After the members of the Hartselle City Council took their oaths of office Nov. 2 and began their new terms, they got to work on their first agenda.  

A council president and president pro-tempore had to be named, and rules and orders of procedure had to be established. The council took the time to formally reappoint city officers, including the city clerk, fire chief, police chief, city attorney and city prosecutor. Those appointed were: Kenny Thompson, council president; Dwight Tankersley, president pro-tempore; Rita Lee, city clerk; Daryl Fox, fire chief; Justin Barley, police chief; Larry Madison, city attorney; and David Langston, city prosecutor.  

What followed was business as usual, as the council heard an introduction–only ordinance in regards to rezoning a portion of Highway 36 from AG-1 to R-1. The council will decide on this ordinance at its next meeting Nov. 24.  

The council also approved an agreement with Hartselle City Schools to transfer ownership of the tennis courts back to the city. The council also revised job descriptions for accounting positions.  

The council also considered extending earned vacation time for city employees because of COVID-19.  

“It’s been very hard for our police officers and members of the fire department to take any time off,” HR director Melee Laney explained to the council. “We have several employees who are at risk of losing one week, possibly two weeks, of vacation because we don’t allow carryover. This would allow them to basically keep what they’ve earned and use it.” 

The council approved the extension.