Chelsea City Council discusses budget, current projects
Chelsea has spent almost $9 million on capital projects in the last three years.
Mayor Earl Niven presented the city's current and completed projects during pre-council at the Aug. 18 Chelsea City Council meeting. In building capital projects, Niven said the city owes $1.2 million on contract prices. These projects include the Chelsea Community Center and Chelsea Sports Complex, which are currently under construction.
"Do you understand how much we've really done in the past three years?" Niven asked the council.
The reason to bring up finances, Niven said, is to consider where the city can save on future and ongoing projects. He suggested delaying some projects by six months if possible or to see what the city can do itself. One example was placing a chain link fence at the entrance of the Chelsea Sports Complex at first and upgrading to a more permanent fixture in the future.
Niven said the council has spent money wisely, but "we've got a way to go."
During the council meeting, William Hanes from Southern Light, a fiber optic network company, talked to the council about the company's plan. Southern Light hopes to bring 470 miles of fiber to the Birmingham area in its current expansion project.
Hanes, the public relations and communications director, formerly spoke with Niven about entering a franchise agreement with Chelsea. Niven said the city's attorney is working with the company, and a resolution could be before the council next meeting.
Also at the council meeting:
- The council approved a resolution for annexation by referendum. The annexation involves a property which borders Westover for owners Richard and Annette Acton.
- The council approved the appointment of Casey Morris, a lifetime Chelsea resident, to the Chelsea Planning Commission.
- The council approved a resolution for additional payment of $52,000 for a change order for the Chelsea Recreational and Community Center.
- The council approved a resolution for additional payment of $7,598 for a change order to the community center's entrance.
- Chelsea Fire & Rescue Chief Wayne Shirley announced the department has responded to 1,062 calls this year - up from 948 at the same time next year. He also thanked the community for donating nearly $3,000 to the MDA Boot Drive.
- The council approved Chelsea Fire & Rescue to purchase a replacement heart monitor at the price of $39,388. The heart monitor and defibrillator will be placed in the front line transport vehicle.
- Niven said the Chelsea Community Center is growing closer to completion. The basketball goals were installed last week, and the gym flooring is expected to be installed by the end of the week.