RB officials look to enhance department
RED BAY- Red Bay officials decided that it would be a good idea to work on establishing a better setup for their parks and recreation department and programs during their regularly scheduled council meeting Monday night.
Red Bay park and recreation chairman Mike Shewbart was on hand to pitch his idea for certain changes in the business aspect at the park and recreation department to the city council.
“I would like to request from the mayor and council to open up a park and recreation checking account to put funds that are made from things like sports generated fundraisers and revenues,” he said.
“These funds will be set aside for the purpose of paying for game related expenses only.”
After a brief discussion, the council approved for there to be a checking account established for the parks and recreation department with Shewbart in charge of maintaining it.
Another aspect the mayor and council have been discussing for the last few meetings is the decision to employ a full-time park and recreation director. A general job description was handed out during the last council meeting for members to see what type of duties this job will entitle to ultimately decide a pay-range.
“I have been researching the salary numbers that other people who currently hold this position in other cities are making,” said Red Bay Mayor Bobby Forsythe.
“I have taken the numbers and averaged them together and come up with $29,034 a year.”
Councilman Mike Stockton believes the number seems to be an accurate estimate, but felt like since the job is seasonal, a detailed job description specifying the exact requirements and duties of the position should be presented before making a final decision.
The council then decided to, rather than approve the position and salary, appoint a board to go over the details of the job and come up with a salary number that fits the position requirements. The board will consist of council members Charlene Fancher and Brad Bolton, along with chairman Shewbart, who has been on the park and recreation department board for several years.
The mayor and council also approved for the increased involvement from a council representative, mayor and school principal to play a role on the park and recreation departmental board.
The park and recreation director position is scheduled to be presented and considered at the next city council meeting on Monday, May 3 at 7 p.m. inside Red Bay city hall.
In other business:
• Fiber optic project is nearly complete, connection has been tested and there is a good signal. Workers will soon install a router to completely finish the project connecting the senior citizen building, city hall and the police department.
• Mayor and council passed an ordinance to recognize the sales tax holiday weekend, which will begin 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 6 and end at midnight on the following Sunday, August 8. The council has supported this cause every year since the Alabama Legislature passed an Act exempting sales tax for a time period during their 2006 regular session.
• The ADECA project, which included a $50,000 grant used to upgrade the city landfill, renovate landfill restrooms and build a multi-purpose pavilion, was approved by the council to be closed because of the fact the job was completely finished.
• Mayor Forsythe brought attention to May 6 as being recognized the “National Day of Prayer” and the City of Red Bay will participate with a ceremony at the pavilion at 12 p.m.
• Mayor Forsythe made a proclamation, proclaiming for the month of April to be recognized as “Fair Housing Month”
• The mayor and city council showed appreciation to the Franklin County Commission for their efforts, striving to get an accurate for this year’s census.
