By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The first order of business at the Dec. 18 Columbiana City Council meeting was recognizing this year’s Christmas parade award winners.

“I appreciate the interest and participation we had this year in our parade,” Councilwoman and parade coordinator Ouida Mayfield said, adding she appreciated city department heads and employees for their work before and during the parade. “These people made it possible. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to our Christmas parade.”

Fire Chief Johnny Howard Jr. presented trophies to the following winners:

 

• People’s Choice: Joy’s Dance Company

• Most Original: Trinity Contractors and South Shelby Baptist Church

• Christmas Spirit: Grace Community Chapel

• Best Christmas Theme: Faith Riders from Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Clanton

• Grand Champion: Sweet Potato Queens of Shelby County

The council also approved a resolution to declare surplus admin department IT items that were broken and not being used anymore. The items will be recycled.

In other business, the council:

• Authorized the hiring of Suzette Rape as a front desk clerk/bookkeeper for the city.
• Approved a pay increase for police department dispatcher Stephanie Kilgo for completion of training, effective on the next pay cycle (remaining a part-time employee).
• Approved a pay increase for Columbiana Public Library Director Shelia Gallups for completion of a probationary period, effective on the next pay cycle.