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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Several personnel requests were approved for the Maplesville Police Department at the Nov. 14 meeting of the Maplesville Town Council.

The council accepted the resignation of George Fanning as school resource officer for Maplesville High School, and approved moving forward with hiring Jeffery James to replace him.

James said he works for the Montgomery Police Department and has five years of experience.

“I do work well with kids,” James said. “I work all of the football games in Montgomery.”

He said working with students is important to stop any criminal activity at that age before they become adults.

Thomas Farris was approved as an emergency hire.

“I was prior military,” Farris said. “I have been a certified police officer in the state of Alabama for two years now … I am really excited that you brought me on here. I look forward to a career here.”

Continuing with the hire process for Damian Smith as a police officer was also approved.

One application for the bailiff/ evidence custodian/ maintenance position had been received, but the council unanimously approved “to table this position indefinitely” after discussing the issue in executive session.

Prior to the executive session, council member John Caudle asked if the position would be full-time. Mayor W.C. Hayes said making the position part-time needed to be considered.

Police Chief Riley Barnett said the position needed to be full-time in order for the employee to have insurance.

Adding a part-time officer position for Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. was approved in a trial basis for 90 days. Being able to pay for the position, if it was added permanently was a concern for the council.

Five reserve officers were approved, including Kristopher McCutcheon, Jacob Davis, Lee Ann Moates, Benny Littlefield and Carson Riley. Sgt. Josie Edwards said the reserve officers pay for their own equipment and will be a way for the department to reach out to the community and build relationships.

The department also received approval to have repairs completed for two vehicles and to declare a 2014 Ford Taurus as surplus.

The town will accept sealed bids on the Taurus with a minimum bid of $2,500 required.

Approval was also given to purchase an SUV for up to $20,000.

The Maplesville Volunteer Fire Department presented bids it had received for concrete work to ensure the department vehicles do not sink into the ground near the fire station, and hopefully address a drainage issue. Department member Queen Morrow said the cost of concrete is projected to go up by $35 per yard in January, so a decision needs to be made. The project requires 68 yards. Hayes mentioned wanting a bid from a specific company that he would contact before the council made a decision.

Also during the meeting, the council also approved:

• Renewing the contract with Avenu to process collecting sales and use taxes.
• Re-hiring Debbie Ruddick-Blais as the meal delivery drive for the Senior Center.