MADISON – With few snags in the process, Madison City Council approved the city’s operating budget for Fiscal Year 2018.

District 2 Councilman Steve Smith received approval at council’s Sept. 11 meeting. The budget includes a three-percent step increase for all city employees. “This was one of the smoothest transitions in (finalizing) the budget that council has ever had,” Council President Tommy Overcash said.

City Attorney Megan Zingarelli gave a first reading for business license revocation or non-renewal when public safety is threatened. To pursue either violation, the city must hold a public meeting. Concern over Three Springs residential treatment facility, 1329 Browns Ferry Road led to this revision to business license procedure.

President Marc Jacobson with Rotary Club of Madison gave $1,000 for support of the Police Reserve force, a volunteer group that assists officers in Madison Police Department.

Council authorized these larger amounts in bill payments:

* City of Huntsville — Reimbursement for Madison’s share of right-of-way costs for Zierdt Road project, $9,619.42.

* S&ME– CE&I services on County Line Road, Phase II, $7,943.61.

* Pearce Construction Company– Construction costs For Madison Public Library, $323,980.08.

* Terry’s Fabrication– Trash racks for Garner Street drainage work, $4,869.

District 1 Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski participated in a walk for awareness of heroin addiction.

Overcash introduced Boy Scout Sam Wilson from Troop 96 who explained his Eagle Scout project near Eastview Drive for Ashley Estates’ neighborhood park to repair benches, clean debris and complete dirt work for erosion of ditches. Council committed to help Wilson in funding the project.

Council authorized recreation director Corey Alfred for an agreement with Stripes Officiating for basketball referees. Started in August, a transportation study for modeling of possible Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) has met delays, Director of Planning Mary Beth Broeren said.

Director of Engineering Gary Cheyoweth received approval to include The Hamptons at Piney Creek into the city’s maintenance program. A professional services agreement will pay $48,007 to S&ME for design, surveying and geotechnical services for a roundabout at intersection of Balch and Gillespie roads.

For the Balch Road widening/resurfacing project, S&ME will receive $118,112 for design and surveying services. Warning signals will be installed for a curved section of Shelton Road for $30,458.40. An agreement not to exceed $9,000 will pay for design services related to safety for the fueling station, north of Madison Utilities.

The city entered a development agreement with 300 Hughes LLC for development of the former Kroger site for a new Publix supermarket. The two current tenants, Golden China and Papa John’s, can remain open during building demolition/construction.