CITY OF CREOLA P.0.BOX490 CREOLA, AL: 36525-0490 Phone: 251-675-8142 FAX: 251-679-8203 City Council Doug Kirkland ChiefofPolice  William Criswell Lee Anne Greene Harold Martin Ralph WalkerTonya Moss Kendal Hadaway  Mayor City Clerk  Carolyn Sue Cain Linda Hoiles  Jeff] Reeves Fire Chief  Court Clerk  Minutes of the City of Creola City Council Meeting  Thursday, August 10, 2017 Creola City Hall 9615 Old Hwy. 43, Creola, AL  Mayor Criswell called the meeting to order, Chief Doug Kirkland asked  to everyone turn off all  cell phones. Pledge of Allegiance Councilwoman Greene Councilman Martin Councilman Walker Councilwoman Moss Councilman Hadaway Mayor Criswell  Police Chaplain Don Turberville gave the Invocation. Upon the call ofroll, the following were found to be present.  City Attorney-Mr. Danny Mims City Clerk-Carolyn Sue Cain  CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL  Mayor Criswell asked for the list of citizens to address the Council.:  -NONE-  Mayor Criswell thanked everyone for attending the meeting and participating in our government. This is our first meeting in our new facility. It is nice and so much better. City The Councilman Martin made a motion to accept the minutes of7/27/17 as revised under Recreation" reading "we have received L.I.P donation" but should read "we  roofis not leaking.  "Parks and will receive L.I.P  donation. Councilwoman Moss seconded, all  favored, none opposed, motion carried.  1    Councilwoman Greene made a motion to accept the minutes of the Emergency 28, 2017, seconded by Councilwoman Moss, all favored, none opposed, motion carried meeting  of. June  BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS No report as the board hasn'tmet.  RSOLUTIOANSORDIMANCES AND OTHER BUSINESS  Councilwoman Greene made a motion to introduce Zoning Ordinance 17-002 for the Foster Property between the Baptist Church and the Senior Center, this ordinance as advertised.  Councilwoman Greene made ar motion to table this ordinance until the Aug. by Councilwoman Moss, all favored, none opposed, motion carried.  Seconded  24"meeting.  Mayor Criswell announced that we require al Board of Adjustments. Councilwoman Moss the list recommended by Mayor Criswell and made a motion to accept: Carl Walker, Liz read Lassister, Harold Martin, David Bouche and Jennifer White. Seconded Councilwoman  Greene. Roll call for vote: Councilwoman Greene Councilman Martin Councilman Walker Councilwoman Moss Councilman Hadaway Mayor Criswell Approved by roll call.  by  YES YES YES YES YES YES  Mayor Criswell stated that our Student Intern from Citronelle HS, Sabrina Presley, dida tremendous job this summer on all the ordinances, resolutions and minutes. are available forj public viewing in the conference area at City Hall. Councilwoman These documents made a motion that Sabrina be allowed to work during the upcoming school needed, 201 hours or less. Seconded by Councilwoman Moss, all favored, none year 2017-2018, as carried. Mayor Criswell read a' "Thank You" note from Amy Mills, Signature opposed, motion Specialist, Citronelle HS saying this has great for the school and Sabrina. Ms. Academy Mills sent pads from Citronelle HS to Mayor and Staff. Mayor Criswell commented that  Greene  Note  has been a big help and is a super student.  Sabrina Presley  Councilwoman Greene made a motion to ask Attorney Daniel Mims to write a letter to the Attorney General for his opinion for using the 7-cent gas tax to start paying ALDOT. Seconded by Councilwoman Moss, all favored, none opposed, motion carried. ALDOT bills us on red lights, etc. on Hwy 43. The City of Creola currently has a balance ALDOT. This bill has not been paid in al long time, since 2011. We have of$15,623.20 worked out an owed to agreement with ALDOT toj pay them $500. per month until us and pleased with what we are doing. We are paying this bill paid on a regular They basis like working we should. with  for repairs  in full,  are  2    Roll call for vote: Councilwoman Greene Councilman Martin Councilman Walker Councilwoman Moss Councilman Hadaway Mayor Criswell Approved by roll call.  YES YES NO YES YES YES  Parks Project- To be completed with the $5,000. donation coming from L.I.P. Councilwoman Moss and Councilman Hadaway are working on1 this project. Councilwoman Moss stated ap problem with the water draining in the park and she has written a letter to Ms. Mahdi for there a is for drainage for al little league park. We need to get an engineer tol look at the water also need cameras for the bathrooms in the park due to vandalism in the park. We will problem. talk with We Major Holt and see about bleachers for the soccer fields and other needed items. We will until we hear from Ms. Mahdi with Mobile County Commission. Councilman commented that this would certainly help with the drainage at Frenchmen's Bend, Hadaway as well. Councilman Martin stated that wel have been talking with Norfolk Southern about the the Lister Dairy Rd. RR grade crossing. There are no crossing arms on this RR was the location ofthe recent tragedy. Norfolk Southern is encouraging us to eliminate crossing. the This RR crossing. They will incur all expenses and will give a 30 -day notice to the residents. Martin made a motion to introduce ar resolution to close this RR crossing. Councilwoman Councilman Greene seconded, all favored, none opposed, motion carried. Mayor Criswell received Will Miller, Regulation Safety Director for Norfolk Southern expressing real aj phone call from crossing. There is a sharp curve and the Engineerj just cannot stop ifthere is a concerns vehicle about this the track. Mayor Criswell stated that NS is very keen about safety issues at the crossing. stuck on years earlier, we had another incident at the same crossing. Councilman Martin made Four Councilwoman Moss seconded, all favored, none opposed, Motion carried. meeting on Aug. 24th. AI resolution was presented for immediate consideration to repeal Resolution No. 250 in its entirety. This resolution was passed by the previous Mayor and City Council on 12/3/2009 giving all powers to the Mayor and City Clerk to open bank accounts, loans, consolidate etc. Councilwoman Greene made a motion to table until we can advertise to the will vote at the Aug. 24-meeting. Councilwoman Moss seconded, Mayor Criswell citizens. stated We deemed this "a bad thing" for the Mayor and City Clerk tol handle your finances. This that he are repealing Resolution 250. We want it open for all citizens to see and we are putting is why we  grant hold off  closing of  motion to table this until we can post for the citizens and vote at the next  a second  funds,  everything back out on the table. Mayor Criswell stated that everything is  administration.  transparent in this  Councilwoman Moss stated that McAleer's will deliver the new chairs Monday and  ones they had delivered earlier.  pick up the  Mayor Criswell stated that all city hall employees that handle money should be bonded. Attorney Mims will get us a price for insuring Municipalities from AMIC. This is for the  3    protection of the individual employee and the City, as well. Will bring back to the council at next meeting. As of November 2016, when the new administration was swom in, all checks issued must have two signatures before it leaves City Hall. City Attorney Daniel Mims Councilwoman Greene introduced the annexations and they touch other properties. been posted for 15 days. She made a motion to table until the August 24"meeting. Councilwoman They  explained in detail exactly what the bond covers.  have  Moss seconded. We will post for citizens. A roll call for the vote:  Councilwoman Greene Councilman Martin Councilman Walker Councilwoman Moss Councilman Hadaway Mayor Criswell Approved by roll call.  YES YES YES YES YES YES  Mayor Criswell commented that Terry Foster will be teaching a hunting class on 2017 at the Creola Senior Center. We will post this notifications in three individuals are required to attend a hunting class to receive a hunting license places in Alabama. citizens. This All a good course I the young folks. It is open for ages 10 and up. The reason we are before the council is, there is No Charge to rent the building for this non-profit class since bringing this this Mayor Criswell stated that we have received two bids for signs for the front and rear of our Councilwoman Greene made a motion to go with the lowest bidder, Explosive Signs. Seconded Councilwoman Moss. The sign in the back of the building will be lighted, making it visible by  for September 23,  is isa new from  community service.  city hall. (1) Wrico - $2250.00 (2) Explosive Signs - $2040.00  Hwy. 43. Roll call was taken for the vote. Councilwoman Greene YES Councilman Martin Councilman Walker Councilwoman Moss YES Councilman Hadaway ABSTAINED Mayor Criswell Approved by roll call.  YES YES YES  Mayor Criswell stated that we will be moving our sign from the old City Hall to our new location  PLANNING AND ZONING COMMITTEE  Due to Mr. Chambers being absent, Councilwoman Greene stated there were no at the August 15lhmeeting 6pm at City Hall, they will review the RV ordinance. applications but  Amendments will be brought back to the board for approval.  4    Councilwoman Greene mentioned that Mrs. Jean Gunter called about the new subdivision ordinance. She will be deeding one ofher lots to her granddaughter. Mrs. Gunter will not have to appear before the Board due to the fact that the property fronts the road and is not deemed a Mayor Criswell reported that we have a lot ofhouse plans coming thru city hall lately. New Houses, Permits, etc. There have been about $1,800. Worth of permits come thru this week. We are  subdivision. Mr. Chambers will have to sign the final plat.  houses in our community. PARKS AND RECREATION  getting larger  Councilwoman Moss stated that we are doing a video presentation. We: need ideas about our City for the video. Councilman Hadaway is working with Councilwoman Moss on this project. Ms. Ladora Knight stated that in the July 13th council meeting, we mentioned that are are with several businesses about coming to our City. She asked, "Who are these businesses"? talking Mayor Criswell stated that we are seeking businesses. We have done a study with SARPC, and a grant, made large poster boards, made up aj proposal to show someone interested in moving into our City. We are asking ALDOT for traffic studies on Hwy 43 and Exit 22. Mayor Criswell explained that we have some interests on fairly large pieces of property. We've received word that someone is going toj purchase 50 acres at Exit 22. This will be al big boost for our City. "If Ms. Knight asked "Who are the businesses?" Mayor Criswell stated that he would rather not give names, since all this is still int the negotiation stage and we would not want toj jeopardize the sales. Ms. Knight asked, "Are these businesses Industrial"? Mayor Criswell stated they are. not industrial-all commercial, such as Food, grocery, activities, etc. No chemical plants. Not  you don't ask for business, you probably won't get it." So "Let's ask!".  industrial, all commercial.  UTILITIES AND SENIOR CITIZENS  Councilwoman Moss stated that everything was good. No report. Councilwoman Moss that she has talked with Ms. Ludgood about a grant for the bathrooms in the senior center. stated only have 1 men's and 1 ladies bathroom and we need 2 of each. We will need to talk  We with Ms.  Mahdi since the Senior Center was built with HUD: money.  FINANCE  Councilwoman Greene gave the financial report, giving a copy to the Council. report listed below). Also copies available to citizens attending the one. All revenues for the month totaled: $ 144,765.92. Also, a Find meeting Report for wishing August tol have 2017 totaling $42,931.69 was available(bills and payroll). A list ofc outstanding bills is 1-10,  details (see of  available.  5    Court Bond Account Court Fund Special Court Fund General Fund Money Market Police Department S.A.I.L. Center. Account 7-cent Special Gas Tax Acct. 4-cent Gas Tax Acct. (including 5 cent) Total: (in bank)  1834.66 32,417.90 8,334.52 $ 15,300.20 124,556.79 13,519.66 7103.46 674.27 16,967.82 $14.188.37 234,897.65  Fire Department Received $14,190. Grant 7/19  Outstanding bill list was distributed to all council and available to anyone present wanting a copy.  POLICE AND FIRE POLICE  Councilman Martin gave a financial report for the PD. The PD Bank Statement JulyIthruJuly: 31,20171 had  al beginning balancé of$7,410.46  Deposits Withdrawals Checks written Ending Balance: Recap: 7/18 7/5 7/3 7/13  $ 957.09 $ 689.95 $ 574.14 $7,103.46  Check # #1109 #1110 #1111 #1112 #1113  Amount $115.00 Void $148.00 36.14 145.00 $689.95  Vendor  AG's Service (3 vehicles) LA Police Gear D's Stitches  Walker Lock & Key(deadbolts for PD). Best Buy (Camera Security System for PD)  Councilman Martin made aj motion that the report be accepted. Councilman Walker seconded, all Councilman Martin stated that we are no longer at the bottom of the list for police salaries. With all the hard work from the Mayor, City Clerk and the entire staff, the official 15% raise with the Mobile County Personnel Board raised us up on the list. We are no longer at the bottom, we are growing our PD and getting better equipment. We are, not where we want to be, but we are getting there, taking baby steps. The starting pay for a police officer is $22,000. With MCPB. Now we are at $26,270. ChiefKirkland stated wel have hired aj police officer with 10 years' experience, Bart Andrews, 34 years old, wife w/ 4 kids, A-Post certified from Citronelle; resigned in good standing.  favored, none opposed. Motion carried.    He will start w/ us on August 16th. We are looking at 4 more certified applicants. Someone asked how many of our officers live in Creola. ChiefKirkland stated 2-Officer Turberville and Reserve Officer White. We need 6-8 officers. Mayor Criswell stated that we are looking for officers that Councilman Martin made a motion to send Mayor Criswell, Councilman Martin and Councilman Walkert to the MCMA training inl Loxley on September 27,2017 with reimbursement from the City for the $125. registration each + mileage. Seconded by Councilman Walker, all favored, none  treat folks like they should be treated and look after the older families.  opposed. Motion carried.  FIRE:  Councilman Hadaway gave a financial report for the VFD.  Beginning Balance $ 3,706.00 Deposit Grant Ending Bal $15,300.20  $14,572.00annual county funding)  There were some fraudulent charges made on the Fire account. Domino' s Pizza in Illinois for $382. and a Pay Pal account in CA. The bank will credit these charges when investigation is Councilman Hadaway made ai motion to accept the report for the Fire Dept. Councilman Martin VF ChiefReeves gave ai report on ISO. Should be getting the report back in 4-61 months. He will publish report in Call News. Homeowners will benefit from the good ratings from ISO. Chief Reeves stated that we had 12 calls this month; 25 calls last month. Councilman Hadaway stated  complete.  seconded, all favored, none opposed. Motion carried.  that we had al lot of suicidal folks lately.  STREETS  Mayor Criswell wants to extend a word of"appreciation" to Councilman Walker. He is up here every day working, cleaning out between Hwy. 43 and the railroad with his backhoe. People will be able to see our sign and City Hall, from Hwy. 43. We appreciate Councilman Walker and all his hard work. He will be getting the road grader soon on Ducey Rd. Hall and Hurst, as soon as it dries out some. Councilman Walker made a motion to pay Elijah Safford, the grader operator for 10 hours for $250. this weekend, weather permitting. We will pay him when the work is complete. We can get the county equipment, road grader, dump truck, etc. The past administration did not pay the operator and this was brought to our attention. Now, we cut a check and pay the operator the day the work is complete. Councilwoman Greene will transfer the money from the 7- cent account to the general fund to cover the cost oft the grader operator.  Councilman Hadaway seconded, all favored, none opposed. Motion carried.  COMMUNITY GROUP  None  7    ADDITIONAL NOTES  None  MAYOR'SI DISCUSSION  Mayor Criswell reported that we are the only municipality in Mobile County without a Public Works Department. We are "floating" with all the rain we. have had recently. We are establish by a motion (1)al Public Works Dept., (2) Put those people somewhere. Wel going have Bobby Smith, Wayne Miller and a couple ofinmates working diligently to get our streets up to par. Mayor Criswell stated that we are hurting for equipment. We have one tractor that is worn out; we have one tractor with front end loader and a zero-turn mower. Councilman Walker and May Criswell went to Beard Equipment, Thompson Equipment and Mobile County looking for equipment. We will make an offer on an experienced piece of equipment and should be able to get something at a reasonable price. We are not going to be able to get equipment from the county in the future, as they are putting theirs out for auction. Mayor Criswell stated, Ifv we fail toj plan, then we plan to fail". Wei recently purchased a truck from Mobile County for $500. We received the title yesterday. Will get the tag for it this week. Wel haven'traised the salaries for the PD. MCPB deleted the Subsistency Pay, now iti is rolled into their salaries. Mayor Criswell reported that he and the City Clerk have met with MCPB on several occasions to rectify the payroll. A falsified payroll was being sent to MCPB for approval, when the city clerk it back, she. was creating another payroll with al higher rate of pay. The MCPB was not] happy when got this was discovered. They worked out two options for us. We are following their procedures and filling out evaluations for employees on the anniversary date oftheir employment. At one of our meetings, we were informed that last year, MCPB had a $55,000. Judgement against the of Creola. We were not aware oft this. We are working to pay down this debt. With MCPB and City  to  are working with us. ADJOURNMENT  they  MOTION BY: Councilwoman Moss Meeting adjourned @ 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Carolyn Sue Cain City Clerk  SECONDED BY: Councilman Hadaway seconded.  c.m. 8.10.2017  8