Two individuals were honored during the Jemison City Council meeting on Monday for their contributions to the city.

The council recognized Elijah English for his Eagle Scout project and Jemison High School band director George Martin, who retired from his position at JHS in May.

“We are honored to have two people here tonight who are very special to our city,” Mayor Eddie Reed said. “These two gentlemen have shown a tremendous amount of leadership and devotion to this community, and we appreciate them both.”

Reed and Councilman Rex Bittle presented English with a plaque thanking him for the contribution of a memorial built near the Jemison Police Department to honor Josh Newman (a police officer who was killed while on duty) and dedicated to the men and women who protect the community.

“The city of Jemison is proud to call you a son of the city,” Bittle read. “Your achievement of Eagle Scout culminates many years of service through scouting that you have conducted in the city of Jemison. We thank you for the contributions you have made to our city and its citizens through your dedication to the principles of scouting. You have well demonstrated those principles and inspired those around you to reach higher and achieve more.”

Bittle said English’s project to honor one of Jemison’s fallen police officers would continue to contribute to the well being of Newman’s fellow officers who are now reminded to conduct their work with care for themselves as they care for others.

“You can know, not the number, but with certainty, that you have saved lives and blessed families in our community and abroad,” Bittle said. “We wish you the best and brightest future to which you aspire. You are forever a part of our community and represent the very best of who we are and what we have to offer.”

Reed and Bittle also presented Martin with a key to the city and thanked Martin for his work teaching music to the students at JHS.

“The city of Jemison offers you its deepest appreciation for your service to the city during your tenure with Jemison High School and Jemison Middle School from 2005-2014,” Bittle read. “You are fondly remembered for a legacy of quality, class and cooperation between our schools and the city of Jemison. Through public concerts and other performances, you have demonstrated a high regard for our community, contributing to our quality of life with music. You have educated our children in the arts offering them an appreciation for the beauty of the world around us.”

Bittle continued to say that Martin’s reputation for the music program was one of “precision, substance and intelligence.”

“Your willingness to share your talents has been an inspiration to our citizens,” Bittle said. “Your endeavors have reflected positively on the city of Jemison well beyond our local borders.”

Martin thanked the council and mayor and said it has been a pleasure for him to serve the community.

“The years went so fast, and I can’t believe I have gotten to this point,” Martin said. “Anything I can do for the city of Jemison please let me know.”

The council voted to table a resolution for further clarification from city attorney John Hollis Jackson regarding protection for the city against liability during times when a police officer is called on for work outside of city business.

Jemison High School Assistant Principal Diane Calloway addressed the council and provided an update regarding the robotics program in Jemison.

Calloway introduced Emma Powell to the council who won the office of state reporter in April for the Technology Student Association (TSA).

Reed said any accomplishment the school achieves reflects positively on the city and thanked Calloway and Powell for providing an update on the robotics program.

The council also voted to approve a $2,000 donation to Jemison High School for the purchase of new equipment for the robotic classroom and a donation of $200 for a Quarterback Club advertisement.

Bittle told those in attendance the money for the donation came from funds in the city’s regular budget.

The council also voted to approve a grant awarded to Jemison Fire Department on Friday through FEMA for $22,000 for medical equipment.

Dennis said he learned JFD was approved for the grant on Friday. Dennis told the council the grant would cost the city $2,200 or a 5-percent match.

“I am asking you to approve paying $2,200 for $22,000,” Dennis said.

The council unanimously voted to approve the grant.

Before adjourning, the council met in executive session for about 10 minutes to consider economic interest to the city.