Martin Firefighters to receive new safety equipment

Story by Press Reporter Macenna True

The Martin board of aldermen and mayor heard a resolution read by city recorder Kelly Wilson authorizing Martin to participate in a grant program that would assist the fire department with receiving bulletproof vests for firefighters.

Fire Chief Jamie Summers applied for the grant in May. “It’s the kind of world we live in now, but I feel that it was better for my guys to be protected just in case,” he said. The board was in agreement.

The board also accepted a bid of $109,246 for aerator room concrete repairs from United Services Company Inc. This was the only bid the board received and was from the same company that services the town’s water towers.

During department head reports, Police Chief Don Teal reported a good turnout for the National Night Out event. At the request of alderman Danny Nanney, Teal told the board he will work on getting the numbers for the repairs or replacement of streetlights out on Skyhawk and University streets.

Library director Katie Parr said the annual Pumpkin Parade will occur on Halloween at 3:30 p.m. and she appreciated the fire and police departments’ assistance. There will be informational flyers and route maps available at the Martin Public Library and on it’s website.

Public Works director Marty Ables reported he is working with contracted paving companies. He reported they have already begun patching and paving should begin soon. Parks and Recreations director Brian Moore updated the board on the fountain, saying it was a “work in progress.” The board also unanimously approved the donation of paid time off to employee Becky Palmer, who needed to be off for a surgery due to a compression fracture in her back.

The next Martin board will be held Nov. 14 at 5:15 p.m. in the city courtroom