City Council – Highlights from the April 27, 2017 meeting
Published on May 11, 2017
Becky Peirce Municipal Golf Course
The Huntsville City Council authorized an agreement with Raven Golf Construction Inc., for an analysis for the renovation and operation of the golf course. The consulting contract, for $12,500, will determine interest in re-opening the course and in what form.
Raven Golf will examine the course in relation to its condition, then offer proposals for future operation, including a smaller footprint that would enable some land use for other recreational purposes.
Current structures at the course will be evaluated by the City of Huntsville General Services Department.
The study is expected to take two weeks to complete and City Administrator John Hamilton said he would be able to present a proposal to Council in as soon as 30 days. Council members Bill Kling and Mark Russell both expressed their concerns that the City would have input in determining playing fees for the course.
Police
Officer Michael Nelson, a 10-year veteran of Huntsville Police Department, was presented a meritorious service award. A member of the DUI Task Force, he was cited for his expertise in drug recognition evaluation, determining through field testing and on-street testing what particular intoxicant a driver might be influenced by. According to Chief Mark McMurray, Nelson was single-handedly responsible for a 28-percent statewide rise in drug influence evaluations.
Zoning
The Council approved a motion to amend a zoning ordinance for C-4 business districts that would eliminate the 50-foot minimum setback between the building and street. The plan was explained as part of the “more walkable” philosophy for new business areas. It would not impact residential areas.
Approval was given for 3.98 acres on the west side of Seminole Drive and the south side of 8th Ave. in the Lowe Mill district to be rezoned from Residence 1-C and Residential Office 2 to a Village Business C-6 District, permitting more multi-use development in the neighborhood.
Annexation
The Council approved annexation of 79.86 acres of vacant land on the north side of Indian Ridge Drive and east of Ditto Landing Parkway, where the property owner is proposing a subdivision with a minimum of 110 single-family lots.
Approval was granted for annexation of 14.22 acres of land on the north side of Buford Drive and west of Old Big Cove Road that will be an addition to the existing Overton subdivision. Approval was also granted for annexation of 0.99 acres on the north side of Kennedy Lane and east of Old Big Cove Road.
Burritt Construction
The Council approved an agreement between the City of Huntsville and 4Site for its engineering design services for the Burritt Overlook. It is to design a 2,025-square foot observation deck, and it was noted the museum has totally funded this portion of the project.
Fern Bell Park
The council approved an agreement with Lee Builders for the construction of two softball fields, a concession stand and other buildings at the Fern Bell Park. The price is $1,404,036, to which the Huntsville City Schools is contributing $194,484.
Board appointments
Todd Howard and Marlene Primeau were appointed to the Madison County 310 Board, with terms to expire April 1, 2023.
Robert Stagg was reappointed to the Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, for a term to expire April 2, 2021.
For more information, view Council Agendas and Minutes or watch video recordings of the Council Meetings.
