M2018-07a
Minutes of July special meeting
- Meeting called to order by Mayor Patrick Bates at 7:00 PM on Monday, July 30th.
- Approval of minutes from July 16th meeting. Motion to approve by Don Bates, second by Donald Gunter. Approved 5-0.
- Mayor reported receipt of TVA payments and beer tax revenue for June and July in the amount of $2,639.20.
- Mayor presented the names of Keith Hardman, Bud Reed, and Tony Duke for consideration as Council, Place 5. Motion to appoint Bud Reed made by Jimbo Quick, second by Matthew Blair.
- Mayor asked for a roll call vote to be taken. Donald Gunter – Yes, Jimbo Quick – Yes, Matthew Blair – Yes, Don Bates – Yes, Mayor Patrick Bates – Abstain. Motion passed 4-0.
- Mayor called for discussion of employment terms for Town Clerk. After some discussion, the following terms were settled on: Office hours Monday 12:00 – 5:00 with additional hours for council meetings; available to answer phone on other days; part-time with no benefits; $15 per hour; Council to pay bonds for Clerk, Treasurer, and Notary. Motion to adopt by Donald Gunter, second by Jimbo Quick. Approved 5-0.
- Mayor presented the names of Connie Duke and Dorothy Bartlett for consideration as Town Clerk. Motion to appoint Connie Duke made by Jimbo Quick, second by Donald Gunter.
- Mayor asked for a roll call vote to be taken. Donald Gunter – Yes, Jimbo Quick – Yes, Matthew Blair – Yes, Don Bates – Yes, Mayor Patrick Bates – Yes. Motion passed 5-0.
- Mayor called for the naming of a standing Mayor Pro Tem in order to satisfy banking requirements of Resolution 2018-001. Motion to appoint Jimbo Quick made by Don Bates, second by Donald Gunter. Motion passed 5-0.
- Mayor presented state contract rates for Verizon Wireless and discussed advantages over rates with AT&T. Mayor asked for a motion to purchase cell phone service for the Clerk at the contract rate of $50.70 per month and a cell phone not to exceed $500. Motion by Matthew Blair, second by Donald Gunter. Motion passed 5-0.
- Mayor offered to transfer control of domain name BerlinAL.org to the town at no charge, but recommended the town extend ownership with the domain registrar for an additional year at an amount not to exceed $20. Motion by Jimbo Quick, second by Donald Gunter. Motion passed 5-0.
- Mayor presented offer from the Alabama League of Municipalities for an initial free year of membership and recommended acceptance. Motion by Jimbo Quick, second by Donald Gunter. Motion passed 5-0.
- Mayor asked for permission to pay Berlin Community Center $225 for use of facility for June and July meetings. Motion by Matthew Blair, second by Jimbo Quick. Motion passed 5-0.
- Mayor asked for permission to pay Berlin Community Center $500 for August rent. Motion by Jimbo Quick, second by Donald Gunter. Motion passed 5-0.
- Mayor presented quote from CDW-G to purchase email services under state contract in the amount of $441.89 for one year. Motion by Donald Gunter, second by Matthew Blair. Motion passed 5-0.
- Mayor asked for permission to purchase a laptop computer for the Clerk from Dell Outlet for an amount not to exceed $1,000. Motion by Donald Gunter, second by Matthew Blair. Motion passed 5-0.
- Mayor asked for permission to join Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce at $116.66 for initial membership. Motion by Jimbo Quick, second by Donald Gunter. Motion passed 5-0.
Jimbo Quick suggested the purchase of a printer for use by the Clerk. Mayor recommended purchase of a unit from WalMart in an amount not to exceed $200. Motion by Don Bates, second by Jimbo Quick. Motion passed 5-0. - Mayor informed council members of the need complete online ethics training in less than 90 days at ethics.alabama.gov.
Jimbo Quick asked about possible liability for expenses related to the incorporation of the town. Mayor informed Council that Section 11-41-6 required the town be responsible for fees charged by the Probate Court. He further stated that those invoices would be presented to the Council at the August meeting for reimbursement. - Mayor informed council of request by NARCOG that he attend a class on Appalachian Regional Commission grant applications. The course will be August 1 in Montgomery.
John Cordar asked to address the Council regarding a request he originally filed with the Cullman County Commission regarding vacating the portion of County Road 1614 within his property. After consulting with attorney, Mayor asked Mr. Cordar to deliver his paperwork to the Clerk for consideration by the Council. - Mayor asked for a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Donald Gunter and seconded by Jimbo Quick. Approved 5-0.
- The next meeting of the Berlin Town Council is scheduled for August 20th at 7 PM in the Berlin Community Center.