The Agenda: 1. Presentation by Matt Adams of Regions Bank concerning 2002 bond issue refinance. Mr. Adams stated there would be a savings of approximately $65K to $75K. There would be no extension of time on the bond issue, this is a reduction of interest. Different scenarios were discussed concerning savings distributions. The council members agreed that a lump sum payment would be the best option and suggested the amount of savings be applied to purchase a new roof for the library. The issue cannot be refinanced until the First Call date on the bonds which is Feb. 2012. Closing on the refinancing may begin 90 days prior to the First Call date according to the Regions Bank Representative. Morgan Keegan preliminary Upfront Debt Service Savings and Level Debt Service Savings charts. Click on image for an expanded view.
2.City Wide Radio System purchase. 217 new radios will be purchased off of the State Bid List costing $213,540.13. This purchase is scheduled to comply with new public service frequency changes mandated by the Federal Government. 3. City Financial Director assistant discussed.
4. Emergency Planning discussion. The Mayor played a video produced by the Alabama League of Municipalities concerning the importance of disaster planning and mitigation.
SCOTTSBORO POLICE, STEROID SCANDAL
Reports: Mayor Melton Potter (pictured below) released a public statement concerning the incident involving the suspended Scottsboro Police Officers first reported in the Scottsboro Daily Sentinel on Wed., Nov 16, 2011. The story has also been extensively reported on WAFF, Ch 48 News.
Mayor Potter's Statement: "On November 9, 2011, after an internal investigation, four Scottsboro Police Department Officers were suspended without pay for the use of Testosterone. Lt. Shane Clarke, Officer Gerald Mount were suspended for 4 shifts. Officers Chris McIllwain and Jeremy Ake were suspended for 3 shifts."
"It is mine and Chief Dawe's belief that these are isolated incidents and are not indicative of an inherent problem within the department."
"I have complete confidence in the abilities of Chief Dawe and his staff concerning this investigation. We do not expect to uncover any more information concerning this matter at this time."
"The names and reasons for the suspension became public this morning in a court proceeding and that is why I am releasing this information at this time. It is still my belief and policy that information concerning our employees is confidential as long as no crimes are committed."
News Links concerning the Scottsboro Police Officer suspensions: Daily Sentinel: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_221c8c2a-148c-11e1-a808-001cc4c03286.html?cbst=14 Nov 15, 2011 article: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_0fe53d78-0fdb-11e1-899c-001cc4c002e0.html
WAFF TV News: http://www.waff.com/story/16096228/scottsboro-police-officer-admits-to-using
http://www.waff.com/story/16060220/n video link: http://www.waff.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=6477425&h1=Scottsboro%20Police%20Officer%20admits%20to%20using%20anabolic%20steroids&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=90166&LaunchPageAdTag=SearchResults&activePane=info&rnd=55288226
WAFF link with PDF of court documents: http://www.waff.com/story/16060220/n
Update Nov. 22, 2011 from WAFF: "Scottsboro mayor confirms illegal steroid abuse among officers -On Tuesday, Scottsboro's mayor finally confirmed the information after saying there was no cover up and no crime committed." http://www.waff.com/story/16105675/scottsboro-mayor-confirms-illegal-steroid-abuse
If you do not think there is something wrong with steroid usage, read these comments about what the "juiced up" community has to say about the police officers wife. Shocking comments from the "juiced up" community about the steroid usage by Scottsboro Police Department officers: "Cop's wife snitches on her husbands steroid use:" http://www.steroidology.com/forum/general-chat-forum/612855-cops-wife-snitches-her-husbands-steroid-use.html
"Anabolic Steroid Use and Abuse by Police Officers: Policy & Prevention: In addition to the normal health concerns, there is one further issue when discussing abuse of steroids by those in the law enforcement profession. Officers carry weapons, are authorized to use lethal force, and are often involved in physically controlling or restraining people... Considering the legal issues, health effects, and commensurate costs associated with inappropriate use, agencies should proactively address this issue. Rather than look back on what could be an embarrassing “steroid era” of law enforcement—one in which the profession might be riddled with lawsuits, corruption, and claims of heavy-handedness—it is critical to address the current and future impact of this issue head-on." http://www.policechiefmagazine.org/magazine/index.cfm?fuseaction=display_arch&article_id=1512&issue_id=62008
National Problem - rampant steroid drug abuse by police linked to ‘roid rage, epidemic police brutality, and excessive use of force , possibly 25% of police on steroids: http://prof77.wordpress.com/2010/12/30/police-steroid-drug-abuse/
DEA
Steroids are a Controlled substance which falls under the Federal Controlled Substances Act. From the DEA: "Drugs controlled under the Controlled Substances Act, CSA, include opiates, hallucinogens and central nervous system stimulants and depressants. In addition, as a result of the passage of the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990, anabolic steroids, as a class of drugs, were placed under the CSA effective February 27, 1991."
Link: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/fed_regs/rules/2005/fr1216.htm
More information from the DEA on Law Enforcement Abuse of Steroids. "Despite the illegality of taking steroids without a prescription and the known dangers of steroid abuse the problem continues to grow in the law enforcement community. Steroid Abuse by Law Enforcement Personnel - A Guide For Understanding The Dangers Of Anabolic Steroids-" http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/brochures/steroids/lawenforcement/