Butler resigns as city attorney

MADISON – The City of Madison now has three major positions open in municipal government.

City Attorney Kelly Butler has resigned. Mayor Paul Finley and Council President Tommy Overcash met with Butler during the week of Nov. 21 to accept her decision, contingent on council approval. Megan Zingarelli, who has worked as Assistant City Attorney, was named Acting City Attorney.

Council officially accepted the resignation of Larry Muncey as Chief of Police and appointed Maj. Jim Cooke as Acting Chief of Police.

“Chief Muncey, as he was asked, reached out into the community and did a wonderful job at that. He will be missed, but it’s time to move on,” Council President Tommy Overcash said.

The council also formally accepted Fire Chief Ralph Cobb’s retirement. “Chief Cobb pre-dated me (in City Hall). His forte was getting grants and staying informed on state and federal levels,” Overcash said. Deputy Chief Brandy Williams was named as Acting Fire Chief.

Melanie Williard was re-appointed as City Clerk-Treasurer for four years.

In bill payments, council approved $28,969.00 to Littlejohn for County Line Road, Phase II. Holzheimer Bolek & Meehan received $11,888.50 for architectural services for Madison Public Library.

Finley said the annual Children’s Lantern Parade will be held downtown Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. Madison City Youth Orchestra will entertain, and artists from Christmas Card Lane will attend. Then, Christmas trees will be illuminated on Main Street. Madison Christmas Parade is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

In council reports, District 1 Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski has launched a website, maurafordistrict1.com. District 4 Councilman Greg Shaw said repaving soon will begin in the Whisperwood Lane neighborhood.

Residents can apply for openings on Madison Beautification and Tree Board.

Director of Engineering Gary Chenowyth received approval to terminate a cost-sharing agreement with City of Huntsville for joint funding of an Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (ATRIP) project on County Line Road.

Chenowyth was authorized for an agreement with Madison County Commission to resurface Hughes Road Overpass for $150,000. “The bridge itself is not a problem. The road itself (has shifted),” he said.

Another resolution was approved to design and bid for repairs on the westbound roadway approaches of Hughes Road Overpass (budget $550,000). Improvements will include lowering top about two feet, redoing sidewalk and flattening to a 3-to-1 slope.

A 2010 Corvette given to the city will be traded for two Toyota Camrys.

Finley presented a Key to the City to Marcia and Dr. Dee Fowler, outgoing superintendent of Madison City Schools. “Dee Fowler is like a fixture in the City of Madison. It’s going to be a strange feeling to not have him involved with schools in Madison,” Overcash said.

The Birthday Club of the Southridge neighborhood donated food and blankets for dogs and cats in the animal control building.