SYLACAUGA, Ala. – After nearly a month, the Sylacauga City Council voted on Tuesday night to name Nathan Osgood as the next fire chief of the Marble City.
“Fortunately, I’ve had a lot of predecessors and role models that have prepared me well for this so I’m looking forward to moving the department forward,” said Osgood. “I’m looking forward to leading the department.”
Osgood was optimistic the transition would be easy. He said improving the organizational structure and leadership training for officers is important.
The Elmore Co. resident has been with the SFD since 2012.
Osgood will officially start the role on Wednesday, his 30th birthday.
“It’s important to me to have competent officers here when I’m not. I think we have that. I think we will continue to grow that,” he said.
“All three of the applicants are perfect,” said Lee Perryman. “It’s a tough decision.”
In other news, the council:
- Approved resolution adopting FY2020 Capital Budget.
- Approved request from Interim Fire Chief Jarrod Cunningham for authorization to contract with JM CM Enterprises, LLC DBA Fire Rescue Help Group for services related to filing an application for the 2020 FEMA grant to provide funding for the purchase of PPE equipment at a projected cost of $73,750.00—5% local match required with a 5% grant-writer fee if grant is awarded.
- Promote Nathan Osgood as the Fire Chief and to establish Grade PS-6, Step 2 as the entry level of pay for 68,373.97 plus $250/month automobile allowance per city ordinance — Action to become effective immediately.
- Accepted recommendation from Police Chief Kelley Johnson to approve request from the Sylacauga Housing Authority for transfer of ownership of a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria (S/N 2FALP71W9VX209918) that was declared surplus and disposal authorized through Resolution 22-2019, on 4/16/2019.
- Approved request from Blue Bell Creameries, LP for an extension of the tax abatement on equipment purchases to complete the project relative to the tax abatement granted in February, 2018; Council granted an extension until February 28, 2020, and request is for approval of an additional extension to September 30, 2020.
- Authorized Walter D. Lewis of Piper/Sandler & Co. to begin work with the City of Sylacauga on the feasibility of refunding and issuance of bonds and other financing for potential economic development projects and other municipal facilities.
- Authorized retaining the law firm Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Birmingham, Alabama, as bond counsel, and commence work on refunding the City’s outstanding Series 2010 Warrants as well providing funds for various capital improvements in the City to be determined in consultation with and at the direction of the Council.
- Approved travel/training expenses for HR Specialist Jayne McGee to attend the 2020 Birmingham Society of Human Resource Managers Legal Update to be held in Birmingham, April 8, 2020—Registration fee is $115.00; Additional costs for mileage will be incurred–Estimated total cost of travel/training for McGee is $159.39
- Approved training travel/expenses for PD Investigator Roman Hubbard, PD Officer Josh Jones, PD Officer Josh Morris, PD Officer Angela Tait, and PD Officer Andy Layton to attend the NE Counterdrug Training Center’s Middle Eastern Intelligence training to be held in Montgomery, March 9-11, 2020—No registration fee; Additional costs for meals and *use of a department vehicle/fuel will be incurred (*Employees will carpool)–Estimated total cost of travel/training is $45.00 each
- Approved training travel/expenses for PD Officer Chris Wykoff, PD Officer Terry Gallahair, Jr., PD Sgt. Kelley White, and PD Lt. Tim Collier to attend the Survive & Thrive training to be held in Montgomery, March 18-19, 2020—No registration fee; Additional costs for meals and *use of a department vehicle/fuel will be incurred (*Employees will carpool)–Estimated total cost of travel/training is $30.00 each
- Authorized payments totaling $647,946.11 for accounts payable invoices received to date for January, 2020
