MADISON – On April 9, Madison City Council approved $123,000 in annual appropriations to three local organizations.

Emergency Management Agency or EMA Director Jeff Birdwell accepted the city’s annual appropriation of $53,000. Chip Cherry, Executive Director of Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County, received $25,000 for the group’s annual contribution.

Council increased the appropriation for Madison Chamber of Commerce from $30,000 to $45,000.

Sarah Sledge, Branch Manager of Madison Public Library, discussed the 60th annual anniversary of National Library Week. Jenetta Wilson with Friends of the Library presented a $16,000 donation to Sledge for the library.

Mayor Paul Finley said the city has received needed right-of-ways to move forward with the Zierdt Road project.

Council approved payment to Populous Group LLC for a baseball stadium study at $26,242.75 and to OMI Inc. for geotechnical engineering services for air-supported covering on Dublin Park’s outdoor pool for $969.10.

The city will buy a mini excavator, CAT 259D Skid Steer, Ford F450 truck, tractor and dingo, along with trade-in of 2006 CAT 420E Backhoe for purchase of new backhoe for use by Public Works.

The legal department awarded the bid at approximately $4,700 monthly to Eagle Cleaning Service Inc. for Madison Public Library’s 25,000 square feet.

City Attorney Megan Zingarelli scheduled a public hearing about business license of Mayo Bivens with Picture Perfect Kutz on Madison Boulevard. Madison police officers have seized illegal gambling machines in this area, and the business license has not been paid.

District 1 Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski said Madison ReadyFest will be held April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1297 Slaughter Road in Madison. Madison ReadyFest can help families prepare for emergencies, like severe weather, financial problems and health crises.

Also on April 14, Insanity Complex will host Madison Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by Taste the Spirit of Madison from 6 to 9 p.m. to sample food from about 30 restaurants and craft breweries, Wroblewski said.

City Revenue Director Cameron Grounds received approval for request of liquor license from Hunt Club Burgers n Grill, 10871 County Line Road, along with beer/wine licenses for Walgreen’s (operating as Rite Aid) at 8000 Madison Blvd. and 298 Hughes Road.

Director of Engineering Gary Cheyoweth added The Cove at Eastview and Moore’s Creek, Phase 3 into the city’s maintenance program and authorized permissive use agreement involving drainage with Murphy Homes Inc.

Street sweeping in 2018 cleared all curb-and-gutter streets in Madison of 170 tons of material, which was moved to landfills.

Fire Chief David Bailey will pursue a clinical affiliation agreement for training EMTs with Calhoun Community College.

Mary Beth Broeren in planning has scheduled a public hearing on May 14 to rezone 120 acres, just east of Wall Triana, in Town Madison.

Broeren presented a conceptual plan for the Children’s Garden project at Madison Public Library. The garden will be about the same size as the former one and will be fenced. On April 23, Broeren will report on budget requirements.

Kory Alfred, Director of Parks and Recreation, gained approval for training software with Vermont Systems Inc. and a facility use agreement with Kimberly Shaw for infant swim program. He rejected bids for an addition at Palmer Park and will reissue alternate bids, with committed assistance from County Commissioner Steve Haraway.

The revenue department’s resolution was approved for State Sales Tax Holiday for school supply purchases on July 21-22.

Finley reminded residents that he and Madison City Schools Superintendent Robby Parker will host community meetings for public feedback about the effect of Madison’s expanding population on the quality of education. Meetings are scheduled for April 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Bob Jones High School and on April 22 at 3 p.m. at James Clemens High School.

Finley designated April 2018 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and June 8 as First Responders Day.

Council agreed with Council President Tommy Overcash’s suggestion to reschedule the council meeting on May 28 (Memorial Day) to May 29.