From The Trussville Tribune
ARGO — Former fire chief Mike Platts was recognized during a regular Monday night meeting of the Argo City Council, which also confirmed the next full-time chief of the department. The council appointed Heath Smith to the position two weeks after they accepted Platts’ resignation on Feb. 23.
Argo fire volunteer John Songer presents former fire chief Mike Platts with a helmet as he leaves the department. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
Related article: Argo City Council accepts resignation of Mike Platts, appoints interim fire chief
Argo Mayor Betty Bradley thanked Platts for his service as chief of the fire department. Bradley noted that Platts began his firefighting career in 1990 and was promoted to deputy chief in 1998 before becoming chief in 2000.
She said that, after Platts was made chief, the department went from all volunteers to a staff of paid employees in addition to the volunteers.
“I thank you and ensure the citizens of Argo would like to also thank you,” she said. “The contributions you have made to the city and the fire department is greatly appreciated. I would like to congratulate you for a successful career in the city of Argo and wish him the best as his journey continues.”
John Songer, who has served in the department as a volunteer, presented Platts a fire helmet in honor of his service.
“I appreciate the opportunity serving the citizens of Argo,” Platts said. “I had great guys working for me and under me. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Later in the meeting, Smith’s appointment was approved by all on the council with the exception Councilor Ronnie Bowman, who abstained. Before he was appointed, Smith spoke before the council, outlining five principles that he’ll implement as the new chief, which he said were: excellence, service, pride, honor and integrity.
“I just want to let the citizens know that if I can be of assistance to you in any way, shape, form or fashion, the door is open,” he told the council and the audience. “Any concerns, bring them to me and we’ll work to resolve it.”
Before tonight’s meeting, Argo firefighter Scott Payne had been serving as interim fire chief until a full time chief could be confirmed.
In other business, the council heard from representatives of Waste Pro USA and Advanced Disposal on bids for garbage collection in the city. After hearing from them, the council agreed to delay voting until the next meeting at a future meeting after the members have reviewed their proposals.
The council approved several expenditures, including an $3,000 invoice from the St. Clair Economic Development Council. The council also approved a $6,301. 25 invoice by Civil Consultants, Inc. for improvements to City Hall.
Afterwards, the council agreed to close City Hall on April 12th due to city employees being absent as they attend a “court regional seminar”.
In her report, Bradley said that the city spent $2,400 for emergency repairs to the hot water heater at City Hall. She reported that the computer approved at a Feb. 13 meeting for the 2020 census has arrived and that the city will have 120 days to complete the census.
Bradley also reported a transfer of $10, 212. 80 to the police department equipment fund.
During the public comments portion of the meeting, resident Courtney Meadows from the Argo Teen Council, requested that they be allowed to hold a community food drive on Sunday to restock the food bank outside City Hall from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The council approved her request.
The next meeting of the Argo City Council will take place on March 26 at 6 p.m.
