By MOLLIE BROWN / For the Reporter

 

CALERA – The Calera City Council approved Fire Chief Sean Kendrick’s request to hire part-time firefighters during its April 15 meeting. Kendrick said the fire department is comprised of 30 percent part-time personnel.

“Part-time hourly rate is about twenty percent less than a full-time firefighter, and also saves on benefits and other expenditures,” Kendrick said. It’s a good screen process for full-time employment. We can bring folks that are already qualified, it gives us a chance to work with them to see if they are a good fit for us and assess their skill set.”

Mayor Jon Graham agreed it’s a good process for hiring full-time personnel. Part-time firefighters are a budgeted item.

City Finance Director Roy Hadaway presented ordinance 2013-08 to the council. The ordinance allows reallocation of $1.6 million overage of a $8.7 million bond issued in 2008 to finish the infrastructure of the Publix Shopping Center. Expenditures will not include operations or personnel, only capital items.

Graham stated passage of the ordinance required unanimous consent. He received unanimous consent and the motion to adopt carried.

Councilman Ernest Montgomery asked Park and Recreation Director Seth Gandy to give an overview of events for the upcoming Strawberry Festival that will be held at Oliver Park on April 27 from 10 a.m – 2 p.m. Gandy said there will be new and returning vendors for the festival and lots of activities for kids.

In their April 1 meeting, Councilman David Bradshaw requested City Engineer Chris Pappas post a detailed design of the Sports Complex Project on the city website. Bradshaw asked Pappas if he had posted it. Pappas stated he understood Bradshaw’s request was for a project update. The complex is part of the sales tax increase, Bradshaw wants people to know what it will look like when it’s completed.

Graham updated the council on the I-65 exit 231 bridge project. Governor Bentley and the state highway director recommend the city pursue funding the project through ATRIP. Pappas has been charged with making application for the city. Police Chief Sean Lemley and Fire Chief Sean Kendrick will submit supporting documents concerning safety of the exit. Graham and city officials meet again with the highway director on Thursday, April 18.

Resolution No. 2013-03 pest control bid was awarded to the lowest bidder, Cook’s Pest Control. The contract is for 24 months at $375/mo.