MADISON – After hearing police statements and the owner’s appeal, Madison City Council voted unanimously at its July 9 meeting to revoke the business license for Picture Perfect Kutz.

For about 15 years, Bivens Mayo has operated the barber and braid shop at 8066 Madison Blvd. near Flagstone Drive. Madison Police Department had investigated for illegal gambling and narcotics at the business and found seven slot machines and evidence of drug transactions with scales, baggies and cash. The building smelled like marijuana.

Police officers have been monitoring an “ongoing, continuing enterprise in the barber shop and braid shop,” Police Chief David Jernigan said. “We don’t need a place of business … with this illegal activity.” Mayo appealed to council members, saying he had fired suspect employees and had not responded to city notices because he had suffered a stroke.

Council approved these larger payments:

* Miller & Miller Inc. — Work for bridge over Moore’s Branch, $71,150.

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

Council accepted settlement of $3,700 for a police vehicle that was totaled in an accident.

Debbie Overcash with the bicentennial committee said Madison will have its sesquicentennial (or 150th birthday) and Alabama will celebrate its bicentennial in 2019. City observances will start in December 2018 with a tour of historic homes and continue with monthly events through December 2019. The committee secured a $2,500 state bicentennial grant, which Overcash presented to council for expenses of local activities. (Facebook/Madison150AL200)

American Society for Industrial Security donated communications equipment valued at $9,123.12 to Madison Police Department’s SWAT Team.

Mayor Paul Finley said the Fourth of July celebration at Dublin Park was safe and enjoyable, with an entertaining fireworks exhibition. “We learn every year how to make it bigger, better, stronger,” Finley said.

District 1 Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski said Madison History Association meets monthly on the fourth Thursday (except November) at 6 p.m. at Madison Public Library. Bebe Oetjen was featured speaker at their recent meeting.

In public hearings, the planning department received approvals for rezoning/annexation: Charles and Kendra King, 30086 Hardiman Road to “Single-Family Detached Residential”; Shawn P. Gresham, one acre at 9780 Segers Road to “Low Density Residential”; Christian P. and Beverly C. Baker, seven acres north of Larkin Drive and west of Burgreen Road to “Low Density Residential” and “Agriculture.”

The public works department entered a professional services agreement for $187,600 with 5Rdesign PC, which will provide architecture and construction management for public works’ new headquarters on Palmer Road.

The recreation department approved facilities use agreement for Madison Dolphins Swim Team and awarded the bid for uniforms for recreation league basketball to 5Boys Productions for $19,505.

Council authorized the legal department to grant easement for entrance/exit to Daniel and Karen Chandler’s property off Slaughter Road.

The public meeting ended with council dismissing into executive session to discuss a personnel matter.