Jackson Medical Center Expansion Is 40% Complete After Final Steel Beam Is Raised, Council Hears
The Jackson City Council also approved $11,000 for cleanup at the Bedsole Findley building and heard about Christmas events, garbage cans and a Church's Chicken warning letter.
JACKSON, Ala. — The final piece of structural steel has been placed in the Jackson Medical Center expansion, Councilmember Bobby Brooks told the Jackson City Council at its Oct. 27 meeting.
Brooks said the project is about 40% complete and remains on schedule to finish in June or July. Council members, hospital board members and hospital staff were invited to sign the last beam before it was lifted into place.
South AL News previously reported that the $11 million expansion will add a new emergency department and physician’s clinic, along with a replacement roof for the current hospital.
Cleanup money for the Bedsole Findley building
The council approved spending $11,000 from the city’s capital expenditure account for cleanup at the Bedsole Findley building downtown. The work will concentrate on the rear of the building, which officials described as unsafe.
Garbage cans, curve signs and a chicken restaurant
Council members heard that some residents’ garbage cans were mistakenly picked up by workers unfamiliar with the city limits when Waste Management took over as the county’s garbage collection service. Residents who lost their cans were encouraged to contact city hall. South AL News has reported on the switch to Waste Management for rural Clarke County.
The council said the city would check a sign warning drivers of an upcoming curve on Walker Springs Road that has become covered by overgrown vegetation.
Mayor Audra Raybon reported that the city attorney is preparing to send Church’s Chicken a second certified warning letter after earlier discussions about cleanup and property conditions.
Appointments, safety and training
- The council appointed Mike Kendrick to the Jackson Water Board.
- Council members heard that the police department plans to take part in a child passenger safety program through the Alabama Department of Public Health. The program helps eligible families obtain child safety seats through vouchers after they receive a citation for a child restraint violation. Jackson police and the state health department also scheduled a free car seat check on Nov. 5.
- Raybon said she and council members recently attended an Alabama League of Municipalities meeting in Mobile for continuing education. She said one of the main messages was the importance of personal connections between local officials and residents.
Christmas season dates
- Nov. 15: business open house
- Nov. 20-30: decorating contest, with judging during the Dec. 4 Christmas tree lighting
- Dec. 11: annual Christmas parade
Recognition and remembrance
The council recognized the Jackson Academy volleyball team for reaching the AISA semifinals in coach Chris George’s first year. Members also extended condolences to the family of former Jackson City Councilmember Eloise Clarke Pernell, who died at age 95.
