SYLACAUGA, Ala. – At the Sylacauga City Council meeting Tuesday night, April 18, the Board of Education appointment vote played out almost identically as it did two weeks ago.
The council could not come to an agreement, splitting 2-2 on both nominees Eddie Varnadore and Olwyn Twyman.
The vote will come up for a third time at the next meeting set for Tuesday, May 2, at 6:00 p.m.
The city council did give approval to Resolution 21-2023 authorizing a FY24 Section 5311 grant application for the public transportation program with East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission which requires a local match of $91,015.
They amended the Capital Improvement Budget to add funding for one 2023 Ford Expedition for the fire department to be purchased from Stivers Ford Lincoln at the state bid price of $52,759. Approval includes purchases of equipment (lights, striping, and additional equipment) in the amount of $27,496.37, for a total vehicle cost of $80,255.37.
Two requests from Shop Superintendent Ed Ford were approved, including acceptance of a contract with Culver Heating and Air to remove three 60,000 BTU infrared heaters and replace them with three 100,000 BTU infrared heaters and 24v digital thermostats at a cost of $4,500.
The second granted request was to approve the contract with MJ Brooks & Son Construction, Inc. to re-construct a lean-to at City Shop at the cost of $5,250 (expected insurance reimbursement).
The council amended the minutes of the March 21, 2023 council meeting to change the date of training for Firefighter Matt Carpenter to attend the Alabama Fire College Rope I course in Anniston from April 17-21 to May 15-19.
Travel and/or training expenses were given approval for the following:
- Human Resource Specialist Jayne McGee (re-certification) and Accounting Clerk III Nicole Brown (initial certification) to virtually attend AAPPA/ACPS Payroll Processes I course, May 5, 2023. Registration fee of $230 for McGee and $280 for Brown. Additional expenses for Brown include a membership fee of $50. No additional expenses will be incurred.
- Planning Commission Secretary Samantha Armstrong, Zoning Board of Adjustments & Appeals members Fred Crum, Sr., Stephen McClurg, Gary Wesson, Jeff Turner (Planning Commission also), Councilman Nate Brewer, Councilwoman Laura Heath, Council President Ashton Fowler and City Clerk Alexandra Lambert to attend the CAPZO Certification hosted by the University of North Alabama at City Hall on April 24, 2023. Registration fee of $696 per person; no additional expenses will be incurred. Total estimated expenses are $6,264.
- Building Services Director Mike Whetstone, Administrative Secretary Shannon Plexico, Planning Commission members Lucille Anderson, Jayne McGee, Julie Sanders, Lawrence McGhee, Nancy McKay, and Mayor Jim Heigl to attend the CAPZO Re-Certification hosted by the University of North Alabama at City Hall on April 24, 2023. Registration fee of $219 per person; no additional expenses will be incurred. Total estimated expenses are $1,752.
- PD Officer William Layton to attend the Grant Writing USA course in Cullman, May 17-19, 2023. Registration fee of $495; additional expenses for meals, lodging, and mileage will be incurred. Use of a city-provided vehicle will be permitted. Total estimated expenses for Layton are $879.44.
The council revised Section 10.7.2.3.2, Procedure B of the COS Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual to allow for step-raises to be permitted for employees that meet certain education requirements. These step-raises would include:
- An employee receiving an Associate Degree shall be eligible for a recommendation of a one step-raise.
- An employee receiving a Bachelor’s Degree shall be eligible for a recommendation of a two step-raise.
- An employee receiving a Master’s Degree shall be eligible for a recommendation of a three step-raise.
Also, they approved Mayor Jim Heigl’s request for the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts to conduct an audit of the books, accounts, and records for FY22 at no cost.
The Sylacauga City Council approved the balance of Accounts Payable invoices received for March in the amount of $873,192.69 and the March payroll in the amount of $614,572.23.
The city council, at the suggestion of City Attorney Edwin Livingston, Jr., went into an executive session. Once the meeting resumed after the executive session, no further action was taken by the council.
