Steele City Council meets

The Steele City Council met in regular session Monday, June 5. After calling the meeting to order, Mayor Keith Samford asked aldermen to look at the bills for the month of May. After discussing, the council agreed to pay the bills in the amount of $64,553.63.

Next, Mayor Samford told aldermen that Dennis McCaig’s term was out for the Steele Housing Authority board. “We appreciate him doing it,” said the mayor. “I think that I want to nominate Shawn Nowlin to take that term up next time.” The aldermen passed a motion to nominate Shawn Nowlin for the Steele Housing Authority board.

The mayor reported to council that Nowlin also brought in a bill for them to consider paying part of. “Shawn came in because a water line blew out in his yard and tore up his flower bed,” said Mayor Samford. “He’s got a $1,400 bill and was wanting to know if we could pay part of it, or none of it. He wouldn’t give me an amount that he thought would be fair. He said just if we would pay part of it, it would be good.” Alderman Randy McDaniel said, “If we destroyed the property, then we are responsible for some of it, if not all of it.” Alderman Richard Shuburte stated, “Well if we’ve got a water line running through his yard, it’s our responsibility.” The council approved to pay the entire bill.

Next on the agenda, the following stores were approved to renew their liquor licenses: Flash Market, Deerfield Travel Center, Dollar General, 515 Pit Stop, Pit Stop Spirits and Buckaroo’s.

Steele Fire Chief Eddie Gilbert submitted a sheet of equipment his department needed. Mayor Samford said, “There was a big fire in town the other day, and Eddie is requesting equipment.” Alderman McDaniel made a motion to approve buying the equipment, but stated first, “I thought they did a great job containing that fire. Of course, it melted the siding on both houses and cars, but they did a great job. They need to be commended.” The council then approved buying the needed equipment.

Mayor Samford reported that a budget proposal for the city needed to be turned in before the first city council meeting in July. After looking over the document, a motion was passed to approve the budget of $1,761,162.

Steele Chief of Police Billy Joe Stanfield reported that the new police radios are working out good. He also told the council that the new police uniforms had been ordered.

Chief Stanfield submitted a request from Officer Josh Carter. “His anniversary date was May 20, so he is due two weeks of vacation,” he said. “He asked if he could get paid for one of those weeks.” After discussing, the aldermen agreed to pay him for the vacation time.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Steele City Council will be at 6 p.m. Monday, July 3.