The Columbiana Police Department

will be get getting two new police officers and a dispatcher and will be adding a formerly unmarked vehicle to its marked patrol car fleet.

At its Tuesday, Oct. 15 meeting, the City Council approved the employment of

Jonathan Oliver as a full-time police officer effective Oct. 19.

Police Chief Michael Lann said Oliver had been employed by the city as full-time dispatcher for the past year.

The council also voted to advertise for a second new full-time police officer under the COPS Grant and a full-time or part-time dispatcher, depending upon qualifications.

In addition, the council voted to spend $4,300 to convert the unmarked police vehicle driven by Chief Lann into a marked police vehicle with light bar, markings, radar, tray mount, switch box and prisoner screen.

The council voted to reimburse

Joyce Jones $265 toward the cost of labor an installation for a drainage pipe under her driveway.

The pipe was reportedly damaged by a Columbiana Fire Truck while responding to a call at the residence.

City Clerk Terry Collum presented the City Council signed portraits of entertainers Eric Heatherly, Tori Baxley and Little Big Town from the stars in appreciation for the city’s hosting of the event at which they performed.

Heatherly did not actually perform due to a sudden downpour, but he signed autographs for fans and spent the day shopping in Columbiana, according to Collum.

Collum also presented a plaque of appreciation from Eric Heatherly to Bernie and Charlie’s which hosted the entertainers for lunch.

The council voted to approve an expense of $2,650 for a backhoe bucket and $3,800 for a &uot;billy goat.&uot; The billy goat is a vacuum.

In other matters the council:

Renewed the monthly payment of $150 for utilities for the Jeanette Nivens House. The house was donated to the city and is home to the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce. It is also used by local civic organizations.

Approved an expense of $2,105 for a new laptop and wireless connection for municipal court.

Approved a transfer of $2,155 from the general fund to ball park construction to cover the city portion of Parks and Recreation expenses.

Approved a transfer from the general fund of $1,588 to cover library expenses.

Announced Nov. 10 as the deadline for the next newsletter.

Recognized Columbiana Cub Scout Pack 588, Den 7 Webelos who came to the meeting to earn a merit badge.

All actions were passed unanimously in the absence of councilmember Ouida Mayfield.

The next regular meeting of Columbiana City Council will be Tuesday, Nov. 5