[WATCH] Sylacauga City Council meeting – May 23, 2024

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga City Council convened on Thursday night, May 23, at 6:00 p.m. with a work session prior to the meeting.

At the meeting, the city council authorized Mayor Jim Heigl to enter into a Nuisance and Abatement contract with Mintz Machine, effective June 1, 2024. (Equipment provided on an hourly basis, inclusive of operator and fuel. Rubber Track Skid Steer in 70HP class with Bucket and Grapple – $160; Track Hoe with thumb in 18K lb. class – $160; Tractor with Bucket and Brush Hog 50HP class; or Skid Steer with Brush Axe attachment – $250; Commercial Grade Mower with minimum 54-inch Deck – $160; Commercial Grade String Trimmer – $160; Board Up Services – $50 per sheet of OSB; Debris Removal – $65 per ton)

Money were reallocated from Sylacauga Parks and Recreation Department’s earmarked funds totaling $22,267.40 to Sylacauga Parks and Recreation Department’s FY24 appropriation.

The council approved Resolution No. 60-2024 for Construction Engineering and Inspection (CE&I) Services to Engineering, Environmental & Forestry Services Company (EEFS) for the Gene E. Stewart Blvd. resurfacing project totaling $31,016.10.

Mayor Heigl was authorized to enter into a resurfacing contract for Gene E. Stewart Blvd. with Ingram Grading & Paving, Inc totaling $362,019.84. (City of Sylacauga $283,128.17 and Talladega County to reimburse the City of Sylacauga $78,891.67. Funding from Special Gasoline Tax)

The city council also entered into an agreement with East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (EARPDC) to purchase five 14+2 Starcraft (non-CDL) vans for the transportation program at a match of 10 percent. Sylacauga’s match is $66,729. Funding from the General Fund. (Total cost per van: $135,683; breakdown of $125,408; plus basic stripe package: $2,225, 5311 graphics package: $4,050, and cameras system installed: $4,000)

Mayor Heigl was permitted to enter into an agreement to refurbish a Sylacauga Fire Department ladder truck due to failure of annual testing and unit being out of service at a total cost of $168,215.79. (Funding from the General Fund)

The council approved capital computer purchase totaling $19,882.51. (Funding from Capital)

Three individuals were approved to join the Historical Commission for terms of three years ending March 2027. Those individuals are Tara Douglas, Linda Dickson, and Missy Turner.

The council approved a pay adjustment for SPD Officer Joshua Coleman at PDC step 2, ($21) to step 3 ($21.52). (Hired at PDC Step 2, certified officer, 23 years experience, and FBI certified instructor)

They approved the appointment for Triston Smith, District 1, to the Nuisance Abatement Board. (Term runs concurrent with City Council)

The council approved Mayor Heigl, Councilmember Ashton Fowler, and Councilmember Nate Brewer to attend the Municipal Leadership Institute and League Graduation Ceremonies in Orange Beach, Oct. 30, 2024 to Nov. 1, 2024. Registration fee of $365 per person, additional expenses for meals, lodging, and mileage will be incurred. Total estimated expenses for Heigl ($1,882.38), Fowler ($1,976.26) and Brewer ($2,006.35) are $5,864.99. (Expenses will be from E&L’s budget in FY25)

Additionally, they approved City Clerk-Treasurer Alexandra Lambert and Administrative Assistant Nicole Brown to attend the Municipal Clerks Winter Conference in Orange Beach, Nov. 19-22, 2024. Registration fee of $265 per person (Early Bird Special); additional expenses for meals, lodging, and mileage will be incurred. Total FY25 estimated expenses for Lambert ($2,197.02) and Brown ($2,305.40) are $4,502.42. (This is the Election Conference and expenses will be from A&F’s budget in FY25)

The council approved Payroll for the month of April 2024 totaling $505,676.24, Fiscal Year 2023 Accounts Payable invoices totaling $1,300, and Fiscal Year 2024 Accounts Payable invoices totaling $788,459.98.

The next Sylacauga City Council meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 4, at 6:00 p.m.