Road work coming
Published 3:00 am Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Troy’s mayor received approval Tuesday to begin securing revenue for construction of two new major connector roads announced earlier this month as part of a major economic development project.
The council unanimously voted to approve the design and construction of the new roads connecting George Wallace and Franklin drives with Oak Park subdivision nd Enzor Road as well as the amendment to the 772 notice that provides financial incentives for Publix Super Markets, Inc. and Harbert Realty Services, Inc.
“Our attorneys drafted this resolution for the council if it be their wish to give me the authorization to go out and seek funds related to grants to obtain right away, and do all the necessary things that need to be done related to negotiations and what not for Enzor Road,” said Troy Mayor Jason Reeves during the council’s work session Tuesday.
Reeves assured council members prior to the council meeting that the city’s attorneys had worked closely with Publix and Harbert Realty. The city has promised the grocery store $1 million in incentives over 10 years. Reeves said Tuesday that the store would received $100,000 for its opening and $100,000 on each subsequent anniversary up to 10 years as long as it remains open “As a part of the lease with Publix we have to construct that road. The road has to be opened before Publix will open. We will hold the contractor accountable to that. They will have to be bonded in excess of $10 million and be sure they handle the project if anything and everyone is held accountable for their portion of this.”
Reeves said he believed the contract that was agreed upon and adopted kept all parties concerned accountable for their actions.
In other business, the city council revisited the awarding of bids for two pickup trucks to be used by the recycling department.
The council received two bids for the trucks with one from Bill Jackson Chevrolet for $22,326.9 and one from Ken Cox Ford for $22,228.98. Ken Cox Ford won the bid.
The city also awarded a bid of $247.90 a month for three years to Berney Office Solutions to allow for the police department to lease a Xerox copy machine. Police Chief Jimmy Ennis visited the council with his request stating that the department’s copier was currently going through a large amount of tonner and the department would benefit from leasing the piece of machinery.
The city council also gave the mayor authority to accept a grant on behalf of the fire department from the Firehouse Sub foundation, which will give the fire department approximately $18,000 to purchase four thermal imaging cameras that will help with search and rescue during fires.
“We have one that’s been around for about 20 years,” said fire chief Thomas Outlaw. “It’s been great but the only drawback is when we go into larger building where we really need more. This grant will pay for four thermal imaging cameras.”
Outlaw said the department would have an official release and check giving ceremony with Firehouse Subs later this month.
The council also had request from councilwoman Dejerlyn King Henderson to amend the city’s current credit card reimbursement policy. Henderson said she hoped the amendments would pass; however, the resolution died without a motion, much to Henderson’s disapproval. Council president Johnny Witherington said there were several items in Henderson’s amended policy that should be considered.
“Councilmember Henderson has presented the amended version of this, we adopted this policy by a unanimous vote and subsequently signed by Mayor Reeves. I personally believe the current policy has worked well and adequately served the purpose for which it was intended. I do not favor the changes, because I believe it removes some of the oversight and control that is entrusted to the mayor. There are a few items that are included that we should consider including in an amended version.”