City Council – Highlights from the Nov. 16, 2017 Meeting
Published on November 17, 2017
Economic Development
Council voted to approve an economic development agreement with the BOCAR Group that will include up to $400,000 in performance and investment-based incentives. BOCAR, a top Tier 1 automotive supplier, will build a $115 million advanced manufacturing plant in Huntsville/Limestone County. The facility will employ between 300 and 400 workers. View the BOCAR Development Agreement Presentation. View the BOCAR announcement.
Planning
Plans to turn the site of the former Councill High School into a Memorial Park were presented to City Council for input. To move those plans forward, Council agreed to terminate a previous memorandum of understanding with the Huntsville Housing Authority and the William Hooper Councill High Alumni Association designed to help fundraising efforts to preserve the remaining school structures. After looking at cost of that effort, The Alumni Association, in cooperation with city planners and community leaders, endorsed the concept of preserving the site through a Memorial Park. More information on City Blog.
Education
Council endorsed the renewal of a 6 1/2 mill city-wide ad valorem school tax to support for Huntsville City Schools. The tax has been in effect since May 14, 1985, and must be renewed by public vote every 29 years. The tax will be on the December 12 ballot.
Infrastructure
Approved an agreement with Garver, L.L.C. for land acquisition services for additional lanes for Winchester Road. Contract amount is $398,824. This is a joint roadwork project with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT).
Approved a contract with the Huntsville-Madison County Marina and Port Authority for $57,000 for Public Works to provide a new roadway connector at the marina.
Board Appointments
Dr. Delmonize (Del) Smith was appointed by Mayor Tommy Battle to the Huntsville Housing Authority for a five year term to expire August 2022. He replaces Lamont Redrick.
Reappointment of Kimberly Ford by Mayor Tommy Battle to the Benton Wilcoxon Iceplex Board for a three year term to expire November 2020.
Reappointment of Fred Hudson by Mayor Tommy Battle to the Benton Wilcoxon Iceplex Board for a term to expire November 2019.
Upcoming
Ribbon Cutting for Skating in the Park, Friday, Nov. 17, 4 p.m., Huntsville Museum of Art
Bridge Street Tree lighting, Friday, Nov. 17. 6 p.m.
Mayor’s Cup Tennis Tournament, Sunday, November 19, 3 p.m., Athletic Club Alabama
City Hall Closed, Friday, Nov. 24, to observe Thanksgiving Holiday
WATCH a replay of the City Council meeting
