City Council meeting after election night goes smoothly

Mayor Paul Finley and Daughters of the American Revolution from the chapters of Huntsville, Hunt's Spring, Maple Hill and Twickenham Town at the City Council meeting Wednesday night.

The Madison City Council had a productive meeting Wednesday night, which came the day after municipal elections. Mayor Paul Finley commented about the election, thanking poll workers and showing appreciation for all those who participated.

“Congratulations to all those who won, a huge appreciation to all those who ran, to be willing to put your name out there and do so means a lot if you were that committed to your city,” Finley said. The council amended the code on street right-of-way improvements, but the council will continue to monitor the issue and make needed adjustments. Soon permits will be required to dig into streets, which will keep the council informed on where construction will take place.

Aladin Beshir of the Huntsville Islamic Center led the invocation at the beginning of the meeting. Council President Ronica Ondocsin said she believed it to be the first time a Muslim has led prayer at a Madison council meeting.

Beshir’s prayer was about one minute in length. “Our Lord, the Creator, bless us with peace in here Madison City and all other areas where the peace is so badly needed,” he said. “Bless our elected officials with the best leadership and guidance to serve our city.” During the prayer, Beshir also asked for Madison to be allied in kinship. “Bless us to stay connected as people of many faiths, as one community, as one family, the human family.”

Finley signed a proclamation declaring Sept. 17-23 of this year Constitution Week for the City of Madison. Daughters of the American Revolution members attended the signing.

DAR will celebrate the 225th anniversary of the singing of the Constitution at the Constitution Village in downtown Huntsville Sept. 17 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.