Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting - August 22, 2024
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Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting - August 22, 2024
The Huntsville City Council met on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. With Council President David Little and Councilmember Bill Kling absent due to illness, a quorum of three members (Councilmembers Jennie Robinson, Devyn Keith, and John Meredith) conducted the meeting. The agenda included special recognitions, a presentation from Huntsville Utilities, public hearings on unsafe buildings and nuisance abatement, numerous routine approvals, and a major development agreement for the City Centre Phase 4 project.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the August 8, 2024 regular meeting were approved as submitted.
- Resolutions for Approval Only: No resolutions were presented for approval/presentation under this item.
- New Business Items for Consideration or Action (Consent Agenda): Items 20A-D, 20F-I, 20K-Z were approved in one motion, including:
- Resolution authorizing travel expenses (R-24-603)
- Resolution authorizing agreements with low bidders (R-24-604)
- Ordinance amending Budget Ordinance No. 23-762 (O-24-605)
- Resolution for actuarial services on post-retirement medical plan (R-24-606)
- Resolution for Amendment, Assignment, and Assumption Agreement with C3 Presents and C2 Acquisitions (R-24-608)
- Resolution for Modification No. 1 to Clinton Avenue Improvements (R-24-609)
- Resolution for Change Order No. 1 on Pratt Avenue Streetscape Improvements (R-24-610)
- Resolution for HVAC upgrades at Municipal Justice Public Safety Complex (R-24-611)
- Resolution for resurfacing residential streets FY2024 Phase 3 (R-24-613)
- Resolution for Jazz In The Park 2024 agreement with Madison County (R-24-614)
- Resolution for Certified Local Emergency Manager Salary Supplement Subaward (R-24-615)
- Resolution for Audio Visual Services agreement with Verta Technologies (R-24-616)
- Resolution to apply for Alabama Forestry Commission Tree Planting Grant (R-24-617)
- Several resolutions accepting easements for utility, drainage, and temporary construction (R-24-618 through R-24-622)
- Resolution to settle property damage claim of Allstate on behalf of Minette Hilbrant (R-24-623)
- Resolutions to invoke letters of credit for various subdivisions (R-24-624 through R-24-627)
- Resolution for Court Referral Officer Contract (R-24-628)
Public Hearings & Testimony
- Public Hearing on Demolition of Unsafe Building at 1412 Cavalry St NW: No public comments; resolution approved unanimously.
- Public Hearing on Demolition of Unsafe Building at 1418 Cavalry St NW: No public comments; resolution approved unanimously. Councilmember Keith noted the property had been in disrepair for at least three years and thanked staff for addressing the nuisance.
- Public Hearing on Grass Lien Assessments: No public comments; resolution authorizing assessment of $7,423.93 against 25 properties for overgrown grass/weeds approved unanimously.
- Public Hearing on Nuisance Abatement at 3106 Drake Ave SW: Howard Ross (6620 Will Point Drive) spoke, stating that the property owner had removed leftover fence material and believed the issue was resolved. The resolution ordering abatement was approved unanimously, with staff noting that if the property is brought into compliance before the city abates, voluntary compliance is accepted.
- Public Hearing to Set Nuisance Declaration at 3603 Drake Ave SW: Set for September 12, 2024.
Discussion Items
- Proclamation – National Recovery Month: Mayor Battle presented a proclamation declaring September 2024 as National Recovery Month in Huntsville. Cheryl Russell of Ross Recovery Center accepted, highlighting collaboration around the opioid epidemic.
- Presentation – NASA Pale Blue Dot Challenge & Space4Youth Winners: Councilmember Robinson (on behalf of Councilmember Kling) recognized 21 award winners from the UAH Persist Project. Dr. Andrea Ward described the program, which includes a 10-day trip from Huntsville to Washington, D.C., with visits to NASA, the White House, and other agencies. Winners came from the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Senegal, Kenya, Australia, Philippines, and France.
- Presentation – "A Cut Above" Summer Landscaping Challenge Winners: Councilmember Keith presented awards to Ms. Barbara (Most Captivating Floral Display) and Ms. Johnson (Best Landscaping).
- Presentation by Huntsville Utilities – Series 2024 Water Revenue Warrants: CEO Wes Kelly detailed the water system’s capital improvements, including a $16.2 million bond issuance to fund projects such as upgrades to the South Parkway and Southwest water treatment plants, Research Park Boulevard improvements, Green Mountain redundancy, and the Eastern Connector water line. The utility plans to issue $67.5 million in additional debt over five years, with this first tranche of $16.2 million to be considered at the September 12 council meeting. Kelly noted that PFAS regulatory changes could require future rate adjustments.
Key Outcomes
- Unsafe Building Demolitions: Approved for 1412 Cavalry St NW (Resolution 24-595) and 1418 Cavalry St NW (Resolution 24-596) – both unanimous (3-0).
- Grass Lien Assessment: Approved (Resolution 24-597) – unanimous (3-0).
- Nuisance Abatement at 3106 Drake Ave SW: Approved (Resolution 24-598) – unanimous (3-0).
- Nuisance Hearing Set for 3603 Drake Ave SW: Set for September 12, 2024 (Resolution 24-599) – unanimous (3-0).
- Finance Committee Expenditures: Approved $24,360,386.17 (Resolution 24-600) – unanimous (3-0).
- Board Appointments:
- Reappointment of Eric Milberger (Place 5) and Kenneth Chandler (Place 12) to Board of Examinations and Appeals for Construction Industries postponed to September 12, 2024, due to need for 4/5 vote (only 3 members present).
- Reappointment of Larry Stewart (Place 1) approved (Resolution 24-559) – unanimous (3-0).
- Nomination to Animal Services Advisory Committee: Collin Keller (Place 5) nominated; referred to September 12, 2024 meeting.
- Ordinance – Vacation of Utility and Drainage Easements at 1325 Old Monrovia Road: Approved (Ordinance 24-602) – unanimous (3-0).
- Unfinished Business:
- Ordinance authorizing utility easement deed to Huntsville Utilities (O-24-592) – approved.
- Amendment to Classification and Salary Plan Ordinance (O-24-593) – approved.
- Amendment to Budget Ordinance to modify authorized strength (O-24-594) – approved.
- City Centre Phase 4 Development Agreement (R-24-607): Approved after separate discussion. The agreement allows development of a 120-room Moxie Hotel, 8,000 sq ft of food/beverage space, and a city-owned 430-space parking garage. The developer will contribute $3 million toward the garage, and the city will fund the remaining cost (approx. $11 million) from the downtown parking budget. The developer will lease 110 spaces at $56/month each. Net parking gain of about 320 spaces after accounting for losses from Lot K and the VBC surface lot. (Unanimous 3-0)
- John Hunt Park Recreation Center / Don Mincher Entrance Construction Contract (R-24-612): Approved with Fite Building Company for $18,529,323, with a 420-day contract duration. The project includes a 60,000 sq ft recreation center with four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, two fitness rooms, two activity rooms, and 25 covered pickleball courts (with lighting, windscreens, and fencing). The facility is designed to host tournaments. Also includes streetscape improvements and a digital message sign at the park entrance. (Unanimous 3-0)
Public Comments (Second Roster)
Speakers addressed the Council on non-agenda items:
- Patricia Hinriche, Kim Lamar, Kelly Taylor, Judy Rollins, Eloisa Chacon, and Ed McNamara spoke about the Huntsville Animal Shelter, citing overcrowding and urging adoption/fostering.
- Tonia S. spoke about the library.
- Carissa Callan spoke about library board concerns.
Mayor’s Comments
Mayor Battle announced the appointment of Erica Washington to the Human Relations Commission (Place 9, term to expire September 24, 2028) and the reappointment of Shaquila Willie to the Huntsville Housing Authority (term to expire August 14, 2029). He also provided a budget preview, noting that revenue growth is slowing to about 3% and that the upcoming FY2025 budget will require discipline. He mentioned the Beautification Board awards and ongoing community activities.
Councilmember Comments
- Councilmember Keith: Recognized Cub Scout Troop 7156 and leader Carl Johnson. Thanked staff for the Shower Center meeting. Scott Erwin (Community Development) announced the hiring of an Affordable Housing Manager, who will start the following Monday, with priorities including data analysis, program evaluation, and assembling a citizens advisory group.
- Councilmember Meredith: Announced the ground breaking for the new recreation center at 150 Martin Road SW on August 23 at 10 AM. Congratulated the Paddock Club at Providence for winning the District 5 Beautification Award.
- Councilmember Robinson: Spoke about the Beautification Awards and thanked Joy Parker for 20 years of service on the Beautification Board. Announced she will join the Chaffee Neighborhood Association meeting on August 26.
Meeting Transcript
I think it makes it a little bit more. It is 5 30 on Thursday, August 22nd, and we welcome everyone to this meeting of the Huntsville City Council. We are met in the council chambers, and any of you who are looking closely at the dias will see that we are missing a few people. Council members David Little, Council President David Little and Councilmember Bill Kling are feeling a little under the weather, but we do have Councilmember Devin Keith and Councilmember John Meredith here, and so we have a quorum with three members. Amen. Council members, please note that while um our council bylaws uh indicate that a majority of three members does constitute a quorum, and we will need three votes on all items. Uh we have two items on fifteen A and B board nominations that require a four-fifths vote. So when we come to those items, we will need a motion to postpone that vote until our next council meeting on September twelfth, and we will deal with it at that time. Are there any other um changes, additions that anyone wishes to make to the agenda? Is there a motion to approve the agenda as it's presented to you? Second. A motion by Mr. Keith, second by Mr. Meredith. All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Uh the agenda is approved. You have also received the minutes of the meeting of August eighth, twenty twenty-four. Are there any changes or additions, corrections that you would like to make to those minutes? Hearing none, the minutes will stand approved. Uh, we now will have a special recognition presented by the mayor. Five A is a proclamation to declare the month of September as National Recovery Month. Mayor Battle. Good. Good and do partnership for uh drug-free uh America. We have some people here. Mayor good, yeah, Cheryl, sorry. Come on up. Please come up. Come on up on the diocese. Thank y'all for coming today. Last time I saw y'all, it was 104 degrees. We were outside getting ready to cut a ribbon and uh sweating quite profusely here. But this is a proclamation, and the proclamation uh has whereas behavioral health is a central part of health and overall health and wellness, uh whereas prevention of mental illness of mental and substance use disorders works, treatment is effective, uh, and people recover in our area around the nation. And whereas we must encourage relatives and friends of people with mental and substance use disorders to implement preventive measures, recognize the signs of the problem, and guide those in need with appropriate uh treatment and recovery support services, and whereas to help more people achieve and sustain long-term uh recovery. Ross Recovery Center, not one more Alabama partnership for a drug-free community, invite all residents of North Alabama to participate in National Recovery Month. Therefore, I, Tommy Battle, mayor of the city of Huntsville, do hereby proclaim the month of September 2024 as National Recovery Month in the city of Huntsville. And we want to say thank you for all the efforts that all of you have done uh and all that you you've stepped forward to do for our community on a day-to-day basis and tell us a little bit more about it. I know you can talk because your sunburn from the day. What a privilege. Excuse me, to be here tonight. Collaboration around the opioid epidemic is so important. And to have Ross Recovery Center here tonight, not one more Alabama and partnership for a drug-free community. One of the things that we really work well is in collaboration. We are the largest city in Huntsville, but we are a small city in the addiction prevention community. And so we work together to make sure that we're not duplicating services that is so important. We all do what we do very well, and we want to thank you for the recognition. Thank you. Anybody else? Y'all are good.
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