Clock to honor former mayor should arrive soon

Published 9:45 pm Monday, April 15, 2013

The Thorsby Town Council on Monday heard an update on a project to install a memorial street clock outside Helen Jenkins Chapel to honor former Mayor Dearl Hilyer.

Angie Barnett, a teacher at Thorsby School, told the council that she had been in contact with the clock manufacturer and that it should arrive by next week.

Barnett said the clock’s price tag of about $3,200 is below the $6,000 that was raised. The remainder of the funds will be used to prepare the site for the clock’s installation and then possibly for landscaping around the site and the addition of a park bench.

A dedication ceremony will be held, but no date has been set yet.

In other business, the council:

•Voted to pay an outside company $2,500 to put on a fireworks display on July 3.

•Heard from Public Works Director Terry Jackson that the town’s insurance has recommended the installation of rails around bleachers at Sam Bentley Park. Jackson said he received a quote of $905 per bleacher for the the work, and he said there are 12 bleachers at the park. The council wanted to revisit the issue after more information could be obtained.

•Allowed Police Chief Rodney Barnett to hire an additional reserve officer.

•Heard an update on the upcoming Movies in the Park program from Fire Chief Lee Gunn. Gunn also said the department is having to pay out money for maintenance on a fire truck.

•Heard a presentation from Waste Pro about the company’s desire to handle the town’s garbage pick-up. Waste Pro representatives said they would present Mayor Jean Nelson with a proposal soon.

•Continued an annual donation of $1,000 to Child Protect Children’s Advocacy Center.

•Heard an update on a county-wide health fair planned for May 4 at Thorsby’s Richard Wood Park.