MADISON – Madison City Council’s May 14 meeting opened with “Employee of the Year” awards, presented by Rotary Club of Madison in collaboration with Madison Optimist Club.

Four city employees received honors: Richard Ennis, Driver, Madison Fire and Rescue Department; Jeremy McKinney, Patrol Officer, Madison Police Department; Mia Powers, Senior Human Resources Coordinator, Co-Employee of the Year; and Megan Zingarelli, City Attorney, Co-Employee of the Year.

Council appointed Travis Cummings for Place 5 on Madison Board of Education. Cummings’ service starts June 1.

In public comments, Bebe Oetjen asked for public updates on the multi-use venue/stadium. “I’d like to know the progress from council meeting to council meeting … and how much has been spent out there,” Oetjen said. “Inform the citizens about where their $50 million has gone.”

Resident Jeff North commended the council, particularly the Capital Improvement Plan, on progress for road and intersection improvements and reducing traffic congestion.

Payment of bills included these larger amounts:

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

* Populous Group LLC — Professional services and baseball stadium study, $322,959.62.

* Lee Builders — Construction of pool dome cover, $152,636.

* Populous Inc. — Construction documents, bidding and construction services by architect of multi-purpose venue/stadium, $2,240,000. Approved in 5-2 vote.

* Turner Construction Company — Construction documents, bidding and management services (later in project) for multi-purpose venue/stadium, $1,809,808. Approved in 5-2 vote.

In addition, the city will pay Madison County Commission $3,055.02 for paving Eastview Drive and $3,699.93 for paving Marion Drive, Walton Road and Walton Drive.

Mayor Paul Finley said residents now can apply for committee and board openings with the city website, madisonal.gov. Also, mosquito spraying started on May 14.

Concerning right-of-way policy for signs, District 4 Councilman Greg Shaw said he counted about 75 signs on County Line Road on a recent weekend. “As mayor, it was my responsibility to allow (real estate professionals) to self-police (but it didn’t work). We do have the right to enforce the existing ordinance,” Finley said. “We’ll strengthen this.”

Finley and five other city representatives met financial professionals in New York City about bond needs. “What spoke the loudest was the performance of our department heads over the last three years,” District 2 Councilman Steve Smith said.

District 1 Councilwoman Maura Wroblewski congratulated graduates of James Clemens and Bob Jones high schools.

District 2 Councilman Steve Smith announced donations: Andrew Kruspe, rifle and accessories for SWAT Team, estimated $2,500; Rotary Club of Madison, 200 trees for Mill Road Park, $1,000; and Rep Mike Ball and Sen. Bill Holtzclaw, $2,500 each for tourniquet and tactical kits for police officers.

District 7 Councilman John Seifert congratulated the Jets and Patriots baseball teams for advancing to state finals.

In public hearings, an ordinance passed to rezone property owned by Old Town Investments LLC (TM Hotel Group A LLC) from Mixed Use to Urban Center. The property’s location is south of I-565 and east of Wall Triana.

Engineering awarded bid for traffic light at County Line Road and Lena Cain Boulevard to Shoals Electric Company for $199,000.

Mary Beth Broeren acknowledged the Planning Commission’s adoption of 2040 Transportation Master Plan, prepared by JRW Associates. The plan builds on previous efforts in city development plans, along with existing conditions and city growth.

Finley designated the week of May 20 as Emergency Medical Services Week.