PELL CITY — The city will continue its search to fill two department head positions that have remained opened since April.

The council unanimously approved to re-advertise the Parks and Recreation Department director and Fire Chief positions at Monday night’s council meeting.

“I think that’s the only option we have under the circumstance,” said Councilman Donnie Guinn, who seconded Councilwoman Dot Wood motion to re-post both position.

“We’re sorry,” Wood said in a low voice after the motion was unanimously passed.

Council members expressed concern the two employees, currently filling the department head positions, were allowed to apply but neither qualified for the permanent positions.

Capt. Jim Parsons, who is acting as the interim Fire Chief, and Harold “Bubba” Edge, who is the acting interim Parks and Recreation director, have taken college courses but neither have earned bachelor’s degree, which is one of the requirements for both positions.

Councilman Donnie Todd said he’s never been involved with a hiring process where candidates were allowed to be interviewed, even though the candidates did not meet qualifications outlined for the job positions.

“We sent the wrong message to these candidates,” Todd said.

Councilman Greg Gossett agreed, saying it was misleading to allow the two city employees to fill out applications and participate in interviews when they did not meet the qualifications.

“It does hurt,” Gossett said to the two men sitting in the audience at Monday night’s council meeting. “I’m sorry it happened to you.”

However, Mayor William “Bill” Hereford said the two employees knew the job requirements before they applied for the positions.

“The law of logic tells you in advance, you can’t tell someone they can’t apply for a job,” Hereford said, adding that he understood and appreciated what council members were saying about the job application process.

Prior to the motion to re-post the two department head positions, the council voted unanimously not to change the job requirements for the city’s fire chief or the parks and recreation department director position.

The council voted to leave the job descriptions alone as city officials continue looking for a new fire chief and director for the Parks and Recreation Department.

In other matters Monday night, the council:

• Reappointed Lance Bell as the city’s municipal judge.

• Appointed Curtis Capps to the Board of Adjustments.

• Appointed Lara Polk to the city’s Beautification Board.

• Approved to solicit bids for lawn mower leases.

• Approved to terminate its contract with Gorrie/Regan for employee time clocks and ask the company for a full refund of its money.

• Approved the final plat for The Reserve, a residential development.

• Approved the amendment to the Coosa Valley Water Supply District Certificate of Incorporation.

• Reappointed Councilman Greg Gossett to the Coosa Valley Water Supply District board of directors.

• Tabled discussions about a contract with Alabama Power Company for the lighting at the city’s Sports Complex.