GENEVA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING WORK SESSION & PUBLIC HEARING MAY 6, 2024 MINUTES  The Geneva City Council met in work session on May 6, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. ini the Council room at City Hall. Members present were Mayor David Hayes and Council Members Rufus Lee, Freddy McCoy, Kim Gillespie, Ryan Tidwell, Mike Fountain and Daniel L. Coleman. Council Member Rich Bixby was absent. Also present were City Clerk/Treasurer Lisa Johnson, and City  Attorney Jeff Gray.  Interim Geneva Water Works and Sewer Manager, Kayleigh Austin met with Council to Work session adjourned and regular session began at 6:00 p.m. Members present were Mayor David Hayes and Council Members Rufus Lee, Freddy McCoy, Kim Gillespie, Ryan Tidwell, Mike Fountain and Daniel L. Coleman. Council Member Rich Bixby was absent. Also present were City Clerk/Treasurer Lisa Johnson, City Attorney Jeff Gray and various department  discuss a revised sewer ordinance for the City.  heads and employees.  Pastor Russell Clausell gave the invocation and Mayor Hayes led the Pledge of Allegiance. Upon due public notice, a public hearing was held at this time to address abatement for  violations of ordinance number 04-2021-02 on the following properties:  100 W. Promenade Avenue 105 S. Choctaw Street  Photos and an inspection sheet were presented as evidence on 100 W Promenade Avenue. City Attorney Gray asked Code Enforcement Owens if he had taken the pictures showing the condition of the premises and if they represented the current condition of the property. Code Enforcement Officer Owens stated he took the photos and they accurately represented the condition of the property. City Attorney Gray reviewed the Dangerous Building Checklist and items noted which was part ofthe notice tot the property owner and asked Building Inspector Wuest ifhe completed the form and ifthat was his signature on the form and ifthe property was deemed unsafe and a public nuisance. Building Inspector Wuest confirmed completion of the form, Mayor Hayes called for public participation on the matter. No one from the public was Mayor Hayes opened discussion to Council and the property was discussed.  verified it was deemed unsafe and ai nuisance and verified his signature.  present to speak regarding the property.    Photos and an inspection sheet were presented as evidence on 105 S. Commerce Street. City Attorney Gary asked Code Enforcement Owens if he had taken the pictures showing the condition of the premises and if they represented the current condition of the property. Code Enforcement Officer Owens stated he took the photos and they accurately represented the condition of the property. City Attorney Gray reviewed the Dangerous Building Checklist and items noted which was part oft the notice to the property owner and asked Building Inspector Wuest ifhe completed the form and ifthat was his signature on the form and ift the property was deemed unsafe and a public nuisance. Building Inspector Wuest confirmed completion of the form, Mayor Hayes called for public participation on the matter. The property owner was] present and asked questions regarding the process. She stated she plans on having the property cleared  verified it was deemed unsafe and a nuisance and verified his signature. before the City is scheduled to begin the abatement process.  Mayor Hayes opened discussion to Council and the property was discussed. Upon completion of the public hearing regular session began.  Council Member Gillespie moved to dispense with the reading and approve the minutes of April 15, 2024, as presented. Council Member Coleman seconded the motion which was approved  by a six (6) to zero (0) vote with Mayor Hayes abstaining.  Mayor Hayes called for any action relating to the public hearing. Council Member Lee  moved to adopt the following resolution:  RESOLUTION  A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE DEMOLITION OF A BUILDING OR STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 100 WEST PROMENADE AVENUE, GENEVA,ALABAMA, PARCELID#18041804194023011000, IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTIONS 11-40-30 THROUGH 11-40-36, SECTIONS 11-53B-1 THROUGHII-S3B-16, INCLUSIVE, OF THE CODE OF ALABAMA, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ORDINANCE NUMBER 04-2021-02 OF THE CITY OF GENEVA, ALABAMA; AND CALLING FOR THE CITY TO CAUSE SAID DEMOLITION TO BE PERFORMED AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY AND THE CITY CLERK TO CAUSE THE COST OF SUCH DEMOLITION TO BE CHARGED AGAINST THE LAND ON WHICH THE BUILDING OR STRUCTURE EXISTS AS A MUNICIPAL LIEN OR CAUSE SUCH COSTTO BE RECOVERED IN. A SUIT AT LAW AGAINST THE OWNER OR OWNERS IF THE VIOLATION IS NOT  VOLUNTARIALY ABATED  Council Member Coleman seconded the motion which was approved by a six (6) to zero  (0) vote with Mayor Hayes abstaining.  Council Member Lee moved to adopt the following resolution:    RESOLUTION  A RESOLUTION ORDERING THE DEMOLITION OF A BUILDING OR STRUCTURE LOCATED ATI0SSOUTHCHICHOCTAWSTREEI,GENEVA, ALABAMA, PARCEL IDH1804192400500., IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTIONS 11-40-30 THROUGH 11-40-36, SECTIONS 11-53B-1 THROUGH: 11-53B-16, INCLUSIVE, OF THE CODE OF ALABAMA, AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ORDINANCE NUMBER 04-2021-02 OF THE CITY OF GENEVA, ALABAMA; AND CALLING FOR THE CITY TO CAUSE SAID DEMOLITION TO BE PERFORMED AND DIRECTING THE CITY ATTORNEY AND THE CITY CLERK TO CAUSE THE COST OF SUCH DEMOLITION TO BE CHARGED AGAINST THE LAND ON WHICH THE BUILDING OR STRUCTURE EXISTS AS A MUNICIPAL LIEN OR CAUSE SUCH COST TO BE RECOVERED IN A SUIT ATLAW AGAINST THE OWNER OR OWNERS IF THE VIOLATION IS NOT  VOLUNTARIALY ABATED  Council Member Gillespie seconded the motion which was approved by a six (6) to zero Council Member Coleman moved to adopt a resolution declaring that the residential property located at 127 East Campbell Avenue within the existing corporate limits is a blighted property that poses a health and safety hazard to the CDBG target area. Council Member Lee seconded the motion which was approved by a six (6) to zero (0) vote with Mayor Hayes  (0) vote with Mayor Hayes abstaining.  abstaining.  Mayor Hayes presented a cost for sun shades in the amount of$19,000.00 and sodding and sprinkler system in the amount of $12,000.00 for the new splash pad. Council Member Tidwell moved to authorize the cost. The motion was seconded by Council Member Gillespie and was City Clerk Johnson discussed the need for temporary bathrooms at the splash pad until the second phase oft the park is completed. Council Member Coleman moved to authorize a $4,000.00 budget for temporary bathrooms. The motion was seconded by Council Member Lee and was  approved by a six (6) to zero (0) vote with Mayor Hayes abstaining.  approved by a six (6) to zero (0) vote with Mayor Hayes abstaining. Council discussed prefab bathroom options for the new park.  Council Member Gillespie moved to authorize the transfer of capital improvement funds to general fund for use on the new City Hall as approved in a prior resolution. The motion was seconded by Council Member Fountain and was approved by a six (6) to zero (0) vote with Mayor City Clerk Johnson explained that she has been using general funds to pay for the construction ofthe City Hall in an effort to save money on interest during the construction phase. She requested the use of reserve funds to complete construction if needed. She stated that when the project is complete loan funds could be drawn down to replace both general and reserve funds.  Hayes abstaining.  She estimated $35,000.00 savings in interest expense by using funds on hand.    Council Member Lee moved to authorize the City Clerk to transfer and use reserve funds during the construction phase of City Hall if needed. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tidwell and was approved by a six (6) to zero (0) vote with Mayor Hayes abstaining. Council Member Tidwell moved to approve the January 2024 Financials as presented. The motion was seconded by Council Member Fountain and was approved by a six (6) to zero (0) vote  with Mayor Hayes abstaining.  Mayor Hayes also reported on the following: 2. Senior Citizens Mother's Day program  1. Airport sign  3. Complimented the River Festival and parade and all involved - discussion ensued by Council regarding reimbursement for overtime by the Festival Committee 4. Issue regarding the drive way for the new industrial project 6. Wiregrass Economic Development Investor's Lunch  5. City Hall project  Mayor Hayes addressed rumors that the City was trying to take over the Water Works and Sewer Board stating for the record not once has this Mayor or Council ever discussed the possibility of taking over the Board. He explained this is false and rumors. The City wants the Board to continue as a separated entity, however state code allows for member appointments to include City officials and this will assist with unity among the Board and City. The City wants to  help and see the Board succeed but as its own entity.  City Clerk Johnson reported she has applied for a rebate on the EV chargers, she has began close out of the ARPA funding grant and she has applied for and received the last of the funding for the rescue squad from the County. She gave an updated report on the CDBG Rehabilitation  Project.  Mayor Hayes shared some of the positive feedback he has received on the CDBG Project and related how one particular project has impacted the quality of life for a handicap individual. City Attorney Gray reported on municipal court. He gave an update on a nuisance complaint that is scheduled for trial. Attorney Gray complimented the recreation department on the condition offields and stated he has heard many positive comments about the new director. Council Member Coleman addressed the need for lighting at Fowler Park, lighting options were discussed. He stated he has received complaints of speeding on Iris and Trinity Streets. Council Member Gillespie stated she has received complaints in Council Member Coleman's district on parking in the street on Sunflower. Council Member Coleman also asked about the dip  in Wilson Street being repaired.  Council Member Gillespie stated she would like to discuss allowing employees to accumulate more PTO hours for conversion at the time of retirement. A work session was    scheduled for 5:00 before next meeting. She asked if the old Hayes service station has sold and  when the house on Campbell that had burnt would be torn down.  Council Member Lee asked the Mayor if there are still plans to get some private help on Council Member Tidwell stated he has everyone a graduation invitation. He reported on Council Member Fountain reported on a nuisance on Pleasant Street, overgrown grass on Fire ChiefLatimer reported on the ISO inspection and that the City maintained its 4 rating. He also stated the old air tanks and SCBA apparatuses were donated to the City of Coffee Springs  Mulkey Street. He also asked about an awful scent around the Mulkey area.  signup for recreation programs  Whitney Street and complaints about dogs barking on Hart and Whitney.  Fire Department.  Police Chief Mock gave an activity report for the month of April. He reported the Tru- Narc device has been received, he is applying for a grant through Wiregrass Electric, an officer survival class funded through a federally funded program, the Too Good for Drugs Program, Jr.  Police Academy, National Night Out and a Police Chaplin program.  Street and Sanitation Superintendent Brewer reported on projects, equipment and cost ofa new street sweeper. He reported the pit where the City purchases clay has closed. Superintendent Brewer stated that under City policy, only 8 hours ofholiday time is compensated for employees. With his new: schedule, his employees are working 101 hour shifts and he would like for the City to look at the extra two hours and how it is handled on holidays. Council discussed looking at the issue at a work shop. City Clerk Johnson brought up there were other departments on 12 and 24 hour shifts that the Council may also want to consider as they have always been compensated at the same 8-hour credit. Council set the topic for discussion at the work session and adjusted the  time to 4:30 p.m. Mother's Day.  Council Member Lee requested the gates to the Baptist Bottom Cemetery be left open for  Mayor Hayes opened to the floor for public comments.  Chamber President Carl Corey reported on the recent community cleanup project and Mayor Hayes called for an executive session to discuss an incident covered by HIPPA. Attorney Gray stated an executive session as requested was in order as discussion met the criteria being covered under HIPPA regulations. He stated there could be an announcement after executive Council Member Lee moved to go into executive session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Fountain. Mayor Hayes called forar roll call vote with the following results:  future projects, and 4th ofJuly planning.  session which was estimated to be 20: minutes.    Ayes: Mayor Hayes, Council Members Lee, McCoy, Gillespie, Tidwell, Fountain,  Coleman.  Nays: None  Thel Mayor declared the motion passed and executive session approved. Executive session began at 7:55 p.m. with the Mayor, Council Members, City Clerk and City Attorney in attendance. Council Member Tidwell moved to adjourn executive session. The motion was seconded by Council Member Fountain and was unanimously approved. Executive session adjourned at  8:20 p.m.  Following executive session, Council Memberl Leei moved to go on record stating the City's policy to allow City employees to continue insurance after retirement would also extend to the Geneva Water Works and Sewer Board employees provided the Board paid any associated cost. The motion was seconded by Council Member Tidwell and was approved by a six (6) to zero (0)  vote with Mayor Hayes abstaining.  Council Member Tidwell moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Council  Member Gillespie and was unanimously approved. Council adjourned at 8:25 p.m.