City supports county plan to construct emergency center

By Holly Green

The Huntsville City Council took a step to support Walker County Tuesday night, participating in its plan to seek funds for an emergency operating center.

The council met in regular session at City Hall.

Councilmembers voted unanimously to participate with the county in applying for a Homeland Security Grant and commit to a one-time contribution of up to $50,000 for in-kind services toward the project.

The Walker County Commissioners Court approved the proposal to apply for the grant during a meeting last week.

Jean Sanders, director of public safety, and Walker County Judge Danny Pierce both attended the council meeting to talk about the project.

“This is a good thing for the city,” Sanders said. “It’s part of the strategic plan the city has developed ... and (the contribution) is a reasonable amount of participation in the project.”

Sanders said the center would house the central personnel such as first responders and government entities to continue communication in the event of a disaster.

The center would be constructed adjacent to the Justice Center at the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.

The Homeland Security grant totals $1.3 million with a 25 percent match, cash or in-kind. Any cash match would be provided by the county.

“The current center is located in the training room of the Walker County Sheriff’s Office,” Sanders said. “It does very well ... but if we took a direct hit in the event of a hurricane, terrorist attack or other disaster of that magnitude, we would not be able to communicate with other entities in the necessary manner needed.

“This building would be much better prepared and equipped for these kinds of disasters.”

Councilmembers also authorized the city manager to execute the contract with the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County to manage the city’s After School Recreation Program at a cost not to exceed $16,560 with additional funding for scholarships in an amount not to exceed $750 for the 2008-09 school year.

Matt Lumpkins, interim director of community services, attended the meeting, reporting that the club has had a busy summer.

Fees for the Boys and Girls Club are $15 per year.

The council began its regular session with a budget workshop, including talks on supplemental requests and capital projects. The workshop was also continued after the regular session.

A presentation was made by Beautification Committee to Dianne Fuller, recognizing her partnership with the committee to make the community a better place.

Mayor J. Turner also presented Proclamation 2008-09 for United Cultural Diversity Day.

During the regular session, the council also approved:

• Minutes of July 1 City Council meetings with corrections.

• Authorizing the city manager to execute a three-year contract with SHI Government Solutions for Microsoft licensing and software assurance in an amount not to exceed $55,612 per year for a total three-year contract amount not to exceed $166,863.

• Awarding the bid to and authorize the city manager to execute the contract with Absolute Industries Inc. for the Boettcher Drive 6-inch sewer project bid in an amount not to exceed $66,548.99.

• Awarding the bid to and authorize the city manager to execute the contract with Doughtie Construction Co. Inc for the 13th Street and Sycamore 8-inch sewer relocate project bid in an amount not to exceed $19,192.35.

• Awarding the bid to and authorize the city manager to execute the contract with Doughtie Construction Co. Inc for the 13th Street and Sycamore 8-inch sewer relocate project bid in an amount not to exceed $19,192.35.

• Appointing councilmember Clarence Griffin to the City Council Personnel Committee and councilmembers Lanny Ray and Wayne Barrett as the Channel 7 Contract Ad Hoc Review Committee members.