By Marla Jones, Reporter • marla@southerntorch.com
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full Live Video on our Facebook) The Fort Payne held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 18.
During the work session, City Attorney Rocky Watson addressed the Council on road construction requirements for subdivisions. The Council also discussed the changing of dates for Christmas in the Park to the first Friday in December. It was later approved in the regular meeting. It will begin at 3pm and last until 7pm in Fort Payne City Park.
In the regular meeting, the Council passed its 2019 Fiscal Year Budget, which is $24.7 million in revenues and includes an employee raise and a 5% insurance cover for Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
The Council also presented two retirement plaques to former Parks and Recreation Director Greg Conkle and Sanitation worker Robert Metallo. Conkle worked with the City for 29 ½ years.
The Council passed two resolutions during the meeting. The first established rules for overtime, vacation payout, and Police Department shifts. The second accepted the low bid for Wastewater Treatment Plant forklift.
The Council presented a check to Fort Payne City Schools Superintendent Jim Cunningham for $50,000 for teaching materials. The Council announced that they would renew the money next year for the teachers. The Council also appropriated $150,000 for school supplies, so that no student would have to purchase their own supplies.
“The Council wanted to help parents out financially because we know how expensive it is providing basic essentials for children starting back to school, so this is one way we can help and provide the basic school room supplies so parents don’t have to,” said Council President Brian Baine. “The students that are in the classroom today are our leaders for tomorrow.”
In other business, the Council:
• Authorized the real estate purchase agreement between the City of Fort Payne and the owners of the “Carden” property located on Valley Head Road
• Authorized the contracts for the cutting of hay at the airport
• Authorized the agreement with ALDOT (Alabama Department of Transportation) for snow and ice removal
• Authorized the repair of a City garbage truck
The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on October 2 beginning at 12pm at City Hall with a work session beginning at 11am, if necessary.
