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Fire dues, new city projects discussed at council meeting

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Screenshot by Leah Ingram Eagle

Residents outside of Chelsea city limits will be receiving mailing notices for fire dues in the coming weeks.

“We offer complete fire protection services and paramedic services to all of our neighbors from a residential side for a fee of $250 per year,” said Mayor Tony Picklesimer. “I think it's an outstanding value to have our services available outside our city for and I encourage people to take advantage of that and please fill out your form and send in your payment.”

The Chelsea Fire and Rescue Department has an annual budget for 2020-21 of $3.5 million. Picklesimer said that he is proud of the services the city offers adjoining neighbors and If that amount of money creates a financial hardship for some, they can enroll in a payment plan with no interest. 

“There’s really no reason to leave yourself unprotected,” he said. “It is truly a gamble not to pay your fire dues.”

Those who live inside the Chelsea city limits have fire coverage at no cost as part of their citizenship. 

Picklesimer commended City Clerk Crystal Etheredge for sending letters to property owners last year that were eligible for annexation. He said if citizens want to explore annexation or aren’t sure whether they are in the city limits, they can call City Hall and find out. 

“After a fire is not a good time to figure that out,” Picklesimer said. “Call City Hall at 205-678-8455 and we will be happy to look up your property and see where you stand.”

Also during the Oct. 20 council meeting, four resolutions were approved to award Nick Grant funds to the five Chelsea schools. 

Some of the items requested included charging stations for laptops, cubbies on wheels, flexible seating furniture, technology, smartboard, Storyworks and Scholastic news.

“I had the privilege to deliver this first round of Nick Grant checks to all five of our schools today,” Picklesimer said. “They were so appreciative of it. It’s one of the most fun things you guys let me do is go take that money to them.”

One annexation request from John and Whitney Hodge for a portion of their property located at Lot #1, White Oak Manor was approved, along with approval of the city’s bills to be paid. 

Casey Morris discussed the second video in the Home is Here Campaign: Live Above and it was played for those in the chambers and watching on Facebook live. 

“The thing behind the video and heartbeat of this council is that we strive to live above the standard and do everything in a form of excellence to serve our citizens in the best way we can,” Morris said. “This video captures a good bit of that.”

The city’s Public Information Officer, Wayne Morris, recently shared photos of the city's new playground on social media, which were received with a lot of attention. While it’s not ready for public use due to the construction zone, Picklesimer said they are in the process of making it safe for citizens to get to it and the projected opening date is November 1.

Picklesimer said the city has recently contracted for a 5.2 mile cross country track joining Chelsea High School in the next phase at the athletic complex.

The council also approved a proclamation to declare November 2020 as National Runaway Prevention Month. 

Dates to remember:

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