City council honors local Boy Scouts

Kelly Prew

Huntsville City Council’s rocky two hour-plus meeting concerning the 2006-07 budget did not stop regular business Tuesday, as council members recognized one local organization for good deeds and agreed to support a new Huntsville ISD resource officer.

Mayor J. Turner proclaimed Sept. 12 “Good Deeds Day” in Huntsville, as presented to the Sam Houston chapter of the Boy Scouts. He said the outpouring of compassion shown throughout the world on behalf of youths and adults should be exemplified now and in the future. He said everyone should do what they can to make a difference, especially on a day set aside for just that purpose.

“(We) need to promote compassion and caring through good deeds of youth and citizens,” Turner said. “I am encouraging all people and local entities to participate.”

The council also was introduced to city marshall Jerry Montgomery. He is the first person to serve in the post and began in April the job of serving municipal court warrants.

Montgomery has a background in law enforcement and military service and is a longtime member of the local community.

Councilwoman Dalene Zender, who served on the Huntsville Main Street Infrastructure Committee since its inception, was honored as a “Main Street Hero” for her loyalty to the organization and to the community of Huntsville.

Following presentations, a public hearing began concerning the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and to the surprise of a full Council Chambers, no one citizen spoke in favor of or against the proposed plan.

City financial analyst Brynn Reynolds made a presentation on the budget with a bottom line of $53,378,816, a 3.05 percent reduction from last year, and an effective tax rate of 41.92 percent this year, compared to 43.19 percent in 2005. Both were approved by the council, following a debate over one new position as a result of reorganization.

Concern over reorganization of an administrative role took center stage for more than an hour, as council members Jim Willett and Melissa Mahaffey argued the proposed “assistant city manager” title would appear to be a new division of the city, as opposed to the former position title of “assistant to the city manager.”

After much debate, it was decided the position title would be “special project director,” who will serve under the city manager.

Also approved Tuesday:

• A utility bill contract with Tri-Stem Co., which would result in an audit of electric billing for the city. More than 15 years ago, a similar audit was conducted which refunded nearly $60,000 to the city. The fee for this service will be 49 percent of any refunds received.

“We should audit these on a regular basis,” said city manager Kevin Evans. “It’s good financial management, but I’ll tell you now, I don’t think anything is wrong.” — Unanimous vote

• An additional school resource officer for HISD, which will cover salary, benefits, a vehicle and equipment. The city would not be out any funding, as HISD and the Secure Our Schools Grant will support the addition. — Unanimous vote

• A developer’s agreement to construct public improvements at Elks Terrace Subdivision. These improvements include: Roadways and drainage, internal sanitary sewer, internal water line and extension of water line, not to exceed $12,810. All housing in the subdivision meets the City’s requirements for affordable housing. Council agreed to participate with SL Suggs Enterprises Inc. at the June 20 regular meeting. — Unanimous vote, Zender recused herself again.

• A developer’s agreement to construct public improvements at The Villages of Huntsville Subdivision. This will include city participation for an amount not to exceed $73,073 in discounted or waived water and sewer tap and connection fees. Council agreed to participate with Essex Villages. L.P., at the Feb. 15, 2005, regular meeting. Unanimous vote, Zender again recused herself.

• A resolution authorizing the city to discount by a total of $1,001 per low-income, affordable housing unit, water and wastewater tap connection fees for Essex Villages, a new proposed development known as The Villages at Huntsville.

The home and apartment community will include 76 units, 73 of which will be designed for persons below 60 percent of the area median gross income. ($73,073 total funding). — Unanimous vote, Zender recused herself.