Waggoner signs off on grant application for drainage repairs

Pipes running under the railroad tracks and Hwy. 72 are too small to handle rainwater runoff, resulting in flooding behind the Bread Basket convenience store.

Also, the culverts on the south side of the railroad tracks are not large to handle the drainage that comes under the railroad tracks.

“It’s really causing problems,” Waggoner told the council at Monday night’s meeting.

The city is seeking the grant through engineering firm Moreland Altobelli Associates, headed by former state DOT commissioner Tom Moreland.

If the grant is approved, the project will cost nothing. The engineering firm’s $3,500 fee is covered in the grant.

If Colbert doesn’t land the grant, it will pay the firm $1,750, which is half of its fee for the project.

COUNCIL SWORN IN, ORGANIZED

At its first meeting of 2009, the council swore in just one council member, Bert Robinson, for a new term. Former councilman Jeff Roberts’ new term was supposed to start as well, but he resigned in October.

An election for that seat is scheduled for March. Qualifying dates for candidates will be Jan. 26-28 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The city also made the following appointments: Chris Peck (mayor pro tem), Vicky Smith (city clerk), Ann Waggoner (assistant city clerk), Jerry Hawkins (auditor), Tracy Dean (registrar), Roger Fortson (representative to clubs in the county), Robinson (representative to the fire department), Peck (street department), Jack Scaffe (maintenance), Dale Perry (attorney) and Pam Fowler (election superintendent).

Colbert also adopted all ordinances and contracts currently being enforced for 2009.

Waggoner declared the city fiscally sound as it enters 2009.

“I don’t have a state of the city address or anything like that,” Waggoner said. “The only thing I’ve got to say is that we’re in good shape financially. We don’t owe anything other than just normal monthly bills coming and going. We’ve been blessed.”