Bessemer City News

November 2008 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Bessemer City Council met in regular session on November 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Following are the minutes from that meeting.

Members Present
Mayor Bob Hovis; Council Members: Wayne Massagee, Kay McCathen, Melanie Colvin, Jim Long, Becky Smith and Marilyn Best.  City Manager Allan Farris was also present.  The City Attorney was absent due to illness.

Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Hovis called the meeting to order and members of American Legion Post 243 presented the colors.  Mayor Hovis led in the prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Adjustment and Approval of October Agenda
Upon motion by Wayne Massagee, second by Jim Long and unanimous vote, the November agenda was amended to add Item 3b – Memorial Resolution Honoring Ida Worthy Byers.

Special Presentation
Mayor Hovis asked veterans from American Legion 243 to remain as he read a Proclamation recognizing November 11, 2008 as Veteran’s Day in Bessemer City.  Council thanked all veterans for their service to our country.

Kay McCathen read a letter and memorial resolution honoring Ida Worthy Byers at her passing on November 4, 2008.  The resolution addressed “Miss Ida’s” dedicated service to Bessemer City and relayed the City’s loss at her passing.

Upon motion by Marilyn Best, second by Jim Long and unanimous vote, the Resolutions were adopted.  (Copies on file in Proclamation Book).

Approval of Minutes
Upon motion of Kay McCathen, second by Jim Long and unanimous vote, the minutes of the special meeting of Oct. 7, 2008 and the regular meeting of October 13, 2008 were approved.

Consent Agenda
Item B – Enforcement Response Plan – was removed from the consent agenda.  The following item of the Consent Agenda was adopted upon motion by Jim Long, second by Marilyn Best and unanimous vote:

a) Request For Sign – At the request of Ms. Sandra Scates, 502 Sunset Drive, a “Please Drive Slowly – We Love Our Children” sign will be placed on Sunset Drive. Ms. Scates request stemmed from her concern for the number of small children who play in or near the street.  The City Manager addressed the City’s practice of signs of this nature and the requirement for Council review before approval.  Council was reminded that this type of sign is not regulatory and carries no enforcement.

BC Community Planning Project
Deb Ryan of Ryan-Harris briefed the Council on the Community Planning Project, with the first meeting being on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008.  Ms. Ryan gave an explanation of the process used    including the WIKI-Planning website that will be introduced at the first meeting which will be a tool for the committee and public to have input and participation. Ms. Ryan gave Council a list of the steering committee members and extended an invitation to Council to join the meeting.

“Christmas in the City” Event
A joint project of the City and the BC Women’s Club is scheduled for December 5th at 6:00 PM on Virginia Avenue.  The project is in the final planning stages and Mayor Hovis asked Council for direction on the City’s financial role in the process. The City is asked to assist in development and printing of a flier to promote the event. The fliers will be sent to the BC area schools. Other expenses incurred will be man hours for set up and clean up the day of the event. Upon motion by Jim Long, second by Melanie Colvin and unanimous vote, $1200.00 was allotted for City participation in the “Christmas in the City” Project.

False Alarm Fire Calls
The City Manager explained that staff had worked on details for an ordinance to regulate charges for excessive false fire alarm calls.  The Fire Chief and City Manager compared fees for surrounding cities and recommended the following fee schedule, which if approved by Council, will be per calendar year. Council directed the Manager to have City Attorney Smith create an ordinance for Council consideration.
The fees suggested are as follows:
• 1st & 2nd false alarm……….Fees waived
• 3rd, 4th, 5th false alarm……….$50 each occurrence
• 6th & 7th false alarm……….$100 each occurrence
• 8th & 9th false alarm……….$250 each occurrence
• 10th & consecutive false alarms………..$500 each occurrence

Council General Discussion
Mayor Hovis advised Council that on Dec. 5, 2008 at 4:00 PM, the City will host a Ribbon Cutting event, with media coverage, for the Landmark Central School Project; status on demolition and clearing of McBess Industries (Kellar) property; City Manager Farris explained that after Nov. 26 the City would begin the process of judgment against the property if Code Enforcement action is not completed; City Employee Christmas Luncheon will be held on November 26 from 11:30 AM until 1:30 PM at the Recreation Department, Council is invited to join; time frame for the storm water  project; MPO Conference; BC Ministerial Alliance Thanksgiving Meal, Nov. 22 at 11:00 a.m.; maintenance of unpaved portion of Downey Lane – staff will check maps for status of right of way. Planner Kevin Krouse advised that if the road is inside the City, it will need to be brought up to City standard and dedicated to the City before any maintenance can be done.

Mayor Hovis asked for an update of information on recycling programs. City Manager Farris advised that staff had met with Waste Management regarding contract negotiations and the cost for reinstating recycling program.  The most effective method will be the comingled, roll out container method, which will be available for kick off in the 2010 budget year. Staff is checking into grant awards for kick off promotion and container purchase. When a more concise cost estimate is obtained, a report will be presented to the Council.

Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM upon motion by Wayne Massagee, second by Kay McCathen and unanimous vote.

––Adora G. Alford, Deputy City Clerk, William R. Hovis, Mayor