June 12--Local firefighters soon will have county-provided tablet computers to take on training trips.
At its regular meeting Thursday, the Calhoun County Commission approved an agreement with the East Central Alabama Training Association for $3,000 to buy the devices. The organization works with local fire departments to help increase communication among agencies in the county.
"Textbooks are out of date," said Anniston fire Chief Tony Taylor, who serves as president of the association. "We need to catch up to the technology before it outruns us."
Taylor said the organization came together last year to provide more funding for professional development and offer a way for departments to train with each other to better prepare for disaster events. Taylor said the association has heard from agencies outside of the county who said they'd also like to partner with the organization.
In other business, the commission:
-- Awarded a contract to Trussville-based Thirty-One Construction for shower renovations at the Calhoun County Jail. The contract, which includes fixing water pipes, light fixtures and tiling, is for $183,101. Thirty-One Construction was the only company from outside of Calhoun County that bid for the project.
-- Approved a resolution to fund the resurfacing of 3 miles of Cedar Springs Road using money from the Calhoun County Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Alabama Department of Transportation. County Engineer Brian Rosenbalm estimates the project will cost $850,000, with 20 percent of the funds coming locally.
-- Awarded a bid to Pro-Tainer for recycling containers at the cost of $7,900.
-- Approved settling an insurance claim with ACCC Insurance Company for damage to an emergency siren. The settlement is for $20,203. County Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathan Gaddy said the money will cover the costs to fix the siren.
-- Dismissed public nuisance abatements at 505 Howe St., 1028 Carter St. and 611 Marshall St. in Anniston.
-- Declared a public nuisance property 1317 Russell Drive in Weaver.
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