A U.S. Census adjustment, bonds for the White Stone Development, bids and a change in the nuisance ordinance were all highlights of the Alabaster City Council’s regular Monday, Feb. 3 meeting.

Alabaster Council President Rick Walters reported

that

the U.S. Census count for Alabaster has been raised

to 23,667 for the year 2000.

The City Council disputed an earlier census count that showed Alabaster with 22,619 residents for the year 2000.

The increase amounts to 1,048 more residents for the city, which equals 396 additional homes.

Congressman Spencer Bachus assisted the city in getting an answer to the dispute of the original count.

Following a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to set the average interest rate for a $2.04 million bond issue at 5 percent. Rules were suspended and the action was taken by ordinance.

In a related matter, the council unanimously approved Ellard Construction Company as the low bid for the White Stone infrastructure (utilities and road improvements) at a cost of $139,746. Other bids were submitted by Gilco Contracting, Global Construction & Eng., Russo Corporation and SAAIA Construction.

The council unanimously rejected a bid on the city’s fleet lease agreement after Councilmember Michael Sherwood pointed out the vehicles bid were not those the council agreed upon.

The council unanimously rejected all bids for the soccer field lighting project after a motion by Councilmember Jim McClain.

Following another public hearing, the council unanimously voted to amend the city’s nuisance code ordinance changing the offending height of grass from six to 18 inches.

In routine matters, the council approved the minutes of the Jan. 21 meeting and set a council work session for Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the municipal annex.

Councilmember Henry Hines

announced that Pride Day in Alabaster will be April 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. He said Alabama Power Company will provide bags for garbage cleanup.

He also said BFI will provide free transport of garbage to the county landfill that day. And the county will allow free dumping at the landfill that day as well.

Hines further reported that First Street will be closed Feb. 12 and 13 for railroad crossing repair.

In answer to questions from the audience, the council said it is working on its nuisance ordinance with regard to noise pollution and the city is picking up election signs left on public right-of-ways.

In pre-council, Alabaster Personnel Director Clark Boyd said there will be a Civil Service Board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. in the municipal annex.

He said the meeting is open to the public and there will be a vote on the Civil Service Act as it applies to classified employees only