Council votes to buy flags for Hoedown

By Staff
Mike Self FCT Staff Writer
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce director Lisa Stockton addressed the Phil Campbell city council at Tuesday's regular meeting, announcing that the week of April 11-16 has been declared "Keep Franklin County Beautiful" week in an effort to alleviate the county's litter problem.
Stockton said the Chamber is asking everyone in Franklin County to stop what they're doing on Friday, April 15, at 2 p.m., and spend 20 minutes cleaning up around your office, school or neighborhood.
In other business, the council passed a motion to purchase six flags reading "Welcome to Phil Campbell" for the town's fourth annual Downtown Hoedown, which is scheduled for June 17-18. The flags cost $150 and will be purchased out of the general fund.
In other business, mayor Jerry Mays reiterated that whoever uses the baseball and softball fields on Ballpark Road is responsible for keeping those fields in good order.
The council also addressed a few personnel matters at Tuesday's meeting. They passed a motion appointing Shannon Sampson to the Park and Recreation Board to replace Charlotte Owen, whose term expired on March 30.
The council also voted to pay new police officer Andy Marbutt $9.50 per hour, retroactive to when he graduated from the academy, until he finishes his six-month probationary period. The council will revisit his pay rate at that time.
The mayor also re-appointed Barbara Ayers to the Housing Authority Board. Her term had expired on April 5.
In other business, the council voted to donate $50 to NACOLG for their annual Senior Citizen's banquet.
Councilman Willard Pace reported that repairs needed at the city pool will cost roughly $130,000. The council tabled a discussion of whether or not to close the pool until the next meeting.
The council also tabled the matter of a zoning board appointment until the next meeting.
The council passed a motion authorizing the purchase of short-sleeved fluorescent green shirts for sanitation department employees. The shirts are much cheaper and cooler than the standard uniforms.
Finally, the council approved payment of the bills.
The next scheduled meeting of the Phil Campbell city council will be held on April 19.