School overcrowding dominates council meeting
MADISON – Madison City Council’s March 27 meeting more resembled a session of Madison Board of Education, because the majority of comments and discussion related to rezoning in Madison City Schools.
Speaking to council, Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker explained efforts to relieve overcrowding in elementary schools. “Mill Creek cannot handle any more students. We added four portable classrooms this year. We have to figure out a way to give some relief,” Parker said.
In upcoming rezoning, Parker said the priorities are “to have a seat for every child and keep schools demographically equal … and affect as few people as we can.”
Madison Board of Education already has voted to relocate sixth-graders from elementary schools to Liberty and Discovery middle schools in the 2018-2019 school year, Parker said. However, Mill Creek needs relief immediately.
Two options are available to help Mill Creek. “Move everybody east … or take emerging subdivisions, like Stonebrook, Greenbrier Hills and Cedar Cove” to different schools, Parker said.
In public comments, Charles McDaniel, a Cedar Cove resident, asked for his neighborhood to keep its zoning for Mill Creek and James Clemens High School, as advertised when these residents bought their homes. Also, a Stonebrook resident stated similar concerns, particularly the across-town commute of high school students to Bob Jones.
The Motorized Mayhem team, state champion in LEGO robotics, and sponsor Dr. Sandy Groger presented their award-winning program and asked for a donation to attend international competition in Houston.
In annual appropriations, Keith Bedsole with Madison City Disability Advocacy Board accepted $4,500. Director Jeff Birdwell with Emergency Management Agency accepted its funding of $40,000 from the city.
In public comments, Vickie Morris, representative for Madison Friends & Family Cemetery Committee, asked for one of this group’s applicants to be placed on the city’s Madison Cemetery Committee.
The largest bill payment was $333,776.93 to Pearce Construction Co. for construction costs for Madison Public Library. Council accepted a donation of $9,500 from Madison County Commission for improvements to Madison Senior Center.
District 1 Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski said Taste the Spirit of Madison will be held on April 8 at Insanity Complex.
District 2 Councilman Steve Smith said the FY 2017 Operating Budget was reviewed, as usual, at midyear to review income and expenses. “It was pleasant to work on this as a team,” Steve said. “Revenue is much higher than anticipated. We can pay cash for two new police vehicles and two new pieces of equipment” and other city needs.
District 5 Councilman and President Tommy Overcash said the job description has been approved for the city’s Communications Specialist and Associate Planner. The job classification plan now reflects the new slots.
Council reappointed Keith Bedsole to Place 7 on Madison City Disability Advocacy Board.
Villalongin Mexican Restaurant Inc. at 8694 Madison Blvd., Suite F received approval for on-premises beer, wine and liquor license.
The Planning Department was given the go-ahead for a contract of $109,725 with J.R. Wilburn and Associates Inc. to prepare a transportation master plan. Council authorized the Legal Department for a licensing agreement with Madison Utilities for digital mapping data. Public Works will purchase a motor grader.
Council and mayor interviewed the three finalists for Chief of Madison Fire & Rescue Department on March 25. Council members are reviewing their notes and discussing the candidates’ statements among themselves and with the mayor. Council intends to select the chief by April 10.
