By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The construction of a new gym at Montevallo High School is closer to becoming a reality after the Montevallo City Council approved the allocation of funds for the project.

The Montevallo City Council held a public hearing on a proposal to allocate Montevallo Development Cooperative District funds as requested by the Shelby County Schools Board of Education for assistance with the construction of a new gymnasium at Montevallo High School at a special session on Monday, March 31.

Montevallo Mayor Rusty Nix discussed the finances of the project at the beginning of the meeting.

“Just the gymnasium alone is going to be $9 million,” Nix said. “The school board is asking the city of Montevallo to contribute $2 million… we’re here to give Sonya (Swords) permission to approach the MDCD in the amount of $2 million.”

During the meeting, the council opened the floor to the citizens to speak in favor or against the project. No citizen spoke against the project, but plenty spoke in its favor.

Tena Niven, the head coach of Montevallo High School’s volleyball team, spoke on the critical importance of the project.

“It’s time to give our kids something to be proud of,” Niven said. “You may not think it makes a big difference, but it makes a huge difference… we don’t have a lobby big enough for a trophy case for people to see all of our accomplishments… (This new gym) is going to make all of the difference in the world.”

Byron Gaskin, the head coach of MHS’s basketball program, furthered Niven’s point.

“That new gym is going to bring more kids here (to Montevallo),” Gaskin said. “It’s going to bring more excitement to Montevallo, and I want to be a part of it. The program that I want to build, I want my (team) to have something to be proud of.”

Along with the public hearing and resolution on the new gym, the council also discussed a resolution authorizing the city to apply for a Community Development Block Grant via Shelby County for the purpose of remodeling the James D. Seaman Scout Lodge.

Montevallo Mayor Rusty Nix spoke briefly on the Scout Lodge’s remodeling.

“The whole project is going to cost $113,636.85,” Nix said.

The resolution on the Scout Lodge passed unanimously.

Following further comments in support of the new gym, the council unanimously approved the resolution. With the resolution approved, the proposal will now move to the MDCD for approval.

The Montevallo Development Cooperative District is a partnership between Montevallo, Shelby County and the University of Montevallo that was created in 2012.

The district aims to facilitate capital improvements by acquisition, construction, renovation and development through the city of Montevallo. The MDCD is governed by a three-member board with each member serving a four-year term. Trey Gauntt represents Shelby County, Mark Richard represents the University of Montevallo and Sonya Swords represents the city of Montevallo.

For more information on the Montevallo City Council, visit Cityofmontevallo.com/MayorAndCouncil.aspx.