Hartselle Mayor Randy Garrison swears Officer Micah Host in. | Submitted

By Lauren Thornton Tobin

Hartselle Police Chief Ron Puckett introduced his newest officer Micah Host at the Hartselle City Council meeting on Nov. 22.

Host joined the force after serving in the Marines for four years and working as a dispatcher before that.

“I’ve always been privileged to hire outstanding men and women for the police department,” Puckett said. “He is an honorable man and the next generation of police officers for the City of Hartselle.”

Council members also discussed the possibility to construct a new Farmer’s Market and event center.

Department of Development Director Jeff Johnson and Hagen Homes, LLC owner Scott Stadthagen spoke on behalf of the project and requested permission to apply for a $50,000 grant through Alabama Mountains, Rivers and Valleys Resource Conservation and Development Council.

“We’re proposing to tear the current one down and build a new one,” Johnson said, adding that the new building will have men and women handicap accessible restrooms.

Most of the funds for the estimated $75,000 project will be from donations to the Chamber of Commerce but Stadthagen said he will oversee the project and provide labor free of charge.

Johnson said the grant is only meant to cover materials.

In other business, council members:

• Approved a Special Events permit for the Hartselle Christmas Parade on Dec. 8. Main Street will be closed down after 4 p.m. and any cars parked there are subject to be towed.
  Puckett said the closure comes from a public safety issue.
  “Three kids were almost run over after the parade last year,” he said. “Last year was probably the largest crowd and just driving down Main Street, it’s pretty narrow. This makes Main Street safe for citizens.”
  Sgt. Kel Roberts said officers will manage Railroad Street traffic with barricades.
• Approved a Special Events permit for Life Church to host the 2^nd Annual Ball Drop at 10 p.m. Dec. 31 to midnight Jan. 1.
• Approved for Director of Parks and Recreation Tom Chappell to hire two temporary part-time employees.
  “An employee has been out on medical leave and we’re not sure when he will come back,” he said. “I’m not looking to replace the employee or a budget adjustment. I just need extra help until he gets back.”
• Approved the annexation and zoning of a single family residence on Nanceford Road.
• Approved the annexation and zoning of a single family residence on Barkley Bridge Road.
• Approved a motion to vacate an ally right-of-way across from Hartselle Intermediate School.