COLUMBIANA – Shelby County residents and non-profit groups will once again have opportunities to dispose of household debris at the county landfill at no charge.

The Shelby County Commission announced at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 27, that the Shelby County Landfill “Free Days” for 2017 will be April 1 and Oct. 7.

On these days, residents, churches and civic groups can dispose of residential trash and debris at the landfill with 1-ton trucks or smaller at no charge.

“The Shelby County Commission wishes to help promote a cleaner, more attractive Shelby County, and the Shelby County Commission wishes to assist the citizens of Shelby County in their spring and fall cleaning projects at home and in their communities,” the resolution read.

Municipal initiatives or projects on these dates that involve contract haulers who regularly dispose of the municipal residential waste at the Alabama 70 landfill, pick up materials on the free dates and deliver the materials on the same free dates will be allowed to participate as long as prior approval is obtained through the Shelby County Development Services-Landfill Division.

Each applicable waste municipal contracted transport vehicle must display the county-assigned access placard in the front window of each approved vehicle.

In other business, the commission:

•Approved a resolution recognizing Thompson High School teacher Brian Copes for being one of five national finalists for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize. “It is amazing what you’ve done,” Commissioner Elwyn Bearden said after reading the resolution containing a list of Copes’ accomplishments.

•Approved a resolution for the county manager and manager of Community Services to submit application and administrate on behalf of Shelby County the “Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner System Program.” The Shelby County Coroner requested grant funds in the amount of $110,000 to carry out the proposed project to eventually achieve accreditation.

•Received no bids for automotive brake services or oil changes and related services, so purchases will be made as outlined in the Alabama Bid Law.

•Awarded the bid for auto/truck tire services to Howard Tire.

•Awarded the bid for two-wheel and four-wheel alignment services to Ernest McCarty Ford Inc. and Howard Tire.

•Awarded the bid for various uniform shirts and jackets to Private Preferred.

•Awarded the bid for Sheriff’s Office flooring replacement to Grayton Products.

•Approved minutes from the Feb. 13 meeting.

•Approved bills, requisitions, check register, government funds and proprietary funds.