Council approves acquisitions for Phase III, Zierdt Road

MADISON – Madison City Council had a fast-moving agenda for its Jan. 9 meeting.

The larger payments that council approved include these items:

* Holzheimer Bolek & Meehan, architectural and engineering services for Madison Public Library, $11,711.36
* Reimbursement to AT&T, lowering section of Decatur to Huntsville cable, $12,025.55
* Turner Universal, construction management for library, $27,159.17
* Pearce Construction, constructions costs for library, $266,899.50

Mayor Paul Finley said the city has received a slate of excellent applications for Fire Chief of Madison Fire and Rescue Department. The job opening for police chief now has been posted on the city website (www.madisonal.gov).

Finley recently met with department heads to discuss their budgets and confirm they have needed resources. Also, he reported that mediation in the school tax dispute with Limestone County is “actively occurring.” That mediation started in August 2016.

District 3 Councilman Teddy Powell received consensus to fund $6,500 for a drainage study of the downtown area and Pension Row. The study will show impact assessment for utility repairs or improvements.

Council President Tommy Overcash reminded residents that the Connect 2017 gala for the mayor’s State of the City address will be held at The Davidson Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville on Jan. 27.

Madison Utilities will meet on Jan. 20 at with residents of Larry Drive to discuss work planned for that street, District 6 Councilman Gerald Clark said.

Council appointed Larry Anderson to Madison Station Historic Commission. Tina Beacraft and Paula Cushman were re-appointed to Madison City Disability Advocacy Board.

In department reports, Director of Engineering Gary Chenowyth received approval to award street sweeping service. Council approved for the legal department to proceed with property acquisitions for Phase III of downtown renovation and for the Zierdt Road project.

Finley designated January as National Mentoring Month for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of North Alabama.

Council will gather for a work session at City Hall on Jan. 20 at 1 p.m.