Thorsby adds two employees to Public Works department

Published 4:44 pm Friday, January 10, 2014

Two part-time employees in Thorsby’s Public Works Department were approved as full-time workers on Thursday by the Town Council.

The meeting was postponed from Monday because of the threat of inclement weather.

Public Works Director Terry Jackson said the workers, one of which was a former town employee, have helped the department deal with water line issues that have arisen with the recent cold weather.

Jackson reported there have been at least six water leaks in the town, including ones on Alabamam Avenue, Washington Street and Minnesota Avenue.

In other business, the council:

•Rescheduled the Jan. 20 meeting because it falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Thorsby Annex.

•Heard from Crystal Smith with the town’s Parks and Recreation about a desire to purchase a tractor to drag the youth baseball fields. Jackson said his department could possibly share in the use and cost of the used tractor, which is being sold by a local business. The council and Mayor Jean Nelson told Smith they would find out more about the tractor before making a decision.

•Accepted the resignation of Phillip Hayes from the town’s Board of Adjustment, and appointed Tracia Bussey to fill the vacancy, after she expressed her willingness to serve.

•Voted to participate in the Severe Weather Tax Holiday from Feb. 21-23. Merchandise related to severe weather preparedness will be tax-exempt during the holiday.

•Heard from Nelson that a foreclosure property had been given to the town by the bank.

•Took no action after discussing a potential street light on Watson Drive.