Council approves new fire roster

By Staff
Jonathan Willis FCT Staff Writer
The Phil Campbell city council reviewed several equipment matters concerning the city's fire and street department's at Tuesday's regular meeting.
Council member Kerry Cooper read a list of needed equipment for the fire department from fire chief Steve Bell.
One item of concern related to the need to repair the city's fire pumper.
The council also voted to adopt a new roster for the fire department. The roster includes two members from the Tharptown community, but Bell said that they are often in Phil Campbell and they have no city equipment with them.
Bell said that the two members bring a great deal to the department and both were instrumental in helping to get the city's fire rating lowered to six.
The council also took action to eliminate two phone lines from city departments and using free DSL high speed internet access that is provided to the city.
In personnel matters, the council passed a motion to reimburse city employees for the difference between the cost of a regular state driver's license and a commercial driver's license. Several employees are required to have CDL permits as part of their job duties.
The council also passed a motion that outlines holiday time off for city employees. According to Mayor Jerry Mays there was not an official list of holiday time established by the city.
City offices will close eight days throughout the year and employees will also be given time off on their birthday.
The established days of closure will be for New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If the holiday falls on a weekend, then it will be observed on the following Monday.
The council also moved this year's Christmas parade to Saturday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.