Cullman firefighters gearing up for new fire station

Jan. 24--Cullman may not have its third fire station just yet, but its larger force of 45 firefighters are gearing up to operate like they do.

On Monday, the Cullman City Council approved Fire Chief Ed Reinhardt's request to increase the department's minimum staffing personnel per shift from nine to 13 firefighters. Additionally, the council agreed to eliminate the department's minimum weather staffing level with more manpower now on hand.

"Right now, we have 15 firefighters per shift with three shifts," Reinhardt said. "We want to start running calls like we have that third engine, get the firefighters and dispatch used to it, so when the station is built, everyone is ready and prepared to take calls."

The city got a SAFER grant that funds pay and benefits for 12 additional firefighters for two years. Cullman is currently in the second year of that grant, after which the city will have to pick up the costs to cover firefighters' pay.

Officials had hoped the new fire station would be up and running by February, but delays have pushed the estimated completion to November.

Site preparation is underway on Alabama 157 near Merchants Bank. When it opens, officials believe it will improve emergency response on the north side which has been growing with new retail developments.

In her motion supporting the change, Council Pro Tem Jenny Folsom recommended the city give Mayor Woody Jacobs the authority to implement the new policy.

In other business Monday, the Cullman City Council:

Held public hearing and declined request to vacate and surplus Charles Avenue Southwest extension right of way which received an unfavorable recommendation from the city planning commission. Council members agreed the city needs to address the drainage issues affecting the property owners involved.

Approved Police Chief Kenny Culpepper's request to purchase a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe from the state bid list for $30,793.

Approved Melissa Aaron of East Elementary PTO's request for a special event permit to hold a 5K Color Run Saturday, March 18, 2017 on the city streets surrounding East Elementary School to raise money for new playground equipment.

Approved Garage Superintendent Mason Kugler's request to purchase the installation of bolt-on conversion kit for the alignment rack from Automotive Equipment Warehouse for $5,786.43.

Approved Economic Development Director Peggy Smith's request to competitively bid a vehicle from the state bid list, estimated to cost $45,000.

Approved entering into a contract, not to exceed $19,410, with Terracon Consultants, Inc. for testing at the Eva Road bridge and the old city garage site.

Approved annual workers' compensation insurance coverage through low-bidder Smith-Gray Insurance for the City of Cullman for $349,938.

Appointed Zack Wood to the Cullman Parks and Recreation Board.

The next city council meeting is scheduled to be 7 p.m., Feb. 13.

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