We will be safely reopening the library in phases. Please be patient as we remain closed until further notice.
PHASE I: Outdoor Book and Media deposit is open for returns Monday, May 11, 2020
Please return all library items as soon as possible by using the outdoor book and media deposit.
Time is the best disinfectant!
The easiest, safest, and most inexpensive disinfectant is time. Libraries are recommended to stay closed until the risk of public infection is eliminated. Quarantine past the viability of the virus is the best plan.
The COVID 19 virus has had an unprecedented impact on the library and the communities we serve. Our plan to reopen is dependent on factors such as recommendations from local and national health agencies, social distancing protocols, critical community needs, and a sustained reduction in new COVID 19 cases within the community for at least 14 days. The primary consideration is maintaining the safety of library patrons and staff while finding ways to provide necessary services that the library is uniquely positioned to perform.
PHASE II will be announced Friday. Thank you for your understanding and patience.
The Winfield City Council meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 5:30 pm via video conference.
Present for the meeting was Mayor Randy Price, Councilmember Rusty Barnes, Councilmember Chris Ballard and Councilmember Anthony Hallmark. Councilmember Tim Garrison was unable to attend. City Clerk Angie Oliver recorded the meeting minutes and City Attorney Todd Atkinson was present for legal counsel. Wayne Mays- 49 County News was present for the meeting. The Journal Record was not present.
Mayor Price welcomed everyone and begin by calling the meeting to order. Councilmember Chris Ballard led the meeting in prayer. Mayor Price continued by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilmember Jimmy Hayes joined the meeting.
Mayor Price begin with asking each member to consider what the future meeting plans would be. Councilmember Chris Ballard said he would like to meet in person for the first meeting and then follow with a video meeting for the second one. Councilmember Anthony Hallmark stated he would like to go back to meeting in person. Councilmember Jimmy Hayes stated he would like to meet in a larger area to provide adequate space for distancing, possibly the Pastime Theatre. After a brief discussion, Mayor Price stated he would reach out to each member the Thursday before the next meeting to gather the opinion of how and where to meet.
Mayor Price called for a motion to accept the minutes from May 5, 2020 as written. Motion was made by Councilmember Chris Ballard. Second motion was made by Councilmember Anthony Hallmark. All members voted in favor.
Next Mayor Price called for a motion to approve the accounts payable if no comments or questions. Councilmember Jimmy Hayes had a question on the purchase of items from Staples. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated the items were purchased for office supplies for the City and Police. City Clerk Oliver stated the other departments used Staples also, as the prices seemed to be cheaper. At this time, no one is wanting to shop inside Wal-Mart for a long period of time.
Councilmember Chris Ballard questioned what the Bravo Food Service payment was. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated this check was a replacement check for the original tax abatement check written in September 2019. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated the original check has been placed Stop Payment.
Councilmember Ballard asked what the payment to Guin and Parish for tax/rental research was for. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated Mayor Price would have to explain this charge as she was unaware of this request. Mayor Price stated it might be something Administrator Mike Watkins requested. City Attorney Todd Atkinson stated he thought this was from the Ballard incentive agreement discussion to determine if tax could be collected on equipment rental. Attorney Atkinson continued by stating some agriculture and forestry can not be taxed. With no more comments or questions, Mayor Price continued for a motion to approve the accounts payable. Motion was made by Councilmember Chris Ballard. Second motion was made by Councilmember Rusty Barnes. All members voted in favor to approve.
Mayor Price asked all members to consider how to allow sick time to be used by employees. Mayor Price stated when he began office he raised the sick time accrual from 30 days to 60 days to allow for employees who needed long term recovery from illness. Mayor Price stated a policy needed to be put in to place for the employees if this time could be used for birth of child. City Attorney Todd Atkinson stated a leave could be put in to place just for this purpose. City Attorney Atkinson stated at any time after a certain period a Department Head could request a written excuse. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated the period was three days. City Attorney Atkinson stated a Department Head must approve planned time off if using sick leave. Attorney Atkinson stated sick time is a benefit and can be limited to use. Mayor Price asked Attorney Atkinson to review the City’s current policy and see what changes could or need to be made. City Attorney said a designated leave could be put into place. City Clerk Angie Oliver stated this leave would be similar to Bereavement leave. No action was taken at this time.
Mayor Price called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion was made by Councilmember Chris Ballard. Second motion was made by Councilmember Anthony Hallmark. All members voted in favor to adjourn.
Angie Oliver
City Clerk
Below are links to two publications with information concerning programs available during the COVID-19 crisis. One is from the Alabama Department of Labor and explains the CARES Act and the other covers the Federal Coronavirus Stimulus Package. You can download a copy of either or both of them from the links below:
The regular meeting of the Winfield City Council scheduled for April 7, 2020 has been moved to Thursday, April 9, 2020. Thursday's agenda will be posted on this site tomorrow.
The City of Winfield customers can now pay their solid waste bills online 24/7 with a credit card, debit card, or ACH (eCheck). This service is provided through Pay N Seconds, a third party payment processor, specializing in secure bill payment options.
The City of Winfield offers automatic bank draft service for payment of garbage collection fees. To sign up for this service, download the Debit Authorization Form below, fill it out and return it to City Hall. Your garbage collection fees will be automatically deducted from your bank account each month.
