HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The Hanceville City Council on Thursday, Aug. 27, accepted a $108,000 lump sum option for an extended cell tower lease, authorized former Police Chief Josh Howell to inventory equipment obtained through the federal 1033 Program and appointed a new city attorney.
The council also discussed a potential forensic audit connected to the former Hanceville Police Department but took no action after members raised questions about the cost and whether the city should first receive the results of two other pending audits.
Former police equipment
The council agreed to contract with Howell to locate and inventory equipment formerly assigned to the Hanceville Police Department through the federal 1033 Program.
The program allows law enforcement agencies to receive certain surplus federal equipment. Hanceville still has responsibility for equipment obtained through the program despite abolishing its police department earlier this year.
Howell will be paid up to $50 per hour to complete the inventory, which must be finished by Sept. 30. Equipment requiring inventory includes former military vehicles and weapons obtained through the federal program.
Hanceville abolished its police department Feb. 12, transferring responsibility for law enforcement within the city to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.
At the council’s Aug. 13 meeting, city officials said work to clear the former department’s evidence room was nearing completion and that the next phase would include scanning and preserving records the city is required to retain.
The council’s discussion comes shortly after four defendants entered guilty pleas Aug. 19 in the criminal investigation involving the former department. Former Chief Jason Shane Marlin, former officers Jason Scott Wilbanks and Eric Michael Kelso, along with Donna Reid Kelso entered negotiated pleas in Cullman County Circuit Court.
Forensic audit discussed
Council members also discussed proposals for a forensic audit involving the former police department.
The proposed audit could cost more than $100,000.
Mayor Nolan Bradford said he favored receiving the results of two audits already underway before the city commits additional money to a forensic audit.
Councilmember Kim Brown said a forensic audit would provide a more in-depth examination and described moving forward with one as another good-faith step by the city.
No vote was taken Thursday. The council is expected to return to the issue at its next meeting.
The city is also awaiting additional information concerning insurance coverage that would be necessary if Hanceville moves forward with reestablishing a municipal police department.
Bradford told the council Aug. 13 that he expected additional insurance information within approximately two weeks. Mayor Pro Tem Jana Shelton told WBRC following Thursday’s meeting that the council now expects an update at its Sept. 10 meeting.
Cell tower agreement
The council approved a $108,000 lump sum option for an extended cell tower lease agreement.
The matter had been carried over from previous meetings while council members considered whether to accept an upfront payment or continue receiving payments over a longer period.
At its Aug. 13 meeting, the council declined to commit to either option and continued negotiations in an effort to obtain more favorable terms.
On Thursday, members selected the option providing the city with the one-time $108,000 payment rather than the ongoing payment alternative previously under consideration.
New city attorney
The council voted to appoint Andrew Herren as Hanceville’s new city attorney.
The appointment came after council members returned from an executive session lasting approximately 35 minutes.
Before entering the executive session, the council stated that it would discuss the general reputation and character of an individual.
The council returned to open session before taking action on the city attorney appointment.
Events Committee
Councilmember Robert Powell also presented recommendations for the city’s Events Committee.
The proposed slate included Mariah Hicks as a school representative, Beth Ellis as a community representative, Brianna Powell and Morgan Wasilewski as city representatives, Yara Reynolds as a business representative and Charles Wilson in an advisory, volunteer and onboarding role.
The committee was discussed under old business.
Fire chief ordinance
A proposed ordinance concerning the appointment of a fire chief was not brought to a final vote Thursday.
Council members agreed to place the ordinance on the next council meeting agenda for additional discussion and consideration.
The agenda also included discussion of a rules of procedure ordinance, an agenda and agenda packet ordinance and initial departmental budget worksheets.
Pool season ending
Parks Director David Wasilewski reported that Labor Day weekend will mark the end of the season for the city pool.
Bradford said the city has received estimates for potential changes to the pool. He said he believes the proposed improvements could pay for themselves over the long term.
Upcoming meetings
The city will hold a budget review meeting Thursday, Sept. 3, at 5:30 p.m.
The Hanceville City Council’s next work session and regular meeting are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, beginning at 6 p.m. Another work session and council meeting are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m.
