By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The Columbiana City Council adopted a proclamation Tuesday night declaring Feb. 6, 2011 as Robert Bentley Day in the city.

Alabama Gov. Bentley grew up in Columbiana and is the only Shelby County native elected governor.

The council’s proclamation, expected for several weeks, follows a separate proclamation from the Shelby County Commission. Both proclamations were made in anticipation of the county’s 193^rd birthday celebration Feb. 6 in Columbiana.

Bentley “has been blessed by The Lord Our God with a family that stressed hard work, providing for those in your charge, leading by example and displaying Christian love by giving back to the community,” the city’s proclamation states.

The city’s proclamation describes Bentley as a public servant “with a proven and respected record of honesty and integrity while working to improve the quality of life for all Alabamians” first as a state legislator and now as governor.

In closing, the city’s proclamation promises “to commit our support and prayers to strengthen him in his new position of leadership and show him, in no uncertain terms, that we are proud to call Governor Robert Bentley a favorite son of Columbiana.”

Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe will read the entire proclamation, and present a framed copy of it, to Bentley during Sunday’s celebration event at the old Shelby County courthouse.

Bentley will attend a Sunday morning worship service at First Baptist Church, Lowe said during the pre-council meeting.

In other meeting news:

– The council unanimously approved a resolution waiving the city’s business license fee for the Shelby County Cattlemen’s annual rodeo Feb. 25-26. Councilman and cattleman Stancil Handley suggested the action after the county, he said, told the association it would have to obtain a business license from the city. The rodeo, held at the Shelby County Exhibition Center, is the cattlemen’s primary fundraiser. In the last 20-plus years the association has donated more than $600,000 to local organizations like FFA and 4-H.

– A resolution was approved authorizing Lowe to sign a contract with Region Paramedic Services. RPS will lease crew quarters and two parking spaces at the Southeast Shelby Rescue Building, owned by the city, for $400 per month.

– City Clerk Gina Antolini was approved to use the city’s credit card while attending the Alabama League of Municipalities Convention April 30-May 3 in Huntsville. The card is to be used for meals and accommodations not to exceed $600.

– Minutes from the Jan. 18 pre-council and council meetings were approved.