Council hears update on Madison Inn & Suites
MADISON – At its June 25 meeting, Madison City Council heard an update on conditions at Madison Inn & Suites at 8716 Madison Blvd.
On March 26, council conducted a public hearing concerning the business license of Madison Inn & Suites, known as Town Center Senior Living LLC (formerly Country Hearth Inn). Police and fire departments had responded to numerous incidents (250 annually with 90 arrests).
The city determined that about eight registered sex offenders had been living in the hotel. In March, council voted to revisit the property in 90 days and to allow 70 hotel rooms maximum for occupancy.
In the update, City Attorney Megan Zingarelli said the owner had completed improvements that council stipulated in March. Fire, health department and building departments have inspected the property for the required 90-day check-in.
Police Chief David Jernigan said officers had investigated 13 cases since March, including possession of drug paraphilia, sex offender registration, trespass and robbery. Jernigan said this volume is typical of any hotel.
In addition, the owner has hired an outside security team that completes on-site patrols. Currently, sex offenders no longer live in the facility.
After securing a market study, the owner will not convert the property into a retirement home but maintain the building as a standard hotel. Construction workers frequently lodge there for the hotel’s lower rates.
Currently, the hotel has 70 rooms available, which are usually fully booked. The owner wants to increase the size to 120 rooms. Zingarelli will check for findings from the various city departments for council’s final decision about that expansion.
In other business, Toyota Motor North America Inc. donated $10,000 for the virtual reality project. Public Work will buy a Kubota mower at $10,416.86 for cemetery maintenance.
Mayor Paul Finley met with several local builders who want the city to reconsider the signage ordinance for signs that realtors use to announce showings.
District 3 Councilman Teddy Powell thanked the police department for conducting the Rape Aggression Defense or RAD session.
District 7 Councilman John Seifert said Dizzy Dean playoffs will be held at Palmer Park on June 29 through July 3. Older youth will play on July 6-10. Police and fire department employees will conduct “Battle of the Badges” at Top Golf on June 30.
Council District No. 6 Gerald Clark said 18 businesses had a perfect score on evaluations for annual awards from Madison Beautification and Tree Board.
Derrick and Loretta Brooks Investments LLC received a restaurant liquor license for Reflections Lounge & Entertainment at 8694 Madison Blvd., Units P, Q and R (former site of Dawghouse Pub).
The building department has adopted updated international codes for plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and swimming pool/spa.
The engineering department accepted Crown Pointe, Phase VIII into the city’s maintenance program.
The planning department presented first readings for annexations: Charles and Kendra King, 30086 Hardiman Road; Shawn P. Gresham, 9780 Segers Road; and seven acres (both residential and agricultural) owned by Christian P. and Beverly C. Baker, north of Larkin Drive and west of Burgreen Road.
Public Works rejected the contract for $240,267.14 for Madison Fueling Depot to Wiregrass Petroleum Service Equipment Company Inc. and opened a new resolution.
Council authorized a 10-year lease extension for owners of Main Street Cafe. The property formerly housed Madison City Hall.
