MADISON – The Madison City Council took the first major step in turning what had become a burden to many residents into a positive addition to the city. The council voted last week to approve entering into a purchase agreement to obtain the old Three Springs juvenile detention center and convert it into a community center.

“The property consists of approximately 30 acres and has two buildings, which total a little over 34,000 square feet,” Madison planning director Mary Beth Broeren told city council members before vote. “The city would intend to use this as a community center, which will include the senior center.”

Broeren said the city is awaiting for an updated appraisal to be completed on the property, but the approval gives the city the go-ahead to negotiate a purchase price and complete the agreement.

For something that was such an issue for the community, it’s neat to see that being potentially turned into a positive impact for the community,” said city council member Greg Shaw.

The Three Springs facility on Brownsferry Road had been a troubling presence in Madison due to multiple escapes of juveniles housed in the detention center. It had been operated by Sequel TSI, but in August, the Madison City Council revoked it business licensee after a series of high profile escapes, including one tied to a homicide in 2017.

Madison Mayor Paul Finley announced the city’s plans to purchase the property at his State of the City address last month. “Over the next four to five years we will be turning that into a community center that takes our city to the next level,” he said.

Finley said the city will pay to purchase the facility partially by selling the old Madison Public Library, which is located on Plaza Blvd within feet of the library’s new location.

Plans include meeting spaces, an art room, a computer room and offices for non-profit agencies. The city also plans to relocate the Madison Senior Citizens to the facility.

“It has gyms, outdoor basketball, there is a pool and there are meeting rooms,” he continued. “This community center is going to be something that is special to our community.”

Finley also said there are 14 acres across the street for greenway development.

The Mayor’s Office said they plan to hold a press conference soon to provide more details about the purchase and plans. They expect the project to take about 5 years to complete.

In other business, the Madison City Council approved appropriations for three agencies.

They approving the annual appropriation agreement with the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) in the amount of $20,000. They also approved the appropriation agreement with the Enrichment Center (TEC) of $7,500; and approved an annual appropriation of $50,000 for the Madison Chamber of Commerce (MCC).

The city council approved a proposal by S&ME in the amount of $45,884.00 to re-design parts of the widening of Hughes Road due to a drainage issue, and approved a S&ME proposal in the amount of $83,952.18 to provide construction administration and resident project representative services for the widening of Hughes road.

They also approved a contract with Croy Engineering to provide construction engineering and inspection services for the widening of Sullivan St. from Madison Blvd. to Kyser Blvd.

The city council also approved the following bills and invoices to be paid:

A. Regular and periodic bills to be paid
B. Approval payment of $125,553.29 to Turner Construction for construction documents, bidding and construction services for multi-use venue stadium.
C. Authorization for payment to Alabama Concrete Company, Inc. in the amount of $995.00 for materials provided for the new public works facility.
D. Approval of payment in the amount of $300 to OMI, Inc., for NPDES inspection services with Palmer Park Rejuvenation – Phase I.
E. Authorization for payment to 5R Design Professional Corporation in the amount of $5,797.80 for architectural service provided for the new public works facility.
F. Approval of payment for $11,509.96 to TriGreen Equipment for field maintenance equipment for the multi-use venue stadium.
G. Authorization for payment to Fite Construction Company, LLC in the amount of $216,673.71 for materials provided for the new public works facility.
H. Approval of payment in the amount of $835,471.00 To Hoar Construction LLC for construction of multi-use venue stadium.
I. Resolution No. 2020-48-R authorizing agreement with Staples Contract & Commercial, LLC, for provision of NCR Forms for Court Department.
J. Approval of payment to SJ&L General Contractors, LLC in the amount of $112,323.90 representing partial payment #3 for work completed on Wall Triana Multi-Use Path through 01/30/2020.
K. Approval of payment in the amount of $541,600.00 to Musco Sports Lighting, LLC, for Palmer Park pole replacement.
L. Approval of payment in the amount of $4,629.00 to Sunbelt Rentals for a Wacker Neuson electric plate compactor AP1850E, battery and battery charger for multi-use venue stadium.
M. Approval of payment in the amount of $45,283.54 to Populous Group for construction administration construction services for multi-use venue stadium.
N. Approval of payment in the amount of $42,082.70 to OFS Brands for multi-use venue furniture.
O. Approval of payment in the amount of $11,642.40 to Safco Products for multi-use venue furniture.
P. Approval of payment in the amount of $23,788.00 Hogan’s Mechanical Services, LLC, for Palmer Park lighting.
Q. Approval of payment in the amount of $3503.60 to Jesse Stutts for locks at the Madison Public Library.