MADISON – Members of Madison City Council took a breather from decisions on city business for the official swearing-in ceremony of David Jernigan as Police Chief of Madison Police Department.

After a May 30 work session, council gave Mayor Paul Finley authority to proceed with contract negotiations with Jernigan. Council announced Jernigan’s appointment on June 7. Jernigan reported to work for the City of Madison on July 3.

During his career, Jernigan compiled 29 years of service with the FBI and most recently worked as Chief Deputy for Madison County Sheriff’s Department. Jernigan and his wife Mary Beth are longtime Madison residents.

Jernigan fills the slot vacated in November 2016 by Larry Muncey, former chief of police. Muncey resigned after seven months on administrative leave, following contempt charges stemming from the Eric Parker trials.

Madison County Commissioner Steve Haraway donated a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe for use by Madison Fire and Rescue Department.

Council paid $1,456.06 to Vulcan Materials for repair materials for trench failures and $5,385 to CDG Engineering for redesign, bid, construction management and utility coordination for Downtown Streetscape Phase III.

Mayor Paul Finley thanked city employees for the work to present the 2017 Stars and Stripes Forever July 4th Celebration at Dublin Park. In about 10 days, the council and Madison Board of Education will meet jointly for the city’s growth plan, especially focusing on infrastructure and projected population gains.

District 1 Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski reported on a meeting with HEMSI and her conversation with a first responder about the opioid epidemic, particularly heroin and fentanyl. Wroblewski attended the monthly status meeting with Madison Animal Rescue Foundation or MARF.

Wroblewski has scheduled a town hall meeting at West Madison Elementary School on July 20 at 4 p.m.

Council President Tommy Overcash discussed recent delays in trash collection. Overcash said the city has changed the contract process to allow more competition. “It’s a difficult job. We will get caught up,” he said. In public comments, one resident stated that trash in her neighborhood had not been picked up in more than one month.

District 6 Councilman Gerald Clark has received numerous complaints about residents who are operating a business in their homes.

Bishop’s Pub & Grill received approval for on premise beer, wine and liquor license at its new location at 12060 County Line Road, Suite E, which is still in Village Shoppes of Madison center.

In planning, Mary Beth Broeren presented first reading of utility and drainage easement on property south of Madison Boulevard and west of Hughes Road for construction of a motel.

In recreation discussion, a representative with American Youth Soccer Organization presented a status update for the organization, and council approved AYSO’s facilities use agreement.

City Attorney Megan Zingarelli confirmed a passage in the Code of Alabama that allows council to enter into executive session for a personnel matter. Overcash adjourned the regular meeting for the council to enter executive session.