By Sam Poe
Monday, April 15, 2013 | 10:04 PM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=1534
The Haleyville City Council met Monday morning with all members present. The council approved corrections to minutes from the previous council meeting. A statement was added to reflect that the vote on the Economic Development Plan was not approved for immediate consideration and was moved to the meeting on the 15th. The general operational expenditures for the month of March was approved in the amount of $372,400.02.
The council approved to put an Economic Development Plan in place for the City of Haleyville, but they reserved the right to discuss and clarify application qualifications for businesses who plan to apply for assistance. Councilman Jonathan Bennett voted no on passage of this plan.
Next, the council approved a one time pay supplement for city employees to be paid in December. Part-time employees will receive $50, and full time employees with less than one year will receive $75. Full-time employees with more than one year of service will receive $75 plus $10 for every year of service to the city.
The council also voted to approved refinancing a bond with the Haleyville City School System. The refinance will not add money to the current debt, and it will be financed for the same term as it is set up on now. However, the interest rate will be lower, and several repairs can be made across the school campuses with the money saved with the refinance.
The council then voted to approve accepting liability for the sign at the entrance of the Briarwood Subdivision. The sign is currently on the right of way, and the county is unable to begin repaving Dime Road because of the issue. The city now assumes responsibility for the sign, and the county is free to begin repairs to the road.
Finally, the council voted to approve hiring a relief fireman. This position will be used when the current firemen are unable to work due to vacation or sick leave. Brandon Lewis was the only qualified applicant for the job, and the council voted to hire. The pay rate is $11.30 per hour.
A presentation by representatives of Action Properties, which holds an option on the current Wal-Mart building plans to locate retail establishments in the building after it has been vacated. The company is asking the city for a rebate of 30% of sales taxes over seven years generated by the businesses in the company's development. The rebate would be capped at $300,000. This plan is the same as has been adopted by Hamilton and Jasper.
A special called council work session will be held Friday at 10 a.m. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6.