The Bessemer City Council met on the morning of Jan. 20, 2015 and took the following actions:
Opened bids from companies wishing to provide wrecker service and storage of impounded vehicles for the Bessemer Police Department. The matter was sent to the Mayor’s Office for recommendation on awarding the contract for wrecker services to the lowest responsible bidder.
Denied the rezoning of property at 3800 Bessemer Super Highway from commercial use to industrial use by the owners. The proposed use was for an auto sale, repair and recycle business.
Passed a resolution adopting the 2014 Jefferson County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan and FEMA Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance. The move was necessary in order for the city to continue to qualify for FEMA mitigation grant assistance.
Adopted a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Emcompass360, Inc. for professional consulting and application development of a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Safe Room grant.
Adopted a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a funding agreement with the American Red Cross, West Jefferson/Shelby Chapter/Bessemer Branch for $15,000 for fiscal year 2015.
Authorized the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority for services between Oct. 1, 2014 and Sept. 30, 2015 for public transportation services at a cost of $542,973.20.
Authorized the Mayor to execute a sales contract with the Trinity Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Alabama for property at 2024 Berkley Avenue at a cost of $8,800. The property is currently a park operated by the church.
Authorized the Mayor to execute a sales contract of $275,000 for purchase of property located next to the Emergency Operations Center on Ninth Avenue SW. The property will be used as the site for a community safe room and other police-related activities.
Authorized the publication of notice to solicit resumes for qualified citizens to serve on the Bessemer Public Library Board, the Zoning Board of Adjustments and the Municipal Planning Commission and approved the use of municipal funds for advertising expense in The Birmingham News, the Western Star and The Birmingham Times between the period of Jan. 20, 2015 and Feb. 4, 2015.
Authorized the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Assistance League of Birmingham at a cost of $7000 for fiscal year 2015 to promote public health, safety, morals, security, prosperity, contentment and the general welfare of the community in Bessemer.
Authorized the Mayor to enter into a contract with the Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Services System at a cost of $5133 to provide continuing education services for emergency medical service personnel in the city.
Authorized the Mayor to enter into a service contract with the Clay House Children’s Center at a cost of $2000 for fiscal year 2015.
Authorized the Mayor to execute a contract with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society for animal boarding, caring and disposal of domesticated dogs and cats captured by the city’s Animal Control Department.
Authorized the Mayor to apply for a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant for a first-responder and community safe room.
Authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement with STRADA Professional Services LLC for solution support for the Pipe Shop Community short-term and long-term flooding solution. The services will come at a cost of approximately $50,000.
Authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement for services with Magic City Smooth Jazz for a Jazz in the Park concert at Debardeleben Park on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015.
Approved a refund of $600 to Christy Pinkard for a Civic Center refund on a canceled event.
Approved a refund of $100 to Vanessa Chavers for a Civic Center refund on a canceled event.
Authorized the payment of invoices from Jackson Harris P.C. for the month of December 2014.
Approved a proposal of legal fees to the City Council for the services of Jackson Harris P.C.
Awarded a bid to Coston General Contractors LLC at a cost of $90,347 for metal building replacement at the Bessemer Utilities Facility. The building was damaged during the April 2014 tornado in Bessemer.
