SYLACAUGA, Ala. – At the Sylacauga City Council meeting Thursday night, multiple Sylacauga citizens both past and present voiced their concerns over the recent flash flooding events that have devastated local homes and businesses twice in the last few months.
On March 23, four and a half inches of rainfall caused flooding throughout downtown Sylacauga all the way to homes on Hwy 21. Then, on June 8, a massive seven and a half inches of rain fell. Once again, Sylacauga was severely flooded.
A number of the council’s constituents appeared at the meeting to address the council with their issues concerning the city’s drainage system. The council members noted what was brought to their attention and are actively trying to fix the problem as soon as possible.
The following agenda items were also addressed at the meeting:
The city council authorized the adoption of the updated Division G Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The council also authorized a one-time lump sum payment to eligible retirees and beneficiaries of deceased retirees at a cost of $37,814, as allowed by Act 2022-229 of the State Legislature.
The council reappointed Dr. Rekha Chadalawada to the Board of Education.
They also authorized the B.B. Comer Museum to apply for grant funding through the Alabama Historical Commission for up to $25,000 for building improvements and education supplies.
Four recommendations from Fire Chief Nate Osgood were approved by the council including the purchase of two X Series monitor/defibrillators at a cost of $66,982.54 and the purchase of eight recertified Zoll AED Plus and two Zoll AED wall cabinets at a cost of $9,803.94.
The other two recommendations from Osgood pertained to the remodeling of Fire Stations 1 and 2. The council approved the seeking of bids for area remodels of the station along with the painting of the Station 1 bay and stairwell.
The council also approved the purchase of cabinets, appliances, furniture, backsplash, and a garbage disposal for Station 2. Included with that is the relocation of the current fire alarm panel at Station 2, and all of that together will come to a total cost of $36,000.
Additionally, the city council authorized EEFS to seek bids for the paving of the city’s portion of the Marble City Heights Circle at an estimated project cost of $100,000.
They approved the city’s participation in the update of the Talladega County solid waste management plan at an estimated cost of $1,650.
Also, the city council accepted the recommendation of council member Nate Brewer to appoint Frankie Thompson as the District 3 representative to the Nuisance Abatement Board to fill the unexpired term of Sharman Brown.
The council approved travel and training expenses for PD Sgt. Ryan Gaither and Stephen Ledbetter to attend the Law Enforcement Instructor Development Course in Montgomery, Aug. 1-5, 2022. No registration fee; expenses for meals will be incurred. Employees will carpool in a city-provided vehicle. Total estimated expenses for Gaither and Ledbetter are $125 each.
They accepted the balance of accounts payable for May in the amount of $207,461.69 as well as the payroll for May in the amount of $411,748.25.
