Adel Council accepts $459,276 low bid for paving projects

Mayor Buddy Duke called to order the Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, meeting of the Adel City Council. 

Council Members present were Terry McClain, Greg Paige, Walter Cowart, Celestine Hayes, and Jody Greene. Others present were City Manager Mark Barber, City Clerk Rhonda Rowe, Police Chief Chad Castleberry, and members of staff and the public.

Pastor Tim Lewis gave the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Approval of minutes

Councilman Paige made a motion to approve the minutes of Sept. 18, 2023, Sept. 19, 2023, and Sept. 26, 2023. Councilman McClain seconded with all in favor.

Public hearing (special exception)

Councilman Paige made a motion to enter into a public hearing to gain input on the request for a special exception filed by Manik Singhani. Councilman Greene seconded with all in favor.  

The application requests that a special exception be granted to allow for the placement of an ice machine on the premises located at 711 W. Fourth St. (Map A002 Parcel 154). All advertising requirements have been met, and the Greater Cook County Planning Advisory Commission met on Sept. 28, 2023, and approved the request by a unanimous vote.

Singhani was present on behalf of United Vending, Inc. and spoke in favor of the application to establish a “Twice the Ice” machine in the general business zoning district as a special exception.   Councilwoman Hayes said she thought there was already an ice machine at Piggly Wiggly. She was advised this location was across the street. Singhani said this machine makes ice as it dispenses (it does not have to be stocked with pre-bagged ice). There were no further questions or comments, and the public hearing was declared closed.

Special exception

Councilman Greene made a motion to approve the special exception filed by Manik Singhani allowing for the placement of an ice machine. Councilman Cowart seconded with all in favor.

Rezoning request (George Tyler Talley III)

This application was withdrawn by applicant.

Housing Authority appointment

Ed Garden’s appointment on the Housing Authority expired on March 21, 2023. The City received a letter dated Aug. 28, 2023, requesting that Garden be reappointed to the Authority. The appointment term will be from March 21, 2023 through March 21, 2028. Garden has been contacted and is agreeable to this reappointment.

Councilman Greene made a motion to reappoint Garden.  Councilman Paige seconded. All were in favor.

Alcohol license (Sophia Mart, Inc.)

Sophia Mart, Inc. has applied for a retail alcohol license for the business located at 103 Brookside Drive. All required documentation has been completed and reviewed, along with the payment of fees. Councilwoman Hayes asked if this was the same person who owns the beauty salon, to which she was advised, no.

Councilman Greene made a motion to approve the issuance of the license. Councilwoman Hayes seconded. The decision was unanimous. 

Street resurfacing/paving bids

Bids were received and were as follows:

• Reames & Sons – $319,112 (Bill Street, Ayers Street, Lavind Way). $296,506.75 (West Fifth Street and Bear Creek Road). $615,618.75 – Total.

• Scruggs Company – $180,738.70 (Bill Street, Ayers Street, Lavind Way). $278,537.40 (West Fifth St and Bear Creek Road). $459,276.10 – Total.

Councilwoman Hayes questioned what leveling, resurfacing, base, and surface improvements were – “Where is the paving?” She was advised this is just the wording; it is for paving.

Councilman McClain questioned that considering the difference in price, was it the same specs? The city manager advised it was the same specs; the biggest difference was in the “traffic control” costs.

Councilman McClain made a motion to accept the low bid. Councilman Paige seconded. All were in favor.

SBA Disaster Recovery Programs

Sharon Gadbois, Public Affairs Specialist with the Small Business Administration, came before the Council to discuss financial assistance programs available related to Hurricane Idalia and other storms.

She explained the goal of SBA is to help residents, non-profits, and business owners recover from Hurricane Idalia and mitigate against future storms. They are providing tools for now and the future.  Eighty percent of the people they help are homeowners and renters, non-profits, and businesses. They help homeowners if the homes have physical damage; they cover the contents inside the home as well as deductibles.

Nov. 6, 2023 is the deadline.

For businesses, they cover physical property damage, equipment, business contents, and assets. If you are a small business owner, but a major employer for the area, the amount available can change.

The interest rate for homeowner loans is 2.5% with an inclining rate for non-profits and businesses. There is also a payment deferment for the first year with a loan period of up to 30 years.  

They encourage people to visit the disaster recovery center on East Ninth Street in Adel.  When you go to the center, take your cell phone, email, and passwords. Applications can be handled by paper through regular mail; however, she encourages them to visit the site where a CSR is there to help.  

Public comments

Sierra Green – Withdrew her request to appear.

Altheia Paige – Mrs. Paige said the reason for appearing was in hopes “we could come to some greatness within our city as a whole.”

“Back when Mr. Barber first came, there was a problem with someone up front,” Mrs. Paige said, and she was explaining the procedure of what had happened and “he was going to talk to whoever.” She then had the problem again, “still nothing has changed.”  Her daughter “was here on Thursday, and the same thing happened,” Mrs. Paige said. “She was on the phone with me and her daddy, and it was a back-and-forth; then somebody else came in and it was a back-and-forth.

“That’s not something our city needs. If we can’t be professional when we come into the job, maybe that job is not for us. All jobs are not made for everybody. Yes, it’s a paycheck, but if that’s not your calling, you’re not going to do it with greatness.”

Mrs. Paige asked that this be looked into.  

Staff comments

Mark Barber:

• The ribbon cutting for the Storybook Park at the Cook County Library was held on Monday morning, Oct. 2, and was a great event.

• Recognized Animal Control Officer Regenia Wells, who is widely known and respected in her field of work. She was recently awarded the “Best Animal Control Officer Ever” award, and Barber wanted to recognize her publicly.

Council comments

Celestine Hayes said she and City Manager Barber had talked about the utility bills; “some are in arrears, and some are not.” She said that “maybe for ones that are, we could attach six more months onto their payment plan.”

Barber explained “that would have to be a conversation that the Council has,” but he would help in any way.  He could get some additional numbers and go from there.

There was no further business, and the meeting was adjourned.