At the Russellville City Council meeting Nov. 19, the council recognized students winners of the Russellville Fire Department’s fire safety week poster contest.

Overall winners were Maria Gonzalez in first place, Madi Willis in second place and Bentley Kimbrough in third place.

Third-grade winners were Bentley Kimbrough in first, Heidi Jacobo in second and Natalia Gaspar in third. Fourth-grade winners were Madi Willis in first, Ansley Willis in second and Jacquelin Rodriguez in third. Fifth-grade winners were Maria Gonzalez in first, Lilliana Figueroa in second and Citlali Mojica in third.

In other council business, Ty Hunt made a presentation requesting the city consider the purchase of a Caterpillar to effect needed repairs in a more timely manner. It would cost about $1,987 per month.

Council members also discussed the expected benefits of a new software package from DCS Software the city is considering purchasing to help maintain streets better. This package would allow for the development of a model of city streets – including curbs, gutters, bridges and the like.

Councilmembers said the status of road conditions could then be managed in a more organized way. Each road would be graded at regular intervals, and the grades would be graphically represented. A digital map would show which roads needed attention.

Recording and monitoring complaints and resolutions of road issues would be more efficiently handled, as well.

Projected costs for specific repairs could be documented within the software. Work orders would be disseminated through the system to the appropriate departments. Machines being used to effect repairs would be tracked, and an inventory of equipment would be maintained. This system might also be of help in budget development.

Councilmembers said communication is underway to set up a date for representatives of the software to come and make a presentation. After that, the representatives will likely also present at a council meeting, after which a decision will be made regarding whether to purchase the software package.

The council also:

• Approved a resolution to commend Franklin County Archives Director Chris Ozbirn.
• Discussed 2016 TAP Sidewalk Project – TAPAA-TA16(914) – contingent upon ALDOT approval of transferring funds to the 2016 TAP project from the 2018 TAP project.
• Promoted Scotty Lowery to captain in the Russellville Police Department and declared a vacancy for lieutenant.
• Promoted Jordan Testerman and Dakota Demastus to sergeants in the Russellville Police Department.
• Accepted letter of resignation from patrol pfficer Joseph Franks in the RPD and declared a vacancy for patrol officer.
• Accepted a letter of resignation from dispatcher Jake Burkett in the RPD and declared the vacancy and authorized to advertise to solicit job applications.
• Promoted Andy Devaney to firefighter II in the Russellville Fire Department.

The next regular meeting will be Dec. 3.