The Alabaster City Council set three public hearings, amended a city ordinance and recognized two monetary contributions to the city to benefit the Fire Department and the Parks and Recreation Department at its recent meeting.

Alabaster Mayor David Frings recognized Dr. Thomas Weber, a local chiropractor, and his wife, Wendy, for a fund-raiser they held which generated $1,847 to help the Fire Department repair a thermal imaging camera.

Alabaster Fire Chief John Cochran said the camera is used to see through smoke to help locate fire victims and to see where hot spots are located in a burning structure.

The Webers said their goal was to raise $1,700, and contributions came not only from their patients but other businesses as well.

Frings also recognized Ron Booker of Alabama Power Company who announced an Alabama Power Foundation grant to the city of $300 for trees to be planted at a city park.

In old business, the council unanimously approved an amendment to the Business and Marketing Ordinance which allows local business owners who live outside the city to serve on the Business and Marketing Board along with city residents.

Under new business, the council unanimously voted to:

Set a public hearing on Jan. 6 for a re-zoning request from the city to change about 100 acres for the Alabaster Sports Complex on Highway 31 from A-1 (agricultural) to Institutional.

Set a public hearing to be held Jan. 6 on a request from Kenneth Carter for about 11.4 acres adjacent to the Scottsdale Subdivision from A-1 (agricultural to R-3 (residential, 10,000 square foot lots, one-story homes of 1,400 square feet or two-story homes of 1,600 square feet).

Council president Rick Walters said the request is for a subdivision extension of an estimated 25 homes.

Walters confirmed that the request was upgraded from R-4 (patio homes) and was unanimously recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board.

Ryals said the only concern expressed by citizens was that the extension would be entered from Heather Lane.

And while he noted that the developer might investigate the possibility of using another entrance, he said at present Heather Lane is the only entrance.

He also said by law the city cannot deny anyone access to their property.

A public hearing set for Dec. 16 on an annexation request from W.W. Construction (David Weaver) for three parcels of land adjacent to the Saginaw Post Office on Highway 31 South for development into a strip shopping center.

Councilmember Michael Sherwood announced the opening of a South Precinct at Fire Station No. 2 and recognized five Alabaster Police Officers who graduated from the Police Academy.

Those officers were John Plumb, John Howell, Glen Merchant, Lonnie Jones and Jason Williams.

Sherwood also agreed to look into a citizen’s request that no left turns be allowed on Highway 119 North into Buck Creek Plaza.

Councilmember Henry Hines reminded business owners and residents to spruce up for the Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m.

Councilmember Adam Moseley thanked the Webers and Alabama Power representative Booker for their help to the city.

Ryals reported from the Inspections Department that 21 new homes were started in the city at a value of $2.1 million, that $17,000 in permits were generated as well as $37,000 in tap fees.

The council set its next work session for Dec. 9 at 7 p.m