The city of Alabaster took steps Monday night to upgrade equipment, vehicles and traffic controls.

The council approved resolutions to upgrade the traffic signal at Highway 31 and Colonial Promenade Parkway (Interstate Drive) and for a new traffic signal at Highway 31 and the entrance to Colonial Promenade South, the next shopping center under development.

Regarding equipment, the council voted to purchase a mid-size Dodge Durango SUV for the Fire Department off state bid at a cost of $22,425 and to amend the budget for this item.

The council voted to purchase a sport utility vehicle for the mayor’s use from Earnest McCarty Ford at a cost of $27, 913.30.

The council voted to purchase three quarter-ton trucks for the Park and Recreation Department from Earnest McCarty Ford at a cost of $20,134.80 each.

The council voted to purchase six police Crown Victorias (five marked and one unmarked police car) from Earnest McCarty Ford at a cost of $20,322.50; an extended cab truck from Earnest McCarty Ford for animal control at a cost of some $16,274 and to purchase equipment for four motorcycles from Interceptor at a cost of $4,745 each.

The council voted to purchase a compact excavator from Loader Services at a cost of $31,743.80 and a utility vehicle from Cahaba Tractor at a cost of $10,304.75 for public works.

And the council approved a three-year lease for a truck with crane body at a cost of $50,720.50, a regular cab truck at a cost of $12,289.50 and an extended cab truck at a cost of $16,274.50 from Earnest McCarty Ford.

The council set a public hearing for Jan. 3 concerning an amendment to the business license schedule to allow for wine manufacturing.

The council will also hold a work session on Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m. prior to the regular council meeting, which was moved from Jan. 2 to Jan. 3 due to the holidays.

The Alabaster PLAY organization, which has provided playgrounds for the city, received a $5,000 donation from Belk.

And the Alabaster Radio Control Club which flies model airplanes at Limestone Park shared an award of merit it has received because of the cooperation between the City Council, the people of Alabaster and the Mayor in working for youth in aviation.