Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
The Madison City Commission met on Tuesday, Sept. 3, beginning with a show of appreciation to Church of Highlands, in Birmingham, Ala. The church sent a large group of volunteers, along with over a million dollars in equipment to tackle over 60 clean-up assignments valued at over $396,000. Madison Church of God Pastor Jason Justus received the certificate on behalf of the church.
After the first public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget, the commissioners voted 4-1 to both tentatively continue with a 7.0 millage rate and adopt the budget. Commissioner Byron Poore casted the dissenting vote in both cases.
In new business, the first reading of proposed Ordinance 2024-03 died for lack of a motion. The ordinance would have recognized the Hopkins Place, at 199 E. Base St., as a historic landmark. After discussion as to the value of making such a distinction, the commissioners agreed that more time for making a decision was needed.
The commissioners agreed by a 4-1 vote to enter into a building code administrator agreement with John Auer, of Jasper. Upon agreement with the terms of his contract, Auer will begin duties in October. As a building code administrator, Auer will provide the following services:enforce all applicable building codes and zoning ordinances of the city; regulate contractors and construction within the municipal limits of the city; handle the daily activities and operation of the building department of the city; and examine building plans and specifications for construction activities within the municipal limits of he city to insure structural soundness and conformity with all applicable building codes and zoning ordinances; issue building permits and collect fees for the city; review applications for mobile home permits and issuance of permits for those in compliance with current codes; insure all building permit applications comply with the city’s zoning ordinances; and conduct on-site inspections when necessary.
Commissioner Poore offered the dissenting vote, citing financial concerns. “Had we been doing this over the past six years, we would have lost money, said Poore. Auer’s annual salary is approximately $40,000. Poore had other concerns centered around the issue that Auer will not be dealing with abandoned properties, which has been a regular source of concern to citizens present at recent meetings. “Building inspectors and code enforcers are two different animals,” said Mayor Judy Townsend.
The issue of code enforcement was next on the agenda. City Manager Jerome Wyche stated that the city was following closely developments with the Madison County Commissioners’ pursuit of a magistrate to oversee code enforcement issues. “Based on the success of their actions, we hope to work with them,” said Wyche, who also indicated the salary for a part-time code enforcement officer would be approximately $40,000. The magistrate’s salary has not been determined. A magistrate would replace the current code enforcement board. The code enforcement officer would be responsible for addressing abandoned properties and other issues.
In the City Manager’s report, Wyche announced that the old Madison County Training School has been officially listed in the National Registry of Historic Places by the National Parks Service. This designation allows for agencies to apply for grants and other benefits for property restoration. He also updated the commissioners on the numerous upgrades and paving projects taking place throughout the city.
Furthermore, Wyche stated that the long-awaited opening of the Public Services Building is another step closer, as the power will soon be turned on. A projected completion date has not been made available from the contractor.
The next meeting of the Madison City Commission is set for Tuesday, Oct. 8, beginning at 5:30 p.m. All meetings are held at City Hall, located at 321 SW Rutledge St., in Madison.
