In its regular meeting Feb. 20, the Russellville City Council passed a resolution authorizing the establishment of an exclusive solid waste franchise in the city and the purchase of used in-place dumpsters, located throughout the city, from the Franklin County Commission, contingent upon approval of the commission at its next meeting, Feb. 21.

“Our goal is to be ready by Oct. 1,” said Russellville Mayor David Grissom. “We’ve got a lot of work to do between now and then.”

At its Feb. 21 meeting, the Franklin County Commission approved the sale of approximately 185 used in-place dumpsters to the city, noting the precise number could change between now and Oct. 1. The cost of each dumpster is $500. If the county sets any new dumpsters between now and then, the city will pay full price for those.

Grissom said this gets the process started for the city to have an exclusive commercial solid waste franchise in the City of Russellville.

STAGE AT SLOSS LAKE

In other business, the council authorized advertisement to solicit sealed bids for the construction of a performance stage at Sloss Lake.

“This is something we’ve been working on for some time,” explained Grissom. “We‘ve asked to get bids back by March 6 at noon, and we’ll have a city council meeting that night.”

EQUIPMENT FOR FIRE, STREET DEPARTMENTS

The council also approved purchase of a Kubota RTV-X900G-H from Scott Equipment in the amount of $14,978.34 for the Russellville Fire Department.

Grissom said the machine will also be used by the city street department.

“This is a new machine to replace one we already had,” explained fire marshal Justin Green. “We couldn’t get the old one repaired because they don’t make that engine or other parts needed anymore.”

Green said the machine being replaced is about 18 years old.

“It’s been utilized many times throughout Russellville and Franklin County over the time we’ve had it. Hopefully, this one will last as long or longer and continue to help our community.”

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The council went into an executive session, after which city attorney Danny McDowell, said the council met to discuss matters involving the good name and character of certain individuals, noting no votes were cast or action taken.

Following this, Grissom asked Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell what his recommendation was regarding two firefighters in the department. Mansell advised two weeks off without pay and six months probation, and the council approved that recommendation.

Grissom said no action would be taken for items 12 and 13 on the agenda, which were listed as declaring two vacancies for firefighter in the Russellville Fire Department and authorizing advertisement to solicit job applications for those positions.

NEXT MEETING

The regular meeting of the Russellville City council is set for March 6, 2023, at 6 p.m. at Russellville City Hall.