Mayor Mike Oakley called the meeting to order at five o’clock. Diane Epperson opened with prayer and Mike Nichols led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call:
Mike Nichols – 5:01
Diane Epperson – 5:01
Linda Lawrence – 5:01
Don Mack – 5:01
Brad Colburn – absent
Concerned Citizens:
Rev. Larry Moultrie, representing Concerned Citizens of Bibb County, addressed the council on the following points:
- Revisiting the August 17 incident, Rev. Moultrie asked what the outcome of the investigation is. Mayor Oakley stated no report had been received. Chief of Police called ALEA today and was told that it is still under investigation.
- Rev. Moultrie asked if the officer involved remains on the force. Cannot comment if investigation is underway.
- Rev. Moultrie stated the “victim” was publicly humiliated and incarcerated in error. Mayor Oakley stated no comment can be made.
- Rev. Moultrie stated that the elected officials have allegiance to the people and asked what they should tell their children about this incident. Mayor Oakley replied that he would tell his children that the law is to be obeyed and respected. Mayor Oakley stated, “The city has never condoned violence at any point, and we never will.”
- Rev. Moultrie stated we all serve the same God, and we need to work together.
- Rev. Moultrie stated that he “understands” the officer involved has a background of this type of action elsewhere. How can we have hope if one who is to protect us does this?
Rev. Moultrie then addressed the issue of the bid law and the inclusion of minorities being advised when a job is to be bid. How are the minority businesses supposed to find out about these jobs?
Mayor Oakley stated that all projects/jobs are handled in the appropriate manner. The city is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Engineering firm(s) normally handle all of the job specs/bids, etc. Jobs/projects are advertised in the Centreville Press for three weeks minimum, posted in City Hall and the Brent/Centreville Library.
Rev. Moultrie stated, “We will continue to be heard until the outcome is known.”
A motion to approve the minutes was made (Nichols) and seconded (Epperson). Motion carried.
First US Bank Resolution – Clerk Batte advised the council that the approval of the loan for the purchase of the Boom Truck must be approved, signed, and submitted tomorrow. There was a discussion as to whether various lending institutions had been consulted. With the urgency of this matter, a motion to approve First US Bank was made (Nichols) and seconded (Epperson). Motion carried.
Don Mack stated that in the future all lending institutions should be contacted and allowed to participate.
First US Resolution – CHPC – The Centreville Historic Preservation Commission (operating under the umbrella of the city) has requested they be allowed to deposit funds in a money market account. A motion to approve was made (Nichols) seconded (Epperson). Motion carried.
Financial Statement – The council reviewed the year-to-date financial statement. There was some confusion because this was not broken down by months. Clerk Batte informed the council that this is the fiscal year report, and they will resume receiving monthly printouts.
Pressure Washing Uptown Streets – Clerk Batte was advised she needs to secure three quotes.
General Discussion:
Don Mack commended the street crew on the excellent work they are doing with the side cutter.
Lynn Hamric asked what they round hay bales at the end of the bridge are doing there. She was advised that contact was made but no one spoke English.
Lynn Hamric spoke on the city supporting local businesses, (our florist) and what can be done with the local funeral home advising families to order from a florist they own in Birmingham. Mayor Oakley stated he has spoken with them about this but technically we cannot force them to change.
Linda Lawrence reminded the City Clerk that a pacemaker sign needs to be placed on the front door.
Linda Lawrence stated that several people had contacted her about the drive thru window being closed. City Hall is open until 4:30 and she feels the window should be open all day as well.
Linda Lawrence asked where we are on the storm shelter/Bd of Education. The paperwork is with the board to process.
Mayor Oakley advised that Craig Scott has purchased the old Hooks Court and has stated he intends to clean up the area.
Diane Epperson questioned which businesses are required to purchase a license. She identified several individuals operating out of their homes making tee shirts. After much discussion the decision was that this remains a gray area and Clerk Batte will investigate this.
Before and during the council meeting, 10-15 individuals lined the sidewalk across from city hall with placards indicating their feelings on the Aug. 17 incident. Approximately eight individuals attended the council meeting.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
