BY SARAH STEPHENS, OWNER/EDITOR EAN
Millbrook Fire Chief Larry Brown and his firefighters/medics were honored at Tuesday night’s Millbrook City Council meeting by the Muscular Dystrophy Association with a Golden Axe Award for raising $10,000 in the MDA Fill the Boot event held each year.
MDA Representative Angie Jordan explained that only six Golden Axes are given out each year, and Millbrook won this award for their division, relating to fire service area.
Every year the fire department takes part in events where firefighters/medics ask for donations, and for people to help fill a fire boot with money. That money is handed over to the MDA for research to help bring a cure for Muscular Dystrophy.
Another award for the evening went to Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley, presented by Police Chief P.K. Johnson, for his and his wife Brenda’s consistent help each year with Operation Blue Santa.
“We are so blessed by the tremendous amount of support that our community gives us each year to Blue Santa, but I wanted to present a special award to Mayor Kelley and Brenda, because every year they go above and beyond. We are extremely thankful for the Mayor’s support on behalf of the city for this event, but want to recognize both Mayor Kelley and his wife Brenda for supporting us in their private capacity as well,” Chief Johnson said.
During the regular meeting, the Council approved a resolution for authorizing Mayor Kelley funds to purchase a 2019 F-150 for the Utility Department at a cost not to exceed $24,337. The truck will replace a much older, well-used truck that would require a new engine to stay in service.
The Council also approved authorizing funds for Village Green Park parking lot improvements, not to exceed $25,000. Parks and Recreation Director Scott Davis explained that the parking lot along Main Street for Village Green is need of a facelift. He clarified that the area to be renovated is the front parking area, and not the back parking area by the Millbrook Civic Center.
The Council approved a resolution allowing funds for the purchase of copiers, print and service agreement. Council members learned that the previous lease agreement has lapsed, and this new agreement will save the city around $1,100 per month on expenses. At the end of the five-year agreement, the city will own the 16 copiers and a printer. The total cost over the five-year contract is $141,272.40, but again includes the $1,100 savings per month compared to the former lease agreement.
The Council also approved a job description for the Human Resources Director/Payroll Administrator at City Hall.
A public hearing was held for a request from Springhill Suites for an ABC License offering retail beer (on or off premises) and retail table wine (on or off premises.) There were no objections in the public hearing, and the Council approved the ABC license request on the part of the city.
The Council also approved multiple public assembly permits:
Walter Lacey Meet and Greet Feb. 16, 2020 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Minnie Massey Park.
Community Prayer Feb. 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Village Green stage.
First United Methodist Church Community Easter Egg Hunt April 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Village Green Park.
American Cancer Society Relay for Life April 23 from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Village Green Park.
Millbrook Farmers Market each Tuesday from May 12 to Aug. 11, 2020 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Village Green Park.
Hancock Family Spring Fling May 16, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Minnie Massey Park.
In other business, Economic Development Director Ann Harper talked about the upcoming 2020 Census, saying volunteers will be needed. The city will be offering a lot of information on how simple it now is to fill out paperwork. There will be a booth at Saturday’s Mardi Gras celebration at Village Green if anyone would like more information.
Speaking of Mardi Gras, Mayor Kelley reminded everyone to come out for a full day of activities beginning at 9 a.m. at Village Green. The parade will roll from Smokehouse Barbecue to the park at Noon.
“I understand that there is not a single spot left for vendors at the park. We are expecting a huge crowd, as always,” Mayor Kelley said. “This is a fantastic, family-oriented Mardi Gras celebration, and I invite everyone to downtown to have a great day of fun. We so appreciate the Millbrook Revelers for sponsoring this event every year and it just seems to get bigger and better.”
Also on the subject of the parade, Police Chief Johnson said he is asking for extra help from parents this year in watching their children for safety reasons.
“At the end of the parade, we have noticed that kids tend to run into the roadway to pick up candy, but there are cars behind the parade waiting to move forward,” Johnson said. “This just has the potential for disaster that can be avoided. We ask that you hold your kids back as the end the parade approaches you, please. This is a great event, and we don’t want it to end with a tragedy.”
