Fayette council approves police promotions, joins opioid settlements and okays minor repairs; architect proposals tabled

The Fayette City Council on an administrative agenda approved two police promotions, authorized the hire of a part‑time code enforcement officer, voted to participate in several opioid‑manufacturer settlement agreements and approved a handful of maintenance and repair expenditures. The council also postponed consideration of architect proposals for a historic building until the next meeting.

The council approved promotions for two officers — promoting them from Grade 2, Step 5 to Grade 3, Step 4 — after the police chief described coursework completed by the officers, including three supervisory/executive classes of roughly 28 hours each. Councilman Nichols moved the promotion motion; Councilor Williams seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

Councilors also voted to hire Jeff Mordecai as a part‑time code enforcement officer. Councilors said Mordecai has prior, relevant experience and would help start the office. The motion was moved by Councilor Nichols, seconded by Councilor Williams, and approved by voice vote.

On litigation and settlements, the council authorized Riley & Jackson law firm to vote on Fayette’s behalf in the Purdue Pharma LP bankruptcy plan and approved the city’s participation in several secondary opioid manufacturer settlements and related allocation and release forms. The council authorized the mayor to sign the secondary manufacturer settlement and the combined subdivision and release form and also approved participation in the governmental entity and shareholder direct settlement agreement. These motions were moved and seconded by members listed in the meeting transcript and were approved by voice votes.

Several departmental maintenance items were approved. The council authorized replacement of an air‑conditioning unit on police vehicle unit 1448, identified in the meeting as a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe. Members approved a request to authorize repairs related to police vehicle maintenance but deferred a final decision on work to fix a suspected head gasket on unit 6991 — a 2019 Chevrolet with roughly 83,000 miles — until staff can investigate whether the problem would require an engine replacement. The head‑gasket work was discussed but the council asked staff to obtain additional information on full engine replacement costs before proceeding.

The council approved paying $924.57 over budget to repair water damage in the Civic Center basement after staff replaced exterior gutters they identified as the likely source of the leak.

The council chair announced that architectural proposals to adapt the former Capps Chicken building for public use did not arrive with two competitive bids and that the council would table that agenda item until the next meeting so members could review at least two proposals.

Finance items and calendar notes: the council received a financial overview showing a $27,000 loss for the month of July but a positive year‑to‑date position, and staff noted revenue declines in local sales taxes offset in part by an increase in simplified sales/use tax receipts. Staff reported wastewater debt service of about $85,000 per year related to a treatment plant upgrade and said the city is building equity to help pay that loan. Officials reminded the public that the canvass of election results is set for Sept. 2 and that the council will appoint election officials at that meeting if a runoff is required. The council also announced two new business licenses (Hallman Automotive and Malika’s Cleaning Service) and several upcoming public hearings and community events.

Votes at a glance (motions recorded in the meeting transcript): approve minutes from 08/12/2025; promote two police officers (Grade 2, Step 5 → Grade 3, Step 4); hire Jeff Mordecai as part‑time code enforcement officer; approve Resolution 2025‑15 adopting the transportation plan (Rebuild Alabama Act) and include $100,000 allocation in the payment plan for next year; authorize Riley & Jackson to vote on Purdue Pharma LP bankruptcy plan on Fayette’s behalf; approve participation in secondary opioid manufacturer settlements and allocation agreement and authorize mayor to sign; approve combined subdivision and release form and authorize mayor to sign; approve participation in governmental entity and shareholder direct settlement agreement and authorize mayor to sign; authorize replacement of AC unit in police unit 1448; defer final authorization on head‑gasket/engine work for police unit 6991 pending staff follow‑up; approve $924.57 over‑budget Civic Center gutter/repair expense. Where motions were decided, the transcript records voice votes (“All in favor, say aye”) rather than roll‑call tallies.

Discussion versus formal action: the council distinguished formal approvals (personnel, settlement participation, specific maintenance expenditures) from direction to staff (investigate engine replacement costs for unit 6991) and from scheduling decisions (tabling architect proposals until the next meeting). The head‑gasket repair remained a discussion item pending additional cost information; no final expenditure was approved for a potential engine replacement.

The meeting closed with reminders about the Sept. 2 canvass of election results, a Sept. 9 public hearing on the comprehensive plan and other community events.