Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

As the Special Needs Accessible Playground (SNAP) project moves towards completion, the Hartselle City Council voted to give the project $40,000 as part of matching funds for a grant received by SNAP. The matching $50,000 grant was made available from the Alabama Department of Economic Development. (ADECA) The Morgan County Commission voted last year to make a $10,000 donation to SNAP to help with the final phase also.

The matching funds for this grant were not included as a line item in the city’s 2015-2016 budget. However, the equipment for the final phase has arrived and the invoices need to be paid, according to Mayor Bill Smelser. County Commissioner Don Stisher is storing the equipment until it is installed. The council voted unanimously to allocate the funds.

In other action at the Jan. 12 meeting, the council approved a resolution to authorize signatures for all city bank accounts. Mayor Bill Smelser, City Clerk Rita S. Lee, Council President Kenny Thompson and Council President Pro-Tempore Tom Chappell will be authorized to sign checks for the city, with all checks requiring two signatures.

The council also approved

spending $1,000 to aid in the completion of signage for the “Jesse Owens Parkway.” The section of Alabama Highway 36 from Interstate 65 to Lawrence County will hold this designation.  Mayor Smelser mentioned this should help Hartselle by way of visitors stopping in the city when traveling to and from the Jesse Owens Museum and Memorial Park.

The council also approved a budget transfer from insurance expense to worker’s compensation. Insurance expense came in under budget by $15,155, however the workmen’s compensation billing for 02/01/16 – 01-31-17 came in $12,382 over budget. City Clerk Lee mentioned that after a workmen’s compensation audit last year the city received a refund.

The council approved Public Works Director Daxton Maze’s requests to fill two equipment operator 1 positions, one now and one with a February retirement. Maze also asked that the position of landfill technician be eliminated and that position be converted to a equipment 1 position.

Maze also requested the council declare a 2003 Gravely mower and a 2005 Sterlin garbage truck be declared surplus. The council approved both requests.

The next meeting will be held Jan. 26 in the council chambers.