City Council hears requests

Clarion Top News

Thursday, 25 April 2024 11:54

During the recent Scottsboro City Council work session, Hannah Crawford spoke regarding a Main Street design that had been submitted prior to her employment as the Main Street Executive Director. Crawford explained that the design is for a Pocket Park. Crawford requested help in the amount of $125,000 on behalf of Main Street Scottsboro. These funds will be used for the restrooms and stage portions of the park. The total cost for the park would be approximately $297,000 on the high end. Council President Richard Bailey stated that in the past they had spoken about placing bathrooms on the square, and this would be one way to handle that installation. Bailey also stated that the park would be located in the city parking lot located between the bake shop and Safety First. The park would be named Julie’s Park in memory of the late Julie Gentry Michaels. Council member Mike Ashburn stated that he was concerned with the loss of parking, as well as the cost.

Council member Nita Tolliver stated that it would be her opinion that the restrooms and park should be maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department. Main Street is currently looking into additional grants and funding to assist in the cost of the project. The item will be placed on the agenda again on May 13.

Jim Green stood in for the Scottsboro-Jackson County Rescue Squad on a tourism grant request. Members of the squad who were expected to be present were called away to an emergency at the Walls of Jericho. Green expressed how needed the Rescue Squad is in Jackson County. The tourism grant funding request would be used for the Rescue Squad’s annual 10k Bass Tournament, a fundraising tournament and the only annual fundraiser for the Rescue Squad.

Ashburn stated that the Rescue Squad is a vital agency in our county and has always helped tremendously. Council member Ralph Dawe said during his time as Chief of Police, he too relied heavily on the agency.

A resolution to surplus equipment at the Scottsboro Fire Department was discussed. The equipment is old and has previously been replaced.

Solid Waste Director Stacy Ledwell spoke to the council regarding a bid for the Solid Waste Department replacement truck. Ledwell requested to replace a truck that was totaled during an accident last year. Insurance monies have been received to replace the vehicle in the amount of $52,461.

Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Wood requested a full time aquatics assistant. Wood stated that the department is currently seeing an increase in number of people doing swim lessons and booking parties. Wood explained that when he started the Parks and Recreation department was booking the pool out approximately four weeks, now they are eight to ten weeks out. Wood stated that the person currently in that position is due to retire in about two years. Certifications needed take approximately one year to obtain. Wood stated that he has been teaching swim lessons and classes to get by. Salary, on the low range would cost the city approximately $23,359 from May 1 through September 30 and $24,470 on the high range. Wood explained that during the months of February, March and April eight individuals are given swim lessons. During summer months, group lessons are given to approximately eight individuals. However, the department is receiving many more calls requesting lessons. A part time aquatics position is still open and has never been filled due to no applications.

Scottsboro Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Wood requested a full time aquatics assistant. Wood stated that the department is currently seeing an increase in number of people doing swim lessons and booking parties. Wood explained that when he started the Parks and Recreation department was booking the pool out approximately four weeks. Now they are eight to ten weeks out. Wood said that the person currently in that position is due to retire in about two years. Certifications needed take approximately one year to obtain. Wood stated that he has been teaching swim lessons and classes to get by. Salary, on the low range would cost the city approximately $23,359 from May 1 through September 30 and $24,470 on the high range. Wood explained that during the months of February, March and April eight individuals are given swim lessons each month. During summer months, group lessons are given to approximately eight individuals per group.
However, the department is receiving many more calls requesting lessons. A part time aquatics position is still open and has never been filled due to no applications.

Tolliver questioned the status of the playground equipment. Wood stated the set up was delayed due to weather, but is expected any day. Wood also explained that the ADA piece should be here by mid-May.

Dawe spoke to Wood regarding the parking lot at Bynum Park. Dawe expressed his concerns regarding an unfinished curbing gutter and the likelihood of instability being caused because of hard rain. Wood stated that it was done that way in anticipation of redoing the remaining parking lot.

Council member Donna Frederick again brought up the safety nets at Bynum Park. Frederick stated that she understood that these nets were discussed last year. Wood stated that he brought the proposal for nets to a budget hearing, hoverer they were never placed on the list so he let it go. He stated that since that time, he has sent out for a quote.

 

by Heather Dohring