Outgoing council, mayor preside at last meeting

MADISON – Outgoing council members Tim Holcombe, D.J. Klein, Ronica Ondocsin and Mike Potter and Mayor Troy Trulock were recognized at their last City Council meeting on Oct. 24.

Holcombe, Ondocsin and Potter did not run for re-election. District 3 Councilman D.J. Klein, who was absent because he is travelling abroad, was defeated by Teddy Powell. Trulock lost his re-election bid to Paul Finley.

The outgoing leaders received plaques and tokens of appreciation from Carlos Woods, Madison American Legion, Post 229. District 5 Councilman Tommy Overcash presented Holcombe, Ondocsin and Potter with a plaque bearing a Key to the City for their service.

In public comments, Edgewater resident Carl Blair said Town Madison is a positive project for tax base and quality of life, but Edgewater has concerns about delays in Zierdt Road widening. He suggested diverting traffic to Intergraph Way.

Gareth Bryant of Edgewater is concerned about preserving a wooded area bordering the neighborhood and Town Madison’s southern boundary. Resident James Reynolds wants to avoid access from Town Madison to Edgewater by vehicles or pedestrians.

Phillip Anglin said he and his neighbors want council to keep them apprised of changes around Madison Quarry, especially in utility improvements and earth-moving.

In individual reports, Trulock commended the teamwork that resulted in many successes and accolades during his term. Trulock cited 1,500 acres open for businesses and homes; widening of Old Madison Pike; new interchanges for I-565; resurfaced collector roads; new city festivals and tournaments; opening of Insanity Complex; downtown renovation; and a movie theater in spring 2017.

District 5 Councilman Tommy Overcash said a groundbreaking for the new Madison Public Library will be Nov. 2 at its new site, two doors east of the existing facility on Plaza Boulevard. ALDOT’s environmental assessment meeting for the new interchange near Zierdt Road is scheduled for Nov. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Overcash also stated the Madison Police Foundation will host its Halloween Bash on Oct. 28 at Insanity Complex. Marshalls will open on Oct. 27.

The swearing-in ceremony for council and mayor will be held on Nov. 7 in Council Chambers.

Council agreed on lighting the American flag at ‘Madison gateway’ at intersection of Hughes Road and Madison Boulevard.

In public hearings, council approved annexation of property owned by Papa Jack’s Inc. at southeast corner of Balch and Gillespie roads, along with request for off-premise wine and liquor license from Card Enterprises for Balch Road Shell, 513 Balch Road.

Concerning Town Madison, an ordinance was passed to rezone property owned by Old Town Investments LLC located west of Zierdt Road and south of Madison Boulevard from agriculture to Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND).

Council rezoned Ghanshyam Patel’s approximately five acres with the exiting Country Hearth Inn from Restricted Industrial District to General Business District. Patel plans to demolish the hotel and build an assisted-living facility.

Stripes Officiating was approved to staff officials for city-sponsored sports events.