Good Hope talks sirens, 2020 Census, Human Trafficking Awareness Month

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Good Hope Councilmen Maxie Jones and Terry Shabel are seen with Mayor Jerry Bartlett at Monday night’s meeting. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

Updated 1-13-20 9:13 p.m.

GOOD HOPE, Ala. – The Good Hope City Council Monday night proclaimed January Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the city of Good Hope. Mayor Jerry Bartlett and the council signed the proclamation, which read, in part: “It is not enough merely to denounce this horrific assault on human dignity; we must actively work to prevent and end this barbaric example exploitation of innocent victims.”

The council discussed the city’s tornado warning sirens, one of which was out of service for this past weekend’s spate of severe weather. The City warned residents Friday that the sirens were not working, ahead of the forecasted storms Saturday.

City Planner Corey Harbison explained, “We had put in a work order to have them repair the one siren. Then, this past Wednesday, while they were testing, the siren on the north end’s battery blew up while they were testing it.”

Crews did work on the sirens Friday before the storms, but only one was able to be repaired. The siren on the north end was the only siren within Good Hope not working Saturday. 

Officials urged all residents to not rely solely on the siren system during severe weather.

Councilwoman Susan Eller urged residents to make sure they are counted in the 2020 Census, saying, “It could affect us in federal funding, it could affect us in D.C. with our seats and our electoral college.”

Harbison also reminded residents that sales tax, gas tax and internet sales taxes are split throughout the state based on population. 

To raise awareness for the 2020 Census, Good Hope is planning a fun event with door prizes, food and more for those who come and get counted. Volunteers will be on hand to assist those who need it. Those who have completed their census forms can still be entered to win a 50” TV and other prizes. The Good Hope Census Event is scheduled for April 4, 2020. 

The council also voted to renew the City’s contract with AirMedCare. The annual cost to the City is $8,975. It covers any resident of the city of Good Hope if transported by AirEvac from within Cullman County. 

Baseball and softball registration for Good Hope Parks and Recreation begins Jan. 14 and will run through Feb. 14. 

The International Education Program at Good Hope High School was granted approval for a 5K run that will take place Feb. 8 and begin at 9 a.m. 

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