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By ROBYN JAMES | Special to the Reporter

HELENA – Residents of Helena will be pleased to know two significant actions were approved by the City Council at its regular meeting Monday, July 13.

Mayor Mark Hall began the meeting by announcing the city hall and police department were both professionally cleaned and disinfected by Cornerstone Restoration recently to prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout both facilities.

The council then took up the consideration and vote to approve the low bid proposal submitted by Chilton Contractors, Inc. for the 261 turn lane project valued at approximately $1.97 million.

The turn lane will be in front of the new shopping center coming to the city at the intersection of Helena Road, Shelby County 17, Shelby County 52 and Coalmont Road. The goal is to help alleviate traffic congestion.

The action was approved and the contractor will now begin the construction for the project, which is projected to be completed within 90 days.

The construction will only happen during “off” hours and not while local businesses and residents are out and about across the city during peak hours.

The second action taken up by the council and was approved was the adoption of the Memorandum of Agreement renewal between the city of Helena and Shelby County Compact 2020.

Compact 2020 Executive Director Clay Hammac gave a presentation about the program and its success across Shelby County through their proven community engagement model, which reaches and assists students and young adults who are at risk of substance abuse and addiction.

The city has partnered with Compact 2020 over the last few years and has a dedicated investigator, Amanda Davis, who has led the initiative for the city.

Compact 2020 not only reaches out and helps students and young adults, but their team also works with the families to equip them with the help and resources needed to respond to their loved one dealing with substance abuse and addiction.

More information can be found at Compact2020.com. City leaders said they are very pleased with the support they have received from local residents for both of these important projects and are looking forward to seeing the positive impact they will have for the city.

The regular city council meetings are open to the public and more information can be found at Cityofhelena.org.