Transportation Projects Updates, March 17:
The following is an update on projects that have been
completed, are started, or planned in the City of Decatur.
· Wilson Street (US Alt 72 / State Route 20) and 6th
Avenue (US Highway 31) Intersection project is complete.
· Spring Avenue Utility Relocation has started. Construction is
scheduled to be bid in the early fall.
· State Highway 20 Resurfacing from Lawrence County line to Sycamore
Street is scheduled for June 2017.
· West Moulton Street Resurfacing has started with completion in the
summer of 2017.
· A Traffic Signal Equipment upgrade project is scheduled for 2017
for 6th Avenue from Lee Street to Cedar Lake Road and Beltline Road
from Veterans Drive to Country Club Road.
· Additional lanes on West Moulton Street are scheduled to start in
the summer of 2017.
News From Our Purchasing Department:
Many Thanks to the hard-working professionals in our Purchasing
Department!
News From Our Finance Department:
Let me introduce the City of
Decatur’s Finance Department to you.
This department consists of 9 full time staff members, (1) supervisor,
(1) internal auditor, (4) senior accountants, (3) staff accountants and (1)
part time senior accountant who was a formerly the Finance Supervisor in the
late 80’s early 90’s. The majority of
our staff has over 15+ years of service while others have over 36+ years of
service to the City of Decatur. The
Finance Department has staggered hours starting at 6:45a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (or
longer as needed) M-F to assist citizens, vendors, department personnel and
directors who do not always work 8-5 hours.
Yes we have a very strong seasoned staff, we also recently
welcomed two new Staff Accountants to our department - Ms. Dawn Runager (start
date 09-26-16) and Mr. Joseph Lagasse (01-02-17).
Dawn is a graduate of Auburn University with a B.S. in
Business Administration, with a major in Marketing. She spent the last 19 years working as an
accountant and tax professional in her father’s practice. She acquired ownership of “Thompson Family
Accounting Services, LLC” in 2015 along with her sister who runs the day to day
operations. Dawn lives in Priceville
with her husband of 24 years, daughter who is a junior at UAB, and son who is a
high school student. She is very active
in her church, loves writing, reading, gardening and live theater.
Joseph is also a graduate of Auburn University with a B.S.
in Accounting. He was also involved in Army ROTC. Currently he is enrolled in CIS-Cyber
Security A.A.S program at Calhoun Community College. He has expert knowledge of Microsoft Office
Suite, knowledge of Python, MySQL and completed parts one and two of Calhoun’s
Cisco CCNA course. Joseph loves backpacking, hiking and kayaking. He also helps
lead a high school Sunday school group at his church.
Yet, we would be remiss if we did not brag on our veteran
Senior Accountant & former Finance Supervisor, Joy Hill. She brings many years of wisdom, knowledge
and professionalism to this department, and we are so grateful for her
continued dedication to the city. Ms.
Hill began her first employment opportunity, with the City in 1978, at that
time there were three people in the Finance Department. After a few years in this department the
Director became ill and she was then promoted to Finance Supervisor and served
in that position until 2001. After a
short retirement, she was re-hired to work 20 hours per week for two
years. During that time frame, the
Finance Supervisor determined it was better for her family to move to Auburn,
so Ms. Hill agreed to return to work full time until another supervisor was
hired in in 2003. She has been with the
city on a part-time basis since that time.
She is truly a very rare gem that is treasured by the City of Decatur.
It is the Finance Department’s desire to provide accurate
and detailed information to the City, utilizing current technology and
innovative ideas that come from the past, present and future as can be seen by
our professional diverse financial staff.
Charlene M. Brueggeman
Finance Supervisor
City of Decatur
News from Parks and Recreation:
TRAIL OF TEARS
You may have noticed some new
Trail of Tears signs on Highway 31, Highway 20, Church Street and the Causeway
coming across the bridge into Decatur. The National Park Service funded and
officially recognized Rhodes Ferry Park as a Trail of Tears site along with
other locations in Chattanooga, Tn., Ft. Payne, Guntersville and possible
future site in Tuscumbia. Around 2,500 Cherokee were transferred from boat to
rail at the location that is now Rhodes Ferry Park. This National designation
was made possible by the Nation Park Service, National Trail of Tears
Association, Alabama Trail of Tears Association, City of Decatur, Decatur
Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau and Decatur Parks &
Recreation. The Decatur Police Department sign shop and Parks & Recreation
Department have installed the new Trail of Tears signs to guide visitors and
residents to our beautiful Rhodes Ferry Park.
BIKE RACKS
The Parks & Recreation
Department has installed several new artistic bike racks around town as part of
a fundraising project for the Carnegie Arts Center. Several have already been
installed at Mellow Mushroom and The Brick restaurants downtown, the CCC
(Committee on Church Cooperation) and the corner of Bank Street and Church
Street. Future locations include, Rhodes Ferry Park, Daikin Amphitheatre at
Founders Park, Moe’s BBQ and The Railyard restaurants downtown and Magnolia
River on Bank Street. These bike racks look like artwork and have really drawn
attention as many of them have Decatur themes or business logos. This is an
on-going project that the Carnegie Arts Center is spearheading and the Parks
& Recreation Department is proud to be involved.
DELANO PARK
The Parks & Recreation
Department will be installing some new Riverwild Garden Interpretive Signage
depicting many of our native animal and reptile inhabitants. The Friends of
Delano and the McComm Group have worked together to design these amazingly
informative and visual kiosk that will depict life of some of our small friends
like, Frogs, Rabbits, Turtles, Beavers and Dragonflies. The Riverwild Garden is
located next to the playground and Splash Pad at the park and is well worth a
visit.
DOWNTOWN TREES
A new project to plant trees on
Johnston St., Grant St. and Moulton St. has begun with funding secured by
Senator Arthur Orr and installed in a partnership between Decatur Parks &
Recreation and Waters Brothers. The tree plan was developed by GBW Architects
and with support from the Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority and the
Decatur Chamber of Commerce, the project has begun on Johnston & Grant
streets with the Moulton St. section to be completed after road re-surfacing is
completed. Very large multi-trunked Natchez Crape Myrtles were selected and
obtained from Rosewood Nursery for the project. This will add some much needed
greenery and shade spots for much of the downtown area.
SOME OF
THE PROGRAMS OFFERED BY DECATUR PARKS AND RECREATIONS
AQUADOME- 1202 5th
Avenue SW Decatur, Al
(Aquadome Fitness Club Package) is a program we offer to promote health and wellness
through different activities such as water aerobics, gym aerobics, weight
training, water walking and pickle ball.
The cost for this program is
$25/month and $10/month for adults ages 62 and older. Contact Rochelle Darnell
or Delandrion Woods at the Aquadome @ 256-341-4950 for times and days for
various programs offered in this package.
(Line Dancing Classes)- Come join us for a fun, free and friendly community line
dance class that includes a variety of music to dance to. Classes are taught by
Delandrion Woods and is a fun and upbeat class that you are sure to enjoy. A
great way to get up and moving, meet new people and have a fun and safe
atmosphere to dance. Contact Delandrion Woods at the Aquadome @ 256-341-4950
for more information on days and times.
(The Aquadome Lunch Bunch Club) is a group of older adults who meet throughout the week
for exercise, food, fun and fellowship. Most of the activities are scheduled at
noon thus the name The Lunch Bunch Club. Participants are encouraged to bring a
sack lunch to class and enjoy an afternoon of crafting, games and other events.
This group has transcended into a very tight Lunch Bunch that is always looking
to expand its membership. There is no cost to be a member of the Lunch Bunch
Club; however, individuals are responsible for all costs associated with
scheduled activities, such as crafts and outings. There are many activities
that are 100% free or have a small fee to cover expenses. At least once per
month the group will venture away from the Aquadome for a day trip or to try a
new restaurant. Other activities include arts and crafts, games, nutrition,
seminars, potluck, Bingo and a ladies movie night. Contact Rochelle Darnell at
the Aquadome @ 256-341-4950.
AQUADOME POOL- 1202 5th
Avenue SW Decatur, Al
(Healthy Lifestyles/Aquatics)- A lap swim program designed to help encourage an active
lifestyle through swimming. Fins, kickboards and paddles are available for use
at the pool. Swimmers are to circle swim and share lanes during this time.
Annual Fees are $200, $100 for students or Seniors (62+) Quarterly $50, $25 for
Students or Seniors (62+). Guest Fee is $5 per visit. For days and times
contact the Aquadome Pool at 256-341-4953
(Swim Lessons)- Aquadome Pool conducts swim lessons throughout the year.
Contact the Aquadome Pool @ 256-341-4953 for cost and times associated with
swim lessons.
TC ALMON RECREATION CENTER-
2900-C Point Mallard Circle SE Decatur, Alabama
(Archery
Classes)- These
classes are open to homeschoolers and the general public. The cost is $20 for
three classes and open to anyone 8yrs through adult. This is a concentrated
course covering basics, and suitable for those who have never shot an arrow, or
those with some previous experience. Class covers: Range set up and
rules, eye dominance, anatomy of equipment (recurve, compound and crossbow),
warm up exercises, alignment and body position, aiming and scoring. For more information contact
TC Almon @ 256-341-4944.
(Body
Rock Boot Camp)- This class combines strength training and high intensity
cardio bursts to give your body a complete workout from your head to your toes.
Classes will be 45 minutes long and will consist of short, high energy,
cardio bursts alternated with body weight exercises and fitness equipment.
Fee $20.00 a month or $5.00 per class. The $20 fee includes access to our
weight and fitness room during center hours. Please call TC Almon @
256-341-4944 to register as spaces are limited.
FORT DECATUR RECREATION
CENTER- 604 4th Avenue SE, Decatur, Al
(Beyond The Bell After School
Program) A safe and fun environment for
students to attend after school. Activities will include: snack time,
homework/study time, group activities, crafts and free play. The cost for this
program is $25 for 3-5 days per week and $15 for 1-2 days a week. For more information
contact Fort Decatur @ 256-341-4940.
(Healthy Lifestyles Basketball)This program allows individuals to pay a membership fee of
$100 that will give them exclusive times set aside to play basketball
with other members. For more information concerning times and days
contact Fort Decatur Center @ 256-341-4940.
TURNER SURLES SENIOR
CENTER-702 Sycamore Street NW Decatur, Al
Turner Surles Senior Center is a
facility for Senior Citizens 60 years and older. Join us for food, fun and
games. We offer a variety of classes including computer class, Bible study,
line dancing, exercise classes, bingo and various classes and special events
throughout the year. Transportation provided through M-Cats and lunch is served
Monday through Friday at 1130am. Contact Turner Surles at 256-341-4980 for more
information.
(Therapeutics Program) provides recreational
activities to assist special needs individuals with social skills, behavioral
rehabilitation, speech, motor skills and many areas of emotional support in
order to improve their quality of life. The staff of the Therapeutics
Program of the Decatur Parks and Recreation Department are educated and trained
to engage special needs individuals with a variety of recreational
activities. Contact Skylar Cooley @ 256-341-4958 for more information
UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST
March 18…USSSA Softball Tournament
March 25-26th… USSSA
Softball Tournament
March 25 … Color Vibe 5K Fun Run
(Point Mallard)
March 25 … Trinity Outdoors
Disabled Adventures Fishing (Ingalls Harbor)
April 1 … Playmakers Baseball
Tournament (Wilson Morgan Softball Complex)
April 1 … Heartland Anglers
Fishing (Ingalls Harbor)
April 7-9… Girls Open Cup Soccer
Tournament (Jack Allen Soccer Complex)
April 8… The River City’s Meet
Your Match Open Pickle ball Classic (Aquadome Recreation Center)
April 10-15… Morgan County Soccer
Tournament (Jack Allen Soccer Complex)
April 13-15… Morgan County
Softball Tournament (Wilson Morgan Softball Complex)
April 21-23… Boys Open Cup Soccer
Tournament (Jack Allen Soccer Complex)
April 27-29… SSAC Softball
Conference Championships (Wilson Morgan softball Complex)
(call or visit Parks & Recreation at 256-341-4930
for more information)
Decatur Youth Services
News:
Every 3rd Thursday of each month Decatur Youth
Services will be holding a Mentoring Training Session for Volunteers who want
to become involved in the community by mentoring the youths in Decatur City
Schools.
Mentors must :
- Be willing to mentoring a child for an hour each week.
You can read to them, play games, have lunch, help with homework etc. (we
will confirm with the school the best time to meet)
- Commit to 6 months to a year
- Stick to the schedule
- Set high expectations
- Be understanding.
- Background check will be done ( few exceptions police officers, social
workers etc.)
Benefits for
youth:
·
Increased
high school graduation rates
·
Lower
high school dropout rates
·
Healthier
relationships and lifestyle choices
·
Better
attitude about school
·
Higher
college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations
·
Enhanced
self-esteem and self-confidence
·
Improved
behavior, both at home and at school
·
Stronger
relationships with parents, teachers, and peers
·
Improved
interpersonal skills
If you know of anyone who would like to be involved please
refer them to the contact information below.
Thank You!
Ann-Marie Porter
Girls 2 Women Mentoring Program Coordinator
Decatur Youth Services
1202-B 5th Ave SW
PO Box 488
Decatur AL. 35602
Tele # 256-341-4695
My Best, Tab
Tab Bowling
Mayor
Mayor
City of Decatur, Alabama
402 Lee St NE
Decatur, AL 35601
Office: (256) 341-4503
DecaturAlabamaUSA.com
402 Lee St NE
Decatur, AL 35601
Office: (256) 341-4503
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