By Terry Schrimscher
SPRINGVILLE — The Springville City Council moved quickly through a short agenda during the regular session on March 15. Attorneys James Hill III and Charlie Waldrep were both in attendance, assuming new roles with the city.
The council unanimously approved Resolution 2021-20, officially making changes in legal representation for the city. Hill will now serve as City Attorney, resuming a role he held during the previous administration.
Waldrep, who has served as City Attorney since November, will change roles and serve as legal counsel for the Mayor and city administration. Waldrep and his firm, Waldrep Stewart & Kendrick, will also provide services as prosecutors in city courts.
The resolution voids Resolution 2021-19, which was passed by the council in the contentious March 1 meeting when Mayor Dave Thomas abruptly motioned to adjourn before considering the proposal.
Mayor Thomas has since apologized to the council, during the March 8 work session, and all parties have worked together on the new resolution.
Chief Richard Harvey of the Springville Fire Department recognized promotions from the previous year when in-person meetings were not held by the city. Firefighters Shree Bostick and Newman Davis were promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Graham Darnell and James Robinson were promoted to the rank of captain. Lieutenant Dennis Putnam was presented with his shield during the meeting.
The council approved two agenda items for the Department of Parks and Recreation. An amendment to the city’s coach training agreement was approved pending updates in the language of the agreement. The council also approved $8000 for improvements in baseball field lighting which will include the installation of lights around handicapped parking spaces.
Mike Hobbs was appointed to the Parks and Recreation board through May 2022 and Katie Massie was appointed to the board through May 2023. Hobbs and Massie replace departing board members Mike Ennis and Chip Martin.
The council tabled a resolution from Mayor Thomas in support of keeping the Ashville jail open. The state legislature is currently considering measures to address concerns over the jail facility in Ashville. Mayor Thomas has said he feels it is important to show support for Ashville and go on record expressing the importance of the jail to Springville and neighboring cities along the northern corridor of St. Clair county.
City Attorney Hill addressed some of the concerns about the Ashville jail in the March 8 work session. He stated the future role of the jail might be transitioned to focus on work release, temporary adult housing, and juvenile detention.
Hill said Senator Jim McClendon has proposed a portion of court costs be set aside to upgrade and preserve the Ashville jail, which is in need of repairs. Hill also addressed rumors that the courthouse in Ashville might be closed once the new jail in Pell City is completed saying the rumors are unfounded and the county is obligated to maintain the operation of the courts in Ashville.