These minutes have been approved by City Council.
The City Council of the City of Auburn, Alabama met in regular session on Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at 7:30 PM in the Council Chamber in the Auburn Public Safety Building at 141 North Ross Street.
1. CALL TO ORDER. Mayor Ham.
Mayor Ham called the meeting to order.
2. ROLL CALL.
Present: Councilmembers Verlinda White, Sheila Eckman, Roberta Jackel, Logan Gray, Ted Wilson, Dick Phelan, Carolyn Mathews, Gene Dulaney, and Mayor Ham. Also present was City Manager David F. Watkins.
Absent: SGA Representative Adam Waldron.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. Flag.
4. MINUTES. December 6, 2005.
Councilman Dulaney moved that the minutes be approved.
Councilwoman Jackel seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the minutes approved.
5. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS. Mayor Ham.
a. Employee Recognition.
(1) Alison Hall. Parks & Recreation Department. 2005 Volunteer
of the Year Award. Lee County United Way.
Mayor Ham read a memorandum from Parks & Recreation Director Becky Richardson recognizing the work of Alison Hall as the City of Auburn Campaign Chair for the 2005-2006 United Way drive. Alison was also recognized as 2005 Volunteer of the Year by the Lee County United Way. (A copy of the memorandum is attached to the original minutes). Mayor Ham presented the Award to Alison and thanked her on behalf of the City Council and City employees for this accomplishment.
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December 20, 2005
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5. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
(2) Finance Department. Troy University. Achievement Awards.
(a) Amy Gilbert. Bachelor of Science Degree-Management.
(b) Heidi Lowery. Master’s Degree-Business Administration.
Mayor Ham read a memorandum from Deputy Finance Director Penny Smith through Finance Director Andrea Jackson nominating Amy Gilbert and Heidi Lowery for achievement awards. Mayor Ham stated that Amy Gilbert, Accounts Payable Specialist received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Management and Heidi Lowery, Accountant, received a Master in Business Administration degree from Troy University. Mayor Ham presented each employee with an Achievement Award and thanked them for their outstanding academic achievements. (A copy of the memorandum is attached to the original minutes).
(3) Teamwork Awards.
(a) City Employees. Leadership in Institutional Division
Award. 2005-2006 Lee County United Way Campaign.
Mayor Ham read a memorandum from Director of Human Resources Steve Reeves commending City employees for their contributions to the United Way and for exceeding its goal of $18,000 by over 10.7% ($21,000). He said special recognition should be given to departmental volunteers and nominated them for a Teamwork Award as follows: Alison Hall, Chair; Jeanette Johnson, Maureen Page, Cheryl Sport, Judy Shears, Jennifer Brenton, Robert Heath, Katie Ray, Keith Horne, Candy Curenton, Alison Frazier, Vanessa Welch, Meg Rainey, Conan Devine, Cheryl VanTuyl, Stephanie King, Joe Bailey, Earline Cobb, Julie Westra, Wilbur Brown, Bill Ramsey, Brandy Ezelle, Pat Gibson and Frank deGraffenried.
Mayor Ham thanked the volunteers and all City employees for the successful City campaign. He presented the Leadership in Institutional Division Award to Alison Hall.
(b) Water Resource Management and Public Works
Departments. Selected Employees. Emergency
Repair of Sewer Line.
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December 210, 2005
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5. MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
Mayor Ham read a memorandum from Director of Water Resource Management Scott Cummings nominating selected employees in the Water Resource Management and Public Works Departments for a Teamwork Award. The award was presented to: Mikel Thompson, John Ware, John Knight, Ed Hunter, Lorenza Pendleton, Marzine Dumas, Terry Wynn, Jonathan Thomas, Lavelle Cox and Allen McCord of the Water Resource Management-Sewer Division; Eric Chandler and Clay Robinson of the Water Resource Management-Water Division; and Jeff Ramsey, David Ponder, Mike Scott, Lon Harris, Cody Anthony, Derek Corley, and Marty Beckwith of the Public Works Department. Mayor Ham recognized the outstanding work performed by the employees in the repair of a major sewer line on Mall Parkway on November 16, 2005. (A copy of the memorandum is attached to the original minutes).
b. Committee of the Whole.
Mayor Ham noted that the Committee of the Whole met just prior to this meeting and the Council heard a presentation from City Manager David Watkins on legislative annexations. A resolution in support of the legislative annexation of Ms. Susan Murphy will be on the January 3, 2006 agenda for Council consideration.
c Announcements.
None.
6. SGA COMMUNICATIONS. SGA Representative.
The SGA representative was not present.
7. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Watkins.
a. Purchasing. Recommendations.
(1) State Contracts.
(a) Public Works Department.
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December 2005
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7. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
(1) Office Furniture. Alabama Contract Sales, Inc.
$15,248.98.
City Manager Watkins stated that the Public Works Department is requesting the purchase of office furniture for four new offices to accommodate additional personnel in the old Water Revenue section of the Development Services Building. The furniture can be purchased on State Contract from Alabama Contract Sales, Inc. in the amount of $15,248.98. Mr. Watkins recommended that the purchase be made.
Councilman Wilson moved that the recommendation be accepted.
Councilwoman Mathews seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the motion carried.
(2) 2006 4300 SBA 4x2 Flat Dump Trucks (2).
Southland International Trucks, Inc.
$93,758.08.
City Manager Watkins stated that the Public Works Department is requesting the purchase of two 2006 4300 SBA 4x2 Flat Dump Trucks on State Contract from Southland International Trucks, Inc. in the amount of $93,758.08. Mr. Watkins recommended that the purchase be made.
Councilman Phelan moved that the recommendation be accepted.
Councilman Dulaney seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the motion carried.
(3) 2006 Ford F350 Homeland Defense Vehicle.
Ben Atkinson Motors, Inc. $29,827.37.
City Manager Watkins stated that the Public Works Department is requesting the purchase of a 2006 Ford F350 Homeland Defense Vehicle for use by the Construction & Maintenance Division on State Contract from Ben Atkinson Motors, Inc. in the amount of $29,827.37. Mr. Watkins recommended that the purchase be made.
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December 2005
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7. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
Councilman Dulaney moved that the recommendation be accepted.
Councilman Wilson seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the motion carried.
(b) Environmental Services Department. 2006 Chevrolet
Trailblazer and 2006 Chevrolet Silverado Extended
Cab Pickup Truck. Ben Atkinson Chevrolet, Inc.
$22,256.38 and $15,895.31.
City Manager Watkins stated that the Environmental Services Department is requesting the purchase of a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer for the Administration Division and 2006 Chevrolet Silverado Extend Cab Pickup Truck for the Recycling Division on State contract from Ben Atkinson Chevrolet, Inc. in the amounts of $22,256.38 and $15,895.31, respectively. Mr. Watkins recommended that the purchases be made.
Councilwoman Eckman moved that the recommendation be accepted.
Councilwoman White seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the motion carried.
(c) Information Technology Department. Microsoft License
Renewal. Software House International (SHI). $131,556.04.
City Manager Watkins stated that this request from the Information Technology Department authorizes the third year payment of $131,556.04 to cover the City’s three-year licensing contract with Microsoft for all Microsoft products used by the City including additional licenses added to meet departmental needs. He noted that the State contract holder this year is Software House International and recommended that the payment be authorized.
Councilwoman Eckman moved that the recommendation be accepted.
Councilman Wilson seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the motion carried.
(2) Public Safety Department – Fire Division. Repair 1993
Spartan/Quality Pumper. Crimson Fire. $13,038.05.
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December 2005
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7. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
City Manager Watkins stated that the Public Safety Department – Fire Division is requesting that a 1993 Spartan/Quality Pumper (Engine 10) be repaired and returned to the Fire Division’s fleet. He noted that Crimson Fire can repair the vehicle for $13,038.05 and recommended that the repairs be made.
Councilman Dulaney moved that the recommendation be accepted.
Councilman Phelan seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the motion carried.
(3) Water Resource Management Department. Jordan Excavating.
Ductile Iron Pipe.
(a) Eight Inch (1,490 ft.) and Twelve Inch (3,530 ft.).
Shelton Cove Sewer Outfall Project. $329,340.
City Manager Watkins stated that bids were solicited for the installation of 1,490 ft. of 8” and 3,530 ft. of 12” iron ductile pipe for the construction of the Shelton Cove Sewer Outfall. Three companies submitted bids as follows:
Bidder Bid Amount
Jordan Excavating, Inc. $329,340
Gordy Construction, Inc. $366,351
Wilhite Enterprises, Inc. $424,510
Mr. Watkins recommended that the contract be awarded to the lowest bidder, Jordan Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $329,340. He explained that the developer for Shelton Cove signed an agreement pledging $50,000 toward this project and the City will obtain access fees from property owners as they connect to the line once it is operational.
Councilman Wilson moved that the recommendation be accepted.
Councilman Phelan seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the motion carried.
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December 20, 2005
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7. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
(b) Twelve Inch (7,300 ft.). Bottle Trunk Sewer Project.
$698,980.
City Manager Watkins stated that bids were solicited for 7,300 ft. of 12” iron ductile pipe for the construction of the Bottle Trunk Sewer Project. Three companies submitted bids as follows:
Bidder Bid Amount
Jordan Excavating, Inc. $ 686,980
MBC Southeast, Inc. $ 774,800
Gordy Construction, Inc. $1,127,745
Mr. Watkins recommended that the contract be awarded to the lowest bidder, Jordan Excavating, Inc. in the amount of $686,980 for the installation of the pipe and appurtenances.
Mr. Watkins stated that this project will serve the Tuscany Village and Tuscany Hill projects. He noted that the bid exceeded original budgeted amount; however, approximately $115,000 of the overage is directly related to a design change due to extremely flat grades encountered and the elevation of the existing sewer line along Saugahatchee Creek. He said this will require the construction of a depressed sewer line instead of traditional gravity sewer to get under the creek. Mr. Watkins explained that the additional overage, approximately $172,000 is directly related to changes in market price for pipe, materials, fuel and labor that have occurred during the past year.
Councilman Gray moved that the recommendation be accepted.
Councilwoman Mathews seconded the motion.
Councilwoman Jackel asked if the City will re-coup higher fees to offset the higher bid price.
Mr. Watkins said access fees now total approximately $400,000 per year and these fees are increasing each year.
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December 20, 2005
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7. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS (cont).
Councilwoman Jackel asked if perhaps the City is charging enough. She said the users should have to bear the increased costs.
Mr. Watkins explained that the agreement to install this line was made some years ago so the City will have to install the line. He noted that the City will obtain some of the funds for these costs from the access fees the developers will have to pay; however, he noted, the City needs this line also for the anticipated commercial growth in the area going toward Highway 280 from Highway 147. He noted that several developers will install the portion of the line from Highway 147 up to the intersection of Highway 280 so the City will not have to bear this cost.
Councilwoman Jackel said she saw a “For Sale” sign on “The Bottle” property and wanted to know what is planned for this property.
Mr. Watkins said the City has no information on plans for this property.
Upon the motion before the Council, all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the motion carried.
b. Taxpayer Waiver. In Excess of $500. College Park – Commons.
132 East Thach Avenue. $695.22. Approval.
City Manager Watkins stated that College Park – Commons is requesting the waiver of a late penalty on the remittance of their 2005 third quarter residential rental license fee. The amount of the penalty being requested is $695.22. Mr. Watkins noted it is the City’s policy to allow a one-time waiver of penalties and interest to taxpayers due to oversight or misunderstanding of the ordinance and this request meets that qualification. The company has not had a waiver to date and recommended approval of the request.
Councilwoman Jackel moved that the City Manager’s recommendation be accepted.
Councilwoman White seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the motion carried.
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December 20, 2005
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8. ORDINANCES.
a. City Code. Amendments. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
(1) Public Safety Department – Codes Division.
(a) 2003 International Fire Code.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Ordinance amends the City Code as it relates to the provisions of the 2003 International Fire Code. He noted that the amendments consist of editorial changes concerning violation penalties and changes for consistency between adopted codes. Mr. Watkins recommended that the Ordinance be adopted.
Councilwoman Mathews introduced the Ordinance.
City Manager Watkins read the Ordinance by Title.
Councilwoman Mathews moved that unanimous consent be granted to consider the Ordinance.
Councilman Wilson seconded the motion.
Mayor Ham asked if there is an objection to the Ordinance being considered on its first reading.
Hearing no objection from the Council, Mayor Ham declared unanimous consent granted and the Ordinance ready for adoption.
Upon roll call vote, the following Council members voted aye: White, Wilson, Dulaney, Eckman, Gray, Jackel, Mathews, Phelan, and Mayor Ham. Voting nay: None.
Mayor Ham declared the Ordinance adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 2353
(b) 2003 International Residential Code.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Ordinance amends the City Code as it relates to the provisions of the 2003 International Residential Code. He noted that the changes include adding Appendix G, pools, spas and hot tubs to the 2003 Residential Code. Mr. Watkins recommended that the Ordinance be adopted.
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December 20, 2005
Page 10
8. ORDINANCES (cont).
Councilman Wilson introduced the Ordinance.
City Manager Watkins read the Ordinance by Title.
Councilman Wilson moved that unanimous consent be granted to consider the Ordinance.
Councilman Gray seconded the motion.
Mayor Ham asked if there is an objection to the Ordinance being considered on its first reading.
Hearing no objection from the Council, Mayor Ham declared unanimous consent granted and the Ordinance ready for adoption.
Upon roll call vote, the following Council members voted aye: Wilson, Dulaney, Eckman, Gray, Jackel, Mathews, Phelan, White, and Mayor Ham. Voting nay: None.
Mayor Ham declared the Ordinance adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 2354
(c) National Electric Code, 2005 Edition.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Ordinance amends the City Code by adopting the 2005 Edition of the National Electric Code. He noted that there are several major changes in the new electric code that will allow the Codes Enforcement Division to implement the changes into the City’s daily inspection process. Mr. Watkins stated that a copy of the major changes is attached to the original minutes and recommended that the Ordinance be adopted.
Councilwoman Jackel introduced the Ordinance.
City Manager Watkins read the Ordinance by Title.
Councilwoman Jackel moved that unanimous consent be granted to consider the Ordinance.
Councilman Gray seconded the motion.
Mayor Ham asked if there is an objection to the Ordinance being considered on its first reading.
Hearing no objection from the Council, Mayor Ham declared unanimous consent granted and the Ordinance ready for adoption.
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December 20, 2005
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8. ORDINANCES (cont).
Upon roll call vote, the following Council members voted aye: Dulaney, Eckman, Gray, Jackel, Mathews, Phelan, White, Wilson, and Mayor Ham. Voting nay: None.
Mayor Ham declared the Ordinance adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 2355
(2) Finance Department. Lodging Tax. Three Percent (3%) Increase.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Ordinance increases the City’s lodging tax from 4% to 7% effective February 1, 2006. He noted that this increase brings the total lodging taxes in Auburn to 13% up from 10%.
Mr. Watkins said the increase is projected to add approximately $335,000/year to general fund revenues and indicated that the Opelika City Council will consider this increase as well in order that the lodging for the two cities will parallel each other. He noted that currently the tax is collected and divided as follows: State collects 6%, retains 4% and remits 2% to Auburn-Opelika Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB); the City collects and retains 4%. Under the proposed increase to 13%, the State will continue to collect 6%, retain 4% and remit 2% to CVB; the City will collect 7%, retain 6% and remit 1% to CVB.
Mr. Watkins explained that because hotels recognize the important part that economic development plays in the hotel industry the increase may be used to fund certain economic development activities. He recommended that the Ordinance be adopted.
Councilwoman Eckman asked if it is a common practice to use lodging tax funds for economic development activities.
Economic Development Director Phillip Dunlap said most communities fund economic development at a higher rate than is being proposed here.
Councilwoman Eckman asked if a visitor’s center will be built.
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December 20, 2005
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8. ORDINANCES (cont).
Mayor Ham noted that this increase will provide an additional 1% from both Auburn and Opelika and said a visitor’s center may be in the Auburn-Opelika Convention & Visitors Bureau’s future.
Councilman Dulaney introduced the Ordinance.
City Manager Watkins read the Ordinance by Title.
Councilman Dulaney moved that unanimous consent be granted to consider the Ordinance.
Councilman Phelan seconded the motion.
Mayor Ham asked if there is an objection to the Ordinance being considered on its first reading.
Hearing no objection from the Council, Mayor Ham declared unanimous consent granted and the Ordinance ready for adoption.
Upon roll call vote, the following Council members voted aye: Eckman, Gray, Jackel, Phelan, Mathews, White, Wilson, Dulaney, and Mayor Ham. Voting nay: None.
Mayor Ham declared the Ordinance adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 2356
9. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Zoning. Conditional Uses. Planning Commission Recommendations.
Public Hearings Required.
(1) Tara Leasing and Sales, Inc. Industrial Use (MDT Armor) in
Industrial District (I). 308-310 Alabama Street.
City Manager Watkins stated that this is a request for conditional use approval for an Industrial Use (MDT Armor) in the Industrial District (I). He said the property is located at 308-310 Alabama Street. Watkins stated that the conditional use request was unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its December 8, 2005 meeting. Mr. Watkins noted that a public hearing is required and recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
Mayor Ham opened the public hearing.
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December 20, 2005
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9. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
There being no comments, Mayor Ham declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Wilson moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman Jackel seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-274
(2) Hayley Redd Development, LLC. Road Service Use (U Save
Auto Rental) in Comprehensive Development District (CDD).
1625 East University Drive.
City Manager Watkins stated that this is a request for conditional use approval for a road service use (U Save Auto Rental) in the Comprehensive Development District (CDD). He said the property is located at 1625 East University Drive, Suite 107, in the Shopping Center across from Duck Samford Park. Mr. Watkins stated that the conditional use request was unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its December 8, 2005 meeting. Mr. Watkins noted that a public hearing is required and recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
Mayor Ham opened the public hearing.
There being no comments, Mayor Ham declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Gray moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman White seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-275
(3) Desmond and Silvia Scaife. Duplex in Redevelopment District
(RDD). 664 Spring Street.
City Manager Watkins stated that this is a request for conditional use approval to return a single family dwelling into a multi-family dwelling (duplex) in the Redevelopment District (RDD) at 664 Spring Street. Mr. Watkins said the conditional use request was unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its November 10, 2005 meeting. Mr. Watkins noted that a public hearing is required and recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
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December 20, 2005
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9. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Mayor Ham opened the public hearing.
There being no comments, Mayor Ham declared the public hearing closed.
Councilman Phelan moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman Mathews seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-276
(4) Greenbelt Properties. Road Service Use (Taco Bell) in
Comprehensive Development District (CDD).
2027 South College Street.
City Manager Watkins stated that this is a request for conditional use approval for a road service use (Taco Bell) in the Comprehensive Development District (CDD) at 2027 South College Street. Mr. Watkins noted that this is the same restaurant that was approved at an earlier meeting but is now being proposed for a different parcel. He said this site provides better traffic circulation for the fast food restaurant. Mr. Watkins said the conditional use request was unanimously recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its November 10, 2005 meeting. Mr. Watkins noted that a public hearing is required and recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
Mayor Ham opened the public hearing.
There being no comments, Mayor Ham declared the public hearing closed.
Councilwoman White moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman Mathews seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-277
b. Economic Development Department – Community Development
Division. Community Development Block Grant Program.
FY05 Action Plan. Amendments.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution amends the FY05 Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program by eliminating the 2005
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December 20, 2005
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9. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Street Resurfacing Project and the ROCHE Schools of Excellence Rehabilitation Project. The amendment adds the Northwest Auburn Infrastructure Improvements project. He noted that federal regulations require that all substantial Action Plan amendments are approved by the City Council in order that the funds may be reallocated to the Northwest Auburn Infrastructure Improvement Project which is scheduled to begin December 2005.
Councilwoman White asked if the program participants that were eliminated were notified of the changes.
Mr. Dunlap answered that the participants were notified by certified mail. He noted that the program funds need to be expended by March 2006. The projects eliminated may be added to future programs.
Councilwoman White moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman Jackel seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-278
c. Professional Services Contracts. Authorize Mayor and
City Manager to Sign.
(1) 2006 Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG).
(a) Economic Development Department – Community
Development Division – Housing Rehabilitation Project.
521 Southview Drive. Bill Lynn Construction Co. $81,820.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution authorizes the award of the housing reconstruction bid for Willie Lois Tolbert at 521 Southview Drive to Bill Lynn Construction Co. in the amount of $81,820. Mr. Watkins recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman White moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman Mathews seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-279
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December 20, 2005
Page 16
9. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
(b) Public Works Department. Tucker Avenue/Foster Street
Drainage Project. Hudmon Construction. $38,692.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution authorizes the award of the bid for the FY2005 CDBG Tucker Avenue/Foster Street Drainage Project to Hudmon Construction Co. in the amount of $38,692. He noted that the bid amount includes the cost of labor, equipment and materials necessary to complete the project. Mr. Watkins recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman Mathews moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman White seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-280
(c) Parks and Recreation Department. Boykin Community Center. Four-Ton Heat Pump Unit. Associated Mechanical
Contractors, Inc. $12,501.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to sign a contract with Associated Mechanical Contractors, Inc. (AMCO) for purchase and installation of a four-ton heat pump unit at Boykin Community Center in the amount of $12,501. Mr. Watkins recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman White moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilman Phelan seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-281
(2) Office of City Manager. 2006 Citizen Survey. ETC Institute.
$10,431.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to sign a contract with ETC Institute in the amount of $10,431 for the design and administration of the 2006 Citizen Survey. Mr. Watkins noted that the survey will begin earlier this year than in past years. He said questions will be presented to Council for review in early January and recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
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December 20, 2005
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9. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Councilman Wilson moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilman Gray seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-282
(3) Public Works Department.
(a) Fuel Dispensing and Management Services. Fuelman –
McPherson Oil Company, Inc. $.0141 over Weekly
OPIS Rate.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to sign a contract with Fuelman – McPherson Oil Company, Inc. in the amount of $.0141 over weekly OPIS rate for mid-grade (89 Octane) unleaded and diesel fuels. Mr. Watkins recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman Eckman moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman Mathews seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-283
(b) Electrical Construction – Development Services Building.
East Alabama Electric, Inc. $15,700.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to sign a contract with East Alabama Electric, Inc. in the amount of $15,700 to provide labor, equipment and materials necessary to complete electrical construction in the old Water Revenue offices in the Development Services Building. Mr. Watkins recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman Mathews moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilman Phelan seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-284
(c) Uninterruptible Power System. Traffic Signal Applications.
Temple, Inc. $90,830.25.
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December 20, 2005
Page 18
9. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to sign a contract with Temple, Inc. in the amount of $90,830.25 to purchase an Uninterruptible Power System for Traffic Signal Applications. He noted that one-half of traffic signals already have this system installed. This contract will provide uninterruptible power to the remaining traffic signals so that when we lose power, the City’s traffic lights would not be affected. Mr. Watkins recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman White moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilman Dulaney seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-285
(4) Water Resource Management Department. Wastewater Treatment
and Disposal Master Plan. Northside Water Pollution Control
Facility Upgrade Project. Design, Bid Phase, Construction, and
Permitting for Phases I and II. CH2MHILL. $1,503,000.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to sign a contract with CH2MHILL in the amount of $1,503,000 to provide professional services that include design preparation, overseeing the bid process, performing construction management and consulting with the City’s environmental permitting efforts with respect to the master planned improvements to the Northside Water Pollution Control Facility for the projected demands through 2025. Mr. Watkins said the improvements are planned for completion in two phases. The first phase will increase the Northside plant’s short-term capacity to process peak flows; the second phase will increase the Northside facility’s ability to treat wastewater for the projected needs of the City through 2025.
Mr. Watkins said Water Resource Management Director Scott Cummings, and Tom Walters and Jonathan Childs with CH2MHILL are present and can answer specific questions if Council desires.
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December 20, 2005
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9. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Mr. Watkins said the amount of the project over the two phases is estimated to be $7-10 Million and he said the overall plan is to (1) keep the Northside Plant, make the necessary modifications, begin looking at a line that would allow the City to divert excess flows in the future to our H. C. Morgan plant. He suggested that phase one improvements are being made immediately for efficiency reasons and phase two improvements will add capacity.
Mr. Watkins explained the financial aspects of the project. He explained that we had budgeted approximately $6-10 Million for the proposed S-5 sewer line. This means that we can go ahead and fund phase one and begin to make those improvements. Then the staff will begin a financial study to determine the financing for phase two. He suggested that access fees bring in between $3-400,000 year. However, long term financing will be established prior to bringing phase two improvements to the Council.
Councilwoman Eckman asked what area the improvements will cover.
Mr. Watkins stated that Northside Treatment plant handles the area north of railroad tracks from Colonial Mall at Opelika Road forming a crescent around the area west of 147, south at Mrs. James Road in the Little Loblockee watershed.
Councilwoman Eckman said as she understands it this will then double the capacity over the next ten years.
Mr. Watkins said the study used by the consultant used multiple formuli to determine what the area can handle and those figures are in the study. However, he said, what we have not planned for is the design of the facility in the north to handle more pump back agreements than we presently have with developers.
Councilwoman Eckman asked after the improvements are made will the City still need to truck solids.
Mr. Watkins said the reason that the solids are being trucked at present is that the belt press machinery is dysfunctional and fails to dewater the solids. He said the expense to purchase this machinery is prohibitive; and indicated that it is less expensive for the City to haul the solids than to purchase the equipment necessary to dewater the solids.
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December 20, 2005
Page 20
9. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Councilman Dulaney asked for the time line on the funds necessary for phase two. He asked if the budgeted funds for the S-5 were in line with the funding needing for these projects.
Mr. Watkins said the funding for S-5 line, which would have been installed by now, contained a financing gap that the City planned to fund from a State loan, a G. O. Bond, or G. O. Warrant Issue. He said the Finance Director, Water Resource Management Director and Financial Underwriters will look at the present financing options and make a recommendation to him at a later date. He said this information will be presented to Council at the appropriate time.
Councilman Phelan asked about the timeline between phase one and phase two. He said the costs have escalated rapidly over a short period of time so the timeline is important.
Mr. Watkins asked that Mr. Walters or Mr. Childs address the question posed. He suggested that a timeline be given for design and construction of phase one and phase two.
Mr. Childs said the anticipated time line is as follows: design of phase one is approximately two months and on through construction should take between 9-10 months to complete. He said the design of phase two is estimated to be 9 months and the construction phase should be 15 months for a total of 24 months.
Councilman Wilson moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilwoman Mathews seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-286
(5) Parks and Recreation Department. Fireworks.
AU Sesquicentennial Celebration. Pyrotechnico, Inc. $9,995.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to sign a contract with Pyrotechnico, Inc. in the amount of $9,995 to provide a fireworks display for the AU Sesquicentennial celebration on February 4, 2006. He thanked Parks & Recreation Director Becky Richardson for her hard work on the AU Sesquicentennial Committee. Mr. Watkins recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
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9. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
Councilwoman Mathews moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilman Dulaney seconded the motion.
Councilman Dulaney asked if this display will be handled similar to what was done for the Toomers 2000 celebration.
Mayor Ham answered in the affirmative.
Councilwoman Jackel asked why the City is paying for this contract.
Mayor Ham noted that the City, in the spirit of cooperation, is joining with Auburn University, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn-Opelika Convention & Visitors Bureau to celebrate AU’s Sesquicentennial.
Mr. Watkins said this will be an exciting time for the entire City as alumni visit Auburn University and the City of Auburn during this year-long celebration. He noted that the City will reap numerous benefits from the visitors to the City as they attend the planned events.
Mayor Ham said this is the same cooperative spirit Auburn University used when we asked for and received their assistance with the Dixie Youth World Series events last summer.
Ms. Richardson stated that the year-long event will officially begin February 1, 2006 and continue throughout 2006. She said the Committee wanted to attract the entire City to the events and the fireworks display, bands, and other attractions will be the City’s contribution.
Upon the motion before the Council to adopt the Resolution, all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 05-287
(6) Public Safety and Human Resources Departments. Promotional
Testing for Fire Division. CWH Research, Inc. $18,250.
City Manager Watkins stated that this Resolution authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to sign a professional services contract with CWH Research, Inc. to
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December 20, 2005
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9. RESOLUTIONS (cont).
develop and administer a promotional process consisting of a written test and an assessment center for the purpose of selecting two Battalion Chiefs to fill vacant positions in the Fire Division. He noted that the firm is a nationally recognized firm specializing in public safety selection and promotional testing. Mr. Watkins said the contract amount will be $18,250 plus travel and postage expenses as outlined in the contract. Mr. Watkins recommended that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilman Wilson moved that the Resolution be adopted.
Councilman Dulaney seconded the motion and all members voted aye.
Mayor Ham declared the Resolution adopted.