Council hires Bailey as fire chief
MADISON – Madison has a new fire chief.
At its April 10 meeting, Madison City Council approved hiring David Bailey to lead Madison Fire & Rescue Department. “The Human Resources Department, fire department and mayor’s office went through three phases to downsize the list of candidates,” Council President Tommy Overcash said. “We are ready to move forward.”
In other fire department business, Mayor Paul Finley swore in Firefighter Stephen Blakesley.
State Sen. Bill Holtzclaw presented grant funds of $1,650 to the fire department for firehose nozzles, $1,800 to Madison Police Department for forensics exam tables and $5,500 for upgrades for electrical outlets in downtown, especially for use during Madison Street Festival.
Finley issued proclamations for April as Autism Awareness Month, Toastmasters Day on May 5-7 and Library Week on April 9-15.
In public comments, Don Shook at 104 Lynbrook Blvd. discussed drainage issues in Hillchase subdivision. Attorney Matt Balch, whose office is on Martin Street, thanked council and city departments for the start of Phase III in downtown upgrades.
Council authorized payments for these larger bills:
* Holzheimer Bolek & Meehan — Architectural and engineering services, Madison Public Library, $13,006.70.
* Turner Universal — Construction management, Madison Public Library, $27,159.17.
* Wilmer & Lee — Title work legal fees, Downtown Phase III, $10,301.79.
Council approved the following annual appropriations:
* Wellstone Behavioral Health — $20,000, accepted by CEO Brian Davis.
* Riley Center, which supports children with autism — $7,500, Executive Director Melody Crane.
* Madison County Health Department — $20,000, Dr. Scott Harris.
* Liberty Learning Foundation — $10,000, CEO Patti Yancey.
District 1 Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski said Madison Animal Control, Madison Animal Rescue Foundation and police officers are discussing the establishment of an animal care foundation for the city.
District 3 Councilman Teddy Powell said walking tours of the downtown historic district will be held on April 15, led by Walt Anderson, and April 22, led by Powell.
Finley said that he and Director of Planning and Economic Development Mary Beth Broeren have met with Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker and the growth committee to discuss the school district’s continuing expansion and responsibilities for both the city and MCS.
Specification work has been completed for the pool bubble at Dublin Park’s outdoor swimming pool, Finley said.
The engineering department received approval to add Shelton Hill, Phase 1 into the city’s maintenance program. At the legal department’s request, council accepted Graphics Drive on the Intergraph Corporation campus into City of Madison maintenance program, as related to Town Madison development.
Recreation Department Manager Cory Alfred was approved to gather quotes to remove hazardous trees in Dublin Park and Stavemill neighborhood park.
