City council passes E-911 radio system upgrade

BY BRAD GASKINS / SPECIAL TO THE RECORD

The Madison City Council on April 11 approved an agreement for the E-911 radio system.

The council unanimously passed the resolution after 30 minutes of discussion at the Madison Municipal Complex.

The telephone and radio services agreement is among Madison, the Madison County Communication District, Huntsville, Madison County and Huntsville Emergency Medical Services.

The council had been considering the agreement since December.

The current proposal by E-911 includes raising residential monthly fees nearly 150 percent, up $1.18 from 82 cents to $2 and businesses 50 cents from $2.25 to $2.75 to cover a digital upgrade to equipment and to unify county and city systems.

In other actions, the council:

-Accepted a $5,000 donation from the Mill creek Elementary School PTA for recreation facilities.

-Approved an annual appropriation agreement with the National Children’s Advocacy Center.

-Mayor Paul Finley issued a proclamation declaring April 2011 as Donate Life Month in Madison.

-Approved an agreement with Kitty Gallimore as director of Kidz Kamp.

-Approved an agreement with the city of Huntsville for funding for sustainment of the Heavy Rescue Team.

-Discussed outsourcing the city’s trash collection services.

-Appointed Jim Norton to fill a vacancy on the Madison Station Historic Preservation Commission