Albany City Council took further steps pertaining to the new fire department project, in essence, a new fire station, at its regular monthly meeting last Tuesday evening, March 5 at city hall. Five of six council members were present for the half-hour session.

The last item of business pertained to the fire department project, with Councilman Leland Hicks making a motion to authorize Albany Mayor Nicky Smith to sign all documents pertaining to a half-million dollar CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) that will be used to construct a new station for the volunteer fire department. The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Prior to voting on the aforementioned matter, the council spent a brief 15-minute closed session to discuss possible land acquisition but took no action upon returning to open session.

David Bowles of Monarch Engineers gave a brief monthly progress report on ongoing projects.

In his report, it was noted that final clean-up was still needed on the last two phases of the bypass utility relocation project. He also reported that the new variable speed motor drive control drives have been installed on the raw water pumps at the water treatment facility. This will allow the motors on the raw water pumps to turn slower and should reduce the electricity demand. Finally, two new pressure reducing stations have been installed and are in working condition. The stations will provide for a constant water pressure throughout the north portion of the county and will eliminate pressure surges that impact this portion of the distribution system.

Sealed bids on surplus property were also opened during last weeks meeting.

Four bids were received on the 1973 Ford fire truck, with the highest coming from Lyle Scott at $1,157.50. Only one bid was submitted on the portable air compressor, that being from Jim Pennycuff at $213. There were no bids received on the 1998 Chevy 4×4 truck.

Councilman Tony Delk made a motion to accept the high bids on the fire truck and air compressor (a total of $2,319.50). He also made a separate motion to re-advertise for bids on the Chevy truck, and reduce the minimum bid from $1,100 to $1,000. Both motions passed by unanimous vote.

The next regular meeting of Albany City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5 at 5 p.m. and is open to the general public.