By MOLLIE BROWN/For the Reporter

In its May 6 meeting, the Calera City Council and Mayor Jon Graham addressed issues concerning the I-65 exit 231 interstate bridge and CSX railroad crossings.

Calera Police Chief Sean Lemley advised the council and mayor on both issues.

“I approached the state about traffic diverted to exit 231 while exit 228 is being repaired,” Lemley said. “They agreed to reimburse the city overtime hours for officers to direct traffic for two hours in the morning, five days a week. It’s still a disaster, but not near the disaster we’d have if these guys weren’t there.”

Lemley also addressed the railroad crossing repairs on Highway 22 by Sysco. He said the repairs will be a joint operation between the county engineering department and CSX because Highway 22 is a county road. The project cost is estimated between $10,000 to $12,000. The county will reach out to CSX to get the project started.

Councilman Bobby Joe Phillips asked Lemley about repairs to the railroad crossing on U.S. 25. Lemley said U.S. 25 is a state project, and he will contact ALDOT District Engineer Gary Ray about it.

A public involvement meeting about the the I-65 exit 231 bridge construction will be June 6 from 4-7 p.m. at Calera First United Methodist Church. State highway department representatives will be available to discuss the project and answer questions. Graham asked Calera residents to attend and support the project.

In other business, the council

• Heard from Park and Recreation Director Seth Gandy, who reported that the Strawberry Festival was a huge success. The mayor and council thanked Gandy, city personnel and others who contributed to its success.

• Appointed two people to fill Park and Recreation Board positions. Vickie McGiboney will serve through 2017, and Jeremy Armstrong through 2016.

• Voted to install two streets lights at the intersection of Meadow Park Drive and County Road 16.

• Voted to accept the bid from STA-DRY Roofing for repairs to the historic Calera Presbyterian Church on 14th Street. The new metal roof will carry a 40-year material warranty and 10-year labor warranty.

• Approved a sales tax holiday to occur Aug. 2-4, 2013.