1 00:00:03,170 --> 00:00:07,208 we launched Hunchville Music Month in September to uh make sure that jazz 2 00:00:07,208 --> 00:00:10,277 in the park is a pillar of that month and so we'll be kind of gathering 3 00:00:10,277 --> 00:00:12,313 up and reaching out again to talk about uh all things, 4 00:00:12,313 --> 00:00:16,384 uh, Huntsville Music Month and so to be able to announce this first ahead 5 00:00:16,384 --> 00:00:19,420 of everything is something we're really proud of and so a reminder these 6 00:00:19,420 --> 00:00:20,855 concerts. 7 00:00:20,855 --> 00:00:22,490 Free and open to the public in the new venue at Big Spring Park West, 8 00:00:22,490 --> 00:00:25,559 which means whether you're a jazz aficionado or just curious, 9 00:00:25,559 --> 00:00:29,597 there is a space for you out there, and that's what we want to keep building 10 00:00:29,597 --> 00:00:32,666 a music ecosystem where everybody feels welcome and we're attracting world 11 00:00:32,666 --> 00:00:33,668 class talent. 12 00:00:33,668 --> 00:00:36,737 I hope you'll mark your calendars for, uh, 13 00:00:36,737 --> 00:00:38,338 every Sunday in September. 14 00:00:38,338 --> 00:00:47,338 Bring a lawn chair, bring a blanket, um, and join us to celebrate some of 15 00:02:44,931 --> 00:02:53,331 Good evening and welcome everyone. So August 28th, 2025, 5:30 p.m., and we are gathered 16 00:02:54,740 --> 00:03:01,214 to convene this meeting of the Huntsville City Council in the chambers in Huntsville, Alabama 17 00:03:01,214 --> 00:03:04,217 We welcome all those who have joined us tonight. We have lots of opportunities to celebrate 18 00:03:04,217 --> 00:03:10,823 and we look forward to all of those who have joined us for that purpose. We are excusing 19 00:03:10,823 --> 00:03:14,760 Council President John Meredith who is traveling. We wish him safe travels and look forward 20 00:03:14,760 --> 00:03:21,634 to having him return on the on the September 11th meeting. We will begin our meetings as we 21 00:03:21,634 --> 00:03:26,773 usually do with invocation and Pledge of allegiance. Our invocation today will be 22 00:03:26,773 --> 00:03:32,712 offered by uh Alabama Public Safety chaplain, Ethan Ryan, followed by the Pledge of 23 00:03:32,712 --> 00:03:37,850 Allegiance offered by or led by council member Michelle Watkins All those who are willing and 24 00:03:37,850 --> 00:03:47,850 able to do so, please stand. Let's pray I call it in heaven though I just thank you and 25 00:03:49,194 --> 00:03:52,866 praise you so much for who you are. I thank you for, for creation. I thank you for 26 00:03:52,866 --> 00:03:56,602 sustaining us. I thank you for protecting us. Well, I thank you so much for our city 27 00:03:56,602 --> 00:04:00,806 council members. Well I thank you for our mayor, Lord our city attorney, uh, who worked 28 00:04:00,806 --> 00:04:04,811 so hard for our city. Lord, I pray that you would watch over them and you would protect them 29 00:04:04,811 --> 00:04:09,215 Lord, they was, uh, go to you and seek, seek your wisdom and not their own. Do I thank you 30 00:04:09,215 --> 00:04:14,421 for all the organizations that are represented here today, though I think specifically of 31 00:04:14,421 --> 00:04:19,759 Alabama A&M. Lord, I thank you so much for their 150 years of service to our community, 32 00:04:19,759 --> 00:04:24,497 educating, uh, the future of, of the city, where I know there's many products uh of 33 00:04:24,497 --> 00:04:29,350 that institution represented here at the Whites, thank you so much for that. Right, thank 34 00:04:29,350 --> 00:04:33,306 you for their slogan that Service is sovereign. Well, I thank you so much that you are 35 00:04:33,306 --> 00:04:38,440 sovereign, that you watch over us, Lord, you desire what is best of us. And Lord, I pray 36 00:04:38,440 --> 00:04:42,783 that we would live every day striving, uh, to make the world around us a better place, uh, 37 00:04:42,783 --> 00:04:46,585 sharing your glory with those around us. Lord, I pray you be in this meeting now. Lord, I 38 00:04:46,585 --> 00:04:54,527 pray that your presence is truly felt in Jesus' name I pray. Amen. I pledge allegiance 39 00:04:54,527 --> 00:05:02,602 to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it sta one 40 00:05:02,602 --> 00:05:09,743 day under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Chaplain Ryan. Thank 41 00:05:09,743 --> 00:05:16,683 you, Ms. Watkins While Council President Meredith is not with us. All the other council 42 00:05:16,683 --> 00:05:21,870 members are, and we have established a quorum. We'll move on now to the business of 43 00:05:21,870 --> 00:05:27,960 the council. Item 3 is approval of the agenda. Council members, please note that item 9A has 44 00:05:27,960 --> 00:05:33,500 been removed because the property is now in compliance. Are there any other changes to 45 00:05:33,500 --> 00:05:40,573 be made to the agenda. Seeing none, the agenda will stand approved. Item 4, approval of 46 00:05:40,573 --> 00:05:44,445 the minutes of previous meetings. Item 4A is minutes of the regular meeting of the city 47 00:05:44,445 --> 00:05:50,250 council held on August 14, 2025 Are there any changes or additions to be made to these 48 00:05:50,250 --> 00:05:56,456 minutes? Hearing none, the minutes will stand approved. That brings us to special 49 00:05:56,456 --> 00:06:01,260 recognitions. We will start with the mayor's special recognition. 5A is a 50 00:06:01,260 --> 00:06:06,199 presentation of appreciation from the Monte Sano Civic Association to city employees 51 00:06:06,199 --> 00:06:12,692 for their dedicated support and service following recent tornadoes. We're going to ask 52 00:06:12,692 --> 00:06:17,697 um Mr. Joe Pinnock to come forward and we have a microphone. The mayor, uh, Mr. 53 00:06:17,697 --> 00:06:27,697 Mayor, would you like to go down there? Oh. face the crowd Um, I'm, uh, certainly honored 54 00:06:30,843 --> 00:06:35,849 to be here to represent the first speaker for the Monte Santo Civic Association. I'd 55 00:06:35,849 --> 00:06:40,586 like to thank the mayor and all of the council members and all of the city workers behind the 56 00:06:40,586 --> 00:06:45,925 scenes that actually pull all of this together what we have this opportunity to speak. Uh, 57 00:06:45,925 --> 00:06:52,132 my wife and I have lived here for 30 years and we've had lots of ice storms. Uh, we've been 58 00:06:52,132 --> 00:06:57,937 through snow, but the city workers always, always come through. And this time it was 59 00:06:57,937 --> 00:07:03,210 really special, um, the city workers were there within an hour. They were working, they 60 00:07:03,210 --> 00:07:08,549 worked nonstop. They worked through Memorial Day weekend, and um, they obviously had a 61 00:07:08,549 --> 00:07:14,880 plan and it was well thought out, you know, everything moved uh, the just as it should to 62 00:07:14,880 --> 00:07:21,962 get us as um back, back to our neighborhood is, is soon as possible. And um, they say, you 63 00:07:21,962 --> 00:07:27,768 know, there's a picture says it's 1000 words. Well then a video would be 1000 pictures 64 00:07:27,768 --> 00:07:32,773 and the Civic Association with some help with some really talented volunteers has put a 65 00:07:32,773 --> 00:07:42,773 short 2 minute video for you to kind of showcase what we're here for. I see And the 66 00:10:03,857 --> 00:10:08,729 community has put together a, a small card to thank all the workers and um I'd asked I'd 67 00:10:08,729 --> 00:10:13,599 like to ask uh Klaus Berger. He's one of the longest living residents of Montecino. He was 68 00:10:13,599 --> 00:10:19,873 born in Germany, moved here 75 years ago when his dad arrived from Fort Bliss with the Von 69 00:10:19,873 --> 00:10:26,346 Braun team and also Aidan Weiss is one of the newest uh mountaineers. He attends first 70 00:10:26,346 --> 00:10:31,151 grade at Montecito Elementary, Aidan and enjoys camping on Montecio State Park. and 71 00:10:31,151 --> 00:10:35,354 swimming at the Montecito pool. If you too would come up with a card, please. Would we like to 72 00:10:35,354 --> 00:10:45,354 get Mr. Little to accept it since he was the star of the um text texting wars. Mhm Thank 73 00:10:46,766 --> 00:10:56,766 you for that great video. I think we got oh, we don't care but the people do. Um, thank 74 00:10:57,910 --> 00:11:04,385 y'all, uh, Mark Byeers, we have Public Works, Huntsville Utilities. folks here, they 75 00:11:04,385 --> 00:11:08,588 want to come up. We even got some coppers in the back, Chief Giles, I don't know if you want 76 00:11:08,588 --> 00:11:18,588 to send anybody up because y'all were up there too. Um just for a photo op. let's put 77 00:11:26,673 --> 00:11:31,879 it here, let's just do it. I'll hold it. I got it. All right, there you go. You want to come 78 00:11:31,879 --> 00:11:41,879 on the other side All right, so they can see faces. Yeah. Hey. All right, 12 right. Thank you. 79 00:11:58,972 --> 00:12:08,572 We don't often get that opportunity to do those kind of public thanks. One more comment 80 00:12:09,248 --> 00:12:16,560 Yes, so just to quickly wrap up you can't get 94% of the people to agree on the time of day 81 00:12:16,560 --> 00:12:20,947 this year, so it's wonderful to see we had this kind of unanonymity about the city's 82 00:12:20,947 --> 00:12:27,886 response. Uh, in a previous company I worked with cities all over the world, about 4000. 83 00:12:27,886 --> 00:12:32,691 I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in city management and I can assure you here that 84 00:12:32,691 --> 00:12:39,631 this is one of the best managed cities, not just in America, but in the world. Well done. 85 00:12:39,631 --> 00:12:46,171 And I would be remiss if I didn't point out something important here. Klaus Bergler, 86 00:12:46,171 --> 00:12:52,779 Klaus uh came here 75 years ago with the Vaughn Brown team. That's an important anniversary 87 00:12:52,779 --> 00:12:59,786 and they've left us a great legacy. Once this was a little town of 13,000 people. and 88 00:12:59,786 --> 00:13:06,259 because of them and their American counterparts, it's now the most livable city in the 89 00:13:06,259 --> 00:13:11,198 United States. We often take this legacy for granted, but I think it's the most important 90 00:13:11,198 --> 00:13:18,338 legacy of the 20th century. Think about it. 5 years before they came here, these Germans 91 00:13:18,338 --> 00:13:24,743 had been trying to kill a bunch of Americans. Who did they hire when they come here? The first 92 00:13:24,743 --> 00:13:31,617 GI War bill graduating class, but they put aside their differences. They focused on a 93 00:13:31,617 --> 00:13:37,890 common goal, and they achieved a goal, the century's greatest achievement that many thought 94 00:13:37,890 --> 00:13:42,895 was impossible. Now the, the good book says that we should turn our swords into plowshares 95 00:13:42,895 --> 00:13:51,637 These former enemies did it one step further. They turned their swords into spaceships. Now 75 96 00:13:51,637 --> 00:13:57,443 years later, these are polarizing times, and I'd like to encourage all of us to learn 97 00:13:57,443 --> 00:14:04,583 from their example, put aside our differences, work for the common good and continue to do 98 00:14:04,583 --> 00:14:14,183 the impossible. Thank you Thank you, Ralph Petro Thank you Thank you, Mr. Petro. Thank you 99 00:14:15,861 --> 00:14:20,733 Mr. Petrov. Mr. Pinna, all those and Montesanto Civic Association for those kind 100 00:14:20,733 --> 00:14:26,339 words and recognition for our exceptional department heads and communityartners. Item 5B 101 00:14:26,339 --> 00:14:31,877 is a proclamation to recognize and honor the remarkable accomplishments and historic 102 00:14:31,877 --> 00:14:37,877 milestone of Alabama agricultural and Mechanical University on its 150th 103 00:14:38,617 --> 00:14:45,817 anniversary, the celebration continues. Mayor Battle. OK Madam President, we have a 104 00:14:50,830 --> 00:14:56,635 proclamation and a resolution tonight which is very unusual and Ms. Watkins, if you would 105 00:14:56,635 --> 00:15:01,440 come join me down here, uh, to do the presentation and Doctor Wims, and if you want to bring 106 00:15:01,440 --> 00:15:08,314 the whole Bulldog nation, you can, if we got enough room up here for them. Please come up. 107 00:15:08,314 --> 00:15:18,314 You. Good to see you Come on I told you. should you do one che or start. signature on this. 108 00:15:44,820 --> 00:15:54,820 right, we got a meeting to get too serious. Yeah, I was putting you in the mix All 109 00:15:55,561 --> 00:16:05,161 right There we go, perfect. thank you Mm All right, the reason that we have 150 from 110 00:16:13,845 --> 00:16:22,521 the Bulldog Nation here tonight is because we are celebrating 150 years of Alabama A&M 111 00:16:22,521 --> 00:16:27,993 providing education, providing for our people, providing for people to have a better life, 112 00:16:27,993 --> 00:16:33,866 uh, education is a key to opportunity. Opportunity is the key to doing well in life and 113 00:16:33,866 --> 00:16:39,673 uh to having jobs and to and to uh being able to raise families and do all the things that we 114 00:16:39,673 --> 00:16:46,478 want to look forward to people doing in the city of Huntsville Doctor Wims, we wanna say 115 00:16:46,478 --> 00:16:50,149 congratulations on being here 150 years. I know that you weren't there when we started 116 00:16:50,149 --> 00:16:57,957 off 150 years ago Although it may feel like it some days, but uh, our, our proclamation has a 117 00:16:57,957 --> 00:17:01,694 lot of whereases, but I'm going to let Miss Watkins read hers because I have a feeling we're 118 00:17:01,694 --> 00:17:07,166 they're about the same whereas is there, uh, but I'd love for Ms. Watkins to give a sense of 119 00:17:07,166 --> 00:17:13,638 the, uh, the declaration and the pro the proclamation, uh, and, uh, talk a little bit 120 00:17:13,638 --> 00:17:20,913 about A&M and the importance and I was just gonna wrap up with my comments. OK, we don't 121 00:17:20,913 --> 00:17:28,187 have glasses, so we're doing an audible here whereas Alabama A&M Mechanical University, 122 00:17:28,187 --> 00:17:33,192 Alabama A&M is a publicly historically black land granted university whose rich heritage 123 00:17:33,192 --> 00:17:38,598 and bold vision continues to shape and the legacy as it marks 150 years of excellence, 124 00:17:38,598 --> 00:17:45,137 whereas the university was founded in 1875 by Doctor William Hooper Counsel, and 125 00:17:45,137 --> 00:17:49,408 whereas Alabama A&M remains steadfast in its core values, placing students first 126 00:17:49,408 --> 00:17:53,879 upholding excellence and integrity, embracing diversity, fostering partnerships, and 127 00:17:53,879 --> 00:17:58,483 cultivating global awareness, whereas is the largest historically black college and 128 00:17:58,483 --> 00:18:03,688 university in Alabama. Alabama A&M provides a student-centered environment. whereas Alabama 129 00:18:03,688 --> 00:18:07,626 A&M stands as an anchor institution driving transformation through record 130 00:18:07,626 --> 00:18:13,965 enrollment. Congratulations on the record enrollment this year too. Uh, infrastructure growth 131 00:18:13,965 --> 00:18:18,705 broad uh brand expansion and national recognition is one of the top producers of minority 132 00:18:18,705 --> 00:18:22,775 graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, whereas the 133 00:18:22,775 --> 00:18:29,267 university's bold leadership, that's you, Dr. Wimps, and enduring legacy continues to 134 00:18:29,267 --> 00:18:34,339 inspire progress and serve as a model of excellence in higher education. Now, therefore it be 135 00:18:34,339 --> 00:18:38,477 resolved that the city of Huntsville proudly recognizes and celebrates the historic 136 00:18:38,477 --> 00:18:43,148 150th anniversary of Alabama agricultural and Mechanical University and commends this 137 00:18:43,148 --> 00:18:47,953 remarkable achievements and lasting impact. Be it further resolved that this proclamation 138 00:18:47,953 --> 00:18:52,490 is presented in honor of Alabama A&M's unwavering commitment to academic 139 00:18:52,490 --> 00:18:57,228 excellence, innovation, community service, and transformative leadership. Now 140 00:18:57,228 --> 00:19:02,368 therefore, I, Tommy Battle, mayor of the city of Huntsville do hereby commend our Alabama 141 00:19:02,368 --> 00:19:07,973 A&M for 150 years of visionary leadership and invaluable contributions and call upon all 142 00:19:07,973 --> 00:19:12,578 citizens to join in celebrating this esteemed institution and its enduring legacy. Thank you 143 00:19:12,578 --> 00:19:21,578 so much, Doctor Williams. And and to the Bulldog Nation, Miss Watkins. Good evening. Thank 144 00:19:29,660 --> 00:19:36,535 you everyone for coming out. Who would have thought at the tender age of 27, a former 145 00:19:36,535 --> 00:19:43,609 slave would start a university that is now internationally known. The Alabama A&M 146 00:19:43,609 --> 00:19:49,413 University where I learned service is sovereignty. That is why I'm standing here now. It's 147 00:19:49,413 --> 00:19:55,887 always been embedded in us at the university to serve, and that's what we do. And with the 148 00:19:55,887 --> 00:20:01,158 record enrollment, I want to say one of them is yours truly's grandson. Take care of 149 00:20:01,158 --> 00:20:06,300 my package. and he's very excited to be on campus, but I want to talk about the things 150 00:20:06,300 --> 00:20:13,370 that Anna does. We have one of the best engineering programs in the state. Throughout the 151 00:20:13,370 --> 00:20:18,776 nation it's known. We had the very best student, I mean teacher education program that 152 00:20:18,776 --> 00:20:24,849 I graduated from. Internationally known and had the highest enrollment of any 153 00:20:24,849 --> 00:20:30,654 education center in North Alabama. Alabama A&M University social work program is second 154 00:20:30,654 --> 00:20:33,858 to none, and we have record enrollment there as well. So I want you to know it's some 155 00:20:33,858 --> 00:20:40,532 great things going on at Alabama A&M University. We are excited about the 150 year 156 00:20:40,532 --> 00:20:44,536 anniversary and we're more excited about football season it's gearing up. So if you want 157 00:20:44,536 --> 00:20:48,740 to come out and have fun, please join us. But if you're ready to go to school and get 158 00:20:48,740 --> 00:20:54,612 an education that's worthy of any education. I put it up against any school. Come to 159 00:20:54,612 --> 00:21:04,612 Alabama A&M University, you will be loved. Doctor Wims, would you, would you give us a 160 00:21:04,889 --> 00:21:14,365 response? Uh, thank you for putting me on the spot, Mr. Mayor, but, uh, in deepest 161 00:21:14,365 --> 00:21:21,172 humility, uh, as I stand here with the councilites and normalites. Those of you who 162 00:21:21,172 --> 00:21:28,780 are graduates understand what I'm saying. Uh, it is a seminal moment for our institution and 163 00:21:28,780 --> 00:21:35,119 for our constituents. and I'm just deeply humble that you're honor the Mayor and council 164 00:21:35,119 --> 00:21:40,258 lady, Michelle Watkins, who was an alum as well as the other council members would recognize 165 00:21:40,258 --> 00:21:48,132 us in this way. Uh, I have a team here, so it's not any individual of us, it's all of 166 00:21:48,132 --> 00:21:53,204 us, and what the leaders of the cabinet members who have the provost here, the vice 167 00:21:53,204 --> 00:21:58,810 president for research and development as well as the leaders of the 150th campaign, 168 00:21:58,810 --> 00:22:04,148 which is Vice President Ali marketed communication and Advancement and then Vice 169 00:22:04,148 --> 00:22:09,688 President Reeves, who's leading our efforts on federal, uh, state and local governmental 170 00:22:09,688 --> 00:22:15,693 side we have had enormous success, but it's due to some of you who've also supported 171 00:22:15,693 --> 00:22:20,431 this institution in its trajectory. So I'm very, very humble, very very pleased. I I 172 00:22:20,431 --> 00:22:24,769 think, Mr. Mayor, that we're having some significant impact economically in your city and 173 00:22:24,769 --> 00:22:29,909 in the county of Madison, and we will continue to do so and continue to grow with your 174 00:22:29,909 --> 00:22:36,447 support and your help, and with this council's support and help So thank you all, Reverend 175 00:22:36,447 --> 00:22:43,388 Doctor William Hooper Council would be proud today that 150 years later we're still 176 00:22:43,388 --> 00:22:52,988 recognizing the institution but calling his name Thank you very much. May God bless you all. 177 00:22:54,932 --> 00:23:00,805 Thank you, Mr. President, and we also will point out that Mr. Kling is also an alumni of your 178 00:23:00,805 --> 00:23:10,805 of your group who is sitting right behind us. cheering us on $1500. That's. Yes sir. Yes sir 179 00:23:14,886 --> 00:23:19,290 yes sir. Yes sir. Thank you so much for coming here and thank you for making, uh, help 180 00:23:19,290 --> 00:23:24,829 letting us make this a very special year for, uh, the Bulldogs and, um, as we get on 181 00:23:24,829 --> 00:23:34,829 the football field, we're all yelling, go Bulldogs. Oh. you do Yeah Hey. you see at you huh 182 00:23:59,664 --> 00:24:09,264 see and tell you What a great way to wrap up that. that presentation and proclamation. 183 00:24:10,408 --> 00:24:19,408 Um, to make it official, though 6A is a resolution celebrating Alabama A&M University's 184 00:24:19,617 --> 00:24:25,890 historic 150 year legacy of leadership and service. Ms. Watkins, would you like to move 185 00:24:25,890 --> 00:24:30,429 to approve. All in favor say aye, aye. And I'm not even mass for opposition on that one 186 00:24:30,429 --> 00:24:36,101 because it just wouldn't be right. So, uh, the motion is approved, and many thanks to 187 00:24:36,101 --> 00:24:43,575 all those who've contributed to 150 years of incredible service 6B is a resolution honoring 188 00:24:43,575 --> 00:24:48,381 Vicky Guerreri for her steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to the 189 00:24:48,381 --> 00:24:55,854 community, the chair moves to approve. All in favor indicate any opposed. The motion carries 190 00:24:55,854 --> 00:25:05,854 we would like to invite Ms to come forward. and ask the mayor to join us. You can carry that. 191 00:25:20,212 --> 00:25:24,750 To the council members and the, and the public, uh, I think I first met Vicky and she was at 192 00:25:24,750 --> 00:25:30,555 the desk at the South precinct, uh, working as a volunteer and every time I came, I thought 193 00:25:30,555 --> 00:25:33,826 she worked for us because I thought she was getting a paycheck because she was there. 194 00:25:33,826 --> 00:25:39,898 Every time I came in and she was volunteering down there. Um this was before we even had 195 00:25:39,898 --> 00:25:45,304 Citizens Advisory Council or anything else. This was, uh, this was way back, uh, 17 years 196 00:25:45,304 --> 00:25:50,410 ago, and she was always a stalwart, always there to help make the community a better 197 00:25:50,410 --> 00:25:53,847 place and Vicky, we're so proud to be able to do a, a resolution for you, for all 198 00:25:53,847 --> 00:26:03,455 years of service and to want to say thank you for those years of service. It means a lot So 199 00:26:03,455 --> 00:26:07,993 this, this resolution is so special. I'm, I don't like to read resolutions, but we're 200 00:26:07,993 --> 00:26:13,865 going to read most of it this time. Whereas the city council and the mayor of Huntsville, 201 00:26:13,865 --> 00:26:18,738 Alabama wish to recognize and honor Vicky Guerreri for her decades and it really is 202 00:26:18,738 --> 00:26:24,209 decades I've dedicated service, steadfast civic leadership and tireless commitment to public 203 00:26:24,209 --> 00:26:30,209 safety and community engagement strengthening neighborhoods, fostering trust, and inspiring 204 00:26:30,282 --> 00:26:36,355 future generations of leaders. Vicky, a Kentucky native, has called Huntsville, Alabama her 205 00:26:36,355 --> 00:26:41,560 home since 1982, bringing with her the values of resilience, adaptability, and service 206 00:26:41,560 --> 00:26:49,768 learned as a proud US Army spouse. Vicky since 2010, she has faithfully served as 207 00:26:49,768 --> 00:26:56,368 District 3 representative on the Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council under 5 chiefs 208 00:26:57,176 --> 00:27:03,916 of police, chairing the 2021 Comprehensive Huntsville Police Review that was really tough 209 00:27:03,916 --> 00:27:09,121 duty. Advancing transparency and accountability and contributing to initiatives 210 00:27:09,121 --> 00:27:15,594 including body worn cameras, equitable disciplinary policies expanded mental health crisis 211 00:27:15,594 --> 00:27:20,799 intervention training, the Alabama Multi-agency Crime Center and Citizen involvement 212 00:27:20,799 --> 00:27:26,404 in incident review boards. Her volunteer service extends widely across the community, 213 00:27:26,404 --> 00:27:32,410 including leadership roles as a founding executi board member of the Huntsville South Civic 214 00:27:32,410 --> 00:27:35,747 Association, president of the Hillwood Estate Civic Asso ci ation member of the Madison 215 00:27:35,747 --> 00:27:40,552 County Personnel Board, board member of the Huntsville Area Crime Stoppers and member of 216 00:27:40,552 --> 00:27:45,357 the General Federation of Women's Clubs Legacy. She has devoted her life to 217 00:27:45,357 --> 00:27:49,762 strengthening neighborhoods, promoting public safety, building police community 218 00:27:49,762 --> 00:27:54,900 partnerships and mentoring future leaders, leaving an indelible mark on Huntsville's 219 00:27:54,900 --> 00:28:02,975 civic fabric. She is also a devoted mother of two sons and a proud grandmother of 3 220 00:28:02,975 --> 00:28:07,245 grandchildren who remain her greatest inspiration and mo t iv ation to foster a legacy of 221 00:28:07,245 --> 00:28:15,520 community leaders and services. There's just so much Now, therefore, be it resolved that 222 00:28:15,520 --> 00:28:20,580 the city council and the mayor of Huntsville hereby recognize and honor Vicky Guerreri for 223 00:28:20,580 --> 00:28:24,663 her steadfast leadership. Decades of volunteer service and unwavering commitment to 224 00:28:24,663 --> 00:28:30,680 public safety, civic engagement and community building, and extend deepest appreciation for 225 00:28:30,680 --> 00:28:35,274 her enduring contributions that continue to strengthen Huntsville and inspire future 226 00:28:35,274 --> 00:28:41,800 generations of leaders. presents you with this proc your copy of this proclamation 227 00:28:41,800 --> 00:28:51,800 and thank you so much. I just say I'd like to say thank you very much for this honor. It 228 00:28:54,626 --> 00:29:03,168 has been a privilege to serve um, through, um, all these years. and I know we did a lot 229 00:29:03,168 --> 00:29:09,908 of good and it's a really good feeling and I was blessed with a very good counsel to work 230 00:29:09,908 --> 00:29:15,113 alongside all of our members are very hardworking people. and I'm accepting this also in 231 00:29:15,113 --> 00:29:25,113 their behalf too. and um thank you very much. I gotta stop or I'm gonna start crying. Could 232 00:29:25,657 --> 00:29:30,729 we, could we have the chief come up? and you've got some of your command staff here, Chief, 233 00:29:30,729 --> 00:29:40,729 Chief Hudson. others Lee gonna get a picture with you take Yes he came all the way down here. 234 00:29:48,413 --> 00:29:58,413 We got get down. Let me get, make sure my good ears on there I'll see funny. Thank you all 235 00:30:00,225 --> 00:30:10,225 Thank you you. I've always said that we have lots to celebrate in our community and it's 236 00:30:28,654 --> 00:30:33,458 wonderful to start a council meeting with so much celebration. And now we go on 237 00:30:33,458 --> 00:30:40,640 to the business. Uh, we have no announcements and presentations no matters with outside legal 238 00:30:40,640 --> 00:30:44,803 representation. We do have a couple of public hearings to be held. 9A has been deleted 239 00:30:44,803 --> 00:30:50,679 because the situation has been remedied. That brings us to 9B, 9B. Now is the time and place 240 00:30:50,679 --> 00:30:55,617 for public hearing in order to hear, consider, and act upon all objections or protests, if 241 00:30:55,617 --> 00:31:01,490 any, for removal of a public nuisance at 2407 Oakwood Avenue Northwest, Huntsville, Alabama, 242 00:31:01,490 --> 00:31:05,360 and consideration of a resolution ordering abatement of a new nu is ance located at 243 00:31:05,360 --> 00:31:11,433 the same property. This was set at the August 14, 2025 regular council meeting, Mr. Irwin. 244 00:31:11,433 --> 00:31:16,304 Council members, Mayor Battle, Scott Irwin, the Community Development Department. Uh, the 245 00:31:16,304 --> 00:31:20,709 resolution before you at the public hearing to consider any objections regarding a junk 246 00:31:20,709 --> 00:31:27,449 public nuisance, uh located at 2407 Oakwood Avenue, uh, and this is authorization to abate 247 00:31:27,449 --> 00:31:31,520 that public nuisance. Uh, the video before you is on recent photographs of the conditions 248 00:31:31,520 --> 00:31:40,328 on the property. The public hearing is now open. Is there anyone who wishes to comment? 249 00:31:40,328 --> 00:31:43,932 Is there anyone from the public who wishes to comment on this matter. Hearing none, the 250 00:31:43,932 --> 00:31:48,404 public hearing is closed. Is there a is there a motion to approve the resolution to 251 00:31:48,404 --> 00:31:56,804 approve Motion from Mr. Little, second from Ms. Watkins. Any discussion? All in favor, 252 00:31:56,879 --> 00:32:02,160 please indicate and he posed. The motion carries. Thank you, counsel Members. This moves us 253 00:32:02,160 --> 00:32:12,160 then to item 9C. 9C now's time and place for public hearing on the zoning of 27.61 acres of 254 00:32:13,361 --> 00:32:19,367 land lying on the west of Old Big Cove Road and north of Beauford Drive to residents 2 255 00:32:19,367 --> 00:32:24,506 District and the consideration of an ordinance pertaining to the same. This was set at the 256 00:32:24,506 --> 00:32:29,311 July 10, 2025 Regular council meeting. Mr. Nunez, good evening, council members. Mayor 257 00:32:29,311 --> 00:32:34,582 Battle, Thomas Nunez, manager of Plant and zoning Services. This item is located west of 258 00:32:34,582 --> 00:32:39,321 Obio Road and north of Beauford Drive. It was recently annexed into our city limits. It is 259 00:32:39,321 --> 00:32:44,580 overall 27.61 acres. The petitioner is seeking to zone the property residents to 260 00:32:44,580 --> 00:32:48,464 District. with a plat restriction that will restrict the uses that's permitted by 261 00:32:48,464 --> 00:32:55,270 Section 10.1 of the zoning ordinance, while also offering another plied restriction to 262 00:32:55,270 --> 00:33:04,120 lots of residents 1B of 60 ft and lot area of residences 1B of 7500 square feet. Thank you, 263 00:33:04,120 --> 00:33:08,417 Mr. Nunez. The public hearing is now open. Is there anyone here who wishes to comment on 264 00:33:08,417 --> 00:33:13,422 this matter. Please come forward to the podium and give us your name and city of 265 00:33:13,422 --> 00:33:23,220 residence. Joy Johnson, I live on West Arbor Drive in Huntsville. Um I it it looks 266 00:33:26,568 --> 00:33:33,441 like maybe that's a farmhouse and it used to be a farm. So I find myself again saying we 267 00:33:33,441 --> 00:33:43,441 need to preserve farms. um, more than we need to, uh, give tax breaks to uh drone 268 00:33:44,586 --> 00:33:51,261 companies. Um, also one of these plat restrictions was just a code. I have no idea 269 00:33:51,261 --> 00:34:00,803 what that is. I wish I did know and I'd like to, um, suggest that anytime a zoning or 270 00:34:00,803 --> 00:34:07,743 annexation or anything of this character comes before council, uh, that recognition, 271 00:34:07,743 --> 00:34:16,743 acknowledgement of what is there now is given before suggestions of what is going to 272 00:34:18,553 --> 00:34:28,153 be there. as just a possible tiny window of thinking about things a little bit differently 273 00:34:30,232 --> 00:34:36,838 maybe opening the possibility of thinking about how we need to preserve farms or whatever 274 00:34:36,838 --> 00:34:43,912 might be there that might need to be preserved if we acknowledge what's there before 275 00:34:43,912 --> 00:34:50,385 we decide to build houses all over it. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Johnson Is there anyone 276 00:34:50,385 --> 00:34:54,857 else who wishes to comment? Hearing none, the public hearing is closed. Is there a 277 00:34:54,857 --> 00:35:01,864 motion to approve the ordinance No promotion from Mr. Little, second from Mr. Kling. Is there 278 00:35:01,864 --> 00:35:08,737 any discussion? Questions for Mr. Nunez? All in favor, please indicate by saying aye. Any 279 00:35:08,737 --> 00:35:13,142 opposed? Motion carries. Thank you, council members. Thank you Mr. Nunez. That concludes our 280 00:35:13,142 --> 00:35:19,415 public hearings. We have 3 public hearings to be set. 10A is a resolution to declare a 281 00:35:19,415 --> 00:35:26,354 public nuisance located at 10:13 Kinsey Drive Southeast, Huntsville, Alabama, and to set 282 00:35:26,354 --> 00:35:32,930 the date for when objections will be heard to that date is to be set for the September 11, 283 00:35:32,930 --> 00:35:38,330 2025 regular council meeting. Is there a motion to approve approve. Second the hearing for 284 00:35:38,330 --> 00:35:45,174 Mr. Kling, thank you. Second from Mr. Kling, the hearing is set for September 11, 2025. 10B 285 00:35:45,174 --> 00:35:50,645 is a resolution to declare a public nuisance located at 3506 Gay Street Northwest, 286 00:35:50,645 --> 00:35:55,918 Huntsville, Alabama, and to set the date for when objections shall be heard. Move to set the 287 00:35:55,918 --> 00:36:03,570 meeting for September 11, 2025. 2nd motion by Mr. Little, seconded by Mr. Kling, all in 288 00:36:03,570 --> 00:36:09,464 favor, please indicate any opposed. The hearing is set for September 11, 2025. Resolution 289 00:36:09,464 --> 00:36:16,138 to set a public hearing on the zoning of 572.48 acres of land lying on the north of Bob Wade 290 00:36:16,138 --> 00:36:22,544 Lane and east and west of Mount Lebanon Road to residents to residents 2B, and Highway 291 00:36:22,544 --> 00:36:29,840 Business C4 districts and introduction of an ordinance pertaining to the same. Motion 292 00:36:29,840 --> 00:36:36,158 to set the hearing for September 25, 2025 from Miss Watkins, seconded by Mr. Kling. 293 00:36:36,158 --> 00:36:41,696 Any discussion? All in favor, please indicate by saying aye. And he opposed. The hearing is 294 00:36:41,696 --> 00:36:45,900 set for September 25. This brings us to a gender-related public comments. This portion 295 00:36:45,900 --> 00:36:52,174 of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the council on matters relating to 296 00:36:52,174 --> 00:36:56,845 specific content of items on the meeting agenda, individuals have signed up to speak uh on 297 00:36:56,845 --> 00:37:01,723 the agenda comments roster prior to the meeting. When called, please approach the 298 00:37:01,723 --> 00:37:06,261 microphone and state your name, home address, and city of residence. Each speaker may 299 00:37:06,261 --> 00:37:10,531 address the council for 3 minutes. Speaker shall refrain from entering into a dialogue 300 00:37:10,531 --> 00:37:14,735 with council members or city staff, and from making comments regarding the good name and 301 00:37:14,735 --> 00:37:19,474 character of any individuals. We have two people who have signed up. The first is Joy 302 00:37:19,474 --> 00:37:29,740 Johnson, the subject is agenda item number 2 I. Ms. Johnson. Joy Johnson. I live on West 303 00:37:30,284 --> 00:37:38,694 Harbor Drive in Huntsville. How are you guys doing? Long time no see. Um so just to start, 20 304 00:37:38,694 --> 00:37:44,364 I, I, this is, um, I, I, this is the first time I've heard about some railroad bridge 305 00:37:44,364 --> 00:37:48,770 project over Pinhook Creek, which is my neck of the woods. I would love to hear more about 306 00:37:48,770 --> 00:37:55,443 that if somebody might consider holding that for discussion and maybe getting some explanation. 307 00:37:55,443 --> 00:38:05,443 Um, I also noticed an item M20M as in Mike. um is about court code enforcement. Is this 308 00:38:08,550 --> 00:38:15,130 another way to uh get around, get in a city detect or something. I would like some 309 00:38:15,130 --> 00:38:24,130 reassurance that this is not another if you don't mind my saying, nefarious plot. Um, 310 00:38:26,274 --> 00:38:34,140 item S as in Sierra. uh I would love to hear if this is about public transit. We need to talk 311 00:38:34,140 --> 00:38:39,822 about public transit all the time, up one side and down the other. Please, uh, I think we 312 00:38:39,822 --> 00:38:44,920 would all love to hear what this grant would be going towards, that we are going to 313 00:38:44,920 --> 00:38:54,920 be applying Says an X-ray This looks to be like a contract with an AI company. And I will 314 00:38:59,239 --> 00:39:09,239 take every opportunity that I get to say we do not be needing to be used, using AI on any way 315 00:39:09,583 --> 00:39:17,325 shape or form, it is an energy hog at a time in history when we need to be stepping off 316 00:39:17,325 --> 00:39:25,533 using as much energy as we do. In fact, I'd like to propose that Huntsville proclaim itself 317 00:39:25,533 --> 00:39:35,533 AI free. and while we're at it, ice-free, but anyway, that's another issue. Um, and uh I, I 318 00:39:37,678 --> 00:39:43,418 would, uh, um, well, it's in item 21. So I know you're not inclined to discuss it, but be 319 00:39:43,418 --> 00:39:51,250 prepared that I'm gonna want to know about 21A and the uh human resources relations Commission, 320 00:39:51,250 --> 00:39:57,365 uh, not a gender bylaws, and, you know, what is actually being decided on next time when 321 00:39:57,365 --> 00:40:07,365 it comes up, OK? Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Johnson Um, the next person to sign up is Mr. 322 00:40:09,977 --> 00:40:18,377 Jeffrey Engel, Subject is police drone budget increases. Mr. Engle here. Well folks, my 323 00:40:19,920 --> 00:40:26,927 name is Jeffrey Engel. I live in Sherwood Park, um, with, uh, the North Alabama Democratic 324 00:40:26,927 --> 00:40:32,868 Socialist of America. Um, I would like to talk about the Skyfire contract that you guys 325 00:40:32,868 --> 00:40:40,140 are uh extending, uh, I, I guess. uh. building up a larger um, so for those of you not in 326 00:40:40,140 --> 00:40:47,549 the audience, not familiar, uh, we live in a surveillance state Uh, the, uh, police have flop 327 00:40:47,549 --> 00:40:52,554 cameras that watch your license plates and they uh document everywhere you drive. Uh, 328 00:40:52,554 --> 00:40:57,625 there's cellphone triangulation if you have it in your pocket, uh, they know where that is. Um 329 00:40:57,625 --> 00:41:05,100 and all of that data is put towards a fusion center, uh which is a center where uh law 330 00:41:05,100 --> 00:41:08,435 enforcement agencies are able to share all of that information to track you in 331 00:41:08,435 --> 00:41:15,977 every aspect of your life. Uh, to address the agenda item right now, Skyfire AI drones, 332 00:41:15,977 --> 00:41:20,516 uh, for the police department. Um, I do not think that you guys should extend, uh, I guess 333 00:41:20,516 --> 00:41:29,516 um enlarge in this contract, uh $25,000 per month. Uh, that could go to almost 8000 school 334 00:41:30,258 --> 00:41:36,531 meals, uh, instead of, uh, putting on uh an extension uh to a contract that will 335 00:41:36,531 --> 00:41:40,734 continue to surveil our communities. I will continue to be used to infringe on our 336 00:41:40,734 --> 00:41:49,410 privacy and we'll continue to be used to keep uh the American people uh down and watched. Um, 337 00:41:49,410 --> 00:41:56,160 so my proposal here is that you guys reject uh this uh expansion of the contract. Uh, 338 00:41:56,160 --> 00:42:03,958 it is what is in the defense industry called scope Creep. Uh they are increasing the amount 339 00:42:03,958 --> 00:42:09,300 of time and money uh that they are taking from your contract, um, and I guess Boeing is a 340 00:42:09,300 --> 00:42:12,299 very good example of that of a cost plus contract. That's what they're trying to get you into 341 00:42:12,299 --> 00:42:17,371 right now. And I suggest that you turn it down, but we do not want our our tax dollars used 342 00:42:17,371 --> 00:42:23,644 to surveil us. We want our tax dollars, as Mr. Tommy Battle said himself, uh, to provide 343 00:42:23,644 --> 00:42:30,118 opportunity uh to the community uh, instead of being used uh to keep us down. Uh, thank you, uh 344 00:42:30,118 --> 00:42:39,718 you myitan. Thank, thank you, sir Um, this brings us then to Mayor comments, Mr. Mayor 345 00:42:41,796 --> 00:42:48,669 Battle, the floor is yours. Good. Uh, thank you, Madam President, uh, and council. Uh, 346 00:42:48,669 --> 00:42:54,690 first off yesterday, the, uh, Metropolitan Planning Organization approved 6 347 00:42:54,875 --> 00:43:00,214 electronic traffic signs, which will be placed about the city parkway, North Parkway, South 348 00:43:00,214 --> 00:43:08,288 Parkway, 72 East, uh, 72 West, uh, and their traffic signs that can give you information, 349 00:43:08,288 --> 00:43:13,302 uh, there are information based uh signs as you come, uh, if you come uh up the parkway and 350 00:43:13,302 --> 00:43:17,105 coming over those hills where if traffic is stopped right in front of you, you have a big 351 00:43:17,105 --> 00:43:22,646 chance of having a wreck. Uh, the traffic signs will be saying, uh, congested traffic 352 00:43:22,646 --> 00:43:30,586 ahead, be careful, uh, they can say it's raining, slow down. They can say, uh, wreck ahead, 353 00:43:30,586 --> 00:43:34,924 seek alternate routes, those kind of signages will save lives in the city of Hustville, 354 00:43:34,924 --> 00:43:40,195 and I think it's one of the, uh one of the best technologies that we can put out in other 355 00:43:40,195 --> 00:43:45,680 cities across the state have are already way ahead of us. Uh we just installed two in the 356 00:43:45,680 --> 00:43:51,607 city of house where installing 6 more. It'll take about a year to get them in, but um they are 357 00:43:51,607 --> 00:43:55,811 great, great service for our community and they will make um uh they will make for safety on 358 00:43:55,811 --> 00:44:04,421 our roads. Uh, also, uh, this September is Music month. Um, there will be over 2040 events 359 00:44:04,421 --> 00:44:09,492 including jazz in the Park, uh, music events that will happen in September and I hope that 360 00:44:09,492 --> 00:44:14,696 everybody will take, will go out and take advantage of that. Uh, Ms. Watkins and I were at 361 00:44:14,696 --> 00:44:20,769 the back school parade on the 2 on Saturday the 23rd, uh, it was, uh, quite a production and 362 00:44:20,769 --> 00:44:27,843 there were a lot of people there. There were bands, there were, um, uh, school age 363 00:44:27,843 --> 00:44:33,716 children and, uh, and lots of and the superintendent of education wrote in the fire 364 00:44:33,716 --> 00:44:40,456 truck, uh, along with me and we got to talk about how, how, how much gains that we have had in 365 00:44:40,456 --> 00:44:44,727 our school system and I'm very proud of what he has been able to accomplish and achieve. and 366 00:44:44,727 --> 00:44:52,668 what we will achieve over the next year, um, this is, uh, the uh, we had also this week, uh, 367 00:44:52,668 --> 00:44:58,742 this past week we had the celebration of the 10th year of our cyber program in, uh, 368 00:44:58,742 --> 00:45:04,679 Huntsville and cyber Huntsville has been is 10 years old. It has provided jobs. It has 369 00:45:04,679 --> 00:45:10,486 provided economy and it's also provided a um a community that is, uh, much more intelligent 370 00:45:10,486 --> 00:45:15,625 than you'll find in the, in, uh many communities around, uh, as we go into those cyber cyber 371 00:45:15,625 --> 00:45:20,280 meetings. I'm probably, um, uh, I probably pull down the intelligent quotient a few 372 00:45:20,280 --> 00:45:25,835 couple of notches when I go when I go in, but they are very very intelligent crowd. And 373 00:45:25,835 --> 00:45:31,707 then, uh, last Sunday, uh, we had the 41st anniversary of the thirty-ninth birthday of Miss 374 00:45:31,707 --> 00:45:39,781 Betty Showers, uh, she hit 80 years old, uh, she was Dr. Shower's wife, uh, uh, widow, 375 00:45:39,781 --> 00:45:44,787 and she, uh, has been a, uh, a person of who has given back to this community time and time 376 00:45:44,787 --> 00:45:50,526 again and uh the there was, there were quite a few people there to celebrate with her and 377 00:45:50,526 --> 00:45:57,800 celebrate her 80th birthday. Uh this weekend, uh, starts, uh, the football, the pigskin type 378 00:45:57,800 --> 00:46:04,606 football, and, uh, we will start with uh games on Friday and then Saturday and uh A&M 379 00:46:04,606 --> 00:46:11,120 Bulldogs play Saturday and, uh, and, uh, all the other teams played in, uh, so it's be a 380 00:46:11,120 --> 00:46:18,888 start of a, a fall and a great fall to get us all started. I hope everybody will come out 381 00:46:18,888 --> 00:46:23,559 and enjoy, um, our community, uh, Saturday will be a good day to go shop because those chops 382 00:46:23,559 --> 00:46:27,562 will be not as full because people will be watching football, so, uh, I hope that 383 00:46:27,562 --> 00:46:32,350 you go out and and enjoy that and, and have a good time and um that's all I have. Madam 384 00:46:32,350 --> 00:46:36,839 President Thank you, Mayor Battle brings us to council member comments, um, Ms. 385 00:46:36,839 --> 00:46:44,247 Watkins, will you start us off? Thank you. Good evening everyone. Last Monday, um, 386 00:46:44,247 --> 00:46:49,251 August 18th, I had the pleasure of being a guest speaker at Hunts for Housing Authority's 387 00:46:49,251 --> 00:46:54,256 annual meeting. I appreciate, uh, Antonio McGinnis for extending that opportunity and 388 00:46:54,256 --> 00:47:00,863 on last Sunday I was with the mayor and councilman Clean. We celebrated Miss. Shower's 389 00:47:00,863 --> 00:47:06,602 birthday and um she was really surprised and they said it was hard surprising her, but she 390 00:47:06,602 --> 00:47:10,474 was surprised, and we had a really good time on last Thursday I attended with the 391 00:47:10,474 --> 00:47:16,878 mayor of the Good Neighbors event at Saint Barley Church, that is where AT&T distributed 392 00:47:16,878 --> 00:47:23,153 100 laptops to the students that attend um Village of Promise School. I thought that 393 00:47:23,153 --> 00:47:28,556 was really a phenomenal event. It shows that this community cares and it's just awesome 394 00:47:28,556 --> 00:47:34,897 when you have community partners who want to um be part of the education of the child 395 00:47:34,897 --> 00:47:39,902 and make sure they have every opportunity available to them. I also attended an ice cream 396 00:47:39,902 --> 00:47:45,841 social at Monrovia Flats on last Thursday with um House Authority director in Elmington 397 00:47:45,841 --> 00:47:50,712 the ones that, um, built and maintain the facility, and it was really nice, kids were 398 00:47:50,712 --> 00:47:57,186 having a great time and this past Saturday, the celebrating education parade. It was, it 399 00:47:57,186 --> 00:48:03,580 was just awesome to see, um, students from all across Huntsville come out to the 400 00:48:03,580 --> 00:48:08,731 district to celebrate and I want to give a special thanks to the police officers who 401 00:48:08,731 --> 00:48:13,134 helped with the traffic. who kept everyone safe. We didn't have an incident. I really 402 00:48:13,134 --> 00:48:19,941 appreciate you for that. And I want to give a special thanks also to Scott Irwin and Crisis 403 00:48:19,941 --> 00:48:24,680 Services, had an incident where I needed them to assist with someone and they came through 404 00:48:24,680 --> 00:48:30,552 and I really appreciate that. On this Saturday, and then we kick off their first football 405 00:48:30,552 --> 00:48:36,240 game, so hey, it's not at home, but you can tune in on television and then tomorrow 406 00:48:36,240 --> 00:48:41,964 night, if you have nothing to do. please come out and support Jemison Hunts for high football 407 00:48:41,964 --> 00:48:48,637 at Milton Frank. The kids need us in the stands. It's hard to look at a game when it stands 408 00:48:48,637 --> 00:48:53,175 not full. I remember when I was in school, the stands were, it's like you couldn't find a 409 00:48:53,175 --> 00:49:00,182 seat. So tomorrow night hunts behind Jemison. David, I'm gonna see you there. night. Oh, 410 00:49:00,182 --> 00:49:07,257 sorry, no. Oh, my God, he don't listen to me. Auburn's playing tomorrow night we'll we'll 411 00:49:07,257 --> 00:49:13,662 excuse you, but if you don't have anything to do. No, go Jaguars Um, if you don't have 412 00:49:13,662 --> 00:49:18,666 anything to do, make sure you come out to Miller Frank and support our students, please. 413 00:49:18,666 --> 00:49:24,817 Thank you so much. That's right I'm sorry. I need to bring Shane Davis up to the 414 00:49:24,817 --> 00:49:31,291 microphone real quick. Um, Shane, um, is going to explain what's going on with the 415 00:49:31,291 --> 00:49:36,897 Northern bypass being named MLK Thank you, Councilor Watkins. Shane Davis, director of Urban 416 00:49:36,897 --> 00:49:43,360 Economic Development. So council members, uh, what is coming before you is the, uh, 417 00:49:43,360 --> 00:49:50,309 decision to name officially named a road that is under construction in District one, 418 00:49:50,309 --> 00:49:54,314 news media, and what we refer to as the Northern bypass. Uh, so this section of roadway 419 00:49:54,314 --> 00:50:00,787 that's under construction starts just east of Pulaski Pike and travels 1500 ft east 420 00:50:00,787 --> 00:50:05,525 of US 231. So the road that is under construction, there's been some confusion publicly 421 00:50:05,525 --> 00:50:10,197 about this. So I wanna take a moment just to explain to, to you and those who may be 422 00:50:10,197 --> 00:50:15,401 watching. So the road that is under construction is actually a state highway, so it's state, 423 00:50:15,401 --> 00:50:21,274 it's an extension of state route 255 that starts at I-565 and goes north through the 424 00:50:21,274 --> 00:50:24,877 northern part of our city. Uh, it's part of the reason we call it the Northern Bypass. There's 425 00:50:24,877 --> 00:50:30,884 two phases remaining that will ultimately connect to the east side of our city at US Highway 426 00:50:30,884 --> 00:50:37,690 72, completing a northern loop Um, regardless of your decision on us giving a local name of 427 00:50:37,690 --> 00:50:43,764 the row will officially per state because it will be operated, controlled, and 428 00:50:43,764 --> 00:50:47,967 maintained by the Alabama Department of Transportation will be state route 255. 429 00:50:47,967 --> 00:50:54,640 There's been, uh, some confusion that we are widening Bob Wade Lane. Uh, we are not 430 00:50:54,640 --> 00:50:59,380 widening Bob Wade Lane. We're not renaming Bob Wade Lane. That is not what you are 431 00:50:59,380 --> 00:51:04,117 considering. Uh, the existing section of Bobway Lane for the most part is being demolished 432 00:51:04,117 --> 00:51:12,726 to make way for State Route 255 So state route 255 has three names, so south of Interstate 433 00:51:12,726 --> 00:51:19,332 I-565 on to Redstone Arsenal is always been referred to as ride out Road. Uh, north of 434 00:51:19,332 --> 00:51:26,532 Interstate I-565, they're near Bridge Street, uh, common landmark to Highway Alabama, 435 00:51:26,740 --> 00:51:33,280 Highway 53 is referred to as Research Park Boulevard. Uh, the council before you back in 436 00:51:33,280 --> 00:51:38,684 about 2005, I believe. uh as that next phase was under construction that went from 437 00:51:38,684 --> 00:51:44,691 Alabama Highway 53 to just east of Plaskey Pike, the piece that is there today. I was 438 00:51:44,691 --> 00:51:51,431 designated as Doctor Martin Luther King Highway from a local, from a state and most 439 00:51:51,431 --> 00:51:56,636 Google Maps, it still shows up as state route 255. We have that all throughout our city. 440 00:51:56,636 --> 00:52:02,242 US 431 through the medical district is Governor's Drive and so on and so forth. Alabama 441 00:52:02,242 --> 00:52:09,717 53 is Pulaski Pike, Jordan Lane or Jordan Lane. So what your decision is, is to whether or 442 00:52:09,717 --> 00:52:16,790 not to extend the existing local designation that starts at Pulaski Pike and would carry 443 00:52:16,790 --> 00:52:21,395 through Memorial Parkway. That was the original intent of the existing road that is there 444 00:52:21,395 --> 00:52:27,935 today, and that's what you. Should counsel determine to vote no for that. The row would 445 00:52:27,935 --> 00:52:34,407 only have a signal designation a state route 255 because that is the state route and 446 00:52:34,407 --> 00:52:39,546 state-controlled highway. There is a small section of Bobway Lane that intersects at uh 447 00:52:39,546 --> 00:52:43,950 Memorial Parkway. that will remain. It is undisturbed, if you will, from the rope project 448 00:52:43,950 --> 00:52:50,623 and it ties back into State Route 255. That section of Bobway Lane will remain Bobway 449 00:52:50,623 --> 00:52:57,970 Lane. I hope that provides some clarity Yes, thank you so much, Shane. I appreciate that. And 450 00:52:57,970 --> 00:53:03,169 just to clarify for the public's information, that a hearing will be set at the 451 00:53:03,169 --> 00:53:08,107 September 11th meeting for to consider that renaming and then the hearing itself will take 452 00:53:08,107 --> 00:53:14,781 place on September 25th, and the council will consider at that meeting also. I want to 453 00:53:14,781 --> 00:53:21,855 add one other thing. Um even at that meeting when you choose what the decision is to name. 454 00:53:21,855 --> 00:53:29,620 The name will not go into effect until we officially open state Route 255. So upon that 455 00:53:29,620 --> 00:53:35,469 vote, you're just approving for the final signage that would get placed when the road is 456 00:53:35,469 --> 00:53:40,340 completed early next year and open to the public. So the existing Bob White Lane is 457 00:53:40,340 --> 00:53:45,612 being used by the public because we're trying to keep access to residents. They would 458 00:53:45,612 --> 00:53:49,616 continue with that until this road is open. Thank you for clarifying that, Mr. Davis. 459 00:53:49,616 --> 00:53:56,210 Thank you. Um, is Ms. Smith here? Penny Smith? Miss Smith, can you come up to give an 460 00:53:56,210 --> 00:54:00,628 update on the budget, please? Could we do that when, when we do the financial report was she 461 00:54:00,628 --> 00:54:10,628 asked me. my comments. but that I'm sorry. I What do you do the finance report. Is that OK? Mr. 462 00:54:19,712 --> 00:54:28,712 Kling Thank you, Madam President, it was my pleasure to join uh Mayor Battle and 463 00:54:28,989 --> 00:54:36,262 Council member Watkins and celebrating uh Betty Shower's birthday, uh, again, I think a 464 00:54:36,262 --> 00:54:40,467 lot of great things have been said about her, so I guess all I can say is really ditto. 465 00:54:40,467 --> 00:54:48,275 She's been a great personal friend and uh I'm just so proud that uh we have a community 466 00:54:48,275 --> 00:54:53,347 where we got 3 elected officials, kind of paying accolades to her for what she 467 00:54:53,347 --> 00:54:59,418 has meant to our community and again a belated, but once again Betty, happy birthday. Also, uh 468 00:54:59,418 --> 00:55:05,625 I know we've had people in the public that have asked us about seeing if we could stream city 469 00:55:05,625 --> 00:55:10,496 council meetings on Facebook, and I do understand that our staff people are looking into 470 00:55:10,496 --> 00:55:16,703 that and I appreciate their efforts on that. And finally, uh, if I could borrow the 471 00:55:16,703 --> 00:55:23,175 microphone, mayor, we have one little bit of recognition that we still need to get done and 472 00:55:23,175 --> 00:55:32,133 uh we were able to arrange this at the um kind of at the at the last minute I have a uh 473 00:55:32,133 --> 00:55:39,539 certificate that's been signed by the, the mayor and all 5 council members to recognize 474 00:55:39,539 --> 00:55:47,147 Sonia Infinger. Sonia, come on down. Sonya is uh Miss Senior Huntsville, and she's a member 475 00:55:47,147 --> 00:55:55,622 of the Miss Senior Alabama court. in Sonya and uh uh her husband Jeff have done so many 476 00:55:55,622 --> 00:56:00,160 things in our community. Sonia, I just want to give you a chance to let you tell our 477 00:56:00,160 --> 00:56:06,166 community about what you are doing and what missing your Alabama is all about. Thank you 478 00:56:06,166 --> 00:56:12,840 Councilman Kling, and also yes, I think we're on. Thank you so much, councilman, and to all 479 00:56:12,840 --> 00:56:15,575 the councilman and mayor, I appreciate your time and, and thank you all for all your 480 00:56:15,575 --> 00:56:23,500 service and what you do. I'm super excited to be a part of the Miss Senior Alabama court 481 00:56:23,500 --> 00:56:27,587 and that I am the name of Senior Huntsville and so my honor is to be able to serve 482 00:56:27,587 --> 00:56:34,528 the city of Huntsville. And so what I get a chance to do is to promote nonprofits, anything in 483 00:56:34,528 --> 00:56:40,201 the community to help bring greater awareness to our great city. And so as Miss Senior 484 00:56:40,201 --> 00:56:44,671 Huntsville, if you have any volunteerism that you would like, MSA to be a part of. 485 00:56:44,671 --> 00:56:49,542 Certainly all you have to do is go to Miss Seniorallabama.com and we're able to serve. We 486 00:56:49,542 --> 00:56:55,749 also serve across the state of Alabama and so not only just the city of Huntsville but the 487 00:56:55,749 --> 00:57:00,200 entire state and our mission and goal really is to help promote women, senior women to 488 00:57:00,200 --> 00:57:04,692 know that we have a purpose, a purpose-driven life, and we like to contribute and give 489 00:57:04,692 --> 00:57:08,963 back because what that does for us, it helps us to have longevity. You get plugged into 490 00:57:08,963 --> 00:57:13,767 your city, you're doing more for others, and that helps bring greater awareness to 491 00:57:13,767 --> 00:57:16,903 those nonprofits and to the city, the great city that we have here in Huntsville. And so 492 00:57:16,903 --> 00:57:21,308 it's my honor to receive this great certificate. Thank you, Councilman Kling and Councilman 493 00:57:21,308 --> 00:57:30,308 and Mayor Battle. Thank you, counsel. Uh, thank you for everything that you have done 494 00:57:41,261 --> 00:57:46,334 for our community, you and your family have done Legionary Legion work, and we very much 495 00:57:46,334 --> 00:57:52,934 appreciate, uh everything. Thank you Thank you again, Councilman Clain. Councilman, 496 00:57:53,274 --> 00:57:58,545 Little. Thank you, Madam President. Um, just would like to give quick shout outs to 497 00:57:58,545 --> 00:58:03,840 Public Works, traffic, engineering, and planning, um, uh, being responsive to 498 00:58:03,840 --> 00:58:08,880 citizens, uh, issues and concerns over the last few weeks and then I certainly hope 499 00:58:08,880 --> 00:58:15,295 everybody's football team wins this weekend. Thank you. Um, I had the opportunity this week 500 00:58:15,295 --> 00:58:19,500 to attend the Council of Neighborhood Associations, Lyle Voyles has served as president 501 00:58:19,500 --> 00:58:26,306 of the council for many years now, and he does a wonderful job gathering leaders from all 502 00:58:26,306 --> 00:58:31,178 the neighborhood associations across across the city. They meet monthly for those of you 503 00:58:31,178 --> 00:58:35,114 who have any interest in attending, it's a public meeting. They meet monthly. If 504 00:58:35,114 --> 00:58:39,119 you have a neighborhood association, a civic association, a community watch, 505 00:58:39,119 --> 00:58:44,458 or an HOA, I encourage you to attend. At the meeting this past week at Travis Cummings, 506 00:58:44,458 --> 00:58:49,396 our manager, our zoning manager came to answer questions about zoning enforcement, and boy, 507 00:58:49,396 --> 00:58:56,270 they had a lot of questions for him. Uh, he went away with some homework to do and to report 508 00:58:56,270 --> 00:59:01,341 back, but he answered so many questions that I think there's been a little bit of confusion 509 00:59:01,341 --> 00:59:07,413 on those meetings are well worth anyone's time to attend. So if you have an interest, I 510 00:59:07,413 --> 00:59:11,818 suggest you contact Mr. Boyles and find out when the next meeting is. If you're interest 511 00:59:11,818 --> 00:59:17,358 ed in forming a neighborhood association, a community watch, um, it, this would be something 512 00:59:17,358 --> 00:59:22,963 to for, for y'all to, to do. I've found that the strongest neighborhoods have the 513 00:59:22,963 --> 00:59:27,300 strongest connections with each other, and one of the best ways to start that is with a 514 00:59:27,300 --> 00:59:31,372 community watch or a neighborhood association. We saw a great example of it 515 00:59:31,372 --> 00:59:37,845 tonight with the Monte Sano, um Civic Association who was there not just to recognize the city, 516 00:59:37,845 --> 00:59:42,582 but I think a lot of it was their work that they do with each other to look out for each 517 00:59:42,582 --> 00:59:47,387 other and to ensure that the well-being of their neighbors. So, so please take a look at 518 00:59:47,387 --> 00:59:52,258 becoming uh active in the Council of Neighborhood Associations. That brings us to 519 00:59:52,258 --> 00:59:58,598 the Finance Committee report 14A is a resolution authorizing expenditures for payments. 520 00:59:58,598 --> 01:00:07,941 Watkins, would you like to make that motion? Yes, Councilwoman. Robinson I move that we approve 521 01:00:07,941 --> 01:00:15,141 the expenditures in the amount of $29,230,00483.04. 2nd. Second, motion made by Ms. 522 01:00:18,284 --> 01:00:23,557 Watkins, seconded by Mr. Little I, all in favor indicate by saying aye, and he opposed. 523 01:00:23,557 --> 01:00:29,830 Motion carries. Do we have a a finance report? Yes, Ms. Smith will come up at this time. 524 01:00:29,830 --> 01:00:38,830 Thank you, Ms. Smith. Thank you Good evening, Penny Smith, finance director of finance. Um 525 01:00:46,780 --> 01:00:53,320 tonight, before you, I'm just gonna give you a short financial update, um, for, for 526 01:00:53,320 --> 01:00:57,591 the city out of head of, it'll actually usually I give these at the quarter end, but we have 527 01:00:57,591 --> 01:01:04,131 all the July numbers in and so this will actually run through July and, um, and give us an 528 01:01:04,131 --> 01:01:12,673 update at that point. So a little bit about the economic environment that we're in right 529 01:01:12,673 --> 01:01:20,413 now. It is a shifting landscape um, kind of moving almost daily uh, between what happens um 530 01:01:20,413 --> 01:01:25,419 from federal government, which bleeds into our also our local government and so I'm not gonna 531 01:01:25,419 --> 01:01:31,910 read through all of this in general, things are the, the labor markets are kind of 532 01:01:31,910 --> 01:01:37,764 softening. Customer confidence is still a concern. You'll see in our numbers that bleeds into 533 01:01:37,764 --> 01:01:42,586 our numbers as we move forward. We're very much in kind of a, a level playing field. People are 534 01:01:42,586 --> 01:01:49,460 still kind of holding back a little bit, but spending is looking a little better, um, 535 01:01:49,460 --> 01:01:53,396 inflation numbers, um, while the outlooks are rising, we still remain around the same 536 01:01:53,396 --> 01:01:58,335 inflation numbers that we've had for a couple of months. So that is, that boats bodes well 537 01:01:58,335 --> 01:02:04,808 for the future to to remain a consistency and then also with the Federal Reserve, they, 538 01:02:04,808 --> 01:02:11,347 their outlook is for a downturn in their expectations that rates will be cut at the next 539 01:02:11,347 --> 01:02:16,285 meeting, which will be in September. So we are gonna look look towards that and that will 540 01:02:16,285 --> 01:02:25,762 that will go well for the economy as a whole. So we're gonna look at some specifics 541 01:02:25,762 --> 01:02:30,500 you have seen these graphics before. So this is for sales and use tax. This is all of our 542 01:02:30,500 --> 01:02:36,172 sales and use tax. Remember that it supports not only our general fund, but also our 543 01:02:36,172 --> 01:02:42,780 schools and both of our capital projects funds the 1990 and the 2014 capital projects funds, 544 01:02:42,780 --> 01:02:49,586 year to date we are behind a little bit the prior year 0.7%, and we are under the original 545 01:02:49,586 --> 01:02:55,992 budget, um, at 80%, but remember we revised our budget mid-year and so we are, we are 546 01:02:55,992 --> 01:03:05,992 on that budget at 83.6%, just a teeny bit ahead for the fiscal year elapsed. So a couple of 547 01:03:07,136 --> 01:03:14,780 things, these are some selected revenues. So I kind of took out um, what's above uh the locally 548 01:03:14,780 --> 01:03:17,548 levied taxes there for sales and use tax which we already already looked at that, but I 549 01:03:17,548 --> 01:03:27,548 did want to point out a few things that are both ahead and behind in our sales um, 550 01:03:27,958 --> 01:03:37,330 feedback from somewhere. OK 00, sorry. Um, go ahead, miss. So, uh, the SSUT tax, it is 13% 551 01:03:37,330 --> 01:03:43,574 ahead at this year to date of last year and then it's at 88% of budget. So, um, so it is 552 01:03:43,574 --> 01:03:50,447 doing well. It is helping with the, with the general fund. The the other revenue here, the 553 01:03:50,447 --> 01:03:54,383 vast majority of this is actually coming from interest revenue, just like many other 554 01:03:54,383 --> 01:03:58,188 people in the state and across the country, we are benefiting from those high interest rates 555 01:03:58,188 --> 01:04:06,996 for the past couple of years, and that, that also feeds into this particular July report, um 556 01:04:06,996 --> 01:04:11,935 but for, for the whole year and we should see that moving forward as well. They are 557 01:04:11,935 --> 01:04:20,900 remaining fairly consistent as we move out from there. Permits are down, um, we continue to 558 01:04:20,900 --> 01:04:26,616 see a kind of a decline. So we are coming out of a period where we had lots of very large 559 01:04:26,616 --> 01:04:32,210 industry projects and multi-family projects that that contributed to our permit fees, 560 01:04:32,210 --> 01:04:36,826 and we are back to kind of normalizing that and so that continues to come down. We 561 01:04:36,826 --> 01:04:41,764 didn't predict it to fall quite this far, but, um, but we are hoping that that levels out 562 01:04:41,764 --> 01:04:46,302 this year. You'll see the line actually right above it. I didn't flag it, but the line 563 01:04:46,302 --> 01:04:50,507 right above it is our license fees, and that is ahead of budget and, um, and it should 564 01:04:50,507 --> 01:04:56,445 come in quite well at the end of the year as well. And then overall just pointing to that 565 01:04:56,445 --> 01:05:04,788 final total line that we are 86% ahead of budget and about a little over 2, 2.5% ahead of 566 01:05:04,788 --> 01:05:09,859 this year overall. That is ahead of the revised budget, so we've brought that budget down, 567 01:05:09,859 --> 01:05:19,859 so we are doing well relative to that revised budget. For this is a flip side, this is 568 01:05:21,204 --> 01:05:27,343 again for the general fund expenditures through July. So looking again at a couple of 569 01:05:27,343 --> 01:05:34,170 these personnel is that 80% of the budget. Remember 83% of the budget has elapsed, so we are 570 01:05:34,170 --> 01:05:41,357 under budget for that and which makes our sub the subtitle for the departments are at 78%. 571 01:05:41,357 --> 01:05:48,970 That is typical, um, of the city. We usually come in around 5% below, and that is happening 572 01:05:48,970 --> 01:05:52,837 again this year within our department s Our total, so the appropriations are pretty much 573 01:05:52,837 --> 01:05:57,440 paid out. Remember we pay out most of those quarterly. So, um so those, those have gone ahead 574 01:05:57,440 --> 01:06:05,515 and pay out, it will not grow above 100% and then the total general fund is at 79%. So that 575 01:06:05,515 --> 01:06:10,252 looks well. That represents about, um, if we remain consistent at that level, it'll 576 01:06:10,252 --> 01:06:15,859 represent about $9 million which um below budget, which is about what we took out of the 577 01:06:15,859 --> 01:06:20,796 general fund, so we should be right on, um, with that, with that in line with those budgets 578 01:06:20,796 --> 01:06:26,802 even making a little bit towards the end of the year. The lodging tax revenue, so, so 579 01:06:26,802 --> 01:06:32,342 this is just one that we follow It is much smaller than any other revenue we follow, but, 580 01:06:32,342 --> 01:06:37,814 but it is very, we like to, um, it points in real time to both individual behavior and excess 581 01:06:37,814 --> 01:06:43,686 funds for travel and commercial and defense. I would point back to actually and I forgot to 582 01:06:43,686 --> 01:06:49,625 mention it, but within that slide, that economic slide, the GSA came out last month and 583 01:06:49,625 --> 01:06:54,764 said that our department for that a department of defense and for those, those numbers 584 01:06:54,764 --> 01:07:00,637 for PDM would remain the same, um, which was usually they raise it every single year, 585 01:07:00,637 --> 01:07:08,912 which helps us when we, when we have so much DFD travel within our area so, so that may 586 01:07:08,912 --> 01:07:13,916 reflect be reflected in this number as we move forward, but we will be careful with those 587 01:07:13,916 --> 01:07:18,455 projections, but we do believe that right now it is ahead of budget and the year to date 588 01:07:18,455 --> 01:07:24,794 collections are 6% ahead of last year. So we believe this will come in um ahead of, ahead 589 01:07:24,794 --> 01:07:31,401 of budget and on time. And so I want to, before I get to any questions, I just want to talk 590 01:07:31,401 --> 01:07:36,872 for a minute to the overall because I do kind of bring this hey, we've got level revenue. 591 01:07:36,872 --> 01:07:43,480 We've had sales and use tax been revised and so kind of this concern that that kind of 592 01:07:43,480 --> 01:07:49,234 that kind of looms over what is happening in the year. and while our revenues, um, sales 593 01:07:49,234 --> 01:07:54,906 and use tax being flat, um, we are doing well and other revenue streams and our 594 01:07:54,906 --> 01:08:01,312 expenditures as you just saw, look good. Our departments, um, hats off to all of them as they 595 01:08:01,312 --> 01:08:08,587 manage their budgets and um and look towards the future with that physical in mind. And so, 596 01:08:08,587 --> 01:08:16,729 but we are physically stable. Our fundal, our reserves and our liquidity is strong. That 597 01:08:16,729 --> 01:08:23,100 not only speaks to our AAA performance in the markets, but it also speaks to, um, to just 598 01:08:23,100 --> 01:08:27,806 be in a good place as we move through the next physical year. Next month I'll be bringing 599 01:08:27,806 --> 01:08:34,279 before you, um the, the mayor's budget for y'all to present to y'all and um and so we'll do an 600 01:08:34,279 --> 01:08:38,217 introduction at the first meeting, we'll do, we'll have a work session on that next 601 01:08:38,217 --> 01:08:43,756 Friday, and then we'll do the, the second reading and actual vote for at the end of the 602 01:08:43,756 --> 01:08:48,694 month. So that will, um, this, this picture that as we go into that, we are financially stable 603 01:08:48,694 --> 01:08:54,433 and financially strong and I wanna be sure that Reiterate that Is there any questions Mr. 604 01:08:54,433 --> 01:08:59,638 Kling general assumption, just following up on what you said, uh, I would assume that we're 605 01:08:59,638 --> 01:09:04,576 probably in better shape fiscally than uh most cities around the country based on 606 01:09:04,576 --> 01:09:11,450 what I'm seeing in national news. I would like to say so. I mean, so much of that is the 607 01:09:11,450 --> 01:09:18,390 decisions that are made by the council and the conservative nature by which we treat um our 608 01:09:18,390 --> 01:09:22,795 financial stability, strong reserves and strong liquidity is a is a big portion of that 609 01:09:22,795 --> 01:09:27,665 having that cornerstone and that backbone in which to lean upon in lean times, so many 610 01:09:27,665 --> 01:09:33,400 cities bleed their city all the way down and um and we have never done that and so that has 611 01:09:33,400 --> 01:09:40,345 been just um it it's nice to have that whenever we need it. I believe best I can recall, 612 01:09:40,345 --> 01:09:47,485 there have not been any employee layoffs due to financial challenges, you know, 613 01:09:47,485 --> 01:09:56,485 programs being cut. here in the city. No, I'm absolutely not. Other questions Ms. Smith, 614 01:09:57,629 --> 01:10:04,770 thank you for your, you to you and your team for your leadership and also thanks to 615 01:10:04,770 --> 01:10:11,643 our department heads for being such great stewards of, um, the taxpayers' dollars. Great work 616 01:10:11,643 --> 01:10:19,784 from all. Brings us to 15 board appointments to be voted on. 15A is a resolution to appoint 617 01:10:19,784 --> 01:10:23,588 Sasha Irby to the Community Development Citizens Advisory Council placed 3 to the seat 618 01:10:23,588 --> 01:10:30,328 previously held by Billy Lennox for a three-year term to expire April 14, 2028. Is there a 619 01:10:30,328 --> 01:10:37,336 motion to approve? Motion from Mr. Little 2 from Mr. Kling. Discussion, all in favor 620 01:10:37,336 --> 01:10:43,342 indicate by saying I, and he posed motion carries. 15b is a resolution to reappoint Claude 621 01:10:43,342 --> 01:10:46,278 Moore to the Board of Examinations and Appeals for struction Industries. Place 6th 622 01:10:46,278 --> 01:10:52,151 is current seat for a 3-year term to expire September 13, 2028. Move to approve. Motion 623 01:10:52,151 --> 01:11:00,158 for Mr. Little from Mr. Kling. Any discussion all in favor, please indicate by saying aye. 624 01:11:00,158 --> 01:11:06,297 Any opposed? The motion carries 15C is a resolution to appoint David Blair to the Huntsville 625 01:11:06,297 --> 01:11:10,636 Police Citizens Advisory Council Place 8, the seat previously held by Vicky 626 01:11:10,636 --> 01:11:16,707 Guerreri for a four-year term to expire August 1, 2029. The chair would like to make that 627 01:11:16,707 --> 01:11:21,179 motion seconded by Mr. Little in discussion. All in favor, please indicate by saying aye 628 01:11:21,179 --> 01:11:28,979 or any he opposed. Motion carries. Mr. Blair is appointed 16 board appointment nomination 629 01:11:30,321 --> 01:11:34,859 16A is a nomination to appoint Yolanda Caudle to the Huntsville Police Citizens 630 01:11:34,859 --> 01:11:39,531 Advisory Council placed 4 to the seat previously held by Willie Love for a four-year 631 01:11:39,531 --> 01:11:49,131 term to expire August 1, 2029. I move to approve Second, um, Ms. Watkins, would you like to, 632 01:11:50,275 --> 01:11:55,130 um, that there was a previous nomination made from the floor at the last meeting for this 633 01:11:55,130 --> 01:12:02,620 same seat. Yes, I nominated Linda Holmes from the floor, but um she did not want to 634 01:12:02,620 --> 01:12:08,626 serve, so I made another nomination so that's why. Let the record reflect that the 635 01:12:08,626 --> 01:12:15,234 nomination of Linda Holmes was withdrawn, and the nomination of Yolanda Caudle for to the 636 01:12:15,234 --> 01:12:20,104 police, police Citizens Advisory Council place for to the seat previously held by 637 01:12:20,104 --> 01:12:24,509 Willie Love for a four-year term is in place of that other nomination. Is there any 638 01:12:24,509 --> 01:12:30,849 discussion All in favor, please indicate by saying aye, and he posed the motion, or I'm sorry, 639 01:12:30,849 --> 01:12:35,320 that was for nomination only. We got ahead of ourselves. Uh, nomination only, there will be 640 01:12:35,320 --> 01:12:41,580 no vote taken at this meeting. It will be considered at the September 11th, um, council 641 01:12:41,580 --> 01:12:50,200 meeting. My apologies. a motion to change the, no, no, it was it was withdrawn. It was 642 01:12:50,200 --> 01:12:56,740 withdrawn, um, no hunts for utilities items, no legal department items or 643 01:12:56,740 --> 01:13:00,880 transactions to be considered brings us to 19 unfinished business items for action. 19A 644 01:13:00,880 --> 01:13:06,217 is an ordinance to amend Chapter 5, Division 2 of Article 2 of the Code of 645 01:13:06,217 --> 01:13:10,222 Ordinances of the city of Huntsville. This does require motion. Move to proof, motion 646 01:13:10,222 --> 01:13:20,222 from Mr. Little. Second from, uh, from Mr. Kling. Um, uh, is Mr. Fisher here? John Fisher, 647 01:13:20,632 --> 01:13:27,638 the director of, uh, our animal services. Good evening, council members, Mayor. This is the 648 01:13:27,638 --> 01:13:34,112 ordinance to amend Chapter 5 as it relates to the current fee schedule. Uh, the existing fee 649 01:13:34,112 --> 01:13:39,517 schedule has different rates for our residents versus services provided under service 650 01:13:39,517 --> 01:13:46,524 agreements with other agencies. This proposed um schedule would apply the same standards to all 651 01:13:46,524 --> 01:13:53,865 the entities, ensuring the cost of service is appropriately covered by all users. The only 652 01:13:53,865 --> 01:13:58,957 change for City of Huntsville residents is a small change for folks wishing to surrender 653 01:13:58,957 --> 01:14:08,898 their own pet to the shelter, um, it's a nominal, uh, uh, um, increase that um covers the 654 01:14:08,898 --> 01:14:15,106 increased cost of vaccines and exams that we would have to do on intake. Um, there is a new 655 01:14:15,106 --> 01:14:21,979 investigative hold fee that is for criminal investigations were required to hold animals 656 01:14:21,979 --> 01:14:27,851 for longer periods of time, um, and they require, uh, more extensive care, more extensive 657 01:14:27,851 --> 01:14:33,524 documentation, and veterinary care. Are there any questions for Mr. Fisher? Questions about 658 01:14:33,524 --> 01:14:39,729 the ordinance. Thank you, Mr. Fisher. All in favor, please indicate and you posed uh, the 659 01:14:39,729 --> 01:14:44,667 ordinance is approved. Thank you. 19B is an ordinance declaring certain property 660 01:14:44,667 --> 01:14:51,341 surplus and to be disposed of for agreement with managed asset recycling Solutions LLC. 661 01:14:51,341 --> 01:14:57,548 Move to proof. Motion from Mr. Little, seconded by Mr. Kling. Any questions or discussion? 662 01:14:57,548 --> 01:15:04,222 All in favor, please indicate and you opposed motion carries. That brings us to item 20 new 663 01:15:04,222 --> 01:15:08,825 business items for consideration or action. Are there any items anyone wishes 664 01:15:08,825 --> 01:15:17,167 to hold for separate consideration. Yes, sir. 20 F as in foxtrot and I as in India 665 01:15:17,167 --> 01:15:27,167 F and I, and I would like to do Mr. Kling. S and X S as in Sam was a request from report. And 666 01:15:40,457 --> 01:15:50,457 Ms. Watkins, um, I have been called. I still want IMS. XNZ Zulu. Zulu. OK, let me make 667 01:15:54,604 --> 01:16:04,604 sure that we've got everything item F. I I I M I S I X Item Z. Are there any others? Did, did 668 01:16:17,494 --> 01:16:27,494 I get all of them? Because you're going to do that Could you run through F? I have to 669 01:16:28,238 --> 01:16:38,238 have David do the phonetics on that. Item F, I I, India. M S X and Z. Can I get them all All 670 01:16:43,720 --> 01:16:53,720 right. Then the chair moves for approval. Items A to E. G, and H. J J to L. Thank you. And to 671 01:17:04,700 --> 01:17:13,284 R. T2 W and item 2Y. Is there a second? Second from Mr. Little. All in favor, please indicate 672 01:17:13,284 --> 01:17:19,890 any he posed. Uh, those items are approved and we will now move to separate consideration 673 01:17:19,890 --> 01:17:24,360 beginning with item F. Item F is a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract 674 01:17:24,360 --> 01:17:29,833 between the city of Huntsville, Alabama and Grayson Carter and Son Contracting Inc. for 675 01:17:29,833 --> 01:17:35,833 Tollgate Trail Improvements Project Project Project Project Project Project number 676 01:17:36,239 --> 01:17:45,449 71-25-WP02. Um, chair makes the motion. 2,, 2nd by Mr. Mr. Little. Um Mr. Davis, will you 677 01:17:45,449 --> 01:17:53,723 be making a presentation on that? You want me to take it, Shane Jane, you want me to take 678 01:17:53,723 --> 01:17:59,129 it there? You can. This is extension of our, our, uh, trail system that we're working 679 01:17:59,129 --> 01:18:03,333 on with in partnership with the Land Trust and Huntsville Utilities. Huntsville Utilities 680 01:18:03,333 --> 01:18:10,533 is putting up $500,000 and land trusts put up $500,000. City cost is $760,760,700.31. and 681 01:18:20,349 --> 01:18:25,289 it's to make toll gates rail improvements on that, uh, Tollgate project there. What 682 01:18:25,289 --> 01:18:31,828 did I miss, Shane You nailed it Mayor. Are there any questions, comments, Mr. Little? I held it 683 01:18:31,828 --> 01:18:36,233 because this is my neck of the woods. This is an exciting project. Um, few people have 684 01:18:36,233 --> 01:18:39,302 asked me and just wanted for clarity that they're worried we're going to be up there 685 01:18:39,302 --> 01:18:45,976 clear cutting the mountain to build this. It's actually along the old tollgate roadbed and I 686 01:18:45,976 --> 01:18:49,847 walked it with one of the mountain residents and uh other than probably just a few 687 01:18:49,847 --> 01:18:56,386 saplings and some stones. It's a pretty clear path and it'll get people from the, uh uh land 688 01:18:56,386 --> 01:19:00,524 trustst parking lot on Bankhead all the way up. safely off of Bankhead, and a lot of people 689 01:19:00,524 --> 01:19:04,595 like to bike it, and this will be an alternative for them. Um, so I think it's going to be a 690 01:19:04,595 --> 01:19:08,998 great addition to that area. That that's correct. So you know the trail is is, uh, the 691 01:19:08,998 --> 01:19:15,138 mayor and council Little said we'll start at the existing parking lot and go up to Fern, 692 01:19:15,138 --> 01:19:20,100 and uh it's a trail system that's already used, but one of the things that, uh, both North 693 01:19:20,100 --> 01:19:25,415 Alabama Land Trust, uh, and then Hunt utilities come in in partnership with the city is we 694 01:19:25,415 --> 01:19:31,288 have a lot of cyclist activity on Bank, Bankhead, and there's just not quite enough facility. 695 01:19:31,288 --> 01:19:37,628 So what this will do is take a, a trail that is uh a non-paved, non gravel and put it in a hard 696 01:19:37,628 --> 01:19:42,365 surface not only to extend our greenway but also provide bicycle, uh, multimodal through 697 01:19:42,365 --> 01:19:49,373 that, that area of the city. Well, is there still a plan to um extend it down to the uh 698 01:19:49,373 --> 01:19:54,444 closed road along the shoulder of Fern. That's right, yes, so this is the first phase is the 699 01:19:54,444 --> 01:19:59,515 most expensive phase just due to the terrain, right? OK, great. Thank you. That's all, 700 01:19:59,515 --> 01:20:04,854 Madam President. Any other questions? I guess I would also note that um while it was not 701 01:20:04,854 --> 01:20:13,129 held the following item is the meat Greenway, and so we're going to be uh starting to 702 01:20:13,129 --> 01:20:17,201 greenlight projects too long awaited agreement projects at the same time. That's correct. 703 01:20:17,201 --> 01:20:20,938 I apologize for looking puzzled when I walked up here because that's the one I was getting 704 01:20:20,938 --> 01:20:29,145 ready to speak on and I know we celebrated Alabama A&M's 150th tonight. Uh, that project, uh, 705 01:20:29,145 --> 01:20:34,818 would not happen without, uh, some dedication of land for Alabama A&M and we want to 706 01:20:34,818 --> 01:20:40,690 publicly thank them for that. So, uh, this, this trail is almost 2 miles. uh, and it will 707 01:20:40,690 --> 01:20:47,296 go, uh, from Winchester to Alabama A&M's campus. So it's the first piece of the Northern 708 01:20:47,296 --> 01:20:50,835 uh, gateway belt line that we just had some public meetings. So this is, uh, one that has 709 01:20:50,835 --> 01:20:55,439 been in the works and, uh, finally was able to get all the right of way needed to get that 710 01:20:55,439 --> 01:21:00,178 started. So, uh, tonight, counsel, you're approving almost 4 miles of new greenway 711 01:21:00,178 --> 01:21:03,914 in the city. Thank you for that little update. I know it wasn't germane to our agenda topic 712 01:21:03,914 --> 01:21:10,987 there, but I felt like it deserved to mention. So all in favor, please indicate and 713 01:21:10,987 --> 01:21:17,327 opposed motion carries. Uh, item 2 I. 20i is a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter 714 01:21:17,327 --> 01:21:21,531 into an agreement between the city of Huntsville, Alabama and CSR Engineering Inc. for Peter 715 01:21:21,531 --> 01:21:28,731 Fain Railroad Bridge over Pinhook Creek Project number 71-23-SP23. Chairman's approval 716 01:21:32,141 --> 01:21:41,418 Second from Mr. Kling. Mr. Davis. Thank you, Dr. Robinson. So, um, as it's been long 717 01:21:41,418 --> 01:21:46,823 awaited. Uh, we received a federal park grant, uh, for our build grant for our park 718 01:21:46,823 --> 01:21:52,763 project downtown which has multifaceted pieces to it. It's a flood mitigation project, uh, 719 01:21:52,763 --> 01:21:57,434 that starts, uh, just on the north side of Holmes Avenue and goes into the low ill 720 01:21:57,434 --> 01:22:02,390 neighborhood crossing Governor's Drive and uh we're getting uh very close to 721 01:22:02,390 --> 01:22:09,713 advertising and bidding that, uh, project is part of that project. one of the major flood 722 01:22:09,713 --> 01:22:13,850 impediments downtown is the old existing railroad, Trussell Bridge, kind of behind the von 723 01:22:13,850 --> 01:22:18,588 Braun Center. Uh, that project will replace that bridge it's not our bridge, uh, it's 724 01:22:18,588 --> 01:22:23,126 actually owned by the Huntsville Mass Can Rail Authority. So through FRA 725 01:22:23,126 --> 01:22:31,526 requirements as we reconstruct that, um, we must provide, uh, funding for uh engineering 726 01:22:31,869 --> 01:22:34,539 inspections, third party inspections for federal rail authority, and Huntsville 727 01:22:34,539 --> 01:22:40,344 Madison Rail. That's what this will do is provide that on site uh, reviewed during the 728 01:22:40,344 --> 01:22:45,750 construction of that railroad trestle bridge. Questions from Mr. Davis. Yes, ma'am. Um, is 729 01:22:45,750 --> 01:22:51,821 this uh the bridge project, is that eventually tying with the whole park grant project down 730 01:22:51,821 --> 01:22:57,161 there or is this, so, so that the, the, the large scale park project that that has been 731 01:22:57,161 --> 01:23:01,564 widely publicized on the news. We will actually bid that project in 3 phases because 732 01:23:01,564 --> 01:23:05,635 there's different specialties of that project. The first phase that the public will see 733 01:23:05,635 --> 01:23:10,773 in the next couple of months will be the channel wide, the flood mitigation piece. Uh, so 734 01:23:10,773 --> 01:23:16,179 you'll see the widening of Pinhook Creek, a little bit of Spring Branch Creek as it 735 01:23:16,179 --> 01:23:21,510 crosses Governor's Drive and, and things that will alleviate flood mitigation in areas of 736 01:23:21,510 --> 01:23:26,189 our downtown where that we've experienced flooding. The next phase that you will see will be 737 01:23:26,189 --> 01:23:30,861 this, uh, railroad bridge. And the third phase will be pedestrian visa. There's 738 01:23:30,861 --> 01:23:35,332 actually, I know the quote sky bridge, um, I don't know how much I talked about this 739 01:23:35,332 --> 01:23:39,469 project that it's, you know, really a flood mitigation project and that seems to what 740 01:23:39,469 --> 01:23:46,770 dominates. It's only 20% of the project. uh will be bid, but there's 5 pedestrian bridges. 741 01:23:46,770 --> 01:23:51,481 Uh, there's one that crosses Pinhook Creek back into, uh, the Thrasher Fountain or the 742 01:23:51,481 --> 01:23:55,819 canal that goes between the embassy suites and the von Braun Center. There's a new 743 01:23:55,819 --> 01:23:59,889 vehicular bridge behind the embassy suites to provide better truck access to the back 744 01:23:59,889 --> 01:24:04,961 of the BBC. There's a pedestrian bridge that goes into the medical district and 745 01:24:04,961 --> 01:24:09,167 then uh the bridge over the parkway and over Governor's Drive. Those will be bid at 746 01:24:09,167 --> 01:24:13,570 different phases and then the final phase will actually be the linear park piece. So it'll 747 01:24:13,570 --> 01:24:21,778 be the Greenway Trails, uh, bot repair stations, uh, benches, landscape, those type of things 748 01:24:21,778 --> 01:24:27,184 along a new linear park in our downtown that will combine about 12 acres of new linear 749 01:24:27,184 --> 01:24:31,387 park. Now that sounds very confusing and our engineering department's done a great job 750 01:24:31,387 --> 01:24:37,527 of staggering a schedule of letting these packages to where they will finish on time 751 01:24:37,527 --> 01:24:42,399 together. So we won't, you know be going through construction saying when will the public get 752 01:24:42,399 --> 01:24:46,469 to use this? When will the flood mitigation? But, but they're all different 753 01:24:46,469 --> 01:24:50,273 specialized contractors to do those types of work. Uh, but the thing to remember the first 754 01:24:50,273 --> 01:24:56,790 phase in the next 45 days, uh, we'll be bringing that first contract for your consideration 755 01:24:56,790 --> 01:24:59,749 that will be used with the federal grant funds. Thank you. Is it too early to tell how 756 01:24:59,749 --> 01:25:05,556 long the railroad replacement, a railroad bridge replacement would take. Um, it, it is a new 757 01:25:05,556 --> 01:25:13,290 design, so it's concrete, it's pre-cast. Uh, so when we let that project, you won't see, uh 758 01:25:13,290 --> 01:25:16,966 immediate activity. Uh, the whoever the low bidder is will, will pre-order that, so it'll 759 01:25:16,966 --> 01:25:22,305 take the manufacturer some months to do that. But once the those pieces get on site, I 760 01:25:22,305 --> 01:25:27,243 would think, you know, 3 to 6 months it would be finished. OK great. Thank you. Thank you, 761 01:25:27,243 --> 01:25:32,183 Madam President. Any other questions? All in favor, please indicate and imposed. Motion 762 01:25:32,183 --> 01:25:38,654 carries. Thank you Davis. 20m is a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute addendum 763 01:25:38,654 --> 01:25:42,727 number one to the business agreement to implement technology between the city of 764 01:25:42,727 --> 01:25:48,264 Huntsville, Alabama and Comkate Inc. for continued services related to the code enforcement 765 01:25:48,264 --> 01:25:52,669 division of Community Development. Is there a motion to approve motion for Mr. Kling 766 01:25:52,669 --> 01:25:58,141 second from Mr. Little Mr. Irwin. Oh, yes, council members Mayor Battle Scott Irwin, the 767 01:25:58,141 --> 01:26:01,945 Community Development Department. This is an addendum to an existing contract with 768 01:26:01,945 --> 01:26:07,884 Comate to do code enforcement software. So what that software allows our staff to do is open 769 01:26:07,884 --> 01:26:13,557 track and close code enforcement cases such as overgrown grass, junk vehicles, 770 01:26:13,557 --> 01:26:18,161 unsafe structures, of public nuisances. It also allows mobile functionality, 771 01:26:18,161 --> 01:26:23,836 inspectors can enter case notes take photos, and update violations, uh, from the field 772 01:26:23,836 --> 01:26:28,174 directed from their tablet or smartphone. Um, it also provides dashboards and reports 773 01:26:28,174 --> 01:26:33,447 to track performance, uh, look at trends and for enforcement outcomes. So it is a program 774 01:26:33,447 --> 01:26:40,854 we've been using for about 3 years, and this is a 1-year extension. Other question, Mr. 775 01:26:40,854 --> 01:26:46,525 Klain, just for clarification, since the concern had been raised. This is not the 776 01:26:46,525 --> 01:26:52,731 artificial intelligence issue that we were talking about a couple of weeks ago, correct? 777 01:26:52,731 --> 01:26:56,200 No, sir. This is data management of our of our system as its currently exists. Thank 778 01:26:56,200 --> 01:27:02,609 you. Anyone else Um, I should note that at the Council of Neighborhood Associations this 779 01:27:02,609 --> 01:27:08,748 week, one of the issues that the, the focus was on zoning enforcement, but it evolved to 780 01:27:08,748 --> 01:27:14,870 enforcement of all our codes, and one of the concerns that was expressed was we have a lot 781 01:27:14,870 --> 01:27:18,891 of codes on the books. They need to be enforced. And so this software is what helps us 782 01:27:18,891 --> 01:27:24,630 do that. You absolutely does. Thank you very much. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion 783 01:27:24,630 --> 01:27:29,568 carries. We will go on now to 20 S. 20s is a resolution authorizing the mayor to make a 784 01:27:29,568 --> 01:27:35,909 grant application to the Federal Transit Auth Administration for the FY 26 4 785 01:27:35,909 --> 01:27:44,909 mg. Motion from Mr. Kling. Mr. Little council member is a mayor. I'm Emma Walker, 786 01:27:45,118 --> 01:27:50,323 accountant for the Public transit department. Um, welcome Miss Waer in lieu of Miss 787 01:27:50,323 --> 01:27:58,530 Bryant, our director, um, this is our annual appropriation just applying for it, um, from 788 01:27:58,530 --> 01:28:03,602 FTA for our operating in capital budgets for FY 26. Thank you. I can't remember who 789 01:28:03,602 --> 01:28:12,110 held this. who had questions about it. We, we had a question from, from the public. And I 790 01:28:12,110 --> 01:28:20,411 guess just to clarify this, you're talking about buses. Yes sir. Shuttle buses, maintenance 791 01:28:21,954 --> 01:28:26,425 uh, those types of things. Everything in administration there. OK. You know, it's just 792 01:28:26,425 --> 01:28:34,225 total, total cost of $6,115,287 of the grant fund is $33,972,492. The city cost is 793 01:28:42,375 --> 01:28:48,782 $2,142,795. Yes, sir Any other questions All in favor indicate Any opposed? Motion carries. 794 01:28:48,782 --> 01:28:54,454 Thank you so much, Ms. Clark. 20 X is a resolution authorizing the mayor to 795 01:28:54,454 --> 01:29:00,127 execute modification number one to agreement between the city of Huntsville and Skyfire AI 796 01:29:00,127 --> 01:29:08,267 Incorporated. OK, I've makes the motion. Second by Mr. Little. Mr. Eland been asked by 797 01:29:08,267 --> 01:29:15,875 Chief Giles to uh to speak to this item, uh, basically, this is a resolution authorizing the 798 01:29:15,875 --> 01:29:22,682 the uh mayor to execute modification number one to the currently existing agreement 799 01:29:22,682 --> 01:29:29,154 between the city of Huntsville and Skyfire, uh, we are currently under a contract with 800 01:29:29,154 --> 01:29:35,628 this group to manage our drones as a first responder program. uh, under the current contract, 801 01:29:35,628 --> 01:29:44,837 we pay for 2 employees, uh, Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. They're FAA 802 01:29:44,837 --> 01:29:51,430 certified. They perform rooftop pilot in command and teller operator duties. The program 803 01:29:51,430 --> 01:29:58,250 has been very successful and they're requesting to add 2 more employees, HPD is, uh, to, 804 01:29:58,250 --> 01:30:03,189 uh, 2 more employees for 2 additional days of service when being Saturday and Sunday, uh, 805 01:30:03,189 --> 01:30:11,640 during the same hours, which is 30 p.m. to 11. Uh, and so the modification is for those 806 01:30:11,640 --> 01:30:17,300 additional hours in those days. And again, this is a first responder program, very uh 807 01:30:17,300 --> 01:30:21,874 helpful and successful when there is an event and first responders there, the drones 808 01:30:21,874 --> 01:30:29,883 were able to get to that scene before vehicles on the, on the uh land can get there and for 809 01:30:29,883 --> 01:30:36,489 instance make an assessment early on as to the severity of the injury, for instance, in an 810 01:30:36,489 --> 01:30:41,494 accident or uh God for bi d there's a gunfight or, or some type of situation to determine 811 01:30:41,494 --> 01:30:47,633 the exact situation where there are armed individuals who are still there. These are, these 812 01:30:47,633 --> 01:30:52,704 are the type of services that are provided to help the first responders as they come to have 813 01:30:52,704 --> 01:30:57,977 a better idea of what they're coming to and if it's determined that the emergency 814 01:30:57,977 --> 01:31:03,984 is not quite as emergent. They don't have to tear through the city at a high rate of speed 815 01:31:03,984 --> 01:31:08,522 with all the danger that might be associated. So it's been a very successful program and 816 01:31:08,522 --> 01:31:16,728 there's a look to expand it. Questions? Yes, ma'am. Uh. so I've heard about these. I know 817 01:31:16,728 --> 01:31:20,660 they're, they're really great in those situations. I just wanna be clear they don't just 818 01:31:20,660 --> 01:31:24,270 fly around randomly filming people. Right? That's not what this is for. This is a first 819 01:31:24,270 --> 01:31:29,141 responder program, um, and obviously a lot cheaper than us buying a couple of helicopters. 820 01:31:29,141 --> 01:31:35,214 I would say considerably cheaper. All right, thank you. That's all I have. Question. 821 01:31:35,214 --> 01:31:41,353 I'll make one comment when I visited the NAMAC, um, I got to see video of how quickly these 822 01:31:41,353 --> 01:31:48,695 drones can give them eyes on a critical situation, and they can, and then give the officers 823 01:31:48,695 --> 01:31:54,100 who are responding accurate information about what's going on, so they come in prepared to 824 01:31:54,100 --> 01:31:59,905 deal with the situation. It's, I'm glad we're expanding it. It's very successful. Yes, Mr. 825 01:31:59,905 --> 01:32:04,910 Davis. I just want to make a comment. It's not germane to what, uh, directly to what 826 01:32:04,910 --> 01:32:11,317 you're about to vote on, but uh I do want to recognize that this company is headquartered 827 01:32:11,317 --> 01:32:17,723 here in Huntsville, uh, started here with two employees and now provide these services globally 828 01:32:17,723 --> 01:32:22,394 So, uh, they are a local company, local vendor. That's good to know. Thank you. Any 829 01:32:22,394 --> 01:32:27,267 other discussion? All in favor indicate and he posed motion carries, Sir, you're out of 830 01:32:27,267 --> 01:32:35,947 order. You can make comments after the meeting. So, sir, sir this is not an opportunity for 831 01:32:35,947 --> 01:32:40,850 you to have a conversation with us. You can make comments, uh, after the meeting if you have 832 01:32:40,850 --> 01:32:45,423 signed up. Uh, 20Z is a resolution authorizing authorizing the mayor to enter 833 01:32:45,423 --> 01:32:51,295 into a special employment agreement between the city of Hunsel and Kurt W. Worsick. 834 01:32:51,295 --> 01:32:58,702 Chair Mo's for approval There's a from Mr. Kling, um, Ms. Watkins, I believe you held 835 01:32:58,702 --> 01:33:06,977 this item. Do you have a question? I think the mayor is going to be this is yeah, this 836 01:33:06,977 --> 01:33:14,786 is our, our expert with the NAMAC, uh, who makes, uh, uh, Namack really roll. It's a one 837 01:33:14,786 --> 01:33:23,996 year contract and this is a renewal for for one year, and the city cost amount is 168,540 838 01:33:23,996 --> 01:33:33,996 annually. uh, total cost is, is again $168,168,540. The NAAC has been a very good tool to be 839 01:33:36,408 --> 01:33:43,548 able to use to uh make sure that uh crime, crime is abated and we keep crime down. Kurt 840 01:33:43,548 --> 01:33:50,487 has added, uh, the technology to it that, uh, makes it very, uh, uh, protects our, uh, 841 01:33:50,487 --> 01:33:58,630 citizens but also protects our policemen out there. comments All in favor, please indicate 842 01:33:58,630 --> 01:34:06,237 any he posed, motion carries. Um, item 21A. New business items for introduction. 21A is 843 01:34:06,237 --> 01:34:10,775 an introduction of an ordinance revising, restating, and consolidating the Human 844 01:34:10,775 --> 01:34:17,470 Relations Commission and its bylaws, pursuant to resolution number 94-633, which was 845 01:34:17,470 --> 01:34:24,121 adopted and approved on August 25, 1994. No action will be taken at this meeting, but it 846 01:34:24,121 --> 01:34:30,395 is for introduction only and will be considered at the September 11th uh regular 847 01:34:30,395 --> 01:34:35,534 council meeting that concludes all of our business and it brings us now to Citizen 848 01:34:35,534 --> 01:34:40,138 comments. We have a number of people who have signed up, and I will just read the little 849 01:34:40,138 --> 01:34:45,743 preamble for you. This portion of the meeting is reserved for for persons wishing to address 850 01:34:45,743 --> 01:34:50,810 the council on matters relating to city business, whether or not such items are on the 851 01:34:50,810 --> 01:34:57,421 meeting agenda. In individuals wishing to speak, um, have signed up on the 2nd public 852 01:34:57,421 --> 01:35:01,692 comments roster prior to or during the meeting, when called upon, please come to the 853 01:35:01,692 --> 01:35:05,564 microphone and state your name, home address, and city of residence. Each speaker may 854 01:35:05,564 --> 01:35:09,233 address the council for 3 minutes. Speakers shall refrain from entering into a dialogue 855 01:35:09,233 --> 01:35:13,771 with council members or city staff and from making comments regarding the good name and 856 01:35:13,771 --> 01:35:19,430 character of any individual. Please remember that the best way to communicate with council 857 01:35:19,430 --> 01:35:25,249 members really is by email, phone conversations or one on one on one meetings with 858 01:35:25,249 --> 01:35:30,854 council members. So we will begin, uh, first person to sign up is Donald Campbell, Subject 859 01:35:30,854 --> 01:35:40,854 is smart meters is Mr. Campbell here. Hello again Uh, my name's Donald Campbell. My address is 860 01:35:45,269 --> 01:35:54,679 on record. A city of residence, sir. Madison, thank you, sir. Um well, a few people have 861 01:35:54,679 --> 01:35:59,550 presented a proposal for a smart meter opt-outs to hunt through utilities. For the 862 01:35:59,550 --> 01:36:08,920 record, I was not part of that. and the proposal, many requests were made that HU um Huntre 863 01:36:08,920 --> 01:36:14,898 Toys HU is not about toomply with at this time I regret that they did not reserve such 864 01:36:14,898 --> 01:36:21,305 requests for our town council, as you are the entity with authority over HU. And then 865 01:36:21,305 --> 01:36:26,430 working on a proposal. and I still am to present it to you, which includes a layout of how 866 01:36:26,430 --> 01:36:32,643 to implement controlling legislation, which is financially feasible to HU. And 867 01:36:32,649 --> 01:36:38,990 there is more involved which I cannot divulge at this time. HU has responded with her opt-out 868 01:36:38,990 --> 01:36:44,462 plan, although it is called an AMI opt out. They are not guaranteeing that we can choose 869 01:36:44,462 --> 01:36:51,680 to have an analog meter, which is our main request and concern and there are many reasons why 870 01:36:51,680 --> 01:36:55,540 we do not want any electronic meter besides the fact that they are physically harming us, 871 01:36:55,540 --> 01:37:02,480 which you've heard about before Um, HU did not agree to allow those opting out to send, it 872 01:37:02,480 --> 01:37:09,220 did agree, excuse me, did agree to allow those opting out to send a photo of the meter 873 01:37:09,220 --> 01:37:13,240 reading each month, which is being done in other places. However, they still want to 874 01:37:13,240 --> 01:37:18,290 penalize us with a fee. We should not be and refuse to be penalized for not allowing a 875 01:37:18,290 --> 01:37:24,368 device on our homes that harms us. All of our lives we've been paying for meter readers to 876 01:37:24,368 --> 01:37:29,574 read every meter. If the smart meters are saving so much money then it should be no burden for 877 01:37:29,574 --> 01:37:35,847 HU to retain a few readers, but if we are sending in the reading, which we must now do. 878 01:37:35,847 --> 01:37:44,522 we should not be paying anything extra for that. Uh, any such uh additional cost for 879 01:37:44,522 --> 01:37:49,727 that can be incorporated in the cost of the watt hours we're paying for. Uh, also, if HU is 880 01:37:49,727 --> 01:37:54,197 sure that everyone will suddenly opt out in bankrupt them. Studies have shown that 881 01:37:54,197 --> 01:38:02,673 only a mere 2% will opt out. There will be more as time goes on, but there will be time to 882 01:38:02,673 --> 01:38:10,281 make changes and new technology that will communicate without harming us. Uh, I again request 883 01:38:10,281 --> 01:38:16,353 that you, the council, write legislation. amending the code which regulates HU to make 884 01:38:16,353 --> 01:38:21,492 opt-outs long. I spent this summer studying this entire history with this battle of the 885 01:38:21,492 --> 01:38:27,831 meters all over the country and all over the world. We're in a time where industry is now 886 01:38:27,831 --> 01:38:35,906 beginning to control us. We must not let it. We must contain it. Um, I have copies 887 01:38:35,906 --> 01:38:42,454 of sample legislation, for opt-outs for you. And also copies of some bad legislation 888 01:38:42,454 --> 01:38:45,990 that's going around the country which I hope we don't see happen here. And I'd like to 889 01:38:45,990 --> 01:38:54,533 give it to you after the meeting. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Campbell Next person to 890 01:38:54,533 --> 01:39:04,533 sign up is James Franchini. Subject is smart meters, is Mr. Franke here. Hello, my name is 891 01:39:09,815 --> 01:39:12,886 James Franchini, and my address is accurate as shown on your sheet, and I'm in Southeast 892 01:39:12,886 --> 01:39:18,891 Huntsville. I'm speaking on behalf of a group of concerned residents regarding the health 893 01:39:18,891 --> 01:39:23,762 and safety impacts of smart meters that are being installed as part of Huntsville Utility's 894 01:39:23,762 --> 01:39:28,500 advanced metering infrastructure program, also known as AMI This will be a 895 01:39:28,500 --> 01:39:32,971 short status update on the progress being made in our collaboration with HU on 896 01:39:32,971 --> 01:39:38,176 developing a smart meter opt out policy for Huntsville residents. For those in the 897 01:39:38,176 --> 01:39:42,580 audience that may not be aware of this important topic, we originally approached this 898 01:39:42,580 --> 01:39:46,518 council because we were notified by HU that smart meters were going to be 899 01:39:46,518 --> 01:39:52,324 installed on our homes, even though we had previously opted out a few years earlier. More 900 01:39:52,324 --> 01:39:57,662 importantly, there was no provision allowing us to opt out again This was unacceptable 901 01:39:57,662 --> 01:40:03,735 for us because of the extensive research and studies that have been done revealing the serious 902 01:40:03,735 --> 01:40:09,141 health impacts that can arise from exposure to radiofrequency or radiation emitted by them. 903 01:40:09,141 --> 01:40:15,614 After presenting our concerns to this council back in July of this year. Mr. Meredith, 904 01:40:15,614 --> 01:40:21,820 proactively hosted a meeting between representatives of our small group and HU For that, 905 01:40:21,820 --> 01:40:24,757 Council President Meredith, we're deeply grateful. I know he's not here, but I share that 906 01:40:24,757 --> 01:40:29,695 with you. And we're grateful as well to the Huntsville Utility leadership for being open to 907 01:40:29,695 --> 01:40:35,567 work with us. Now for an update of our progress. We attended the August utility Board 908 01:40:35,567 --> 01:40:40,371 meetings this week with our primary purpose being to request that the boards 909 01:40:40,371 --> 01:40:44,710 postpone their vote upon the current draft opt-out policy and allow us to continue to 910 01:40:44,710 --> 01:40:51,500 work with HU in crafting a more complete and robust policy. The meetings were productive with 911 01:40:51,500 --> 01:40:56,322 many good questions being asked by the board members, followed by intelligent and thoughtful 912 01:40:56,322 --> 01:41:03,128 discussions between them and the HU team. which led to the vote being postponed. HU staff 913 01:41:03,128 --> 01:41:07,198 in our group will be meeting several times over the coming weeks to prepare the next 914 01:41:07,198 --> 01:41:12,405 version of the policy for the board's review. I intend to provide another update at the 915 01:41:12,405 --> 01:41:17,277 next city council meeting in 2 weeks. Thank you for your support and for your interest 916 01:41:17,277 --> 01:41:27,277 in this matter. Thank you, Mr. Franchini The next person to sign up is Ms. Francis Akridge, 917 01:41:28,220 --> 01:41:37,220 Subject is professional respect sacred. Thank you. I live in Huntsville and my address is 918 01:41:41,568 --> 01:41:50,176 correct on the sign sheet. and the topic is professional respect because I've been very 919 01:41:50,176 --> 01:41:56,981 busy traveling, yay, and learning about the world and art and food, and yet somebody 920 01:41:56,981 --> 01:42:03,722 called me recently and said, Did you see the epic? embarrassment of the last 921 01:42:03,722 --> 01:42:13,322 meeting. so I watched it It definitely could have been less contentious if number one the 922 01:42:15,667 --> 01:42:21,806 president or the second the whatever the titles that you have had called a point of 923 01:42:21,806 --> 01:42:28,481 order. A vote had already been made about Mr. Bowden, the item on the floor was about Ms. 924 01:42:28,481 --> 01:42:35,688 Caruso, and yet the conversation started back to Mr Bowden. parenthetically, I have 925 01:42:35,688 --> 01:42:42,561 no idea why someone would want that person on the, no, that we have to be very careful when we 926 01:42:42,561 --> 01:42:49,168 put people on the board because their need to, they need to add value. They don't, the 927 01:42:49,168 --> 01:42:54,906 clutching our pearls and saying they had been thrown out of here doesn't disqualify them. 928 01:42:54,906 --> 01:43:00,979 Please do not bring Facebook into your repertoire. If someone can get on their phone 929 01:43:00,979 --> 01:43:06,852 and go to Facebook for crying out loud, you can go to the Huntsville Media Center and 930 01:43:06,852 --> 01:43:11,856 watch these live and by the way you might learn something while you're there, like the phone 931 01:43:11,856 --> 01:43:17,620 numbers of the planning division and find out that it is not up to the government 932 01:43:17,620 --> 01:43:26,939 what a farmer wants to do with their land once it is annexed. Thank you. Thank you, Ms. 933 01:43:26,939 --> 01:43:36,820 Akridge. I have a gift for everybody. The next person to sign up is David Snyder. 934 01:43:36,820 --> 01:43:43,882 Subject is multiple Hello, my name is David Snyder. My information is written 935 01:43:52,300 --> 01:43:56,501 correctly on the sheet, and I live in Huntsville, Alabama. Um I'm going to run through a few 936 01:43:56,501 --> 01:44:01,441 items kind of quickly. One, I would like to talk about transparency in the jail. I 937 01:44:01,441 --> 01:44:05,777 understand it's the Madison County jail. It is not the Huntsville City jail. But I 938 01:44:05,777 --> 01:44:09,982 would like to know if Huntsville is making money off of ICE deportations. My 939 01:44:09,982 --> 01:44:14,652 understanding is every person that gets an ice hole that is in the Madison County jail 940 01:44:14,652 --> 01:44:18,123 right now is getting taken. That's what's happening. And I would like to know if our city 941 01:44:18,123 --> 01:44:23,262 is making money off of that, a horrendous thing is happening to our Hispanic community. and 942 01:44:23,262 --> 01:44:30,402 I expect that Huntsville should establish establish itself as a welcome welcoming city like 943 01:44:30,402 --> 01:44:37,800 Birmingham did. uh previously. There have also been multiple deaths in the jail that we need 944 01:44:37,800 --> 01:44:41,346 transparency around. There are going to be FOIA requests made. I, uh, hope to have the city of 945 01:44:41,346 --> 01:44:46,685 Huntsville's, uh, support when those FOIA requests are submitted and any dealings that 946 01:44:46,685 --> 01:44:52,502 we have with the MCSO. Um, I'd like to talk about Derick Street a little bit. I am going 947 01:44:52,502 --> 01:44:59,575 to be meeting with Scott tomorrow, actually, um, about that um, there needs to be 948 01:44:59,575 --> 01:45:03,579 greater access to the hose that is a water outlet for people to be able to get water from. It's 949 01:45:03,579 --> 01:45:08,718 not a great setup to drink uh from, but it is water, so, you know, that's great. Um, but it 950 01:45:08,718 --> 01:45:12,856 could be, it needs to be moved over a little bit or have an access away from the camp so 951 01:45:12,856 --> 01:45:17,193 people with mobility AIDS can actually get to it and it's suitable to drink out of. Um, 952 01:45:17,193 --> 01:45:21,931 there also needs to be an EMA special response. Imagine being in a tent, uh, when a storm 953 01:45:21,931 --> 01:45:26,736 like we saw with Monteceno. Imagine being in a tent when that happens. We need to have a 954 01:45:26,736 --> 01:45:31,206 special van come out and be willing to take people to safety ahead of a storm like 955 01:45:31,206 --> 01:45:39,415 that. Um, we also need to have the resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza signed. I emailed Bill 956 01:45:39,415 --> 01:45:44,554 Kling actually at our last district. uh meeting a petition that has gone around. I'm going 957 01:45:44,554 --> 01:45:49,625 to email that to all of City council and to Mayor Tommy Battle. It will be a stain on 958 01:45:49,625 --> 01:45:54,163 the city of Huntsville if we don't at the very least, it is the bare minimum thing that we 959 01:45:54,163 --> 01:46:00,303 can do to sign for a ceasefire resolution and for humanitarian aid to be supplied to the area 960 01:46:00,303 --> 01:46:07,176 that is the bare minimum. Um, regarding city detect, I am going to say again that these 961 01:46:07,176 --> 01:46:11,114 uh people of Huntsville, uh, like you've seen with the concern with Skyfire. We don't 962 01:46:11,114 --> 01:46:16,786 want to be surveilled. We don't want money to be put into surveillance. Um, we would uh 963 01:46:16,786 --> 01:46:21,123 like to have a Black History Museum installed in the city. We do not want to be surveilled 964 01:46:21,123 --> 01:46:26,530 Um, I understand that with Skyfire, the idea is that it is for emergency response, and 965 01:46:26,530 --> 01:46:31,801 that is a good thing, right? Um again, one of the things with uh City detect is about what it 966 01:46:31,801 --> 01:46:38,140 can be used for or what that data can be used for, right? So where are we getting assurances 967 01:46:38,140 --> 01:46:42,945 and transparency that they're not going to use those drones for any other purpose other 968 01:46:42,945 --> 01:46:48,951 than emergency uh you know, response and um like with City detect, what assurances do we 969 01:46:48,951 --> 01:46:54,957 have that if a larger federal body demands that, you know, data that that's not gonna just 970 01:46:54,957 --> 01:47:01,364 be handed over to other parties right? The best way to not do it is to not have it. We 971 01:47:01,364 --> 01:47:07,569 appreciate your attendance tonight. The next person to sign up is David W. Address is 972 01:47:07,569 --> 01:47:16,513 AAMU. There's no subject. Is Mr David W here? Apparently not. Uh, then we will move on to uh 973 01:47:16,513 --> 01:47:26,113 Taris Smith. Mr. Smith Mr. Smith is not here. Moses Eben Mr. Eben Yolanda Caudle Is 974 01:47:28,525 --> 01:47:36,399 Caudle here Lynn Holmes I'm beginning to suspect that these were folks who were here and 975 01:47:36,399 --> 01:47:43,672 thought they had to sign in. Tony Gaskin, subject is AI cameras, AI police, drone 976 01:47:43,672 --> 01:47:52,215 budget increase. Hello, um, my name's Tyranny Gaskin. Uh, I live in the city of Huntsville. 977 01:47:52,215 --> 01:47:57,553 Thank you, um. real quick, I would just like to talk about the city to tech program, so 978 01:47:57,553 --> 01:48:01,958 local citizens, I have a copy of everything I'm about to say. I'm about to talk very fast. So 979 01:48:01,958 --> 01:48:06,280 a local citizen's concern on the city detect program possibly coming to Huntsville, 980 01:48:06,280 --> 01:48:08,831 Automated surveillance undermined trust and cooperation between citizens 981 01:48:08,831 --> 01:48:14,503 and their government. If the AI tool is used, is doing the work of spotting violations on the 982 01:48:14,503 --> 01:48:19,641 street than our officials will lose contact with the community and the human element is lost. 983 01:48:19,641 --> 01:48:23,645 Without community and civic empathy, government officials will become disconnected from 984 01:48:23,645 --> 01:48:27,583 citizens. for privacy concerns, the CEO of City Detech claims that the data collected will 985 01:48:27,583 --> 01:48:32,789 not be sold to anyone, but how can we be certain that our data won't be sold ever. Legally, is 986 01:48:32,789 --> 01:48:36,859 it in the contract that our data is not for sale under any circumstances or after a 987 01:48:36,859 --> 01:48:41,263 certain period of time, how does City detech make money for its investors if they do not 988 01:48:41,263 --> 01:48:49,339 sell our data. Customer data in the contract that you guys have um under that. uh proposal, uh, 989 01:48:49,339 --> 01:48:54,143 customer data is defined as any information or other data of any type provided by the 990 01:48:54,143 --> 01:48:58,614 customer or its end users to City detect in connection with the product, including 991 01:48:58,614 --> 01:49:04,887 preferences, case status, notes and summaries, however, customer data does not include 992 01:49:04,887 --> 01:49:09,492 analytical data or raw data or any other information reflecting the access of or use 993 01:49:09,492 --> 01:49:18,330 of the products per section 3.2 of the terms of use. Raw data is defined as quote, all audio 994 01:49:18,330 --> 01:49:23,380 visual images, text global positioning system, and other geospatial and environmental 995 01:49:23,380 --> 01:49:27,376 data and other types of content captured by devices or otherwise provided by City 996 01:49:27,376 --> 01:49:34,383 detect in connection to the product. End quote. Also as per section of 3.2 terms of use. 997 01:49:34,383 --> 01:49:40,456 Analytical data is defined as the output that is generated through the gene that is. 998 01:49:40,456 --> 01:49:45,661 output that is generated through the product using artificial and intelligence AI 999 01:49:45,661 --> 01:49:49,999 output, and the data and information submitted or produced by the customer or its 1000 01:49:49,999 --> 01:49:54,737 end users related to the interpretation, understanding and refinement of raw data and 1001 01:49:54,737 --> 01:50:00,809 AI output per section 3.2 of the terms of use, as of section 11.1 of the terms of use states 1002 01:50:00,809 --> 01:50:05,480 that all customer data, the product and analytical data, raw data and AI output are 1003 01:50:05,480 --> 01:50:10,152 deemed to be confidential information of City detect, which implies that if we are 1004 01:50:10,152 --> 01:50:14,956 not in a contract with City detect that we cannot access our own data. All of the 1005 01:50:14,956 --> 01:50:19,428 cameras that are used in the City detect program are leased to us by the company, we will 1006 01:50:19,428 --> 01:50:25,768 never acquire ownership of the data and the collection devices um. well which implies that the 1007 01:50:25,768 --> 01:50:30,706 photos, videos, and audios that is collected is not legally ours. First section 1.10 of 1008 01:50:30,706 --> 01:50:36,978 terms of use. In the agreement, it is said that City Detect has the right to use analytical rot 1009 01:50:36,978 --> 01:50:41,852 and raw data in a way that implies that it could be sold or used for data mining, quote, 1010 01:50:41,852 --> 01:50:46,722 City detect shall not use customer data for any purpose outside of the scope of the 1011 01:50:46,722 --> 01:50:52,861 agreement or otherwise permitted by the privacy policy the foregoing does not restrict 1012 01:50:52,861 --> 01:50:57,933 the city detects right and and abuse. Gaskin. Your time is up. I'm glad you're going to 1013 01:50:57,933 --> 01:51:02,217 provide us printed copies of that, you said? Yes, I do have printed copies. Good. That's a 1014 01:51:02,217 --> 01:51:06,155 lot of information. We appreciate you preparing that for us. Uh, the next person to 1015 01:51:06,155 --> 01:51:15,755 speak is Sabrina. Craxi Our subject is AI cameras City detect. Hey guys, I am Spring 1016 01:51:17,699 --> 01:51:24,908 Clary. Um, I wanted to talk about residence, please. Oh, Madison, thank you. Sorry. Um, 1017 01:51:24,908 --> 01:51:30,113 I wanted to also talk about City detect with the Environmental concerns or the 1018 01:51:30,113 --> 01:51:36,720 aspect. Um concerning AI. AI has a substantial power draw requirement, which some 1019 01:51:36,720 --> 01:51:41,458 estimates suggesting that data centers supporting AI could require up to 3 times the power 1020 01:51:41,458 --> 01:51:47,197 of traditional facilities of the same size. That power disparity will continue to grow 1021 01:51:47,197 --> 01:51:51,801 as these egg chips grow more and more powerful and therefore more power hungry, a 1022 01:51:51,801 --> 01:51:56,740 considerable portion of the power cost is due to cooling requirements. Given that 1023 01:51:56,740 --> 01:52:01,770 Alabama has a rather warm climate, it stands to reason that its cooling costs will be 1024 01:52:01,770 --> 01:52:05,482 greater than the average of other area s With climate change mounting in an ever 1025 01:52:05,482 --> 01:52:11,888 greater as ever greater threat, it would be more prudent to invest the money into renewable 1026 01:52:11,888 --> 01:52:16,358 energy solutions instead of dumping it into a surveillance mechanisms that that would, as 1027 01:52:16,358 --> 01:52:20,562 things stand now, only accelerate the rate of greenhouse gas emissions to 1028 01:52:20,562 --> 01:52:25,101 keep up with their inefficient power requirements. Buying solar panels and incorporating 1029 01:52:25,101 --> 01:52:32,508 them into the city's power grid would pay for themselves over a 5 to 15 year time frame. And as 1030 01:52:32,508 --> 01:52:37,379 they can last up to 35 years, they'll provide savings for the city well after that. 1031 01:52:37,379 --> 01:52:43,253 Bolstering the power grid could also help incentivize incentivize future AI 1032 01:52:43,253 --> 01:52:48,457 investments that don't involve invasive hammer fleet since cities with robust power grids 1033 01:52:48,457 --> 01:52:55,264 would be ideal sites for development in the long run. So that's AI in general, but I 1034 01:52:55,264 --> 01:53:02,710 also wanted to mention that for citizens here in Alabama who have native plantings The 1035 01:53:02,710 --> 01:53:06,900 native plantings will not be recognized by these cameras leading to citations. The 1036 01:53:06,900 --> 01:53:11,213 movement to create yards and grounds that use native plants to create habitats for Alabama 1037 01:53:11,213 --> 01:53:16,152 pollinators and reduce water usage means that we can have more native lawns in our 1038 01:53:16,152 --> 01:53:21,690 communities. These would benefit everyone and there is concern that the AI cameras 1039 01:53:21,690 --> 01:53:26,762 will not be able to discern a patch of native vegetation from weeds. And therefore 1040 01:53:26,762 --> 01:53:33,103 insinuating citations unneeded. Thank you. Thank you The next person to sign up is Jeffrey 1041 01:53:33,103 --> 01:53:41,503 Engle, Mr. Angle. Hello, uh, Jeffrey Ingle, uh, City of Huntsville, live in Sherwood 1042 01:53:44,314 --> 01:53:50,386 Park. I'm with the Democratic Socialists of North Alabama. Um so we're going to talk about AI 1043 01:53:50,386 --> 01:53:57,326 again. Um, so I want to express my uh complete disappointment with the board uh for extending 1044 01:53:57,326 --> 01:54:05,000 the contract uh to allow drones to surveil our communities on weekends and uh for that to be 1045 01:54:05,000 --> 01:54:13,209 uh shuffled through uh through an AI company. Uh, I am a very active in uh the uh movement 1046 01:54:13,209 --> 01:54:18,947 here uh in Huntsville, and I know that those drones are used to watch us. Uh, Eleanor, First 1047 01:54:18,947 --> 01:54:24,286 Amendment rights, uh, gatherings. Those drones are above us and those that all of 1048 01:54:24,286 --> 01:54:32,361 that data is being fed into this AI uh system. Uh, so it is being used for more than just 1049 01:54:32,361 --> 01:54:40,436 first responders. Um, onto City Detect, uh, that again on data. um your, their contract says 1050 01:54:40,436 --> 01:54:45,975 that all data is stored in third parties facilities, uh, and uh we do not know where 1051 01:54:45,975 --> 01:54:50,646 those facilities are. Uh, the contract also says the city detect can store that data 1052 01:54:50,646 --> 01:54:54,851 indefinitely. Now, why are they able to store that indefinitely ? Why would they not be able to 1053 01:54:54,851 --> 01:54:59,921 delete it after a certain amount of time, quote, images stored in deep storage for 12 1054 01:54:59,921 --> 01:55:04,661 months and then moved into deeper storage indefinitely, retrieval retrievable upon 1055 01:55:04,661 --> 01:55:09,932 request. Who would be requesting that data of all of our streets who would need all 1056 01:55:09,932 --> 01:55:16,672 of that data of every street for uh for years and years, um except for to use it, uh, for 1057 01:55:16,672 --> 01:55:24,800 some type of surveillance. All right? The uh gone to cost, so this will be over $300,000 per 1058 01:55:24,800 --> 01:55:30,686 year uh for three years, uh, equating to almost a million dollars. Uh, that money can be 1059 01:55:30,686 --> 01:55:37,159 used for solar panels. That money can be used instead to uh feed schoolchildren. Uh, one of 1060 01:55:37,159 --> 01:55:45,501 the biggest, uh, indicators of econ economic opportunity is hunger. Uh, one of, uh, the 1061 01:55:45,501 --> 01:55:53,242 greatest things that our city can do is provide for its children and then provide uh 1062 01:55:53,242 --> 01:56:01,584 impoverished communities, uh, with free meals. Uh, where did it go All right, uh, so again, 1063 01:56:01,584 --> 01:56:06,655 to the crowd, uh, you live in a surveillance state, uh, just because there are AI cameras 1064 01:56:06,655 --> 01:56:13,328 all over the roads, uh, like Google, Amazon, that does not mean that we need to have more 1065 01:56:13,328 --> 01:56:19,469 of them. Uh, I've been heard that as an excuse from a uh city official that, hey, this 1066 01:56:19,469 --> 01:56:23,939 technology is already out there why not use it? We don't want it. We don't want to be 1067 01:56:23,939 --> 01:56:29,545 surveilled more. We don't want our tax dollars used to surveil us. Um, 1984 was not meant to 1068 01:56:29,545 --> 01:56:37,620 be an instruction manual. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Engle, and please to the, just for 1069 01:56:37,620 --> 01:56:41,757 everybody's information, comments should be addressed to the council, not to. everybody 1070 01:56:41,757 --> 01:56:46,763 else. Amanda Puchek. Is Miss Pushek here? That was fantastic I don't know if I've ever had 1071 01:56:46,763 --> 01:56:56,763 someone say my last name so well. My mother was Czech, so Again, thank you for the 1072 01:57:07,184 --> 01:57:12,400 pronunciation. I'm very impressed. Uh, Amanda Pushek. I live in Huntsville. Thank you. 1073 01:57:12,400 --> 01:57:21,213 Welcome. Hi. Uh, I want to talk a little bit about City detect AI as well. um here's the thing 1074 01:57:21,213 --> 01:57:30,689 I check my mail in my robe. and there's lots of people in our neighborhood who have kids, 1075 01:57:30,689 --> 01:57:34,893 walk around, their kids in their bathing suits in the summer, splash pad out in the 1076 01:57:34,893 --> 01:57:41,566 yard, all of that sort of thing and the way that City detect is currently being proposed. All 1077 01:57:41,566 --> 01:57:47,907 of that data, all of that information, all of that photographic evidence would be 1078 01:57:47,907 --> 01:57:51,977 stored indefinitely. So while we may live in a time right now where that may not be so much 1079 01:57:51,977 --> 01:57:58,117 of an issue. I've also had my data leaked before. I've had it leaked, I've had it sold when 1080 01:57:58,117 --> 01:58:03,989 companies close down, and now I get 8000 spam calls a day. Not to mention the amount of times 1081 01:58:03,989 --> 01:58:10,529 that I've had my credit damaged because of it, or I've had my father's personal home 1082 01:58:10,529 --> 01:58:15,600 information leak because of it. My biggest concern is because of the indefinite manner in 1083 01:58:15,600 --> 01:58:22,740 which that this data is stored. Historically speaking, when these sort of companies do 1084 01:58:22,740 --> 01:58:28,147 close because typically companies close. That's just how it exists. Because that 1085 01:58:28,147 --> 01:58:33,218 information is stored forever. One of the first mechanisms of action that they do to try to 1086 01:58:33,218 --> 01:58:40,560 liquidate their assets is by selling the data. Another thing that they'll do is also just 1087 01:58:40,560 --> 01:58:44,497 leak the information, whether intentionally by a company workers or an outside source, 1088 01:58:44,497 --> 01:58:50,302 it doesn't matter because once it's out, it's out. We all know that it's very difficult to put 1089 01:58:50,302 --> 01:58:56,909 that information back into the bottle. Now there's services out there that will hopefully 1090 01:58:56,909 --> 01:59:02,115 pull that information back down off of the internet for us, but I feel like the people of 1091 01:59:02,115 --> 01:59:07,119 Huntsville shouldn't have to pay for that to happen. If we get ahead of problems, it's 1092 01:59:07,119 --> 01:59:13,993 much easier than fixing them later. And I would just say with a word of caution that 1093 01:59:13,993 --> 01:59:20,666 when we think of things indefinitely. time is a construct, and then we tend to 1094 01:59:20,666 --> 01:59:26,538 experience it very differently as individuals. When we look at broader periods of time, it can 1095 01:59:26,538 --> 01:59:33,879 be very difficult for our brains to wrap around that indefinite concept. What we do 1096 01:59:33,879 --> 01:59:38,685 with that information cannot only affect us today, but 20 years from now, when those same 1097 01:59:38,685 --> 01:59:43,555 kids are adults applying for jobs. and now they have their pictures of them in swimsuits 1098 01:59:43,555 --> 01:59:49,428 as kids on the internet. I know that that seems very silly, but that's what we're talking about 1099 01:59:49,428 --> 01:59:54,300 here. And that's the real life consequences. Thank you so much for your time. Thank you, Ms. 1100 01:59:54,300 --> 02:00:02,700 Kuscha Next we have Julie Calderwood. Julie. I'm Julie Calderwood. I live in South 1101 02:00:16,855 --> 02:00:23,461 Huntsville, um after one of my, our meetings about the smart meters, uh, one of the comments 1102 02:00:23,461 --> 02:00:28,468 from the city council was, but you've been here before talking about smart meters and we've 1103 02:00:28,468 --> 02:00:36,475 referred you to that, so, um, uh, utilities kind of questioned why, why we're 1104 02:00:36,475 --> 02:00:41,747 coming back and, and I, and I thought to myself, um, it's because you don't understand, 1105 02:00:41,747 --> 02:00:48,487 um, this is not just about smart meters. Um we have man-made two-way microwave 1106 02:00:48,487 --> 02:00:53,240 radiation that sends and receives data in all sorts of things, the smart meters, the 1107 02:00:53,240 --> 02:01:00,980 cell towers, Bluetooth laptops, iPads, WiFi routers, classroom access points, you name it, all 1108 02:01:00,980 --> 02:01:06,772 those wires or stuff, hearing aids, vehicles, gaming systems. So there has never been a safe 1109 02:01:06,772 --> 02:01:12,978 level of microwave radiation determined in scientific literature. Many of the health 1110 02:01:12,978 --> 02:01:17,515 issues associated with wireless technologies can also occur with electrical system s and 1111 02:01:17,515 --> 02:01:23,521 devices that operate in low, extremely low frequency range. Um, when I started researching, 1112 02:01:23,521 --> 02:01:30,262 because I was feeling, getting sick, what was going on with me ? I finally bought a an acousta 1113 02:01:30,262 --> 02:01:35,533 meter and started measuring around different places and different things, and that's 1114 02:01:35,533 --> 02:01:45,533 what got my attention. Um. I have done so much research, but well I realized that um we 1115 02:01:46,745 --> 02:01:50,749 adopted wireless technology without taking into consideration its potential 1116 02:01:50,749 --> 02:01:58,890 impact on health. The FCC guidelines in place today were developed in 1996 and they do 1117 02:01:58,890 --> 02:02:04,629 not address the much lower nonthermal impacts that come with use of today's devices. 1118 02:02:04,629 --> 02:02:09,768 The science has proven there are many harmful nonthermal effects, and the FCC standards 1119 02:02:09,768 --> 02:02:14,440 also don't address the impact on children and fetuses who absorb a lot of this radiation 1120 02:02:14,440 --> 02:02:22,915 more than we as adults do. and impact our bodies in such in so many ways. um, the FCC, um, an 1121 02:02:22,915 --> 02:02:29,855 agency reported by the Harvard is captured industry, and they have thousands of pages of 1122 02:02:29,855 --> 02:02:35,590 scientific evidence that has been entered into the public record. Thousands of studies 1123 02:02:35,590 --> 02:02:38,865 have been done and many countries have banned and restricted the use of Wi Fi and 1124 02:02:38,865 --> 02:02:46,500 cell phones for children and protect women who are pregnant. Um, from the health impacts of 1125 02:02:46,500 --> 02:02:52,211 this this technology is causing and 2015 Harvard University published a captured agency 1126 02:02:52,211 --> 02:02:59,217 report detailing how the FCC is run by the industry. It presumably regulates. The US 1127 02:02:59,217 --> 02:03:03,822 government has known that there are biological effects for from electromagnetic radiation for 1128 02:03:03,822 --> 02:03:09,360 decades in the US and elsewhere evidence of harm was suppressed and non-protective standards 1129 02:03:09,360 --> 02:03:12,964 were set, falling back on the excuse that more research needs to be done before those 1130 02:03:12,964 --> 02:03:20,105 standards will be updated and NASA back had a report in 1981, the Army intelligence document 1131 02:03:20,105 --> 02:03:26,665 from 1998 identifies I have other things, but we would like to send you some information 1132 02:03:26,665 --> 02:03:31,403 and that would be great you thank you always appreciate that. Thank you. Um, next, Dr. 1133 02:03:31,403 --> 02:03:38,300 David Calderwood. David Calderwood, Southeast Huntsville. I too would like to 1134 02:03:50,822 --> 02:03:57,762 um express our gratitude as a member of the Smart meter opt group of this of the Huntsville 1135 02:03:57,762 --> 02:04:02,166 utilities being willing to work th us to try to come up with a good plan, and we hope that 1136 02:04:02,166 --> 02:04:09,174 the, this will be successful. Um, I come tonight, uh to extend an invitation, um, to 1137 02:04:09,174 --> 02:04:15,780 the members of this council as well as everyone else present. I think that there are members 1138 02:04:15,780 --> 02:04:22,588 of our city government who would like the city of Huntsville to be a smart city. 1139 02:04:22,588 --> 02:04:30,728 Um, and, uh, my invitation is for all of us to become educated on electromagnetic 1140 02:04:30,728 --> 02:04:37,670 radiation so that we will all realize that a smart city is neither intelligent or healthy. 1141 02:04:37,670 --> 02:04:45,410 Um, I am going to send links to members of the council. and if I can to, uh, Mayor Battle as 1142 02:04:45,410 --> 02:04:53,210 well to a wonderful website, Massachusetts for Safe Technology.com. It is probably 1143 02:04:53,884 --> 02:04:58,956 one of the most extensive collection of information on electromagnetic radiation. It 1144 02:04:58,956 --> 02:05:07,498 has a section on the science on cancer infertility, impact on children, WiFi in schools, 1145 02:05:07,498 --> 02:05:12,370 including the effect on the health of children and how it interferes with their learning. 1146 02:05:12,370 --> 02:05:18,370 Um, electromagnetic hypersensitivity. You utility company smart meters, a large 1147 02:05:18,575 --> 02:05:27,510 section on that and the effects of those cell towers, 5G, planetary impact, including the 1148 02:05:27,510 --> 02:05:34,125 impact on um uh wildlife, on plant growth and insects, including bees, if the 1149 02:05:34,125 --> 02:05:40,640 radiation level gets high enough, beaming down from satellites as it is, and in all 1150 02:05:40,640 --> 02:05:46,203 of our areas, we could kill off all the bees, and that would end life for humans on this 1151 02:05:46,203 --> 02:05:53,478 planet. Um, also, there's legal issues section bills from Massachusetts and other states. 1152 02:05:53,478 --> 02:05:58,820 Um, also a section on industrial whistleblowers, exposing what's going on behind 1153 02:05:58,820 --> 02:06:03,688 the scenes and the cover-ups and so forth. and world response in which you learn 1154 02:06:03,688 --> 02:06:11,950 that the United States, Japan, and Canada have the highest levels allowed, which are 100 1155 02:06:11,950 --> 02:06:17,568 times higher than smarter countries who are allowing a much less than those include 1156 02:06:17,568 --> 02:06:24,374 Switzerland, Austria, and Russia, among others. Um, there's also a section sections 1157 02:06:24,374 --> 02:06:29,470 on solutions for schools and families, for workplaces, for healthcare providers, for 1158 02:06:29,470 --> 02:06:35,520 engineers and physicists for municipal leaders like yourselves. for legislators and 1159 02:06:35,520 --> 02:06:42,460 for lawyers. I therefore would like to extend an invitation that we learned about this, so 1160 02:06:42,460 --> 02:06:49,670 that Huntsville can be an intelligent and healthy city. Thank you. Thank you, Dave, 1161 02:06:49,670 --> 02:06:56,340 Doctor Calderwood. And now Mariah Hammond, isn't Miss Hammond here? I suspect these 1162 02:06:56,340 --> 02:07:03,414 areMU people who were here earlier. Mariah Hamad and Kenya England. They're not here and 1163 02:07:03,414 --> 02:07:09,219 that concludes our um citizen comments. We welcome all of you back at our next council 1164 02:07:09,219 --> 02:07:19,219 meeting, which will be, yes, uh Rhonda Lynn No is that you I skipped right over you Thank 1165 02:07:20,231 --> 02:07:25,637 you for calling that to our attention. You will be our concluding speaker. Please give 1166 02:07:25,637 --> 02:07:33,911 your, is your time to sign on the list and I would love to speak also. we we have to have 1167 02:07:33,911 --> 02:07:36,647 you sign that our procedure is to have you sign on the list. We'll look forward to hearing 1168 02:07:36,647 --> 02:07:42,587 from you at the next meeting. Miss Lynn, good evening. I'm, I I read this statement from, 1169 02:07:42,587 --> 02:07:48,660 name and address. I'm Rhonda Lynn. I'm reading this statement for Huntsville. Thank 1170 02:07:48,660 --> 02:07:56,801 you. Uh, Alicia Booth Hegmaker also from Huntsville, um, and this is her statement uh, who 1171 02:07:56,801 --> 02:08:01,538 she wishes to raise an issue that ties directly into Huntsville's future stability. 1172 02:08:01,538 --> 02:08:06,410 We all know Huntsville is being branded as a tech hub, but there's a dark side to that 1173 02:08:06,410 --> 02:08:12,817 trend across the country corporate giants like BlackRock and Blackstone are buying up 1174 02:08:12,817 --> 02:08:17,489 utility companies, tying them directly to the growth of AI data centers. These data 1175 02:08:17,489 --> 02:08:22,359 centers don't just use electricity, they drain community water supplies and 1176 02:08:22,359 --> 02:08:26,898 spike local power costs. Communities in Texas, New Mexico, and Minnesota are 1177 02:08:26,898 --> 02:08:31,301 already in legal battles because private equity firms are driving rates up while 1178 02:08:31,301 --> 02:08:37,241 residents are left footing the bill. Here in Huntsville, we've already seen the proposed 1179 02:08:37,241 --> 02:08:42,380 rollout of AI-powered surveillance cameras. Pair that with the growing demand for 1180 02:08:42,380 --> 02:08:47,251 server farms, and you have a picture that should concern all of us. Our resources, power, 1181 02:08:47,251 --> 02:08:53,791 water, even our privacy are being turned into commodities for outside corporations. She 1182 02:08:53,791 --> 02:09:00,598 wants to be clear She uses AI. I believe it can be tool, but using it irresponsible at the 1183 02:09:00,598 --> 02:09:07,400 expense of residents' bills, health, and freedom puts entire communities at risk. selling 1184 02:09:07,400 --> 02:09:13,544 out to corporate interests that view Huntsville as just another market is a dangerous path. 1185 02:09:13,544 --> 02:09:18,482 Huntsville is unique. We are a city with deep military, scientific, and family roots. 1186 02:09:18,482 --> 02:09:24,490 We cannot afford to let Wall Street interests dictate our utility policies, drain our 1187 02:09:24,490 --> 02:09:29,962 resources, and then leave us with the damage. So I'm asking this council before Huntsville 1188 02:09:29,962 --> 02:09:36,567 follows the same path as other cities, commit to transparency, commit to protecting residents 1189 02:09:36,567 --> 02:09:43,410 first, not outside investors, because if we don't, we may wake up to find out that the 1190 02:09:43,410 --> 02:09:47,846 city we love is being run by algorithms and corporate balance sheets, not by the 1191 02:09:47,846 --> 02:09:56,788 people who live here. Thank you Thank you very much I believe that concludes our meeting. 1192 02:09:56,788 --> 02:10:05,788 Move to adjourn Uh, we are adjourned until September 11. We welcome you back then. Thank