Clif Knight

Hartselle Enquirer

Safety shelters for residents of Falkville were one of the topics discussed at a town council work session on Feb. 28.

Mayor Ken Winkles reported he has checked into the cost of constructing two above ground safety shelters similar to those in service in several rural communities in Morgan County.

“A shelter capable of accommodating 98 people would cost an estimated $28,328,” he stated. “We would need two of them and our police and fire chiefs have come up with a plan.”

“They could be located at South Park, and Morgan County District Commissioner Don Stisher has indicated an interest in funding one of them,” he added.

“We could apply for a 75-25 FEMA grant and have a good chance of being approved,” he pointed out. “However, it takes a long time to get the money and you have to deal with a bunch of regulations during construction.”

Falkville currently does not have a public safety shelter. The new high school addition is the only structure in town capable of withstanding the force of an F3 or F4 tornado.

“School administrators are seeking approval from the Morgan County School Board to open the building to the public during tornado warnings,” Winkles said.

Also discussed were the demolition of two town-owned buildings.

The council agreed to take bids for the demotion of a fire-damaged residence on Robinson Creek Road. The winning bidder would be required to put up a $500 deposit and agree to have the lot cleaned up within 30 days.

The Jim Grissom building adjacent to

town hall is scheduled for demolition by Morgan County District III Commissioner Don Stisher and his personnel.  It will be converted into a public parking lot.

In another matter, the council welcomed a decision by Mayor Winkles to serve as the town’s part-time utilities manager and discussed the purchase of a new extended cab pickup truck from the state low bid list for his use.

Other discussion items included the purchase of new street signs, a request for the town to become a Tree City USA, shelving for the police department evidence room, and a salary adjustment for employees (step raise and COLA).

Approved as agenda items for the next regular council meeting are listed as follows:

•Declare as surplus miscellaneous items in the Utility Department 

•Resolution to promote, plan and form a committee to observe and commemorate the bicentennial of the State of Alabama

•Proclamation naming Feb. 24-26 as Girl Scout Cookie Weekend in Falkville

•Appointment of Kim Dillard to a vacancy on the Falkville Park & Recreation Board

•Resolution to approve low bid on new street signs