CEDAR BLUFF TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2008 AT 10:00 A.M.

 

The Cedar Bluff Town Council of the Town of Cedar Bluff, County of Cherokee, State of Alabama, met in Continued Session in the Council Room at Town Hall, 3420 Spring Street, Cedar Bluff, Alabama, Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., pursuant to notice duly posted as prescribed by law. Mayor Martha Baker presided and called the meeting to order.  Members in attendance were as follows:

 

Martha Baker                                                               Billie Burkhalter                       

Mayor                                                                          District 1

 

Joan May                                                                     Forrest Pearson_         _                      District 2                                                                      District 3                                 

 

Ethel Sprouse                                                               Leatha Harp                

District 4                                                                      District 5         

 

INVOCATION

     

      The invocation was given by Council member Leatha Harp.

 

            At this time Mayor Baker advised that the Town Attorney Bill Hawkins was delayed and she wished to discuss the franchise agreement with Envision Media, Inc. while waiting on his arrival.

Mayor Baker advised she had met with the Envision representative Mr. Thom Holt and discussed the problems that arose with the bank closing when the franchise agreement was not signed.  The franchise ordinance is for a thirty year (30) period and will not expire until October 2029.

Mr. Holt explained his plans for the company to Mayor Bake and she suggests that the Council approve the franchise agreement for signature.

A motion was made by Council Member Harp, seconded by Council Member May that the franchise agreement with Envision Media, Inc. be approved.  Motion carried. (6-0)

 

AYE: Harp, May, Pearson, Baker, Sprouse, Burkhalter

NAY: None

 

AGENDA ITEM NO. 1:                      Consider the condemnation issue for property located at 5081 Sewell Ferry Road owned by William Fennelly and allow Mr. Glenn Shedd, Attorney for Mr. Fennelly to speak.

 

            Mayor Baker advised that the Town Attorney was still not present, but she read aloud a letter to the Council from Zoning Official Jimmy Wallace stating that his opinion had not changed since December 2007 when he condemned the house on 5081 Sewell Ferry Road and recommended demolition.

            Mayor Baker asked Mr. Fennelly is he had the financial means to finish the house and he advised he did.

            Council Member Sprouse inquired if he had proof of financing and if he had a prepared plan for the work to be done.

            Council Member May asked Mr. Fennelly if he had a signed contract with Mr. Cowan and there was no reply.

            Mr. D.R. Cowan, Engineer for Mr. Fennelly advised the Council that he felt the house could be repaired, but the repairs would be extensive and expensive. He advised Mr. Fennelly had requested to hire him to oversee the job if another permit was issued by the Town. 

            Mr. Cowan also informed the Council that he had advised Mr. Fennelly that promptness of the permit and money was a must if he were to oversee the job.

            Council Member Sprouse asked Mr. Fennelly if he had any idea what the value of the house should be when completed and he said $500,000.

            Council Member Pearson advised that all the vocal plans sound good, but so far nothing has been done.

            Council Member Harp inquired again if there was a contract between Mr. Fennelly and Mr. Cowan.  Mr. Cowan advised there was no signed contract.

            At this time Mayor Baker advised there had been enough discussion and called for a vote.

            A motion was made by Council Member May, seconded by Council Member Burkhalter, to uphold the decision to declare the structure as unsafe and to condemn it to be demolished and that o permit be issued due to time that already been wasted.  Motion carried (6-0).

 

AYE: May, Burkhalter, Pearson, Baker, Sprouse, Harp

NAY: None

 

AGENDA ITEM NO. 2:                      New Business (Any matter not known about or which could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the posting of the agenda)

 

            There was No New Business to be considered.

 

AGENDA ITEM NO. 3:                      Council Member’s Comments.

 

            There were No Council Member’s Comments.

 

 

AGENDA ITEM NO. 4:                      Citizen’s Participation (A five minute limit per person)

 

            There was No Citizen’s Participation.

 

AGENDA ITEM NO. 16:                    Adjournment

 

            There being no further business to be considered at this meeting, a motion was made by Council Member Sprouse, seconded by Council Member Burkhalter, that the meeting be adjourned (10:39 a.m.). Motion carried (6-0).

 

AYE:  Sprouse, Burkhalter, May, Pearson, Baker, Harp

NAY:  None

 

                                                                        _____MARTHA BAKER_______________

                                                                                                MAYOR

 

(S.E.A.L.)

ATTEST:

 

DeLANA MARTIN_____________________

                TOWN CLERK

 

APPROVED 07/14/08