Town getting storm shelter

By Tiffany Green

STAFF WRITER

GARDEN CITY — Garden City officials are preparing land for a storm shelter thanks to a recent grant.

“As soon as we were approved we started on it,” Mayor Harden Davis said.

Davis said it will consist of five rooms each holding 96 people. The middle room will have bathrooms and a first aid station.

The grant was for $513,000 with 25 percent matching from the town.

The council also approved a three percent pay raise for all the town’s full time employees. They include the clerk, Pam Leslie and the town’s maintenance workers, Eric Allred and Bobby Brown.

Leslie made $16.99 an hour as the full time town clerk. Leslie said she normally works 40-45 hours per week and has been with the town for five years.

Davis said the town submitted requests thorough ADECA and NARCOG for stimulus money. They want to use it for improvements for town’s infrastructure.

The town has also been having a problem with stray dogs roaming. Davis said the town has purchased live traps to catch the dogs. He said if they have a tag, they will be returned to the owner, otherwise, they will be taken to the Cullman Area Animal Shelter.

Davis also announced the 2009 Garden City clean up will be April 25 - May 2. This is a time for residents of Garden City to clean up and trash unwanted items. If residents pick up trash along the roadways, just leave it on the side of the road and it will be picked up. Anyone interested in participating can bring their unwanted items to the maintenance building across from the town hall. Senior citizens or those who may be disabled can call the town hall at 352-5408 to schedule a pick up time. Paint, chemicals and large truck tires will not be accepted.

In other business the council:

‰ Approved the purchase of two welcome signs for the town. They will be six feet in diameter and be put at each end coming into the town on Highway 31.

‰ Approved to purchase 100 flags from DBR Sales at $3 each.

‰ Mayor Davis told the council he purchased a 2001 Ford truck from Cullman Jefferson Gas for $2,500. It will be used by the maintenance department.

‰ Accepted the Dexter Fortson quote for a new water computer and software for $3,205 plus onsite computer installation charges.

‰ Approved Gene Norman to host a car show at the walking trail park across from the town hall.



‰ Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 221.