COUNCIL COMMENTS
Sophie Martin | Ward 1
Stacy Rakestraw |
martin@cityofalabaster.com
rakestraw@cityofalabaster.com
I look forward to the next term with enthusiasm as we begin the next four years with our new mayor, Scott Brakefield, new councilmen, Jamie Cole and Seth Gandy, and the returning council. It is a privilege to serve with an outstanding team that has a strong vision for our residents and city - I know great progress is going to be made! If you or someone you know is living on a fixed income, customers of Alabaster Water or the City of Alabaster can apply for a reduced water and sewer bill, as well as exemption from paying garbage service. Customers can complete the application online at Alabasterwater.com or print off a copy and bring it to the main office. Applications are being accepted through December 31st. For questions or additional information, please call (205) 663-6155. 2020 has been a very challenging year, but when we look around, there are so many wonderful blessings for which to be thankful. I am truly grateful to have the honor to serve as your councilperson. I hope you and your family have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving. Sophie
Rick Ellis | Ward 2 ellis@cityofalabaster.com
4
It’s hard to believe that it has been four years since I was sworn in as the councilman for Ward 2. I would like to thank everyone for trusting me with another four years to represent you. I am looking forward to working with our new Mayor, Scott Brakefield, the new members of the city council, Jamie Cole and Seth Gandy, as well as the returning members of the council. I am optimistic that this will be a good team to work hard for the city. This time of year I like to remind everyone who may be living on a fixed income, open enrollment to apply for reduced rates with Alabaster Water Board begins November 1st and runs through December 31st. If you are currently participating, you should be receiving a reminder notice in the mail. If you are on a fixed income, are interested in this program, and need further information, there should be reminder notices on your bill, or you can visit Alabaster Water’s website at www.alabasterwater.com or call 205-663-6155. This month is the beginning of the holiday shopping season. By staying close to home and doing your holiday shopping here in Alabaster, you are helping to support city services as well as supporting Alabaster City Schools. Shop Alabaster First! As always, if you have any questions, please contact me at ellis@cityofalabaster.com. I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving with friends and family! Stay Safe! Rick cityofalabaster.com
Ward 3
First, I would like to thank all the U.S. Military Veterans and wish them a Happy Veterans Day. You and your service are invaluable. Five Carter Kits™ Sensory Bags have been donated to the Alabaster Police Department. The kits contain items known to comfort and appropriately focus children who are on the autism spectrum, as well as many other children who occasionally find themselves overwhelmed or otherwise impacted by traumatic events. Thank you, Angel Warrior Foundation. Lacey’s Grove community, please drive the speed limit or lower in your neighborhood. Until the second entrance is complete – and the developer is currently working on this project now – the residents, police, and I ask for you to take your time as you drive in and out of the subdivision for the safety of all. And it is the LAW that you STOP for all school buses loading and unloading children. The City submitted our grant application to ALDOT for the safe railroad crossing improvements. The following crossings were applied for: 6th Ave (near buck Creek Park), 11th Ave (by City Hall), 2nd Place/ CR 44 (by the current Police Station), Fulton Springs (near the limestone plant), and CR 17, 1 st Ave -CR 44 (near Siluria Brewing). All the improvements will add crossing bars and the one by City Hall will include additional pedestrian improvements. There have been many questions as to why the City is building Thompson High School a new sign. We are not. These funds are from the school's budget where an excess of money was saved by ACS refinancing bonds at a lower interest rate. The funds can only be used on capital projects. After their list of capital projects were put in order of priority there was enough money to build a sign. One that is much needed. Congratulations to the Thompson High School Football team for their Region 3 Championship win against Hoover. We look forward to seeing you win State. Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to all. Stacy
Greg Farrell
| Ward 4
farrell@cityofalabaster.com
Last month the Council awarded bids for the long-awaited new Police Headquarters. The bid was awarded to the Argo Building Group. The bid came in under budget of what the Council had budgeted for. This bid will also cover a new street scape for 11th Ave, which will enhance the entrance for the Police Headquarters, along with the Senior Center and City Hall. It will also include paving the gravel area behind City Hall. I would like to thank everyone for their hard work on seeing this project through.
