By Staff
Melissa Cason
RED BAY-The Red Bay City Council voted to take the first step in solving the city's sewage problem Monday night.
The council voted to accept the low bids for an aerator and electrical work for the sewage plant.
The council accepted a bid of $20,850 from Prime Line Inc. for the aerator and a bid of $9,523 from S &N Airoflo for electrical work.
"This is the first step in repairing our sewage system here in Red Bay," Mayor Jeff Reid said. "We've been getting calls about the bad smell. The aerator will help with the smell."
Reid said the smell could get worse for about a week after the aerators are installed, but the problem should be alleviated within three weeks.
City officials began looking at ways to fix the sewage problem last month.
Engineers told city officials the cost to fix the sewer would cost about $700,000.
Also at the meeting, Red Bay Police Chief Pat Creel addressed the council about training issues with his department.
Creel informed the council that it is important for himself and his officers to stay up to date with law changes and training for different situations on the street.
"In the past three years, the U.S. Supreme Court has made 21 different rulings that directly affect the way that we do our job," Creel told the council.
He informed the council about different equipment and training sessions his officers have taken part in because of grants and other funding.
In other business, the council voted to:
The city's cost will be $9,725.
The next regular council meeting will be held Monday, March. 3, 2008 at 7 p.m. at City Hall