First meeting of new City Council runs smoothly
Council members and Mayor Troy Trulock were calm and collected during the first meeting of the new council, even though Council President Tommy Overcash was unable to attend.
Council President Pro-Tempore Ronica Ondocsin, who served as president for part of her last term, stood in for Overcash during the Nov. 13 meeting.
The council appointed Chuck MaKarov to the Industrial Development Board, and reappointed former Councilman Jerry Jennings and Taron Thorpe to the board.
Councilman Tim Holcombe discussed the expansion of the “SPACES” outdoor sculpture trail. Madison Arts Council is collaborating with The Arts Council in Huntsville that started the program.
Eight sculpture pieces will be located in Madison, most of which have been installed. Locations include City Hall, Dublin Park and downtown Madison.
“We kind of quickly discovered we couldn’t really afford to buy these sculptures,” Holcombe said. Both Madison and Huntsville rent the art for periods of two years.
Madison Chief of Police Larry Muncey and Internal Affairs and Community Outreach Lt. Damian Williams presented appreciation awards to the Publix located on County Line Road and the Target located on U.S. Highway 72 in Madison.
Alka Bhargav of the Madison Disability Advocacy Board presented an Employer Award to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
During public comments, Bhargav noted the council meeting occurred during Diwali, a religious holiday celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains known as the festival of lights. “It’s equivalent to Christmas,” Bhargav said.
