Council funds ‘Trains on Main’

Boy Scouts in Madison Troop 576 opened Madison City Council’s meeting on Feb. 8. Jacob Johnston, from left, troop leader Charles Evans, Trey Moulton and Tanner Moulton led the Pledge of Allegiance. RECORD PHOTOS/GREGG L. PARKER

MADISON – At its Feb. 8 meeting, Madison City Council approved one-time funding for the “Trains on Main” tourism campaign.

Council allocated $15,000 for the “Trains on Main” project to Madison Chamber of Commerce. The one-time payment will offset setup charges and molds for the trains, which will be used in tourist promotion for a permanent scavenger hunt along downtown streets and businesses in Madison.

For this project, the Madison chamber has collaborated with Huntsville-Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Trains on Main” will work similarly to the “Lucky Duck” campaign in Huntsville.

Before the meeting, second-graders from St. John the Baptist Catholic School provided dinner to council members. The students also presented a certificate of appreciation to the council for their work in the community. Council president Tim Holcombe read the proclamation to the audience.

“The St. John’s students attended a council meeting as part of the class studies,” Holcombe said. “We appreciate all they do to promote all of the good deeds done by so many groups in our city.”

Mayor Troy Trulock said Wall Triana from Eastview Drive extension to Browns Ferry Road will be closed from Feb. 8-19. Madison Utilities will replace the wastewater main line and manholes at the Park Meadow entrance.

Councilman Tommy Overcash said the community meeting with Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) on Jan. 26 “was a success. Turnout was good.” ALDOT employees reported on the proposed interchange on I-565 and Zierdt Road, Hughes Road Extension and I-565 auxiliary lanes.

In other payments, council approved $20,941.86 to Littlejohn, a GW Jones Company, for services on County Line Road, Phase II through Jan. 2.

Eva Bank donated $150 to both the Madison police and fire departments. Council declared a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe 4-by-4 as surplus and authorized donation to Crime Stoppers.

The city engineering department accepted a resolution to include Stone Brook subdivision in the city’s maintenance program. The city clerk-treasurer proposed an ordinance to set qualification fees for candidates in Madison’s 2016 municipal election.

Laurel Bailey has been appointed to Place 2 on Industrial Development Board.

Holcombe announced the council will conduct a work session on Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.