STATE OF THE CITY REPORT The City of Alabaster experienced another great year last year, as CityFest drew over 60,000 people and the Parks and Recreation Department opened a brand new Senior Activities Center for the city's seniors. Here are a few more highlights from the City Departments for 2010:
Parks & Recreation
The biggest event for Parks and Recreation was the opening of the new Senior Center. The new center enabled the introduction of new activities like Zumba Gold, Line Dancing, Tempo exercising and knitting. Since opening the new center, the number of senior citizens participating has more than doubled. Parks and Recreation also had a very healthy turnout for youth athletics. The fall season saw 923 participants across football, cheerleading, soccer, fall baseball and Start Smart. The winter season saw basketball numbers increase from 200 to 305. The spring sport season drew 1,049 young athletes. Throughout the year, the department also hosted various special events like Bark in the Park, Movies in the Park, Arbor Day, Teen and Tween Tuesdays, Celebrate America, the Fall Walk, the Pat Wachter Bowl Contest, and multiple baseball and softball tournaments held at Veterans Park.
members. In terms of computer usage, the number of users of the Internet computers was 17,332. For the year, the library also conducted 250 inlibrary programs with a total attendance of 5,542 and held 33 outreach programs outside the library with an attendance of 496. Last year, the library participated in the state's first-ever reading initiative, The Big Read: Alabama Reads "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." It held 16 programs and gave away 250 copies of the novel. The library also held computer classes for adults and offered "AARP Tax Help" for senior citizens and residents with disabilities. The library was open seven days a week for a total of 3,033 hours.
Building Safety / Planning & Zoning
The number of building permits issued for new homes declined in 2010 as the Department of Building Safety issued 29 new residential home permits, compared to 49 new permits the previous year. Commercial building permits on the other hand actually increased from 41 new permits to 51. One development was National Tire & Battery, which built a new facility off Jimmy Gould Drive. In 2010, the City of Alabaster Housing Abatement Board was created to address abandoned Albert L. Scott Library or neglected homes. The The library had another City also hired a full-time busy year as it circulated engineer to assist with civil approximately 201,927 and environmental issues. items and added 6,290 new In terms of revenue, the items. It also increased department generated over membership by 1,953 new $105,000 through building, 2 Check out the city’s new web site at www.cityofalabaster.com
zoning, and land disturbance fees for the year 2010.
Fire & Rescue Service
Environmental Services Environmental Services is responsible for treating and discharging wastewater from the City of Alabaster back into the natural water flow. In 2010, it processed 1,175,250,000 gallons of wastewater at an average of 3,219,863 gallons per day, while maintaining a removal rate of over 99.64 percent. The department also maintains over 100 miles of
In 2010, the Fire Department once again maintained a minimum of four men per apparatus. The four-man standard has been shown to reduce death and injury and is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association. The Alabaster department is one of the few in the state to consistently meet this high standard. (CON’T ON PAGE 22) The department also excelled in the areas of emergency medical services and training. The department logged nearly 12,000 hours of training and received 49 state or nation- Official Publication of the City of Alabaster al certifications. 201 First Street N. The year also saw a low Alabaster, AL 35007 number of structure fires as Published Monthly the department continued its work in prevention and Editorial Board education. The prevention The Public Relations division inspected over 500 Committee of the Alabaster City Council businesses and re-inspected over 300. The department Committee Chair trained over 2,100 kids and Councilwoman Sophie Martin young adults in fire safety and certified 728 people in Councilman Rick Walters CPR. Councilman Police Department Bob Hicks In 2010, Alabaster Editor Police officers responded to Ted Vodde more than 28,000 calls, Contributors worked 990 traffic acciJohn Brackin dents, and drove over David Storey 530,000 miles on patrol. M.E. Spencer They also made 2,262 Eric Starling arrests. Department detecDanny Doyle tives were assigned 1,161 Dawn South We welcome your criminal cases to investicomments & gate and closed a remarksuggestions. able 97.9 percent of those Call 620-5505 cases. In those cases, the Fax 664-6841 or detectives also obtained 431 e-mail at warrants for arrest. tedvodde@gmail.com Copyright 2011 City of Alabaster
March, 2011
“WALK WITH ME” EVENT APRIL 2 AT VETS PARK Easter Seals of the Birmingham Area will be holding its fifth annual "Walk With Me" fundraiser on Saturday, April 2 at Veterans Park. The annual event, which raises money for the Easter Seals pediatric clinic, will also be adding an exciting new element this year, a 5K run. "It's called Run for a Reason, and it will be that same morning," said Kelli Keith, the director of marketing and development for Easter Seals. The two events will be held back-to-back, with registration for the run beginning at 7 a.m., followed by the run at 8 a.m. Registration for "Walk With Me" will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the walk set to begin at 9:30 a.m. Like the walk, this year's
Run for a Reason will take place at Veterans Park, and Keith said she expects it to be a fun, fast course. "The Parks and Recreation Department has been wonderful. They put us in touch with some local schools that have track teams that run out there, and they have mapped out a 5K course for us," Keith said. "It's a flat course, and it's a fast course for the people that really enjoy running." Previous years' events were held in March, but this year, Easter Seals decided to move it back a month to help ensure the largest possible participation. "There are so many events that go on in the spring and a lot of them start in March so we're try-
ing not to compete with other events," said Keith. "We also wanted to make sure it's a little bit warmer, so that's why we went with the first week in April." Keith said the run is also a good opportunity for beginning runners to get involved. "For first time runners, if they decide they want to try a 5K, then this is a great opportunity to do that because it's a flat course," she said. For the past four years, the event has represented a major source of funding for the Easter Seals. Last year's "Walk With Me" event raised $67,000. "Our mission is to never turn anyone away based on their ability to
pay. For us to be able to uphold our mission, we have to have fundraisers," said Keith. "The main purpose of this is to raise funds for the pediatric therapy clinic. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the pediatric therapy clinic." In addition to the two main events, participants can also look forward to a morning full of activities. "We'll have Jason Simpson again this year from ABC 33/40 and Dollar Bill from 102.5 'The Bull.' We're also planning to have a band again, moon bounces for the children, food, facepainting, and all the fun things we've had before," said Keith. For more information, visit the Easter Seals website at www.eastersealsbham.org.
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March, 2011
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March, 2011
C I T Y L E A D E R S. . . David Frings
Jim McClain
Mayor
Council President Ward 5
frings@cityofalabaster.com This month we highlight the overall state of our city. I am proud to say that while we have had some trying times due to the nationwide economic decline, our financial status has remained strong and our rating by the bonding agencies has stayed at an investment grade rating. We accomplished this by asking ourselves those hard questions such as “do we have cost-saving technology in place” or “is the way in which we have always done it really the best way?” Sometimes the answer is yes but often the answer to our question comes back that we need a change in the process. This self-evaluation process has allowed us to weather this storm and approach the other side of the storm in the best financial shape possible for a bright Alabaster future. Since the economic storm is not completely gone, this does not mean that there will not be the need for future sacrifices, changes in operations, and modifications in operational procedures. These are and will be required as we move forward. Alabaster continues to be the economic retail hub for Shelby County even during these bad times. This is evident when you look around town and see that over the past six months we have added Brooklere Pharmacy, Dollar Tree, National Tire and Battery, Battery Plus and more to our retail family. These businesses add new jobs as well as revenues that are needed to operate the city. Please remember to shop our businesses first and let them know that we all appreciate them for choosing Alabaster. Someone asked me the other day, “Does Alabaster receive any taxes from gasoline?” I answered “yes, that is how we collect the funds to pave the city roads”. Buying your gasoline prior to leaving the city greatly helps use in the implementation of our annual paving plan so please keep that in mind the next time you need a fill-up. The largest capital project that we have most recently undertaken was the Alabaster Senior Center. We were able to build the center with no debt thanks to partnering with others. Thanks to funds that have been received from Senator Cam Ward and Representative Mike Hill, we are able to begin an outdoor recreation area for the seniors. Shelby County has begun paving work on a short loop walking track behind the center. This track will connect to the Buck Creek Trail for those that are able to walk or run longer distances on uneven surfaces. The recreation area will include exercise equipment, a horse-shoe pit, and a shuffleboard court. This area will provide hours of enjoyment for our senior citizens. Please join me in thanking the Shelby County Commission, Senator Cam Ward, and Representative Mike Hill for their generous contributions! A state of the city update would not be complete without a “what’s to come” section. In the remainder of this year and several to come, Alabaster will be faced with new costs for environmental upgrades to meet new regulations on the waste-water treatment plant. EPA and ADEM are changing the phosphate requirement and the result will cost Alabaster and other Shelby County cities millions of dollars. Alabaster is also faced with the job of securing partially developed subdivisions and the roads where developers have simply walked away. Bonds are in place for some of these funds but not all. I am working on a plan to present to the council that will address these needs. I appreciate the patience that those of you that reside in these areas have shown. We will get these areas properly secured and the roads fixed. We are also continuing to market Alabaster to attract new businesses. We have an industrial developer that has submitted plans for a business that could bring several hundred jobs in the very near future. We need to help put those of you without a job back to work and we will continue to do this through positive marketing and blue ribbon support once they come to Alabaster. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your mayor!
mcclain@cityofalabaster.com In this issue we present the State of the City report to you. This comprehensive look at the work of city departments on your behalf will help you understand the scope of city operations throughout the year. I’m proud to be a part of the City and would like to thank the men and women who work so hard in all the departments of the city to help keep Alabaster the great place it is to work and play. I would like to welcome the new Dollar Tree to the Colonial Promenade Alabaster. I was happy to be able to stop by for their ribbon cutting. It’s exciting to see new businesses come to town and that’s a real feather in our cap and optimism for the economy. Check out the new city web page when you get a chance by going to www.cityofalabaster.com We’ve tried to make the site more interactive and user friendly with our citizens in mind. I would like to give a special thanks to our city administrator, George Henry, for his hard work on this project. With March comes the start of spring sports. Be sure to check out the Parks and Recreation department’s page to see the dates for the upcoming events when spring sports kick off. Also, the Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting the Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America National Specialty April 4-8. The event is unique for the Parks and Recreation Department and will feature a variety of different dog competitions throughout the week. According to the AKC, the curly-coated retriever is an athletic breed that's distinguished by the small, tight curls in its coat. They were developed to be multipurpose hunting dogs and are capable of retrieving game in all types of weather. We’re excited to have this national level event come to the city. Please come out and support this event. Congratulations to Thompson Middle School student Caleb Norton whose local hockey team went on to win the National Championships held in Ontario, Canada. Way to go! Spring is finally here! Don’t forget to set your clock ahead at 2 a.m. on Saturday night March 13. Time to Spring Forward! With the coming of spring, let’s take a break from computer and game screens and get out into the fresh air in a city park and get some exercise. You’ll be the better for it.
Check out the city’s new web site at www.cityofalabaster.com
March, 2011
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C I T Y L E A D E R S. . . Sophie Martin Ward 1
martin@cityofalabaster.com
A full Abatement Board is now in place. I will continue to move forward and work hard to have abandoned and hazardous structures demolished along Highway 11. This will be a major improvement for Ward 1 and our community. The smoking ordinance recently passed by the City Council will be implemented this month. When visiting your restaurant of choice in Alabaster, signage posted on the restaurant's exterior will let you know if they are a smoke-free establishment. Log on to the new city website at www.cityofalabaster.com. This innovative website is an excellent tool that provides more convenience to Alabaster residents including registering and paying for services online. It also provides important and helpful information to people interested in visiting or moving to our City. Please feel free contact me by phone or e-mail if you have any questions or issues regarding Ward 1 or the City of Alabaster. Blessings, Sophie
Bob Hicks Ward 2
hicks@cityofalabaster.com
I am excited that the millage tax for education was renewed. Our schools are fighting very hard to provide the best possible education for our children, and the city does each year offer any financial support we are able, but the needs of the Shelby County Schools in Alabaster are many. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to print money, only the government can do that and they have strict rules about giving it away. This will take long-range planning by the school board. I am also excited to see the progress on repairing subdivision roads that is slowly beginning to fall into place. Some developers are stepping up to honor their commitments, and the banks holding bonds are providing a little for those who are not. Kudos to our city administration for bulldogging these issues. A special thanks to city adminstrator George Henry who hit the ground running a while back and has done an outstanding job. He works incredible hours with a passion for success, and works with his young family to boot. Kudos, brother George. I hope everyone in the city will appreciate the hard work of George and the entire city hall team as they work to make our city a great place for families, looking toward the future. Finally, my son Kyle is slowly progressing in a hospital in Atlanta. We have a long way to go, and are thankful for the support of so many people who have expressed their concern and love. God bless you all for who you are. Grace and peace, Bob.
Adam Moseley Ward 3
moseley@cityofalabaster.com
March brings about the implementation of the Smoking Ordinance that was passed last year. At this time, all restaurants will have to declare whether they are a smoking or non-smoking establishment. This will be labeled on the entrances to let you know beforehand whether smoking is allowed and then you can decide whether you wish to patronize the establishment. A thank you is in order for the Beautification Board on another successful Arbor Day for Alabaster! Have a safe and fun-filled Spring Break! Adam 6
Check out the city’s new web site at www.cityofalabaster.com
March, 2011
C I T Y L E A D E R S. . . Rick Walters Ward 4
walters@cityofalabaster.com
It looks like cold weather may finally be behind us and the season of yard work and spring cleaning is here. Please keep in mind that yard clippings, branches and shrubbery is to be kept separate from your household trash that our Public Works crews collect. We have to separate those items when we take them to the landfill or else we are charged more to do so. Grass clippings and leaves are to be bagged - not just placed in front of your house or dumped in our storm drain ditches. Yard debris placed in drainage ditches restricts the flow of rainwater and costs all of us money to have them cleaned out. Revenues appear to be on the upswing compared to last year and we appreciate everyone for doing their best to Buy Alabaster First. Sales and Property tax are two of our biggest sources of revenue but we can also help fund our city services by buying gasoline in our city. These revenues are all we have to repair and pave roads within our city limits. Approximately 13 cents per gallon come back to Alabaster in the form of local, county and state tax that is added to the cost per gallon at the pump. Usually when gasoline goes up it is because of the cost of oil (petroleum), which in turn raises the price of asphalt. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you -Keep in Touch!
Scott Brakefield Ward 6
brakefield@cityofalabaster.com
The State of the City update is included in this newsletter and I hope that you all have a chance to review. Although we have weathered the economic downturn fairly well, we must continue to look to ways to improve our City. We have come a long way over the past 10 years. We now have excellent shopping centers that provide our residents an opportunity to spend locally. We have numerous restaurants to choose from. But, what about all our other needs? We need to continue to push to address needs such as a new City Hall, an expanded Library, continued development in our parks, a new Police Station, etc. We are not out of the economic downturn quite yet. Many forecast the toughest budget year at the State and Local levels to be the 2011-2012 budget. We very well may need to tighten our belts further. But we cannot lose sight of what we want our City to become. We should want the best, strive for the best, and expect the best.
Tommy Ryals Ward 7
ryals@cityofalabaster.com
There are some issues/projects that have been discussed lately (some for a very long time) that may affect the state of the traffic in Alabaster: •Hwy 87 and 31- the state is installing a new traffic light. The City has to pay to move utilities and has to commit to maintain the light (normal practice) •Hwy 31 and Old 31 near limestone plant-we may have some breakthrough on extending Fulton Springs Road to Hwy 31. The state has committed to a traffic signal here when it's finished. This would eliminate one of the worst intersections in the City. •Hwy 80 and 119 - The state and county have been studying this intersection for a while now and still seem to have some questions about moving utilities, etc. As disappointing as it is to us, they still don't seem to be in a hurry. We will continue to push. •The City approved only 26 new home starts in 2010 and approved 0 for January. The bad news is we need to complete some half-finished subdivisions. The good news is less new traffic. That's all we know for now about that but we'll continue to work on it (especially George Henry - City Administrator) Check out the city’s new web site at www.cityofalabaster.com
March, 2011
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I N T H E S P OT L I G H T. . . KIM CUTLER
Kim Cutler shares a strong bond with her fellow officers who serve and protect the citizens of Alabaster. That's been true since Kim came to work with the Alabaster Police Department seven years ago. As the chief communications officer for the department, Kim is aware that the safety and welfare of the officers who respond to dispatch calls can greatly rely upon the information that she and other dispatchers convey to each responding unit. "We point out in our training that dispatchers are best described as the first person on the scene of every crime, fire, incident or medical emergency." Kim said. "We understand the type of job we do can make the difference in the outcome of a response call. Our main goal is to make sure our officers are safe. That's why we stress in our training that the questions you ask, the decisions you make and the actions you take determine the speed and safety of the response, and the quality of the response." Kim oversees a staff of eight full time and two parttime employees, who work
two per shift. In her job, she's responsible for the day-to-day operations and all personnel matters for the Police Dispatch Division, including training, scheduling, certification and compliance with local, state and federal regulations. Training is especially essential because of the compliance requirements and the center's use of sophisticated computer equipment and software. The communications network is integrated with the county's 9-1-1 center, the Shelby County Sheriff's office and police networks of surrounding communities. "You can never really prepare yourself enough for this job," Kim said. "Every call you take is going to be different and you're not going to encounter the same situation each time. You have to use common sense to act quickly, take control of the call and make good decisions. It's challenging, but I've always liked jobs that challenge you. I get a good feeling when I can help someone and make a difference in their lives," she said. Kim and her husband,
Steve, have been married for 25 years. They are both graduates of Thompson High School and live in an unincorporated part of Shelby County between Alabaster and Montevallo. Steve operates his own landscaping business and also drives a bus for the Kim Cutler is the chief Shelby County communications officer with the School system. Alabaster Police Department Kim and Steve family while she's going to are the parents of two school at UM. daughters -- Meagan, a Kim said the family likes sophomore at the University of Montevallo, to spend as much time togethand Mandy, who's a fresh- er as they can, whether it's man at Thompson. A niece driving to Gatlinburg or the beach or grilling out beside from Boston, Courtney Haynie, also lives with the their backyard pool.
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March, 2011
MAKING IT HAPPEN...
SHEPHEARD GARAGE
For most folks, one career is plenty, but when Standford Shepheard retired from working at the lime plant, he decided he'd need something else to do to keep him busy. "I was just piddling around with the lawnmowers out in the yard, and I got to where I was pretty good at it," said Shepheard. "So I Mr. Shepheard repairs lawnmowdecided I'd put a little ers at his garage on Simmsville business together and Road by Mt. Olive Church that way I'd have somewhere to go when I retired welding and all that. I worked on cars. But car motors were instead of just sitting in too heavy, so I decided I'd go the house all day." to something lighter." Shepheard, who is 79 Shepheard, who many years old now, worked at the lime plant for 45 years, folks know as Shep, said peoand he opened Shepheard ple from all over Shelby County bring him lawnmowGarage on Simmsville Road in 1986. He uses the ers to repair. "Sometimes a person may garage to work on lawnmowers, weed-eaters and have a lawnmower, and it's other small motors, which just sitting out in the yard," he said. "They'll come by and see came naturally to him me sitting there, and they'll after working on much larger machinery all those ask me, you reckon you can get it to run? I'll say if I can't years. get it to run, then it must be a "I started working at the lime plant when I was snail." Shepheard Garage is locatabout 23 years old," he ed beside Mount Olive Baptist said. "I worked on heavy Church on Simmsville Road in equipment, like loaders, a long cinderblock building keeping the trucks up,
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that Shepheard built in 1986. The building recently received a makeover when the kids from Kids First Awareness Community Learning Center volunteered to fix it up. "They brought people from everywhere," said Shepheard. "They had certain people doing different things. One group would paint, one did molding. They painted the front door and the backdoor. They put up some plywood on the outside so I could close up the end." Cindy Hawkins, the executive director of Kids First, said the kids wanted to do it as part of a community service project. "We got some churches together and painted the outside for him," said Hawkins. "He's a commu-
nity leader and a senior citizen so we wanted to do something nice for him. It really looks good. It made that whole corner look good." Shepheard said his work schedule varies based on the weather, but he's usually there at the garage during the summer. "I just work according to how the weather is," he said. "What I mostly do is in the summertime when people are cutting grass. I don't do that much business in the winter." To reach Shepheard at his garage, stop by or call 664-0954.
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March, 2011
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KIDS FIRST HONORS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. The Kids First Awareness Community Learning Center in Alabaster celebrated the birth of Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday, Jan. 15, with a special prayer walk and the unveiling of a new street sign in his honor. The event was organized by Cindy Hawkins, the executive director of Kids First, but it was the kids themselves who spearheaded the new street name. "We were studying about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., getting ready for Black History Month," said Hawkins, "and one of them said, hey, do we have a Dr. Martin Luther King street here?" After doing some investigating, they found out that neither Alabaster nor Shelby County had a street dedicated to the famous
Civil Rights leader. So they decided to make it their project to dedicate the old Mt. Olive Road off Highway 11. "We talked to the City Council about it, and they made us put some pamphlets together, telling them all the stuff we came up with. Then they came out and gave us Cindy Hawkins and the Kids First Organization held a dedication the answer that yes, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and unveiled a road they would do a street dedicated to the civil rights leader. dedication," said lifting up all the good Among those in attenHawkins. things that have happened dance were Bobby Joe On the day of the since the day he left this Seales, the president of the unveiling, the kids also led world." Shelby County Historical a large prayer walk that The day also included Society, Bonnie Miller of began outside the Kids live music, fresh food and the Lovelady Center, First center and continued inflatables for the kids. Alabaster City down to Highway 11. Radio station 95.7 Jamz Councilpersons Rick "When Dr. King was liv- was also there providing Walters and Sophie Martin, ing, he did marches, so I music. and Alabaster Mayor thought it would honor "It was great," said David Frings. him by doing a prayer Hawkins. "We counted 243 Frings credited the kids walk," said Hawkins, "not people at one time. It was (CON’T ON PAGE 24) arguing about anything but really nice."
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A B E AU T I F U L S I G H T. . . MARCH 2011 Beautification Award The Riobertson Family 213 Lease Lane Alabaster AL 35007 ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY FEBRUARY 26 The City of Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department and the Alabaster Beautification Board will be hosting the annual Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Veterans Park. The event will feature the ever-popular tree giveaway, with over 170 5-gallon trees and 300 seedling trees being given away free to residents. According to Beautification Board
President Larry Stewart, last year's tree giveaway was very successful, and the board hopes that this year's event will be as well. "Last year was the best year we've ever had," Stewart said. "Everything went great last year. We didn't have any trees left." According to Stewart, the event begins at 10 a.m. People should arrive early to get a number, and then the trees will be distributed accordingly after that.
"We'll have a bunch of trees again this year," said Stewart. "Hopefully we'll have another good turnout. We'll have some bare-root trees, then a lot of maple trees that we've ordered." Stewart said the Girl Scouts of America will also be lending a hand. "This year, the Girl Scouts will be helping us out. They'll be talking about the trees. They'll tell you how to grow the trees," Stewart said. "The Boy
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Currently, we have days when temperatures are well below freezing for a day or two, and then in the upper 60s the next. Try to keep any tender plants from freezing during periods of long hard freezes. Many local plants are marginal in their ability to handle extreme cold temps for more than a few days at a time. If it gets colder than 20 degrees and stays that cold, your marginal plants will most likely be killed. One thing you can do to prepare for the cold and protect those plants is to cover them with a light mulch like pine straw, or mound the leaves you raked around the plant and on top of perennials and bulbs. This will help protect them from the freezing temps and frost. Remember to go out and remove the next morning.
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Scouts will also be there helping to load cars for the senior citizens." The Beautification Board's Arbor Day event will be held inside the maintenance building to the right of the front parking lot, so residents should feel free to come out rain or shine and enjoy Arbor Day!
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Check out the city’s new web site at www.cityofalabaster.com
March, 2011
BOOK REPORT... MARCH ACTIVITIES
Every Wednesday
10:15 Story Time w/Miss Jane 3:30 pm Mr. Mac’s Tunes & Tales 1st Thursday 1:00 pm Friends of Library Bookmenders
Every Friday 10:30 am
Miss Jane's Toddler Tales (2s, 3s)
MARCH ADULT PROGRAMS Library Book Group - Thursday, March 17. 7 pm Join us in our discussion of The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen. Enid Lambert begins to worry about her husband when he starts to withdraw and lose himself in negativity and depression as he faces Parkinson's disease. Winner of the 2001 National Book Award. Meeting takes place in the mobile unit.
MARCH KIDS PROGRAMS Friday March 4 Toddler Tales 10:30 a.m. A special Cat in the Hat Story Time with Miss Jane in the mobile unit. Children six years old and younger must be with an adult. Monday March 7 Lego League 4:00 p.m. Free play for kids age 10 years old and younger in the mobile unit. Children six years old and younger must be with an adult.
Cake & Culture - Sunday, March 20. 2:00 pm - Join us as Niki Sepsas, adventurer, tour guide, photographer and freelance writer, presents OPA! The Greek Passion for Life! - A beautiful travelogue featuring the people and places of Greece and the Greek islands. Meeting takes place in the mobile unit.
Tuesday March 8 Touch-a-Truck 4:00 p.m. Featured vehicle is the Shelby County Public Libraries' book van. Meets outside in the rear parking lot. Children six years old and younger must be with an adult.
Library Board Meeting - Tuesday, March 22. 6 pm
Monday March 14 Safe-T-Opolis with Alabama Power 4:00 p.m. School age children will enjoy learning about electricity and safety from this live demonstration of a model town complete with electric poles and wires. Meets in the mobile unit. Children six years old and younger must be with an adult.
Free AARP Tax Help for Seniors - February through early April. Available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the mobile unit. Call or come by the Albert L. Scott Library to sign up. 664-6822.
FREE COMPUTER CLASSES Times and dates may change based on attendance of prior classes Basic Internet and Email 10:00 AM Wednesday, March 2nd Basic Microsoft Word 2003 I 10:00 AM Wednesday, March 16th Basic Microsoft Word 2003 II 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 6th Basic Microsoft Excel 2003 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 20th Basic Microsoft Excel 2003 II 10:00 AM Wednesday, May 4th
Tuesday March 29 Alabaster Book Blasters Club 6:00 p.m. Children 6 years and older can sign up to explore “A Letter to Amy” by Ezra Jack Keats, make a craft, and have a snack. The program is funded exclusively by the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. Meets in the mobile unit. Children six years old and younger must be with an adult. Friday March 25 American Girls Club 4:00 p.m. Girls seven years and older can sign up and explore Felicity's world with or without a doll. Meets in the mobile unit.
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TMS STUDENT ON WINNING HOCKEY TEAM Alabaster resident Caleb Norton recently won a prestigious ice hockey tournament in Ontario, Canada with his peewee ice hockey team, the Pelham Panthers. The Panthers, which are comprised of players ages 11-13, won the regional tournament in Huntsville this past
Alabaster Resident Caleb Norton recently won an ice hockey tournament in Ontario, Canada with his team the Pelham Panthers.
December, before advancing to the finals in Canada in January. The tournament is called the International Silver Stick Finals, and it's organized by the International Silver Stick Hockey Association. "It's the largest international hockey tournament around," said Caleb's mom Becky, "and we won it, which surprised us. It's a big deal." According to Becky, Caleb first got interested in hockey when the family moved to Colorado for business several years ago. "My son met a friend in his kindergarten class that played hockey, so he started playing and he just loved it," said Becky. "He put on his skates and he was a natural. When we
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that comes from Mississippi, because hockey's not big in the South," she said. Caleb, 12, is a seventh grader at Thompson Middle School. In addition to being an avid hockey player, he's also the mascot for the Thompson Warriors Middle School Cheerleaders.
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were transferring back to Birmingham, we'd gotten really active in hockey for that one year we were out there, so we checked into it and sure enough Pelham had a program. So when we came back, we started with the program in Pelham." Becky said there are several different age groups based in Pelham, and they all play at the Pelham Civic Complex. "We've had maybe ten players out of Alabaster, but they come from all over. We have one boy on our team
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FRO M
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ADULT SOFTBALL
Registration for Men's Open, Co-Ed and Church Leagues will take place March 1-31. Anyone interested in entering a team should register at the Depot office Monday thru Friday between 8am-5pm. Teams will have a 12 game season plus the end of the season tournament. Teams may begin practicing once the entry fee has been paid. Leagues will begin play the first week of May. For more information please contact Tim Hamm or Morgan Lawley at 664-6840 thamm@cityofalabaster.com or mnlawley@cityofalabaster.com
SPRING SPORTS Spring sports registration is now complete for Baseball/Softball and Soccer. We have 975 players registered this year among the three sports. There are 97 teams playing in all the leagues and that's up 10 teams from 2010. We appreciate all the parents’ and coaches’ support for these programs. Practice began February 21 for soccer and February 28 for baseball/softball teams. Opening day for soccer will be Saturday, March 26 while Baseball/Softball season will open up April 2. Mark your calendars and plan on attending opening day this year and support the youth of Alabaster.
START SMART BASEBALL Registration for Start Smart baseball will be Feb. 28-March 11. Class will consist of 20 players; after that they will be put on a waiting list. Registration will be held at the Depot Office between 8 am-5pm. The program is designed for 34 year olds as of April 1, 2011. It is a six week program with emphasis on fundamentals. The program wraps up with a game and party. Start Smart will be held on Tuesdays beginning April 5, 2011. Registration fee is $85.00. For more information contact Ricky Nance at 6646840 or rnance@cityofalabaster.com
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Warmer weather means more opportunity to grab your skateboard and come out to the Skate Park at Veterans Park. Fees and Hours of Operation: Weekdays - $1.00 per day Weekends - $2.00 per day HOURS: Monday and Tuesday- CLOSED Wednesday - Thursday - Friday 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Saturday - 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sunday - 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Hours are subject to change without notice.) MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW FOR THE PAT WACHTER SKATEBOARD EVENT ON MAY 7TH.
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LOCAL KAPPA ALPHA PSI ALUMNI CELEBRATE 1/100 On January 5, 2011, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity founded at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana celebrated 100 years of existence. The fraternity was founded by ten men led by Elder Watson Diggs, an Indiana educator. The fundamental purpose of the fraternity is achievement in every field of human endeavor. The fraternity has dual membership, both collegiate and alumni chapters. The Alabaster-Pelham Alumni Association was approved for chartering by the Grand Board of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. on January 8, 2010. The chartering ceremony took place in Pelham, Alabama on February 20, 2010. After one year the fraternity continues to be
active around town. The Alabaster-Pelham Alumni Association volunteers with First Baptist Church Pelham on their "Saved To Serve" project. Saved to Serve is a ministry that the church sponsors with volunteers working and cleaning neighborhoods in the name of Jesus Christ. In addition, they have volunteered with the City of Pelham and City of Alabaster in their Earth Day activities. The fraternity has worked with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Birmingham. For Christmas the fraternity sponsored 4 kids from the Alabaster Salvation Army. The chapter has 35 members residing in Alabaster, Pelham, Calera, Hoover and Metro Birmingham. This is not the average fraternity.
Alabaster-Pelham Alumni plan to serve this community in any way possible. The Chapter is also currently raising money for the American Cancer Society's North Shelby County Relay For Life. This is the fraternity's 3rd time participating. Donations to the American Cancer Society on behalf of the Alabaster-Pelham Alumni Association of Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity, Inc can be mailed to P.O. Box 1175, Pelham, AL 35124. For more information on the Association, please send an email to: Shelbynupes@gmail.com In the near future the fraternity hopes to offer scholarships and a youth mentorship program, Kappa League to the area.
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FOREIGN EXCHANGE PROGRAM SEEKING HOSTS The Program for Academic Exchange is currently seeking applicants to host foreign exchange students for school year 2011. Applicants can host students for one semester or two and are required to provide students a bed, a place to study, and the typical emotional support required of any teenage student. "It's all nonprofit," said area coordinator Cindy Thigpen. "It doesn't require anything on the host family side. Let's say you host a guy from Argentina who plays soccer. He comes over here, and all you have to provide is breakfast, dinner, and a bed." The students themselves come from all over the world, and they're typically good students with good language skills who are simply interested in learning about a new culture.
"They just want to experience America," said Thigpen. "They want to go to high school and learn the culture. They all speak great English. They come over to experience what it is to be an American." Thigpen, who has hosted two exchange students in the past, said that it's a great experience. "I've had two, and I'm getting another one this fall," she said. "These kids are wonderful. They're very loving. They come over here, and they want to experience everything. They want to experience Halloween and picking pumpkins and apple pie, and they get involved in everything at school." To host an exchange student, potential families do have to undergo a background check, but in general, anyone is welcome to
apply. "They do a background check to make sure they don't have a record, but the questionnaire is just things like, describe your home, how many kids do you have, what are your rules, things like that," said Thigpen. From a financial standpoint, Thigpen said that hosting is actually inexpensive since the kids are required to bring their own money. "It doesn't really cost you anything. You just treat them like another person at the table. They come over with their own credit card, their own money. They pay for their own school lunches and school activities. If they want to go on a trip with their church, that's on them. The host family doesn't pay for any of that," said
Thigpen. Thigpen said she can also help coordinate American students who may be interested in doing an exchange program overseas. "The great thing is it's a wonderful way to learn about another country. That's why the schools love having them. The families get to learn about another culture, and this is a friendship that can last forever with these families." For more information, visit www.pax.org. Contact Thigpen directly at cmthigpen@hotmail.com or 218-9429.
Check out the city’s new web site at www.cityofalabaster.com March, 2011
21
STATE OF THE C ITY REPORT (CON’T FROM PAGE 2) sewer lines and 49 pump stations located around the city servicing backed-up lines and repairing breaks. The treatment plant itself is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Public Works
The Public Works Department is responsible for curbside pickup of solid waste debris each week. In 2010, the department carried some 6,000 tons of solid waste to the County landfill and hauled 1,000 tons of recyclable wood to be chipped for usage. Solid waste pickup is in addition to the household trash pickup that's performed by Allied Waste. Allied also picks up the city's recycling each week. Currently, participation in
the recycling program is at around 25 percent, or about 20 tons weekly, but officials hope to increase participation in the future. The Public Works Department is also responsible for maintaining streets, drainages, street signs, traffic signals, and reporting issues with street lights.
Economic Development
Despite the economic downturn that the nation has suffered over the last three years, the City of Alabaster has continued to see new businesses locate here. Both National Tire & Battery and Dollar Tree have both opened in the past 12 months, as have several new distribution centers. Currently, City leaders
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are also discussing the potential for another shopping center with several national developers. Naturally, that would mean the addition of many new jobs for the area. The City's unemployment rate continues to hover around 6 percent, which is significantly lower than the State's overall unemployment rate of 9 percent.
Revenue and Administration
Sales tax revenue for the current fiscal year is essentially flat. There's been limited growth in the sales tax revenue line item, but overall tax revenue is not showing that growth. Sales tax revenue from the north and south sections of the Colonial Promenade Shopping
Center remains stable, as does its overall tenant occupancy. Compared with other areas across the country, the City of Alabaster appears to be weathering the financial climate quite well. The City is cautiously optimistic with regards to the economic recovery, but there are still difficult decisions to be made with respect to planning for future budgets. For more information, visit the City’s website at www.cityofalabaster.com.
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GOING GREEN With the beautiful spring weather approaching, we all get the urge to spend more time outdoors. We look forward to those spring baseball, softball, and soccer games, planting flowers, and giving that much need bath to the automobile. If you decide to wash your car in the driveway, the Alabama Department of Environmental management reminds us that “you’re not just washing your car in the driveway”. Washing cars on driveways and other paved surfaces allows the soap, scum, and oily grit to directly enter storm drains and into streams, creeks, and rivers. Over time, this threatens our drinking water supply as well as wildlife. You can avoid directly contributing the pollution of our clean water by washing your car on a nonpaved grass or gravel covered surface. This allows
the soil to clean the washwater instead of directly flowing to the creek. A better solution is to use a carwash which re-cycles the water several times prior to its discharge to the wastewater treatment facility where it undergoes a thorough cleaning. Other ways that you can help the environment while washing your cars include: •Use soap sparingly. Use a hose nozzle with a trigger to conserve water. •Use soap that is chlorine- and phosphatefree. Phosphate contributes to prolific algae growth which chokes our waterways. •Pour your bucket of soapy water down the sink instead of on the ground. That way the water is treated prior to entering the environment. (Information supplied by Alabama Dept. of Environmental Mgt., for more information call the Municipal Storm Water Program at (334) 271-7823.)
KIDS FIRST HONORS MLK (CON’T FROM PAGE 12) of Kids First for putting together a positive proposal for the City to consider. "Their proposal was very, very positive," said Frings. "It was a message of hope and unity and a way to honor a man that did a lot of great things in our country, things that needed to be done, and that was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I'm very proud of the children who put it together." Sophie Martin, who is the Councilperson for Ward 1, said she was thankful to the kids who put the proposal together. "The children of Kids First brought us their plan for the future of this street and their wanting to dedicate the street in the name of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," said Martin, "and we are hard work and dedication honored to do that. Their has definitely paid off."
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REGIONS TITLE SPONSOR FOR CITYFEST 2011 The Alabaster Arts Council is pleased to announce that Regions Bank will once again be the title sponsor for Alabaster CityFest 2011. “We are very happy to be partnering again with Regions Bank for the 9th Annual Alabaster CityFest,” said Vic Smith, Treasurer of the Alabaster Arts Council. “They are an integral part of bringing this festival to life every year.” This marks the second year in a row that Regions Bank is the title sponsor. CityFest is the largest festival in Shelby County and one of the largest free festivals in the State of Alabama. “At Regions, we believe that investing and giving back to the communities
we serve is both the right thing to do and good business,” said Bill Keller with Regions Bank. “Cityfest is a great event and one that Regions is proud to support.” Part of the mission of the Alabaster Arts Council and CityFest is to provide access to Art and Arts education. Proceeds raised for CityFest not only pay for the event, but are also avenues to award school grants to educators in local schools to help fund art, music and drama programs. Regions Bank plays a large role in that overall mission. “As a company, we are committed to social responsibility,” Keller Said. “ By building stronger, stable communities, we not only help those around us enjoy (CON’T ON PAGE 31)
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ALABASTER TO HOST NATIONAL DOG EVENT The Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting the CurlyCoated Retriever Club of America National Specialty April 4-8. The event is unique for the Parks and Recreation Department and will feature a variety of different dog competitions throughout the week. "This is a five day event with a different competition every day of the week," said Buck Buchanan, chair for the event. "For instance, on Monday we're having an upland field competition. The second day is going to be an agility trial, and that will actually be all breeds. Wednesday we're doing another retrieving competition. Thursday will be obedience and rally. Then the
breed competition, what everyone thinks of as a dog show, will be on Friday." The competitions will take place at various Alabaster locations, including Veterans Park and Limestone Park, as well as a rural farm to the south of Alabaster. The agility competition, the obedience competition, and the breed competition will all take place at Veterans Park. "All the breeds in the American Kennel Club have to hold a national competition. Our breed, the curlycoated retriever, is divided into four divisions around North America, and each year this dog show rotates from one division to the next. We're in division two, and this is our year to have it. The reason we picked
Alabaster was because Veterans Park is a good site and we have a lot of good areas around here," said Buchanan. According to the AKC, the curlycoated retriever is an athletic breed that's distinguished by the small, tight curls in its coat. They were developed to be multi-purpose hunting dogs and are capable of retrieving game in all types of weather. "The curly-coated retriever is actually considered the oldest of the retrievers," said Buchanan.
"But there aren't that many of them in the country or in the world for that matter. There are probably about 700 of them in the United States. They are more popular in Europe." Buchanan, who is a veterinarian at the Airport (CON’T ON PAGE 30)
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CLASSIC DRAMA MAR. 11-20 South City Theatre presents “Trip To Bountiful” directed by Clay Boyce March 11-20. This is the poignant story of Mrs. Watts, an aging widow living with her son and daughter-in-law in a three-room flat in Houston, Texas. Fearing that her presence may be an imposition on others, and chafing under the watchful eye of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Watts imagines that if she can get away and return to her old home in the town of Bountiful, she is sure to regain her strength, dignity and peace of mind. So she attempts to run away, and when she reaches a bus station on the last part of her short journey, she falls into the hands of a sheriff whom her son and daughter-in-law have put on her trail. The sheriff, a kindly fellow, allows her to complete the
final stage of her journey, so she proceeds to Bountiful and makes a lonely pilgrimage to the mythical place that we all call "home. Tickets are $15. Student, senior and groups of 10 or more are $12. South City Theatre is located at 109 Cloverdale Drive off Hwy 31 just past the Snow Down Shopping Center and across from the Saginaw Post Office. Call 621-2128. www.southcitytheatre.com
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SENIOR ACTIVITIES Seniors, mark your calendars: We will be hosting a Shelby County Senior Dance on Saturday, April 16 from 5:30pm-8:30pm at the Thompson Middle School Cafeteria. Dress in your best Hawaiian outfit and come to our Luau Celebration. There is no charge for the dance, but you must call the Senior Center to make your reservations. A Day in Historical Huntsville on Thursday, April 14. Huntsville is known for its technology and space center; however, this trip will explore the historical side of Huntsville. We will travel on a charter bus to see the Burritt Home and Historic Park on the Mountain. We will step back in time to 1819 and visit The Constitution Village. We will visit the Weeden House and stop by the oldest operating hardware store in Alabama. Enjoy lunch and a few more surprises. Cost is $60 for the first 20 Alabaster senior residents and $75 for all other Shelby County Seniors. Stop by the Senior Center to reserve your space. New Ballroom Dance Class Coming- Mondays from 1-2pm. Singles and couples are welcome. Come have fun and learn a variety of dances. Cost is $5/person/class. Bring cash and pay the day of the class. This 6 week session will begin on April 4. Fundamentals of Acrylic Painting - an ongoing class every Tuesday from 10am12pm. Beginner and experienced painters are welcome. Class will focus on fundamentals of composition, color basics and mixing, perspective and a variety of methods of applying acrylic paint. Cost is $25/person and supplies are not included. One Stroke Painting: Learn how to paint One
Stroke made famous by Donna Dewberry. We will learn how to paint leaves, rosebuds and vines and then put them all together onto a project. Classes will be held on Fridays in March from 10-11am. Cost is $12 for 4 classes. (Includes your supplies) Drawing II: Drawing projects are designed to encourage student confidence and apply basic skills learned. All skill levels welcome. Emphasis will be on drawing what you see. Students will draw from objects as well as from handouts and other resources. Basic techniques, some tricks, lots of information and help, will assist students to advance their skills. A variety of media and projects will be explored. Classes will be offered Mondays from 1-3pm. Cost is $20/month. You will need to purchase your supplies. Watercolor Classes I: This class will focus on teaching beginner students how to paint with watercolor. Classes will be held Thursdays from 10am12pm. Cost is $25/month and you will need to purchase your supplies. Sign up at the Senior Center. Knitting Circle- Do you want to learn how to knit? Do you enjoy knitting? Join us on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. No charge but you will need to purchase your supplies. Instructor will be available to assist you. Timeless Treasures- if you enjoy singing, join us every Monday at 10am. We sing a variety of music and enjoy performing out in the community. Bridge- Thursdays 12pm3pm beginner and experienced card players welcome. You won't want to miss all the new activities at the senior center:
Manager Greg Warren (center in green shirt with Mayor Frings) celebrates the opening of the new Dollar Tree store at the Colonial Promenade Shopping Center, along with city officials and members of the Dollar Tree staff. Dollar Tree offers great prices on general merchandise and is open seven days a week.
30 Check out the city’s new web site at www.cityofalabaster.com
Wii Bowling Wednesdays at 9:30am Zumba Gold (exercise) Wednesdays 1pm Tempo exercise Fridays 10am Beginner/Inter Line dancing Thursdays 9:30am Beginner Line Dancing Thursday 10:30am Bridge Thursday 12-3pm
Mexican Train Dominoes Tuesdays 10am Rummikub Tuesdays 9:30am Drawing II Mondays 12-2pm Fundamentals of Acrylic Painting Tuesdays 10-12pm Gardening 1st Tuesday of each month
NATIONAL DOG EVENT IN APRIL (CON’T FROM PAGE 28) Veterinary Hospital in Calera, first became interested in the breed in 1992 when a client brought a curly-coated puppy into the clinic where he was working. "I had never seen one before, and she brought this puppy in and she started telling me about the breed," said Buchanan. As it turned out, the client had to get rid of the puppy and Buchanan ended up taking it. Since then, he's gotten two more curly-coated retrievers and has simply fallen for the breed. "The curly just stole my heart," said Buchanan. "I just love them." According to Buchanan, March, 2011
the weeklong event is expected to draw over 100 dogs, and the best of the breed will be selected on Friday. The public is welcome to attend. "We generally at the National Specialty will have somewhere from 100 to 120 dogs," he said. "It's open to the public, but you may not know exactly what's going on. Agility is really the most fun to watch because there are teeter-totters they go over and bridges and ramps. Some of these agility dogs are just amazing athletes. It's crazy to watch what some of them can do." For more information, visit the Curly-Coated Retriever Club website at www.ccrca.org.
FOR THE RECORD
Minutes of the Alabaster City Council Meeting Alabaster, Alabama January 20, 2011 A regular meeting of the Alabaster City Council was held in the Municipal Annex on Thursday, January 20, 2011, at 7:00 P.M., and there were present at said meeting Councilpersons: Present: Sophie Martin, Bob Hicks, Adam Moseley, Rick Walters, Scott Brakefield, Tommy Ryals and Jim McClain. Absent: None. MEETING OPENING Council Member Walters made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 6, 2011 meeting as read. Council Member Martin seconded the motion. Voting - Ayes: Sophie Martin, Bob Hicks, Adam Moseley, Rick Walters, Tommy Ryals, Scott Brakefield and Jim McClain. Nays: None. Motion carried. Council Member Hicks made a motion to approve the agenda for tonight's meeting as presented. Council Member Brakefield seconded the motion. Voting - Ayes: All Ayes. Nays: None. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 012011 1. A RESOLUTION REGARDING DEBIT/CREDIT CARD READER MACHINES FOR ALL CITY DEPARTMENTS. Council Member Brakefield introduced Resolution No. 012011 authorizing the City to enter into a contract with Payments3, acting as an independent broker for payment processors, for electronic payment solutions through credit/debit card readers, for all city departments, as attached agreement outlines along with Schedule of Fees as appropriate for use of said machines. Council Member Brakefield made a motion to approve Resolution No. 012011 and Council Member Hicks seconded. Voting Ayes: Sophie Martin, Bob Hicks, Adam Moseley, Rick Walters, Scott Brakefield, Tommy Ryals and Jim McClain. Nays: None. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 012011-A 2. RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING POLI-
Minutes of the Alabaster City Council Meeting Alabaster, Alabama January 6, 2011 A regular meeting of the Alabaster City Council was held in the Municipal Annex on Thursday, January 6, 2011, at 7:00 P.M., and there were present at said meeting Councilpersons: Present: Sophie Martin, Bob Hicks, Adam Moseley, Rick Walters, Scott Brakefield, Tommy Ryals and Jim McClain. Absent: None. MEETING OPENING Council Member Moseley made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2010 meeting as read. Council Member Hicks seconded the motion. Voting - Ayes: Sophie Martin, Bob Hicks, Adam Moseley, Rick Walters, Tommy Ryals and Jim McClain. Nays: None. Scott Brakefield abstained due to his absence. Motion carried. Council Member Ryals made a motion to approve the agenda for tonight's meeting with the addition of one item, Item No. 4 regarding a Resolution on bids for sports uniforms for our Parks and Recreation Department. Council Member Brakefield seconded the motion. Voting - Ayes: All Ayes. Nays: None. Motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 11-Z01 1. A PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 10-Z02 REGARDING REZONING FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PROPERTY. Council Member Ryals introduced Ordinance No. 11-Z01 amending the legal description of re-zonADVERTISE IN THE NEW COLOR ing Ordinance No. 10-Z02, adopted October 7, 2010. Said re-zoning ALABASTER NEWSLETTER request should have included an additional 0.71 acre of property to be zoned Institutional also in lieu of B-3. Said property is located at 124 Reach over 14,000 Homes & Market Center Drive. Council President McClain opened the public hearBusinesses each month with your ing up to the floor for those wishing to speak either for or against said ordinance. No one spoke either for or against said rezoning. Council advertising message. We ll create Member Ryals made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 11-Z01 and your ad at no additional cost plus Council Member Martin seconded. Voting - Ayes: Sophie Martin, Bob NO CONTRACTS TO SIGN & ALL Hicks, Adam Moseley, Rick Walters, Scott Brakefield, Tommy Ryals and COLOR IS ALWAYS FREE PLUS Jim McClain. Nays: None. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 010611 2. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A PILOT FREE INTERNET EXPOSURE ON AGREEMENT WITH NOLAND HOSPITAL SHELBY FOR PAYMENT IN THE CITY WEB SITE! Reach the largest market in Shelby LIEU OF TAXES. Council Member Moseley introduced Resolution No. County with monthly impact! Call Ted Vodde at 620-5505 010611 authorizing the execution and delivery by the City of an or email tedvodde@gmail.com for info & rates. agreement and related documents with Noland Health Services, Inc., allowing for payment in lieu of taxes. Council Member Moseley made a motion to approve Resolution No. 010611 authorizing the Mayor to enter into said agreement (attached to resolution). Council Member Brakefield seconded said motion. Voting - Ayes: Sophie Martin, Bob Hicks, Adam Moseley, Rick Walters, Scott Brakefield, Tommy Ryals and vendors for mom and dad. (CON’T FROM PAGE 27 Jim McClain. Nays: None. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 010611-A Gates will open at 9:00 A.M. 3. RESOLUTION APPROVING BONDS PURSUANT TO SECTION life to the fullest, but we 147(f) OF THE IRS CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED, AND THE If you’re interested in build a better and more staENABLING ACT FOR THE SPECIAL CARE FACILITIES FINANCING sponsoring CityFest, the AUTHORITY. Council Member Moseley introduced Resolution No. ble place to do business.” 0106110-A approving the issuance of bonds pursuant to Section 147(f) organization offers a variety The 9th Annual of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986, as amended, and the of sponsorship levels that Enabling Act in an amount not to exceed $100,000,000 to provide Alabaster CityFest will be financing for the benefit of Noland Health Services, Inc. Said bonds will provide high visibility at a held June 4, 2011, at not be payable from any tax revenues and are solely for the purpose positive family-oriented as set out in Section 147(f) and the Enabling Act and failure to issue the Municipal Park. bonds will cause this consent and approval to become null and void. This It promises to be anoth- event. Resolution or the consents and approvals set forth herein shall never be As many vendors have taken to impose any liability or obligation of any kind whatsoever upon er fun-filled event complete the City of Alabaster. Council Member Moseley made a motion to found out, CityFest is also a with arts and crafts, food, approve Resolution No. 010611-A approving said bonds pursuant to great place to offer products Section 147(f) of the IRS Code of 1986, as amended, and the Enabling kids’ events, inflatables, Act for the Special Care Facilities Financing Authority. Council Member and services from a booth. and of course, great music. Martin seconded. Voting - Ayes: Sophie Martin, Bob Hicks, Adam Food and drink, arts and Moseley, Rick Walters, Scott Brakefield, Tommy Ryals and Jim McClain. For more information email Nays: None. Motion carried. crafts, or even local busicityfest@alabastercityfest.com RESOLUTION NO. 010611-B 4. RESOLUTION REGARDING BIDS ON nesses looking to promote SPORTS UNIFORMS FOR PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT. Organizers are looking Council Member Brakefield introduced Resolution No. 010611-B regardtheir services are welcome. for an even bigger festival ing bids on sports uniforms for our Parks and Recreation Department to CityFest also needs volprovide the participants of all of our athletic programs with the most than 2010 when close to efficient and effective means of recognition. Council Member Brakefield unteers to help with the 60,000 people visited the made a motion to approve Resolution No. 010611-B awarding said bid event. For more informato the only responsible bidder, Varsity Sports, LLC for all purchases of largest festival in Shelby sports uniforms during the term of one year as bid. Council Member tion on sponsorships, venCounty. Musical acts will Walters seconded. Voting - Ayes: Sophie Martin, Bob Hicks, Adam dors, or to volunteer, e-mail Moseley, Rick Walters, Scott Brakefield, Tommy Ryals and Jim McClain. be named in the coming Nays: None. Motion carried. 5. COUNCIL WORK SESSION. Council cityfest@alabastercityfest.co weeks. President McClain announced that a council work session will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 6:00 P.M. at the Senior Activity Center As always, children and m or check out the event at 1097 7th Street SW. After brief council and audience comments, web site at families play a big role at Council Member Walters made a motion to adjourn with Council www.alabastercityfest.com Member Martin seconding. All were in favor and said meeting was CityFest with the KidsFest adjourned at 7:35 P.M.
REGIONS SPONSORS CITYFEST
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March, 2011
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DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS 2 AM ON SATURDAY NIGHT MARCH 13. SPRING FORWARD!
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ALABASTER, AL PERMIT NO. 48
CITY OF ALABASTER 201 FIRST STREET NORTH ALABASTER, AL 35007
RESIDENT OR BOXHOLDER OR POSTAL PATRON
Calendar of Events Mar. 3 City Council Meeting 7 pm Annex
David M. Frings, Mayor Mar. 9 Municipal Court 9am Annex* frings@cityofalabaster.com Finance Committee 5:30 pm City Svcs. Bldg. 663-7059 Sophie Martin, Ward 1 Mar. 14 Water Board 7 pm Annex martin@cityofalabaster.com Beautification Board 6 pm Senior Ctr. 358-8742 Mar. 15 Driving School 7 pm Annex Bob Hicks, Ward 2 hicks@cityofalabaster.com Mar. 17 City Council Meeting 7 pm Annex 663-1801 Public Works Committee 5 pm Annex Adam Moseley, Ward 3 Economic Development Committee 5:30 pm moseley@cityofalabaster.com Mar. 22 Housing & Abatement Board 5:15 pm Annex 663-1564 Library Board Meeting 6 pm at Rick Walters, Ward 4 Albert L. Scott Library walters@cityofalabaster.com Planning & Zoning 7 pm Annex 281-7394 Mar. 23 Municipal Court 9 am Annex* Jim McClain, Ward 5 Sewer Committee 6 pm City Hall mcclain@cityofalabaster.com 663-1886 Mar.25 Trial Date 9am Annex Scott Brakefield, Ward 6 Mar. 28 Board of Adjustments 6 pm Annex brakefield@cityofalabaster.com 685-0302. Tommy Ryals, Ward 7 ryals@cityofalabaster.com 664-1301 Municipal Annex located behind City Hall at Marsha Massey, City Clerk 127 1st Street SW just across the RR track. mmassey@cityofalabaster.com The City Services Building is located across 664-6800 from Thompson Intermediate School on 119.
Non-emergency Police matters 663-7401 Animal Control 664-6761 Personnel Dept 664-6838 Code Enforcement 664-5907
April 7 City Council Meeting 7 pm Annex April 11 Beautification Board 6 pm Former Senior Ctr.(Gardner House) Water Board 7 pm Annex April 13 Municipal Court 9 am Annex Finance Committee 5:30 pm City Svcs. Bldg. April 19 Driving School 7 pm Annex April 21 City Council Meeting 7 pm Annex Public Works Committee 5 pm Annex Economic Development Committee 5:30 pm April 22 CITY OFFICES CLOSED FOR GOOD FRIDAY April 25 Board of Adjustments 6 pm Annex April 26 Planning & Zoning 7 pm Annex Housing & Abatement Board 5:15 pm Annex April 27 Municipal Court 9 am Annex* Sewer Committee 6 pm City Hall April 29 Municipal Court Trial Date 9 am Annex Questions about a meeting? Call 664-6800 A full 2011 Calendar is available for
CITY DEPARTMENT PHONE NUMBERS
Revenue/Business License Dept 664-6844 Garbage/recycling bins 664-6800 Alabaster Parks & Recreation 664-6840 Alabaster Water Board 663-6155
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