By AMY JONES / Associate Editor

HOOVER — Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey talked about the city of Hoover’s growth and economic recovery during a state of the city address March 21.

Ivey, who was speaking at the Hoover Rotary Club meeting, said the city is “in great shape” and city revenues are trending up.

“We’ve got $33 million in reserve,” Ivey said. “Unlike a lot of our sister cities, we’re in great shape.”

Ivey spoke about several new businesses opening in Jefferson and Shelby counties, including a new Winn-Dixie supermarket moving into a vacant 60,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Bruno’s in Inverness Corners.

“With other cities struggling to fill empty stores, our big boxes are pretty much full,” Ivey said. “Other cities aren’t seeing what we’re experiencing with growth.”

Ivey also mentioned the city’s Hazardous Waste Day, which has been set for April 28 from 8 a.m.-noon and will accept materials such as gas, oil, ammunition and non-prescription drugs.

Ivey, who has been mayor since the end of September 2011, said he’s enjoyed his first six months in office.

“People really do want to be part of the city,” he said. “People want to feel safe and want a good school system, but we have a lot more than that to offer.”

For more information about the Hazardous Waste Day, contact the city of Hoover at 444-7500.