MADISON – The well-attended groundbreaking for the stadium/multi-use venue on June 9 generated an air of excited optimism for most members of Madison City Council.

At council’s June 11 meeting, Mayor Paul Finley summed up the feelings. “The groundbreaking was incredible. The excitement that not just came from our community but people from the county was palpable for what we’re doing. If we had 2,000 people come to a dirt field (for the groundbreaking), I can’t imagine” the crowds that baseball games will attract.

District 6 Gerald Clark said the stadium project has caused interest but the city must finish other needs, including downtown renovation, bridge on Wall Triana and an upcoming vote for property tax. “When we have a big project, other stuff kind of gets ignored. We need to keep moving,” Clark said.

Deputy Chief Brandi Williams with Madison Fire and Rescue Department recognized personnel who rescued a woman and her child from an icy pond last winter.

The recognized employees are Driver Bobby Phillips and Firefighter Ryan Ledford, Maltese Cross Award; Chief David Bailey, Battalion Chief Doug Young, Captain Josh Bradley, Driver/Stand-In Jonathan Chapman, Driver Jeff Herrin, Driver Matt Rodgers and Firefighter Ken Howard, Unit Citation Award and along with Lt. Clint Harrell and Sgt. Christie Gover with Madison Police Department.

In public comments, Bebe Oetjen asked the status of the bond for approximately $59 million to secure the stadium/multi-use venue. City Attorney Megan Zingarelli said the bond “will close with an ordinance on the agenda tonight.”

Council approved payment of these larger bills:

* Abba Contract Inc. — Additional manual shades for Madison Public Library, $2,400.

* CDG Engineering — Redesign, bid, construction management and utility coordination for Downtown Streetscape, Phase III, $5,116.75.

* Miller & Miller — Removal/installation of curbs, gutters, roadway, parking lot and landscaping for Downtown Streetscape, Phase III, $133,022.54.

* Populous Group LLC — Baseball stadium study, $321,380.18.  

* Turner Construction Company — Pre-construction services for multi-use venue, $35,000.

Council accepted SJ&L General Contractor LLC’s bid of $336,742.08 for dirt work at the stadium. For the Building department, council approved an agreement with Lowe’s for $31,419.14 to complete ADA upgrades to a restroom in City Hall’s lower level.

Council also approved payment to Huntsville Fence Company for installation of 188 feet of fencing with lockable gate for Children’s Garden at Madison Public Library. Rotary Club of Madison will reimburse the payment.

CEO Judy Ryals accepted the annual appropriation of $20,000 (an increase of $5,000) to Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Council accepted the donation of a 2013 Chevy Tahoe, valued at $15,000, from Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong for use by Madison Fire Department. An anonymous donor gave $100 to the department.  

District 1 Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski thanked Finley and Police Chief David Jernigan for help in avoiding euthanasia for a dog nicknamed ‘Miss Madison.’ A New Lease of Life rescue group accepted the animal for eventual placement with an owner.

Finley designated June 2018 as Alzheimer’s Brain Awareness Month.

Council will conduct a work session on June 20 at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall.