Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting – November 7, 2024

The Huntsville City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by approval of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings. Key actions included a proclamation declaring November 1–11, 2024 as Veterans Week, four public hearings on nuisance properties and tax license suspensions, a comprehensive finance committee report on the city’s debt management and upcoming bond issuance, and approval of multiple resolutions. Notable among these were the acceptance of the $50 million Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative (CNI) grant from HUD and related agreements, the demolition contract for the old City Hall building, and the appointment of new department heads, including a new Animal Services director. The council also made board appointments and committee assignments. During the second public comment period, six speakers addressed the council, primarily calling for a ceasefire resolution regarding the conflict in Gaza.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Regular meeting of October 24, 2024, and Special Session of November 4, 2024.
• New Business Items Approved in One Motion (Items 20a, 20b, 20f–20i, 20k–20m, 20o–20aa, 20af–20ah):
  • Resolution authorizing travel expenses (24-834).
  • Resolution authorizing acceptance of donations (24-835).
  • Resolution for engineering design services on Winchester Road (24-839).
  • Resolution for joint funding agreement with USGS (24-840).
  • Resolution for WPC on-call surveying services (24-841).
  • Resolution for Change Order No. 2 at Huntsville Aquatic Center Phase 4 (24-842).
  • Resolution modifying HESG agreements with Hands Across Decatur and Community Action Partnership (24-844, 24-845).
  • Resolution applying for HUD Continuum of Care grant (24-846).
  • Resolution appointing Tiffany Robinson as Clerk of Municipal Court (24-848).
  • Resolution for records storage agreement with Vital Records Control (24-849).
  • Resolutions for police testing services (24-850, 24-851, 24-852).
  • Resolution for facility use agreement with Venardos Circus (24-853).
  • Resolutions invoking letters of credit for subdivisions (24-854 through 24-859).
  • Resolution settling claim of William Crowden (24-860).
  • Resolution for agreement with ALEA SBI (24-865).
  • Resolution for KorTerra 811 locate services (24-866).
  • Resolution for special employee agreement with Woody Maples (24-867).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Agenda Related Public Comments: None.
• Second Roster Public Comments (6 speakers):
  • Felicia Dangerfield (Huntsville) – Shared concerns about her treatment by Huntsville Police in 2016, alleging a cover-up and ongoing physical pain. She requested justice.
  • Maryam Rashid (Madison) – Senior at Bob Jones High School. Called on the council to pass a ceasefire resolution for Gaza, noting that the council issued a statement supporting Israel after October 7, 2023, and argued that Palestinian lives also matter. Referenced the “Abandon Harris” movement.
  • Moni Ahmed (Madison) – Again urged a ceasefire resolution, stating that “genocide is everyone’s red line.” Distributed a book by Norman Finkelstein and encouraged council members to read about conditions in Palestine.
  • Vera Vergara (Madison, District 5) – Asked for a ceasefire resolution, criticized being called anti-Semitic for supporting Palestine, and read a poem about empathy.
  • Susan Stewart (Huntsville, District 3) – Urged council members to seek out unbiased media coverage of Gaza, such as Reuters and Alabama Public Television, and not to look away from the suffering. She reminded the council that they passed a pro-Israel resolution within days of the October 7 attack and asked for a similar expression of support for Palestinians.
  • Christopher Lioi (South Madison) – Noted the deployment of 43,000 U.S. military personnel to the Eastern Mediterranean, argued this threatens freedoms in the region, and urged the council to pass a ceasefire resolution to prevent a wider catastrophe.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation – Veterans Week (Item 5a): Mayor Tommy Battle proclaimed November 1–11, 2024 as Veterans Week, recognizing city employees who are veterans and thanking them for their service. James Gossett, Director of Parks and Recreation, highlighted the Bullpen Foundation’s free baseball/softball clinic on Sunday, November 10th at Sterner Park (50 kids signed up), an equipment drive in February, CPR training for volunteer coaches, and scholarship opportunities for youth leagues.
• Public Hearings (Items 9a–9d):
  • 9a (1015 Magnolia Dr.) – Public hearing on demolition/cleanup assessment of $11,171.24. No public comments; resolution approved unanimously.
  • 9b (Overgrown grass/weeds) – Public hearing on assessing costs for 20 properties totaling $5,663 (average $283.17 per property). 11 owners inside city limits, 9 outside. No public comments; resolution approved unanimously.
  • 9c (1417 Dale Cir SE) – Public hearing on abatement of a nuisance. Councilmember David Little read a letter from neighbor David Harrison (1414 Dale Cir) describing the property as a “growing physical mess” and “psychological nuisance,” with erratic behavior and safety concerns. No other speakers; resolution approved unanimously.
  • 9d (Tax license suspension cases 399 & 400) – Finance Director Penny Smith reported that case 400 was resolved. Only case 399 remained (delinquent taxes). She explained state law requires confidentiality regarding tax records, so case numbers are used. License suspension until payment is made. Approved unanimously.
• Public Hearing to Set (Item 10a): Resolution to declare a nuisance at 2609 Skyline Dr. NW and set a hearing for November 21, 2024. Approved unanimously.
• Finance Committee Report (Item 14a) and Presentation on Debt: Resolution authorizing expenditures of $231,878.64 approved. Penny Smith gave a detailed presentation on the city’s debt structure, credit ratings (AAA from Moody’s and S&P), upcoming bond issuance (December 5, 2024) for parks and recreation projects ($85–88M tax-exempt) and a taxable tender offer for TIF 5 infrastructure ($15.5–16.5M). She discussed the importance of the AAA rating, the process of sizing debt, and upcoming refunding opportunities and school borrowing ($150M). Councilmembers asked questions about the significance of the rating and the consequences of borrowing too little.
• Council Improvement Fund Ordinances (Items 14b–14d):
  • District 3 (Dr. Robinson) – $25,000 returned to the bridge fund (reducing discretionary fund). Approved.
  • District 4 (Mr. Kling) – Funds for Operation Green Team neighborhood cleanups and Eric Wade’s school education program. Approved.
  • District 5 (Mr. Little) – $6,000 allocation to Columbia High School basketball team for tournament registrations and incidentals. Approved.
• Board Appointments (Item 15a): Resolution to appoint Ginger Young to the Beautification Board (Place 16, term expiring September 30, 2026). Approved unanimously.
• Board Appointment Nominations (Items 16a–16b): Nominations for Janice Vaughn and Tammie Hammons-Figures to the Human Relations Commission (to be voted on November 21, 2024).
• Legal Department – Easement Vacations (Items 18a–18c): Three ordinances authorizing vacation of utility and drainage easements (Hillwood Estates, Legacy Cove, Twenty Lake Hold Phase II). All approved unanimously.
• New Business – Separate Consideration (Items 20c–20e, 20j, 20n, 20ab–20ae):
  • 20c (Option to Purchase Real Estate): Shane Davis, Director of Urban & Economic Development, presented a purchase option for 42 acres at the intersection of the Northern Bypass and North Memorial Parkway. The city plans to replicate the successful development on the east side (Food City, Starbucks, Ace Hardware). The property will be used to attract major national tenants. Approved unanimously.
  • 20d (Land Sale Incentive – Old Lewter Hardware): Davis explained a tiny sliver of land (0.07 acres, 12 feet wide) that was previously granted to the city by the Lewter family. The city will convey it back as an “uneconomic remnant” to facilitate redevelopment of the site (brownstone townhomes, restaurant, mixed-use building). Councilmember Robinson questioned the process; Davis cited Alabama Constitution Amendment 772. Approved unanimously.
  • 20e (Northern Bypass Revised Construction Agreement): Davis reported that Congressman Strong’s office appropriated $8.3 million to the Northern Bypass project. The revised agreement allows the city to accept that funding and move the same amount to the next phase (US 231 to Winchester Road). Approved unanimously.
  • 20j (Municipal Building Demolition Contract): Ricky Wilkinson, Director of General Services, presented a fixed-price contract with Britt Demolition and Recycling, Inc. for $1,243,000 (well below the $2.4M estimate). Work will be mechanical (not implosion), with abatement December–February and demolition March–May. Some trees will be transplanted. Councilmember Kling asked about saving marble fragments for public mementos; Wilkinson said Britt will work with the city. Councilmember Robinson asked about coordinating with the future Big Spring Park East expansion. President Meredith abstained; the vote was 4-0-1 (Ayes: Robinson, Kling, Little, Watkins; Abstain: Meredith).
  • 20n (Resolution to Appoint Department Heads): Councilmember Watkins expressed concerns about the Animal Services director appointment. City Administrator John Hamilton detailed the nationwide search for Mike Fisher, who has 20+ years of experience. The council discussed euthanasia rates, live release rates, and partnerships with rescue groups. Hamilton noted that the department has not euthanized for space since 2014 but faced that possibility recently until community adoptions stepped up. Councilmembers Robinson and Little met with Fisher and were impressed. The resolution passed unanimously.
  • 20ab, 20ac, 20ad, 20ae (Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative Items): Shane Davis gave a comprehensive presentation on the $50 million HUD grant. The plan includes 705 units (284 replacement, 296 affordable at 60% AMI, 125 by Huntsville Hospital), a new park, clinic, and robust people services (Urban Strategies Inc.). The project partners include McCormack Baron Salazar, Huntsville Housing Authority, and Huntsville Hospital. Councilmember Watkins asked about the right of return for current residents and notification processes. Davis explained the phasing plan minimizes displacement. The four resolutions were approved unanimously:
    • 20ab: Service agreement with Urban Strategies for people services.
    • 20ac: Grant agreement with HUD for the $50M.
    • 20ad: Master development agreement with McCormack Baron Salazar.
    • 20ae: Authorization to apply for an EPA Community Change Grant (up to $20M) for bike/pedestrian connections.
• New Business Introductions (Items 21a–21b):
  • Ordinance amending the MidCity Arts and Entertainment District (24-868). Introduced, due back November 21.
  • Ordinance annexing 25.08 acres north of Bibb Garrett Rd. and east of I-65 (24-869). Introduced, due back November 21.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All items passed unanimously except for the demolition contract (20j) where President Meredith abstained (4-0-1).
• Proclamation: November 1–11, 2024 declared Veterans Week.
• Public Hearings: All four nuisance and tax license resolutions approved.
• Finance: Expenditures approved; detailed debt issuance plan presented with AAA bond rating reaffirmed.
• Council Improvement Funds: District 3 returned $25,000 to bridge fund; District 4 funded Operation Green Team; District 5 allocated $6,000 to Columbia High School basketball.
• Board Appointments: Ginger Young appointed to Beautification Board. Janice Vaughn and Tammie Hammons-Figures nominated to Human Relations Commission (vote on Nov. 21).
• Council Committee Elections:
  • Planning Commission: Councilmember Jennie Robinson.
  • Metropolitan Planning Organization: Councilmember Michelle Watkins.
  • Research Park Board: Councilmember David Little.
  • Historic Preservation Commission: Councilmember Bill Kling.
  • Finance Committee Chair: Councilmember Michelle Watkins; Vice Chair: Councilmember David Little.
• Other Appointments:
  • Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments: Robinson and Little.
  • Community Action Partnership: Robinson.
  • Advisory Commission on Accessibility: Robinson.
  • City Insurance Committee: Robinson and Little.
• Mill Creek CNI: All four resolutions approved, unlocking $50M HUD grant and leveraging $290M+ in total investment. The project will proceed with design in 2025, construction starting late 2025, and completion by 2032.
• Old City Hall Demolition: Contract awarded to Britt Demolition for $1.243M, with work beginning December 2024 and completion by May 2025. Some marble fragments may be preserved for public.
• Animal Services Director: Mike Fisher appointed; he will start on November 18, 2024. Council committed to monitoring live release rates and community partnerships.