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OPINION Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 The people have spoken on city government issue, page 4. June 25, 2015 Vol. 123, No. 126 www.alexcityoutlook.com
More questions arise on city pay By Mitch Sneed Outlook Editor
The inquiry into how pay increases for city employees were handled could broaden as council members review information that shows, that in addition to lack of council approval, other city personnel manual mandates may not have been followed as written. Records received Wednesday by The Outlook show that despite a provision in the personnel manual that indicates that new employees are on a probationary period for one year, the city’s human resources director received more that $6,000 in pay increases before she had been with the city for 12 months. The manual indicates that while on
probation, employees are not eligible for pay increases. There are some others that appear to be in the same situation. Council member Sherry EllisonSimpson also requested and received the employment and pay history of all of the city’s employees. She said she feels that they need to look at everyone to make sure that not only proper procedures were followed, but that all employees are being treated fairly. “Those are the kind of things that we need to look at to make sure that all the policies in that manual are being followed,” Ellison-Simpson said. “We looked at the sample of employees at the last meeting of situations where it looked like increases of more than two
steps were made without approval by the council. “But this information would suggest that there are other areas that have not been followed either,” Ellison-Simpson said. “Why is it that some employees on probation aren’t eligible for increases and here you have one who is getting one? Those are the kinds of things that need to be addressed.” Mayor Charles Shaw has maintained that the personnel manual is a guide, but not law when it comes to day-to-day operations. Shaw said he did approve the increase for the human resources director and talked to the council about her salary, but didn’t recall it being voted on.
4-H er’s kayak down Sandy Creek
The Outlook requested any paperwork authorizing that raise, but none was immediately found. Officials said they were still looking for an employee status change form and would provide it if found. “I’m sure I signed off on it,” Shaw said. “In a discussion when we hired for that position about bringing her in at a salary and then bringing her up in time. I don’t know if it was voted on, but it was discussed. “I stand by what I said, those are guidelines. I have gone back and looked at mayors dating back decades and there are increases that were never voted on by the council. They are done all kinds See PAY, Page 7
Sun Festival Band Battle has top field
First ever camp proves enjoyable for students
Competition lineup includes local and regional favorites
By Cliff Williams
By David Granger
Outlook Staff Writer
Outlook Staff Writer
The Tallapoosa County Extension is holding its first ever kayaking camp for area youth in conjunction with the Alabama Scenic River Trail this week. “We have a lot of kids who have paddled around the lake but never in a stream, creek or river,” Alabama Extension Service agent Shane Harris said. “We are just trying to expose them to something new and fun.” Area children at the camp agree. “It was fun,” 12-year-old Jackson Kelly of Alexander City said. “I want to do it again.” “It was fun,” 15-year-old Megan Cotney of Daviston said. “I go with my family on the Tallapoosa River sometimes.” The camp included dry land instruction with water safety and how to control the paddle and boat. Following some land instruction, the children and guide slipped down into Sandy Creek on Agricola See FLOAT, Page 7
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Clay Harris, above carries his kayak up a shoal to run it again as Alexander City’s Jackson Kelly, left, travels along Sandy Creek near Dadeville at the Tallapoosa County Extension Service 4-H Kayaking Camp Wednesday.
One of the most anticipated events of Alexander City’s annual Sun Festival is sure to be the Band Battle in which six groups will battle for cash and the opportunity to open for the festival’s headlining act on the final night of the event. For 2015, the second year for the competition, Sun Festival’s Band Battle committee has selected six outstanding bands set to go toe-to-toe Friday, June 24, at Strand Park. At stake is $1,000 and the opportunity to open for country music sensation David Nail at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex the following night. “Last year was our first year for Band See BAND, Page 7
Submitted / The Outlook
Centre-based Brooke Danielle Band is one of six bands competing in Band Battle.
Lake Martin
Lake Levels Spann keeps kids engaged at 489.45 Brainiac Boot Camp Wednesday Reported on 6/24/15 @ 3 p.m.
Weatherman James Spann uses 6-yearold Jyzerious Russell as part of his presentation to the Brainiac Boot Camp Wednesday morning at Stephens Elementary School.
By David Granger Outlook Staff Writer
James Spann, well-known on-camera meteorologist at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, made weather fun and interesting Wednesday morning for the approximately 300 children at this week’s session of Brainiac Boot Camp summer reading program. “During the school year, I probably do two of these every day,” Spann said. “These are much more fun to do than the Rotarys and other civic club presentations. Nothing against them, but the kids are more engaged.”
Spann makes sure of that. His friendly voice boomed at the kids gathered in the gymnasium at Stephens Elementary in language they could understand. His explanations were simple, yet scientific as he ran through the gamut of weather from the different types of clouds to tornadoes. His tone was friendly, his mood excited and his demeanor warm as a June Alabama morning. Spann opened his presentation with an explanation of the instruments used to measure weather and the
David Granger / The Outlook
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