The Trussville City Council approved Mayor Gene Melton’s request to hire an expert to deal with erosion control issues during the construction of the new high school and community center.Melton had asked for permission to hire retired building inspector John Martin to assist in erosion control for the two projects.
“I need his expertise with storm water and erosion control for our high school site as well as our community center site when it starts to be awarded and constructed,” Melton said. “The reason being is that the new high school in some areas along the river is going to be as close as 50 feet.”
Martin was hired at the rate of $15 per hour not to exceed $20,000 per year until the two projects are completed.
The mayor was also given authority by the council to discuss right-of-way issues with Alabama Power for the connecting road leading to the new high school.
A recent ordinance requiring utilities to be underground would add $400,000 to the cost of the project. To save money the mayor will be negotiating with Alabama Power and Deerfoot Baptist Church to connect from existing power at the church and boring under the road.
In other matters discussed at the meeting the council:
O Approved changing the direction of the one-way alley on Maple Avenue that parallels Main Street. The change is effective Jan. 1.
O Approved rezoning properties at 5781 Deerfoot Parkway, 7200 Will Pond Road, and 7180 and 7190 Roper Tunnel Road.
O Approved annexation of 2924 Queenstown Road, 506 Pineview Road, and McBride property on Poston Road.
O Approved transferring 153 acres on Trussville-Clay Road to the Trussville Utilities Board.
O Approved awarding a contract for constructing retaining wall around the new splash park to MidSouth Landscape for $4,800.
O Approved resolution recognizing January as School Board Member Recognition Month.
O Approved merit increases effective Dec. 23, for three employees.
O Approved and increase in premium pay for James H. Moore from 5 percent to 10 percent effective Nov. 25, 2006.