Winners in Madison Station Historical Preservation Society’s essay contest receive congratulations from Mayor Troy Trulock, at left, and society president Chris Crumbley, at right. RECORD PHOTOS/GREGG L. PARKER

MADISON – At its Jan. 25 meeting, Madison City Council praised Fire Chief Ralph Cobb and Madison Fire and Rescue Department for receiving Class 1 Public Protection Classification rating.

Insurance Services Office (ISO) issued the rating during its independent evaluation of municipal fire protection in U.S. communities. Madison is only one of two fire departments in the State of Alabama to achieve this ISO distinction.

Council recognized Madison Family of the Year, the Ramseys. Matt and Becky Ramsey have four children: Emily Womble, twins Boone and Lucy, and Kate.

Matt Ramsey works as an aerospace engineer and vice president at Willbrook Solutions. Becky Ramsey also works at Willbrook Solutions as contracts manager. The family participates in PTA and special events at Rainbow Elementary School, scouting and youth sports.

In other presentations, Beth Bero, gifted specialist enrichment at Horizon Elementary School, acknowledged third-graders who earned top honors in an essay contest sponsored by Madison Station Historical Preservation Society. The contest topic was “What I Like About Living in Madison, Alabama.”

First-place winner Caroline Kokan from Horizon read her entire essay to the audience. Second-place winners were Abbygail Watts and Adeline Miller, Horizon; and third-place contestants, Julia Schwartz of West Madison Elementary School, Mille Grace Hoksbergen of Rainbow and Finnley Koehler of Horizon.

In requests for council’s annual appropriations, representatives from organizations summarized recent activities. Tina Clark with Madison Arts Council (MAC) highlighted the group’s two major events, Art 4 Paws dog and art show and Kris Kringle Market Place. MAC received $10,000 from the council.

Keith Bedsole discussed work by Madison City Disability Advocacy Board (MCDAB), which accepted $4,500.

Katie Clary with The Riley Behavioral and Education Center said 50 percent of clients and staff are Madison residents. The Riley Center accepted council’s appropriation of $7,500.

Elaine Ballew with Madison Chamber of Commerce stated the organization’s outreach services and accomplishments. The Madison chamber received $40,000.

Ballew has announced her resignation effective Feb. 5.

Council discussed the public meeting on the proposed interchange on I-565 at Zierdt Road, which will allow access to the Town Madison development. That meeting was held Jan. 26.

Council President Tim Holcombe announced vacancies on MCDAB, Madison Beautification and Tree Board and Industrial Development Board. Slots also are open to volunteers on the Wellhead Protection Management Plan Advisory Committee and Zoning Board of Adjustments & Appeals.

Council heard that all tickets have been sold for Connect 2016.

Council approved an ordinance for the mayor and council members’ 2017 salaries. The mayor’s salary is $102,500, and the compensation package includes auto, expense account and full benefits package. A council member’s salary is $15,600.

Both the mayor and council’s salaries include a 1.2 percent cost-of-living adjustment. Council members do not receive benefits because their service is considered part time.