HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville could know within approximately two weeks whether it can obtain insurance coverage for a future municipal police department, Mayor Nolan Bradford said during the City Council’s Thursday, Aug. 13, meeting.
The insurance question represents another step in the city’s effort to eventually restore municipal law enforcement following the dissolution of the Hanceville Police Department earlier this year.
The council also approved higher insurance deductibles for city vehicles and buildings, authorized the purchase of five sets of turnout gear for Hanceville Fire and Rescue and opted to continue negotiations over a proposed extension of the city’s cell tower lease.
HPD
Hanceville abolished its police department Feb. 12, shifting law enforcement authority within the city to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.
The ordinance dissolving the department also addressed the custody, storage and preservation of police records, evidence logs, incident reports, citations, administrative files and related documents.
During Thursday’s meeting, city officials reported that work to clear materials from the former police department’s evidence room is nearing completion, with materials transferred to appropriate federal and state agencies.
The next phase will involve scanning and preserving records the city is required to retain.
Bradford said he hopes to receive additional information within approximately two weeks concerning whether the city can obtain insurance coverage for a new police department.
If coverage can be secured, Bradford indicated the city could move forward with the process of seeking a new police chief.
Insurance deductibles increased
The council approved increasing the city’s vehicle insurance deductible to $2,500 and its building deductible to $10,000 as part of an effort to reduce insurance premiums.
The action follows discussion at the council’s July 23 meeting, when Bradford said he was continuing negotiations with insurance brokers to obtain quotes based on higher deductible limits.
At that time, no change had been approved and the matter was expected to return to the council for consideration.
Fire department to receive five sets of turnout gear
Hanceville Fire and Rescue reported a shortage of turnout gear and requested five additional sets of the protective equipment.
The council approved a budget amendment reallocating money already available in the city’s budget and authorized the purchase of all five sets.
The action does not represent an additional appropriation of new revenue, but instead moves existing funds to cover the department’s equipment need.
Cell tower negotiations continue
The council declined to commit the city to a proposed extended cell tower lease and instead opted to continue negotiations in an effort to obtain more favorable terms.
Options under discussion included a lump-sum arrangement and a longer-term lease agreement. Council members expressed interest in exploring alternatives between those options before making a final commitment.
The matter has carried over from the council’s July 23 meeting, when discussion of the lease extension was tabled for additional review.
Other business
The council approved its regular monthly bills, including a $4,385.22 invoice from the Cullman County Commission.
The council also approved the minutes of its July 23 meeting.
The council later voted to enter executive session. Members subsequently returned to the council chamber before the meeting concluded.
The next regular Hanceville City Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m.
