Town of Bernice

Regular Meeting

July 12, 2005

Mayor Minor Patton and the Town Council met in regular session Tuesday, July 12, 2005 in the Council Room of the Town Hall with the following present:  Mayor Minor Patton;

Aldermen:  Amy Pesnell, Mildred Ferguson, Gene Terral, Teddy Sutton, and Rhodell Montgomery.

Also present:  Town Attorney, Joe Cusimano;  Lana Patton, Clerk; Velvet Roberts, Asst Clerk, Jo Ann Wilson, Asst Clerk, Police Officer, Tim Cox, Fire Chief Dannye Murphey, Asst Fire Chief, Greg McNeal, John Robinson, Marcus, Robinson & Hassell, and various citizens.

Mayor Patton called the meeting to order.  Gene Terral led the prayer.  The roll was called and the previous minutes was read and approved with the correction that Gene Terral voted no to the variance for the trailer on the Davis Property located at 130 W. Fourth St.   Mayor Patton invited guests to ask questions and give their opinions.

John Robinson with Marcus, Robinson & Hassell, who is the auditor for the Town of Bernice, reported on the 2004 Audit and financial condition of the Town.  Robinson reported that the town’s financial standing was good with assets being up and there were no findings of incompliance.

Greg McNeal, representing Tri-Ward Hospital, expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of the old Badshaw Clinic building adjacent to Tri Ward Hospital stating termites was spreading from the building to the hospital.  Mayor Patton stated he had sent Badshaw a letter telling him something needed to be done regarding the building.

Mayor Patton informed the Council that he will be seeking a grant this year to enlarge the sewer treatment plant and do other sewer improvement projects.  Before starting the application, the town has to adopt a Procurement Policy, Citizen Participation Plan, Engineer Selection Criteria, and Consultant Selection Criteria.  Rhodell Montgomery made a motion with Teddy Sutton seconding the motion to adopt a Procurement Policy to serve as guidelines for procurement of supplies, equipment, construction services and professional service for the LCDBG Program.  Vote was unanimous.  Gene Terral made a motion with Amy Pesnell seconding the motion to adopt a Citizen Participation Plan to meet the citizen participation requirement of Section 508 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.  Vote was unanimous.  Rhodell Montgomery made a motion with Mildred Ferguson seconding the motion to approve the Consultant Selection Criteria.  Vote was unanimous.  Gene Terral made a motion with Mildred Ferguson seconding the motion to approve the Engineer Selection Criteria.  Vote was unanimous.  Mayor Patton appointed Amy Pesnell and Mildred Ferguson to a committee to review the application from engineers and consultants.

Joe Cusimano reported on the agreement between Bellsouth and the town.  Gene Terral made a motion for approval for Mayor Patton to sign the agreement with Amy Pesnell seconding the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

Teddy Sutton made a motion with Mildred Ferguson seconding the motion to give Mayor Patton the okay to purchase two trucks from the Federal Surplus if they are suitable for the town.  Vote was unanimous.

Officer Tim Cox informed the council that James Ates, with Sonic, had expressed interest in helping the Police Department in obtaining a drug dog.  Cox said Sonic is willing to give 2 days of Sonic’s receipts or guarantee at least $8,000.00 to go toward the dog, training, and equipment.  Mildred Ferguson made a motion to approve purchase of the drug dog, training, and equipment with Teddy Sutton seconding the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

Fire Chief Dannye Murphey reported that he is working on replacing the rescue truck that had been involved in a wreck, stating the Fire Department may have to go to a new truck.  Murphey stated that the insurance company had paid for the truck, but they still haven’t received payment for the equipment and supplies.  Velvet Roberts said the adjuster had been in contact with her today and that they are working on the claim.

Rhodell Montgomery made a motion to approve payment of June bills with Teddy Sutton seconding the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

Gene Terral made a motion to adjourn with Rhodell Montgomery seconding the motion.  Vote was unanimous.

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Attest:  Lana Patton, Clerk                           Approve: Minor Patton, Mayor