 3 at 1 PM; budget introduction September 12, work session September 19, final approval September 26.
Three new business items were introduced and referred to the August 22 meeting: utility easement deed to Huntsville Utilities, amendment to the Classification and Salary Plan Ordinance, and an ordinance amending the budget to modify departmental authorized strength.
Board appointment nominations for three construction industry board seats will be voted on August 22.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening. It is 5:30 on August 8th, 2024, and we're meeting in the City Council Chambers of Huntsville, Alabama, and all council members are present. I'd like to welcome everyone that's here with us this evening, and for those also that are watching online and on TV. We're committing the session of Huntsville City Council, and the meeting is now called to order. And we'll begin with an invitation offered by the Huntsville, Alabama Public Safety Chaplains, Chaplain Donald Ede, and then that will be followed by Councilmember John Meredith leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. So please stand as you're able. And we pray tonight. Grace. Amen. Mr. Merrick. I pray to fire of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Chapla Chaplain Eade, and uh thank you, Mr. Meredith. Council members, you have the agenda before you for this regular meeting of the city council on August 8th, 2024. Are there any additions or deletions to be made to the agenda? Move to approve the agenda. Motion by Dr. Robinson to approve, second by Mr. Kling. All in favor say aye. Any opposed say nay. The agenda is approved. And council members, you also have a copy of the minutes of the regular meeting of the Huntsville City Council held on July 25th, 2024. Are there any changes or additions to be made to the minutes that you have received? Hearing none, those minutes will stand approved. We have no recognitions from the mayor this evening, but we do have one for the council. Six A is a resolution honoring Letronic Hunter for his contributions to the city of Huntsville through leadership at Amazon's Black Employee Network. Move to second. All in favor say aye. Hi. Any opposed say nay. The resolution passes. Mr. Keith. Rock and roll. Thank you. Council members, you know the most important thing of a council member is to cut a ribbon and recognize the great rope of the people in our community. And we take that very seriously. And he wasn't lying. After that, a friendship was born because not only did you help me at Lowe's that day, but you helped my community, which led to the cleanup of Blue Springs, which led to the donation of almost $15,000 in litter supports as well as paint for the project on Blue Springs. We're putting on what is now the largest Juneteenth event in the city of Huntsville. So I could read these resolutions, but I rather give opportunity for people to know you from your own words and to recognize the people who support you to be you. But on behalf of District One, as well as the City of Huntsville, as well as Massett County. We are blessed to have you, Tron. This resolution recognizes the work that you've done. Good evening. So though you all know my name is Latroncher Hunter.

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