CULLMAN – The Cullman City Council met on Monday evening, recognizing the Cullman High School Boys’ soccer team for their state championship, the East Elementary archery team for their city, county, regional, state and world championships, and Mrs. Elaine Fuller for her acceptance into the Alabama Tourism Hall of Fame. Each was given an official commendation.
As the crowd cheered on the soccer team after their recognition, Mayor Max Townson could be heard saying, “We appreciate that. It brings people into Cullman, showcase it!” referring to multiple state finals and local festivals being conducted at the same time in the spring of this year.
The East Elementary archery team, comprised of students in grades 4-6, was recognized for their impressive archery season ranging from first place in Cullman County, first place in the state of Alabama, second place nationally and first place in their world division to the delight of many proud parents in attendance.
Celebrating with those in attendance, Townson was noted as saying, “Let’s keep it going,” in reference to the great accomplishments of those two teams and teams across the Cullman City School system.
Cullman County Museum Curator, Elaine Fuller, received a certificate of recognition from Townson for her more than 40 years of service as the only curator of the Cullman County Museum, for her promotion of tourism to the city and for her role in statewide tourism as an executive member of the Alabama Mountain Lake Tourism Association, which culminated in her being conducted into the Alabama Tourism Hall of Fame.
The council started conducting business shortly after the recognitions were complete. Fire Chief Edward Reinhardt purchased new equipment from the City of Hanceville in the unbudgeted amount of $30,000 which was a savings of $22,000 from the normal price of the new equipment, according to Reinhardt. The equipment was incompatible with what Hanceville has, but can be used by Cullman Fire Rescue.
Water and Sewer Superintendent Chris Freeman was given approval to purchase a work truck from Mitch Smith Chevrolet, to not exceed the budgeted amount of $45,000.
Three special event requests were approved by the council. The Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation is set to hold their annual motorcycle ride at Cullman Regional Center on Oct. 8 from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Life Chain Cullman plans on holding a prayer vigil on the sidewalks of the Cullman County Courthouse on Oct. 8 from 12:30-2p.m. Lastly, Daystar House Incorporated will hold a 5K Pilgrim’s Trail and Fun Run on the campus of St. Bernard on Nov.24 from 7 a.m.- 2 p.m.
The City of Cullman Board of Design Review recommended a request by Jock Leonard, representing Mead Investments, LLC, to improve the landscaping in the right-of-ways surrounding the retail center located at the corner of Second Street Southeast and Third Avenue Southeast. The request was tabled based on a possible misunderstanding and will be reconsidered at a later date.
In other business, the council voted to vacate a right-of-way owned by the City and located at 1409 Main Ave NE. The decision to vacate and surplus Brantley Ave NW was sent to the Planning Commission for further review. Both areas are said to no longer be needed by the City for public or municipal purposes.
Cullman Consultants requested professional engineering services for the 2016 FEMA project related to the City’s waste water treatment plant. The project started after the Christmas flood of 2015, for which the City received close to $2 million from the federal agency.
The City approved a recycling contract with JCR Recycling for the amount of $1,000 per month which keeps Cullman’s recycling within the city rather than having to take the material to Hartselle to be recycled at a larger cost.
Two bids were awarded which included tree removal and cleanup at 730 Sixth Avenue SE and at 607 Eighth Street SE to Reeve’s and Son LLC in the amounts of $1,245 and $1,045, respectively.
Two finial resolutions in the form of grant applications were approved by the council. One of which was an application for an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant which would allow broadband internet infrastructure in the city to be expanded; another application was approved for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and ARC funds for an industrial project.
Lastly, the board reappointed Dr. Edward Mahan to the medical board two; council member John Cook abstained from voting on this matter.
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