By By SHERRY DIGMON
Advance Staff Writer
The Atmore City Council voted to fill several vacancies in city departments at Monday's meeting.
The police department is four men short of a full staff. Mayor Howard Shell said these are not new positions but are vacancies due to resignations and a death. The council voted to advertise for personnel to fill the positions.
Street Manager Don Whatley was authorized to hire two light equipment operators. As in the police department, these are not new positions. Whatley said he does not replace employees until he needs to and the time has come to do so. These positions will not be advertised since Whatley has a back-log of applicants.
The council voted to hire a full-time park and recreation employee to work with Melvin Middleton. The first priority will be to complete work on the pool in Tom Byrne Park. The work was put on hold when summer swimming started. The new employee will work in all city parks.
In other business, the council
heard a presentation from Ruth Harrell with The Coalition for a Healthier Escambia County. Harrell invited the mayor and council and audience to attend the coalition's Education Summit Aug. 25, 9 a.m. until noon in the Flomaton High School auditorium.
made several committee appointments. Juanita Smith, Jim Spears and Eugenia Wilson were reappointed to the Tree Commission. Alton Watts was reappointed to the Personnel Board. Jim Staff was reappointed to the Airport Committee.
granted permission to Harris Street AOH Church to hold a youth revival, Oct. 2-5, and a youth rally on Oct. 6. The revival will be held in a tent near the church, 7-9:30 p.m. each evening, and the rally will be held in Houston Avery Park. Bernadette Lawson made the request on behalf of the church. City Building Inspector Allen Nix cautioned Lawson to make sure the tent and electrical set-up meet code.
adopted resolution 2001-14 to seal coat the walking trails in Houston Avery and Tom Byrne parks. The resolution was required since the council will use grant money to do the work.
heard a report from Shell on supplies and work for the SAIL Center on Ridgeley Street. The center has two new refrigerators. The carpet has been cleaned. Fifteen broken chairs have been replaced. Four eight-foot tables, a pencil sharpener and a bulletin board have been ordered. Still needed are two carts to take meals to handicapped people in the center.
heard a request from a local resident, asking what could be done about people using the bathroom outdoors. This is occurring in a local residential area. It is not an isolated incident but a common practice.
Shell assured him the city is aware of this particular case and is taking steps to remedy the situation.