March 21, 2018
COUNCIL MINUTES – March 20, 2018
The Town Council of the Town of Steele, Alabama, met in Regular Session at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Steele Town Hall. Upon roll call, the following members were present:
Present: Roger Adams, Mayor
Richard Reynolds, Councilmember
Brent Dunn, Councilmember
Philip Gleason Jr., Councilmember
Rick Barnes, Councilmember
Nancy Miller-Borg, Councilmember
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Adams who led everyone in a word of prayer.
The Town Council having read the minutes from the Regular Council Meeting held on Monday, March 5, 2018, motion was made by Councilmember Barnes to approve the minutes, 2nd Council member Gleason Jr. and approved by the Town Council.
Ayes: Reynolds, Dunn, Gleason Jr., Barnes, and Miller-Borg
Nays: None
The Principal at Steele Jr. High School requested four signs to help prevent through traffic around the school building. The cost would be $183.00. Councilmember Barnes made a motion to buy the four signs for $183.00 out of the school budget. Second by Councilmember Miller-Borg and approved by the Town Council.
Ayes: Reynolds, Dunn, Gleason Jr., Barnes, and Miller-Borg
Nays: None
It was discussed that a sign was needed behind the tennis courts to keep people from using the road to the top of the hill. It was decided to buy some ready-made “no trespassing” signs and to put a chain across the road.
Officer Caleb Wise’s vehicle received a cracked windshield during a recent chase. Cost to replace the windshield would be under $400.00. Motion was made by Councilmember Miller-Borg to approve up to $400.00 to replace the windshield. Second by Councilmember Gleason Jr., and approved by the Town Council.
Ayes: Reynolds, Dunn, Gleason Jr., Barnes, and Miller-Borg
Nays: None
Chief Ward requested approval to purchase a shotgun for Officer Wise in the amount of $419.00. Motion made by Councilmember Reynolds to purchase a shotgun for $419.00, 2nd by Councilmember Barnes and approved by the Town Council.
Ayes: Reynolds, Dunn, Gleason Jr., Barnes, and Miller-Borg
Nays: None
The camera in the 2017 Tahoe needs replacing. It was taken out of the Charger and is eight-years old. The total replacement cost would be $1,704.95. Councilmember Reynolds made a motion to replace the camera system in the 2017 Tahoe for $1,704.95. Second by Councilmember Miller-Borg and approved by the Town Council.
Ayes: Reynolds, Dunn, Gleason Jr., Barnes, and Miller-Borg
Nays: None
The Fire Department is in need of a new computer. Librarian Lynda Fann said there is an extra computer in the library. The Fire Chief will check to see is it will meet the requirements of the Fire Department.
The Mayor reported that some people used the Storm Shelter last night due to severe weather and possible tornadoes. He requested we purchase a television, mounting bracket and antenna for the Shelter at a cost not to exceed $450.00. Councilmember Miller-Borg made a motion to purchase a television setup for the Storm Shelter at a cost not to exceed $450.00. Second by Councilmember Gleason Jr. And approved by the Town Council.
Ayes: Reynolds, Dunn, Gleason Jr., Barnes, and Miller-Borg
Nays: None
Council Minutes
March 20, 2018
Page 2
The Mayor reported we are on schedule to have the property surveyed. A 1969 survey was located and given to the surveyors.
The Mayor also reminded the council members to submit their Statement of Economic Interest.
Councilmember Dunn reminded everyone that the Amazing Race is April 14, 2018.
Councilmember Barnes is interested in finding ways to attract families to our area. He is obtaining more information on climbing opportunities and has received names of local people who are involved in a climbing association. He also received an OK from the Principal about using the school gym for practice.
He also created an account with Data.world to help share data publicly in an easy format about our town. An example of the date would be the police and fire department reports. He is looking into the one-time cost of free wi-fi that could be used by residents after hours. He also mentioned that we need more accurate data than the 2010 census to give our grant writer. Completing a survey would be the only way to make our town eligible for some needs based grants prior to the next census.
Councilmember Miller-Borg provided a letter from Alabama Power stating it is illegal to post signs on their power poles. The Mayor will request our employees remove signs and hold them for seven days to be claimed by the owner.
Librarian Lynda Fann announced Easter egg hunts on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. She sent letters to local businesses and received a $50.00 donation from J&K Tires and a $35.00 gift certificate from Johnson’s Grocery. She has also received another $100.00 donation. The local churches will donate snacks for the events. She requested $220 from library funds for cash prizes totaling $400.00 on Friday evening. The Fire Department small fund will donate $350.00 for the events. Librarian Fann was instructed to write a check to cash for the needed funds and obtain a receipt for the cash from the Bank. She said there may be other receipts for snacks.
She also reported that she has been working with Judy Douglas, the former County Librarian on the LSTA grant for 2019. The application is due April 15.
Joe David Morgan reported that Casey Beasley is going to be sponsored by Mt Lebanon Baptist Church for a missionary trip to Africa.
Councilmember Dunn said that Jonathan Lloyd would like to come to a Council meeting concerning a possible soccer league.
With there being no further business to come before this Regular Council Meeting of March 20, 2018, Councilmember Barnes made a motion to adjourn the meeting, 2nd by Councilmember Miller-Borg, adjourned at 7:20 pm.
The minutes were taken by Councilmember Miller-Borg in the absence of Town Clerk Jessica Martin.