City council approves appropriation with EMA

Susan Masotti, executive director for the Madison Chamber of Commerce kicked off the meeting by presenting a $10,000 check for the Mayor’s Scholarship Fund.

The Madison City Council approved an annual appropriation agreement with Emergency Management Agency of Huntsville/Madison County in the amount of $46,439 for fiscal year 2012.

The agreement between the city and EMA said the objective is to “work toward the betterment of the community at large.”

Rusty Russell, director of EMA Huntsville-Madison County requested the funds for software upgrades.

Russell said the last system upgrade was back in 2000.

He presented challenges the EMA is currently facing and their solutions.

His challenges were:

-aging MOSCAD system that’s no longer supported by current technology.

-limited availability of spare parts for towers.

-country-wide activation required for tornadoes.

-more work stations required for extended events.

– upgrade conference area security/efficiency, new kitchen dining area.

Some of his solutions included a new siren at a cost of $66,000; upgrade existing software for $36,000; and reprogram and upgrade tower sites for $30,000.

The council also approved a request for an off-premise liquor license for Madison Food Mart, Inc. (Madison Food Mart) located at 8500 Old Madison Pike.

Susan Masotti, executive director for the Madison Chamber of Commerce kicked off the meeting by presenting a $10,000 check for the Mayor’s Scholarship Fund.

Masotti said more than $80,000 was raised at this year’s Connect2012 event held at the Space and Rocket Center.

A portion of that money also goes to the Chamber of Commerce Scholarship.

“This goes back to our kids,” said Mayor Paul Finley. “Connect also gives us the ability to give the mayoral address to our citizens in a larger venue.”

The city council will interview applicants for the Madison City School board Wednesday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m. in conference room 130.