By John William Gallagher
On Monday night, the City of Clay held a council meeting where they issued a proclamation honoring resident Evelyn Self on her centennial birthday. Self turned 100 on November 16. She is the oldest surviving citizen of Clay, where she started the first kitchen at the school. Self currently lives in a retirement community and was unable to attend the meeting.
In other council news, a motion was tabled concerning the vacation time of Bob Christmas, the former City Clerk, over legal concerns. The City plans to meet with Christmas to discuss the issue and the payment for his vacation time.
Christmas reported to the City an accrued 640 hours of vacation time or 80 days. He began as City Clerk in 2003 and left in November 2012 when the City merged the position into its new City Manager. No city records were produced to corroborate Christmas’ claim.
The council also discussed issues arising from the current personnel manual for City employees. Currently, a city employee is allowed to accrue vacation hours according to years served. These days also rollover each year. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, a motion was put forward to alter the manual. The changes included a maximum of 25 vacation days to be accrued
. These motions were never adopted.
“I would like to see us resolve this issue by the next meeting,” said Councilor Becky Johnson.
Also, Randy Matthews issued a petition from himself and thirteen homeowners to the council concerning speeding along Canterbury Road between Steeplechase Road and Harness Drive. The petition sought the City to put in two speed tables. The issue will be sent to the Committee on Public Safety for consideration. According to the council, they would like to resolve the issue quickly.
According to Matthews, driver speeds reach in excess of 50 m.p.h along the road.
In recreational developments, a presentation was made about a new Disc Golf course to be located in Clay. The course would be 36 holes. According to Disc Golf Birmingham, it will be one of the most unique courses in the state.
Clay City Council: Mark Halstead, Place 4; Ricky Baker, Place 5; Mayor Elect Charles Webster; Becky Johnson, Place 1; Ben Thackerson, Place 3; and Kevin Small, Place 2.
