Jemison council passes ordinance regulating off-duty work for police officers

Published 8:06 pm Monday, July 21, 2014

The Jemison City Council voted Monday to pass a resolution regarding protection for the city against liability during times when a police officer is called on for work outside of city business.

After tabling a discussion in June until city attorney John Hollis Jackson could provide further clarification on the resolution, members of the council voted Monday to approve the resolution.

Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed asked Jackson, who was present at Monday’s meeting, to put together the resolution with the “correct” language.

The resolution states that police officers employed with the city of Jemison may accept off-duty employment subject to restrictions put forth by the city of Jemison and the state.

Jackson clarified for the council that any police officer seeking to accept outside employment would have to either approve or disapprove the request.

Council member George Brasher voted against the motion with the rest of the council voting in favor of the resolution.

The council also heard from representatives with the North Chilton 12-and-under all-stars who were named state champions after going undefeated in the Alabama Dizzy Dean State Tournament in Albertville.

The baseball team will head to the World Series July 25 and requested a monetary donation from the city to help with traveling expenses.

North Chilton 12-and-under coach Chris Jones said the team looked forward to representing Jemison and Thorsby in the World Series.

“We are trying to train these guys to be honest young men,” Jones said.

Reed thanked Jones for the work he was doing, and asked the council to consider a monetary amount to donate to the team.

The council voted to give the team $1,500 and wished the team good luck as they prepare to play this weekend.

“We are proud, and we hope you all bring the trophy home,” Reed said.

The council also met in executive session to discuss legal ramifications with Jackson due to pending litigation.

Council members met behind closed doors for less than 20 minutes with no action taken when they resumed into regular session.