HAMILTON — During its Tuesday, Feb. 17, meeting, the Hamilton City Council voted to add several items to its agenda, including a recommendation to amend Ordinance 2012-14 to add an addition to cover Home Bakers under the Cottage Law License.
“We will amend two sections of the ordinance,” Hamilton Mayor Tami Lewis Williams said. “To Section 22, entitled, ‘License Classification,’ we will add 311811 Retail Bakeries. And to Section 23, entitled, ‘License Fee Schedules,’ we will add 311811 Retail Bakeries with a license fee of $25.”
Williams explained the “Retail Bakeries” classification applies to businesses that manufacture bakery products from flour on-premises and sell them directly to consumers, which fits the standard model of a Cottage Food Producer.
She noted, “Applicants will have to provide proof of their current Cottage Law Certification to apply for this license.”
She also explained there would be a $10 license issuance fee, as well.
“Under Section 11-51-90 of the Code of Alabama 1975, municipalities are authorized to collect a business license issuance fee to cover administration costs.
“As of Jan. 1, 2023, the Alabama Department of Revenue adjusted this maximum fee to $14, with adjustments occurring every five years based on the Producer Price Index.”
She explained Hamilton’s Ordinance 2012-14 regarding “Privilege Licenses Amendment,” had set minimum fees as “For each license issued, there shall be an issue fee collected of ten dollars ($10.00).”
She continued, “So, the total for the license, including the fee, will be $35.”
The council voted unanimously to amend the ordinances as recommended by the mayor.
Other business matters
In other business, the council:
• Approved the repair and rewiring of the heating and air system at the Hamilton Senior Center for a total cost not to exceed $20,000.
• Approved the hiring of Mike Lindley for the position of part time worker and substitute van driver for the Hamilton Senior Center.
• Approved the hiring of Evan Alexander and Jordan Parker as part time workers for the Hamilton Recreation Center. Councilor Shane Stidham abstained from the otherwise unanimous vote, explaining later he is related to Parker.
• Approved the hiring of Marcus Carroll as an APOST Law Enforcement Certified Police Officer for the Hamilton Police Department.
• Declared the week of Feb. 15-Feb. 21 as Arbor Week in the City of Hamilton. The mayor also noted the free tree giveaway at city hall, which was held on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
• Approved a recommendation to make a modification to city employee benefits, which would allow employees to collect their final longevity payment upon retirement, regardless of their month of retirement.
• Tabled a matter listed on the agenda as a recommendation for the acquisition and use of a debit card for use by the mayor and police chief, with a bank account to be opened strictly for this purpose. The mayor recommended tabling the matter, as they were reconsidering to determine if a credit card would better suit their purposes.
• Approved the purchase of two valves and up to $25,000 in total costs for work at the Mitchell Hill Water Tank. Williams explained the previous administration had entered into an agreement with Maguire Iron to refurbish the city’s water tanks over a period of time ending in 2032.
“Before we can start on the Mitchell Hill Tank, we will need to purchase and install two valves,” she said. “These expenses are not included in the agreement. The cost of the valves and the labor should not exceed $25,000 and must be completed prior to the scheduled refurbishment.”
She also noted the funds were budgeted for and in the water department’s account, with the work being planned to start in March.
• Went into an executive session for approximately 25 minutes to discuss potential litigation. No actions were taken after the session.
Water department billing & cutoff fee policy
During the meeting, the mayor also clarified the Hamilton Water Department Billing and Cutoff Fee Policy. She noted all water department accounts are billed on the first day of each month and due on the 15th of each month.
“Any accounts that are not paid and payment has not been posted by 5 p.m. on the 15th will be past due and assessed a late charge, which is detailed on the monthly bill,” she said.
“Any accounts that remain past due at 5 p.m. on the 15th day of the following month will be placed on the cutoff list for water services to be suspended and assessed a $50 fee at that time.
“Upon payment of all past due balances and the $50 fee, water services will be reconnected. In the event the past due balances and $50 fee are paid before the department can disconnect the water service, the account will be removed from the cutoff list.”
See complete story in the Journal Record.
Subscribe now!