Town of Hot Springs Board of Alderman Regular Meeting April 4, 1923 Present: Mayor Abigail Norton Alderman Jeanne Gentry Alderman Vaughn Barnett Alderman Jimmy Moore Town Attorney Ron Moore Clerk Nancy Thomas  Maintenance Supervisor. Jeremy Trantham  Mayor Norton called the meeting to order at 7:00. Welcomed guests and read Public Charge. Alderman Jeanne Gentry made the motion to accept the minutes and financial statements.  Alderman Vaughn Barnett seconded the motion.  All were in favor. Public Comment:  Sara. Jo Litwak, owner of Sara Jo's Station and member of the Event Committee, first wanted to thank EMC, the Hot Springs VFD, and First Responders for their contributions in Town emergencies and events. She added, as a business owner, she was disappointed with the Duke Energy Solar Farm response when the Town experienced a three-day power outage. She felt power should have been restored immediately with the solar farm, and due to the delay businesses lost significant revenue. She said with Duke Energy Power bills getting higher and higher, the solar farm should have kicked ini in such a timely manner that businesses should not  have been SO negatively affected.  There were no other public comments at this time.  Agenda:  Brandy Rice asked if the Board would approve employee coverage availability with AFLAC for disability, accident, or other coverages they offered. It will be understood that each employee Alderman Jeanne Gentry made the motion to allow Ms. Rice to define coverage availability to  will pay their own coverage cost.  each employee.  Alderman Barnett seconded the motion.  Itv was agreed Ms. Rice will meet with each employee and offer coverage and pricing.    Page 2  Town Business:  Finance Officer Gentry asked Police Chief Shelton for al list of any needs his department had Chief Shelton said he would like the board to consider an increase in hourly wages for officers, He added he knew someone interested in working in the summer months. He suggested they discuss it later. Alderman/ Finance Officer Gentry said Officer Wages would be discussed when Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy Trantham told the Board the Solar Grid was helpful during the power outage. He said they did not lose any water, and the sewer system equipment held up Alderman Barnett asked if the generator was working soi it could kick in as well. Mr. Trantham Mr. Trantham added the blower for the sewer plant did work, and the back up was good for now. Mayor Norton asked if one was needed. Mr. Trantham said they would need one equal to He said they had some issues with the generator at the well house. It would not start, and the control panel started smoking, sO they had toi turn it off. He said the power came back on before it was an issue. He would like to know the equipment would automatically kick in when Alderman Gentry asked if someone could look at the old one. She added there was money in Mr. Trantham said they could use the three-phrase power system at the Red Bridge. Alderman Moore said they most definitely needed good equipment at the Red Bridge. Mr. Trantham said they said see weak spots, and the system at Silvermine and the Cathole Mr. Trantham added they need diesel fuel for the system at the Post Office Sewer Plant, and asked if Sara Jo's could ask their delivery man about bringing the truck there. She said she Fire Chief. Josh Norton said sooner or later people would start asking for help during outages from the Fire Department, and they would have to explain they do not have the resources. Alderman Moore said the Community Center was in terrible: shape and would not be a good Mr. Norton said they did need emergency personnel / shelter available, and they need to make Mayor Norton said they need to plan a workshop to devise a plan in the events of outages for Alderman Gentry suggested discussing this with Madison County Emergency management and  prior to creating the 23/24 budget.  as he had a tough time getting anyone when he needed some help.  working on the budget.  good.  told him it was not.  the one they currently have.  needed.  the budget if new equipment was needed.  would only hold up for about four days. thought they could work that out.  temporary shelter right now.  ap plan.  citizens that must have power for oxygen, etc.  seei if they can assist.    Page 3  Mr. Norton said they did not really have the resources either.  Alderman Gentry said they needed a plan in place to move people from one place to another Alderman Moore said most Nursing Homes only had to change a plug to kick in their generators, Mr. Trantham said if the Town declares a State of Emergency' insurance companies have specific  and consider all aspects of that. Mr. Norton said the FD could help with that.  and agreed they needed to put a plan in place for outage emergencies. Alderman Gentry said there were also Liability issues to consider.  guidelines.  Mr. Norton agreed a State of Emergency opens a whole new: set of options.  The Board agreed they would meet: soon to discuss this and invite other departments ini the  county to bring their advice and experience.  Mayor Norton said the Board has approved installing new Utility Software, and Nancy Thomas will begin training with Southern Software and begin utilizing the new software.  Alderman Gentry asked Zoning Administrator if they will get started working on Short Term and  Vacation Rentals. She said they had al long way to go working on this matter.  The Board was told the Maintenance Department needs a new air compressor. The Board Mr. Trantham said they needed a Bar Stream which would catch paper products and plastics before becoming entangled in the sewer pumps. Alderman Gentry said the Budget did allow this. They could pay $1,500.00 for someone toi fix one or allow. James & James to doi it. J&J said Alderman Moore commented the Speed Bumps looked better after they were painted. Mayor Norton said she wanted to discuss a system toi inform residents to conserve energy with  agreed it was needed and to move forward.  they would charge $2,000.00.  the solar grid was providing power.  Alderman Gentry made the motion to go into Executive Session. Alderman Barnett made the motion to return to regular session.  Alderman Moore seconded the motion. Alderman Gentry seconded the motion.  6:35 6:55    Page 4  Mayor Norton said the Board discussed hiring a Part Time Administrator for the Town.  Alderman Gentry made the motion to allow. Alderman Barnett seconded the motion.  All were in favor.  As there was no other business at this time, Alderman Moore made the motion to adjourn. Alderman Barnett seconded the motion.  5-1-3023  Approved  Date_  Aligpilslects Mayor Abigail Norton  Other