Council nixes gas tax hike, approves road improvements
Madison City Council will not consider a hike in the local gasoline tax. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – At Madison City Council’s meeting on April 25, District 4 Councilman Mike Potter withdrew his proposal to raise local gasoline tax from 2 to 5 cents to fund maintenance for collector roads.
The City Finance Committee and District 2 Council Steve Smith have moved $500,000 into a road maintenance budget line, Potter said. Council approved Smith’s motion to accept the mid-year amended operating budget for Fiscal Year 2016.
Council approved $7,500 for the annual appropriation to U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Trevor Daniels presented an overview of the rocket center’s attractions.
In public comments, Doug Gooch stated opposition to possible development of property at the intersection of Schrimsher Road and Eastview Drive because of traffic hazards and inadequate water drainage.
Vickie Morris expressed disappointment in ongoing discussions with city council about removal of items from Madison public cemeteries.
Mayor Troy Trulock reported that the city had repaved Gillespie Road between Hughes and Balch roads. Artist Everett Carter presented Trulock with a print of his artwork, “Main Street Madison.”
District 6 Councilman Gerald Clark said Madison Beautification & Tree Board planted new plants at the ‘city gateway’ at Hughes Road and Madison Boulevard. Potter’s motion for $22,000 was approved for street lights on Mose Chapel Road.
In payments, council approved $33,500 to Volkert & Associates for construction management services and $72,774.70 to Nola VanPeursem in architect fees for the natatorium and recreation campus on Celtic Drive.
Madison County Commission District 2 was paid $7,377.70 for repaving of Pebblebrook Drive. All Power Construction Corporation received $14,739.24 for materials and work for Garner Street extension and drainage project.
For Phase II of County Line Road project, council approved partial payments of $24,057.16 to Littlejohn for construction engineering and inspection. Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. received $88,640.66 for Mose Chapel Road improvements.
Council approved public hearings on rezoning property at 9758 Madison Blvd. and on County Line Road, south of Palmer Road.
The City of Madison will observe the ‘Sales Tax Holiday’ on Aug. 5-7 for school merchandise that the state has defined as tax-exempt. Lee Company was awarded the contract for HVAC maintenance at $5,745 per month.
After regular business, the council entered executive session with the city attorney.
