By Alison James

alison.james@fct.wpengine.com

A resolution authorizing Russellville’s Mayor David Grissom to execute the last in a series of ALDOT Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program projects was approved at Monday’s city council meeting.

This effort includes resurfacing Duncan Creek Road from Russellville City Limits to Lake Drive; on County Road 63 from Hester Line Road to Walnut Gate Road; on Jackson Avenue from U.S. Highway 43 to U.S. Highway 43; and on Lawrence Street from State Route 24 to U.S. Highway 43. to the tune of $1,180,330, 80 percent funded by ATRIP money. The council also approved a bid from Rogers Group for the project and the city’s matching funds not to exceed $291,210.

“We, throughout the process, have worked diligently to try to make sure we don’t get in a situation where we overshoot the available funds,” Palmer said. “It’s been a long process from day 1 to where we are now … This is a once-in-a-lifetime project – the largest project in the history of the state of Alabama when it comes to funding local governments infrastructure.

“I’m just happy and feel very blessed to have been a part of such a humongous program,” Palmer added, citing the benefits of the road improvements for not only the citizens who use them but as an impact on economic development. “Ten years down the road or 20 years down the road, this program will be looked back on as something really special.”

Mayor David Grissom thanked Palmer for everything he had done to keep the projects running smoothly.

“Twenty percent of the city’s mileage (being paved) – that’s unprecedented,” Grissom said. “I’m glad we were able to be a part of it.”

Grissom also announced the city was approved for a grant for the sidewalk improvement project – $234,062 through the state from the Federal Transportation Alternative Program.

The city also:

– entered into an agreement with the Northwest Alabama RC&D for $1,300 toward the renovation of Hal Kirby park

–  approved a contract with Coca-Cola

– accepted resignation from Police Sergeant Jesse McKinney

– declare vacancy for police sergeant to be filled from within the Classified Service

– hired two police dispatchers, Jordan Frances Testerman and Travis Anthony Trotter

– hired Shirley McSpadden as accounts payable clerk

– appointed Belinda Miller as city clerk/treasurer; Miller has been acting clerk since late 2014 following the retirement of the previous clerk

– waived rental fee for the A.W. Todd Centre on Dec. 19 for the annual Christmas Extravaganza

– approved storm shelter hook-ups

– declared a vacancy for a patrol officer in the Russellville police department and added two names to the civil service list