Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

Unless the members of the Hartselle City Council have a change of heart, the pay for the next mayor and council will remain the same as the current governing body.

Newest council member Billy Buckelew mentioned that with the economy as it is, he felt the pay rate should not be increased. Council members Kenny Thompson, Ken Doss and Mike Roberson were also in agreement with Buckelew at the work session held Tues., Jan. 26

City attorney Larry Madison will write a resolution for the next council, mayor salaries to be as follows:

Mayor- $55,000 annually, Council President-$9,500 annually and Council members, $8,000 annually. The mayor will also receive a $350 per month vehicle or travel allowance

The council will vote on the resolution at a February meeting.

In other action -during the meeting the council approved:

• An introduction to annex and rezone property on Main St. East near the interstate

• Approved safety winners for the second quarter: Emily Love-City Hall, Craig Knox-Fire Department, Lacy Garnett-Park and Recreation, Chip Reynolds-Police Department and Robert Fricks-Public Works

• Approved an application for a FY2016 Transportation Alternatives Program Grant

This grant could provide up to $400,000 to improve sidewalks, curbs and gutters, lighting and landscape along with handicap access on Hickory St. from Sparkman to Railroad, and Railroad from Hickory St. to Main St. The grant would be an 80/20 matching grant from ALDOT

• Approved a change in the SNAP grant match from $40,000 to $50,000. There was a misunderstanding about Morgan County Commission’s $10,000 donation being a part of the $50,000 grant match.

•Approved a request to fill a vacant Firefighter/EMT position in the Fire Department

• Approved a request from Chief Daryl Fox to change the job description for Firefighters/EMT including the testing of fire hydrants.

• Approved request from Park/Rec. to declare items surplus, including a 1984 pickup, 1973 dump truck, six riding mowers and other miscellaneous small items