For the second month in a row, Albany City Council met in regular session in the absence of Mayor Nicky Smith, who remains ill following emergency eye surgery in early March. Five of six council members were present and once again, Tonya Thrasher was selected by fellow members to chair the brief meeting in the absence of the mayor.

There was a brief agenda, with the surplus property bid opening being delayed after it was learned a portion of the specifications were omitted and would have to be re-advertised. Sealed bids will be opened at the May meeting.

Judy Hachey of the Lake Cumberland Area Development District was on hand at the meeting, primarily to observe, but requested the city participate and advertise the area’s Fair Housing promotion which is underway this month.

The council did vote unanimously, on a motion by councilman Steve Lawson, to authorize the mayor to apply for and complete the process for a grant for the Albany Police Department Vehicle Purchase Project. According to Police Chief Ernest Guffey, if the grant is approved, it may be able to lead to the purchase of about five new police cruisers, almost replacing the existing fleet.

Councilmen then discussed several requests from city residents and business people about the need for repairing sidewalks in several areas of the city and agreed to proceed with having sidewalks in need of repairs fixed.

Councilwoman Tonya Thrasher also informed the council about the new fit trails installed at Mountain View Park through the Extension Service She also informed them of a program that will again bring an expert to the area to do a walk-around the city soon to see where areas in downtown could be improved.

Prior to adjourning, the council wished Mayor Smith a speedy recovery from his illness with hopes he will be back at the helm for the council’s next meeting.

The next regular meeting of Albany City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3 at 5 p.m. at city hall and is open to the public.