Alexander Council approves $15K to upgrade network system

The Alexander City Council approved spending $15,000.00 to upgrade the computer network that serves both city hall and the police department. Mayor Paul Mitchell says it’s a three-step process.

The first step; which included the purchase and installation of an Intel blade server, a server rack and labor; has already been completed at a cost of $4,885.00. Additional improvements include security upgrades for laptops and desktop computers, increasing storage for digital files such as body camera video and AT&T is installing faster internet. Mitchell said the final step will be to connect the police cars to the city’s network.

Also at the July 18 meeting:

Cost of housing inmates increases

Mayor Paul Mitchell announced an increase in the cost of housing inmates in the Saline County Detention Center. The contract for calendar year 2023 sets the monthly rate for one inmate at $1,730.25 and $20,763.00 annually. Mitchell noted the monthly cost is a $5.00 increase from this year.

Confusion at the crossing

If you drive to and from Shobe Road on Brookwood Road you may have noticed the pavement between the railroad tracks and Shobe Road is half paved. In May the council accepted the low-bid of $47,514.40, submitted by Cranford Construction Company of Little Rock, to repave the section of Brookwood Road between the railroad tracks and Shobe Road, Alexander Road between Third Street and Fourth Street and sections of Cornerstone Road.

Mayor Mitchell told council members Cranford hired an independent crew, due to their numerous list of projects. After discovering the unpaved area Mitchell contacted Cranford and was told the paving crew was under the impression they weren’t allowed to use heavy equipment within 50-feet of railroad tracks. It’s actually 10-feet. Cranford will return to complete that section of Brookwood Road.

New Assistant Fire Chief announced

Alexander Fire and Rescue Chief Mark Ridgeway announced the promotion of Sr. Captain Brad Noblett to Assistant Fire Chief. The promotion was effective as of July 1, 2022.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Monday, August 18 at 6:00 PM in the courtroom at the Alexander Municipal Complex (City Hall). The public is invited to attend.