Comer council modifies subdivision code

This involves the division of a tract into two tracts. The new ordinance gives the landowner the right to appeal any decision of the building inspector to the council. The purpose of the change is to reduce the time and expense for such small subdivisions.

In other matters, Comer’s travel museum is finally complete. Mayor David McMickle informed the council that the final punch list was completed last week and the building is now the property of the city.

The council discussed modifying city hall so that the new bathrooms in the museum will be accessible to city hall staff and visitors. Planning for a grand opening can now be completed.

Also Monday, chief Johnny Bridges gave the council an update on the Comer Volunteer Fire Department’s financing, including how the city and county payments to the department are spent. He revealed that the final payment on the new pumper truck has been made, and a new ladder truck purchased.

The ladder truck was needed to maintain the department’s ISO rating of five, because the city has one three-story and two two-story buildings in the downtown area. The department receives annual payments of $44,000 from the city of Comer and $56,000 from Madison County.

Bryan Taylor advised the council on his proposal for updating the city’s computer system to include off site backup of the city’s data. The cost to the city would be $840 a month.

Mayor McMickle asked if the price can be reduced if the city keeps some records on spreadsheets within the office. Taylor pointed out that his proposal lists each item and the price. Thus the city can pick and choose which accounts they want to place in the plan and which it is willing do to in house. The proposal was tabled for more consideration.

Police Chief Brent Zeller reported that his department made eight arrests in January, wrote 34 citations, 15 incident reports and two accident reports. They responded to 170 calls for the month. Zeller pointed out the need for either tire chains or a 4x4 vehicle for use during snowstorms. The recent snow made the need for better mobility very obvious. He announced that his department has an opening for a part-time officer and that adds in the papers will be placed asking for applications. In addition, his department will take an active part in supporting the Special Olympics program.