HANCEVILLE – The City of Hanceville is moving forward with its plan to pursue accreditation as an Alabama Community of Excellence (ACE). Last night, the Hanceville City Council approved a motion to apply for acceptance to the ACE program. If its application is accepted, the city will begin a three-phase project geared toward developing community programs and tools for long-term economic success.
The ACE website describes the phases and immediate results of "graduation":
Phase I: Assessment
An ACE Team of experts across a range of topics visits the community, and based on their observations develops a comprehensive “report card” detailing community assets and recommending possible strategies.
Phase II: Leadership development and strategic planning
With guidance from a skilled ACE facilitator, the community develops a strategic plan, including formal vision and mission statements and goals and actions items for implementing the strategies. Phase II also includes establishment of an ongoing Leadership Development Program.
Phase III: Implementation and comprehensive planning
During Phase III, the community begins implementation of the strategic plan created during Phase II, and initiates work on a comprehensive plan that will be a long-term guide for development of infrastructure and community facilities.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of all three phases, communities are designated an Alabama Community of Excellence. Graduating communities are recognized at the Alabama League of Municipalities annual convention.
In other business, the council approved the continuation of two previously-appointed members of city boards:
* Lucille Powell, to the Mental Health Board until 2023
* Jimmy Morgan, to the Industrial Development Board until 2023.
The council also voted to place an office trailer up for surplus auction on www.govdeals.com with a reserve price of $1,500
Police Chief Bob Long reported that the high school regional basketball tournament at Wallace State drew approximately 8,000-9,000 visitors. He also mentioned the upcoming 5K Pi Run, to take place at 9 a.m. on March 11 to support the Hanceville math team. Lastly, Long talked about an opportunity his seven Explorers have to attend an area meeting in Birmingham with Shaquille O'Neal in three weeks. He will be contacting local area businesses to help cover the $2,500 cost for the seven students to attend.
Fire Chief Rodger Green gave a month-to-date report on Hanceville Fire Department calls:
* 55 total calls
* 10 fires, including Garden City and other locations outside Hanceville
* 3 automobile accidents
* 42 medical calls
Green also noted the reception of a matching fund grant from the Alabama State Forestry Commission of up to $5,000, to equip the department's Gator ATV for deep woods firefighting and river rescue.
Mayor Kenneth Nail encouraged council members to think of a few specific items to request of legislators in Montgomery. Instead of multiple general requests, he hopes to present a handful of targeted projects, with the idea that specific items from a unified council might be given more attention and consideration than generalities.
Lastly, Councilwoman Kim Brown reminded the council about the upcoming NASP archery tournament at Hanceville High School on Mar. 16-17.
The Hanceville City Council meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Hanceville City Hall at 6:30 p.m. with work session at 6. The public is invited to attend.
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