By Lauren Thornton Tobin|Hartselle Enquirer

The owner of Zaxby’s, a fast-food restaurant chain is looking to build in Hartselle, according to Director of the Department of Development Jeff Johnson.
Johnson spoke with Hartselle City Council members Tuesday night about the Alabama Department of Transportation’s progress on getting a building permit approved.
During his closing statement, Councilman Ken Doss asked Johnson about the status of the permit.
Johnson said, “(Oct. 21) I contacted a design engineer and he said he hoped to have the permit approval by the end of the day. I told him to let me know if there’s anything on our side that needs to be done.”
Until ALDOT approves the permit, a closing date can’t be set, he said.
Johnson said today that Zaxby’s is not a sure thing just yet, but the possibility is turning into more of a likelihood.
“It’s safe to say Zaxby’s is looking strongly at Hartselle and the owner has talked to city administrators, and they’re waiting on permit,” he said. “If the permit is received from ALDOT, a solid announcement is expected to be made by mid-November.”
The restaurant owner seems to have a positive outlook about expanding to the City of Southern Hospitality, Johnson said.
“He’s looking forward to getting the permit so he can make an official announcement, but he can’t gamble and close on the property without knowing if he has the desired access routes,” he said.
Council members also heard from Director of Parks and Recreation Tom Chappell about Hartselle Hay Day from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 28.
Chappell said the city will have a booth and administrators who can’t attend can still donate candy by bringing bags to the Civic Center.
The event held downtown is a way to bring more business to local merchants who choose to participate, he said, and added that Main Street will be open with limited traffic and heavy patrol.
Due to the election on Nov. 8, council members agreed to move the next city meeting to Nov. 7 following an organizational meeting.
In other business, Council members:
Approved a resolution to vacate a portion of the undeveloped service road along Highway 31 at Tanner Heights.
Approved a request of permission by Hartselle Fire and Rescue Chief Daryl Fox to apply for the 2016 Assistance to Firefighters Grant, which helps with equipment and pumper truck costs. The needed equipment totals out to be $92,806 with the city matching $4,460 while costs associated with the truck amount to $560,000 and the city matches $28,000.
Approved gasoline funds totaling $3,013.50 for road work at Woodmont Street and Thompson Street.
Approved the reappointments of Sherri Peck and Cynthia “Cindy” Livingston Roberts to the Library Board.
Approved first quarter safety award winners for city departments.