Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

The city council of the City of Hartselle gave city attorney Larry Madison the authority to obtain title to land south of the current cemetery. This property has been maintained by the city for a number of years. The last time the owner paid taxes on the property was in 1999. The city has paid the taxes and held procession of the parcels of land for 17 years. The city will run a public notice asking for anyone having claim to the property to come forward.

In other business, the council held a public hearing before approving updates to B1, B2 and B4 zones and M1 and M2 manufacturing zones. Ordinances were also introduced to update permitted uses of AG and R2 zoned areas inside the city. The council also approved an introduction to consider adopting the 2012 I.C.C. Building Codes. This will ensure the building departments Insurance Service Organizations (ISO) are consistent with other Morgan County municipalities.

The council also accepted a bid from Reed Contracting Services to construct a multipurpose trail for walking and biking in Sparkman Park. The bid was $30,000 higher than expected and Reed was the only bidder. Goodwyn Mills and Cawood and Terry Acuff recommended the council accept the bid. The city received a grant from the Alabama Department of Economics and Community Affairs (ADECA) in the amount of $100,000 to help complete the project.

The council approved a budget transfer request and an updated volunteer firefighter roster from Hartselle Fire Chief, Daryl Fox.

The council also approved a budget adjustment from Park and Recreation director, Frank Miller, to make the final retainage payment to Woodward Construction on the Aquatic Center.

The council approved a budget transfer from Department of Development Director Jeff Johnson and approved the appointment of Brian Bullard to the Board of Zoning Adjustment and reappointed Bill King and George Hearring to the BZA.

Mayor Bill Smelser was appointed as a voting delegate to the upcoming Alabama League of Municipalities and Kenny Thompson and Mike Roberson were appointed as alternates.

Councilman Mike Roberson asked when the bagged traffic signals at Sparkman and Hickory and Sparkman and Chestnut would be removed. Jeff Johnson, director of development said they should be removed within a week. The lights have been removed and All-Way signs control the intersections.

By a mayor’s proclamation, the month of April will be Fair Housing Month in the City of Hartselle.

Council president Kenny Thompson also made notice the city has an opening for an alternate position on the Board of Zoning and Adjustment, a three-year term The #-911 board has a four year term open also.