Alabaster will receive a half million dollar grant from Shelby County to help with construction of the new Highway 119 park.

The cost of going to court in the city is going up. And the city has an interim fire chief.

Mayor David Frings told the Alabaster City Council on Monday night that Shelby County Manager Alex Dudchock has informed him the city will receive a grant from the county to help with the park project as part of an effort to meet infrastructure needs countywide.

Frings said the $518,219 grant from the county will fund or help fund the first phase of the park including the parking lot, lighting, large and small pavilions, playground, rest rooms and north and south walking trails which will be lighted.

In return, Frings said, common use areas of the park will be open to all Shelby County residents.

Following a public hearing on other business, the council voted 6-0 in the absence of Councilmember Jim McClain to upgrade the city’s fine schedule.

As a result of the change, the cost of court for moving violations will increase $11 and the cost of court for non-moving violations will increase $24, effective Jan. 1, 2004.

Frings also announced that Frank Matherson will serve as interim fire chief for the city.

He said Matherson replaces Fire Chief John Cochran, who has retired after more than 30 years of service and who was the city’s first paid fireman.

Frings also reported that Colonial Trust Properties has announced that a Belk’s department store will be part of its commercial development in the Interstate 65/Exit 238 area to include a Wal-mart Supercenter.

In addition, Frings recognized Dr. Thomas D. and Wendy Weber who contributed more than $1,700 as the result of a fund-raiser to help the Fire Department’s education efforts.

Following another public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to amend the wording of its sign ordinance by clarifying definitions and adding support text.

The council approved an application for a Restaurant Retail Liquor License for Dom Pepe Mexican Grill on 755 Montevallo Road and an application for retail table wine off premises only and retail beer off premises only license for Cannon Quick Stop, 725 First St. S.

Melanie Siow of Realty South was selected by the council

for appointment to the state Board of Equalization. The appointment, however, will be determined by the governor.

On a motion from Councilmember Henry Hines, the council approved the maintenance of five street lights in Stagecoach Terrace.

the council approved both the minutes of its Oct. 20 and 27 meetings and set a public hearing for Dec. 15 to rezone 7.6 acres on Highway 26 from estate to institutional use for a church.

Councilmember Adam Moseley abstained from the vote to set the public hearing as he is a member of Episcopal Church of the Holy Sprit which is making the request to locate across from the second entrance into Kentwood.

And the council announced that it will hold a work session on Monday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in the conference room.

Councilmember Michael Sherwood reported that the Police Department received 1,496 calls in October. Councilmember Hines reported that Public Works made 5,505 pickup stops.

And Councilmember Tommy Ryals reported that the Inspections Department did 1,152 inspections. He also reported that there were 34 new homes and 64 new apartments started at a total value of $8 million.

Ryals also made it clear following the council meeting that the Belk announcement is not contingent upon the outcome of eminent domain proceedings