Hamilton council

HAMILTON - A Hamilton businessman has withdrawn a rezoning application after local residents spoke out against his plans to build an apartment building.
The Hamilton City Council hosted a public hearing prior to a regular session on Tuesday, Sept. 7, to hear comments concerning a proposal by local businessman Watha Williams, who was seeking to build a multi-apartment dwelling on a half-acre lot on Baby Street, which is formally known as 2nd Ave. SW.

HAMILTON - In a measure to curb sewage backflows, Hamilton officials have passed an ordinance granting city inspectors the authority to inspect grease traps.
At the recommendation of Hamilton Water Superintendent Rodney Williams and Hamilton Mayor Bob Page, the Hamilton City Council considered the Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) ordinance during a regular meeting on Monday, June 15.

HAMILTON - Substantial changes are ahead for Hamilton’s garbage detail.
City officials have given the OK to place an order for a new garbage truck. The new unit will feature a robotic lift arm that will be used to grab trash receptacles from the side of the road and empty them into the truck’s compactor.
The change will require all residents to have compatible trash cans. Most pick-up schedules will likely be affected as well.

HAMILTON - Street and sanitation operations will be divided into their own departments.
The Hamilton City Council voted unanimously to divide the city’s street department during a meeting on Monday, May 18.
The division came at the recommendation of former Hamilton Street Superintendent Mike Johnson,  who says the two departments will better serve the city with a separate supervisor managing street and sanitation work.

By Scott Johnson
Managing Editor

HAMILTON - Officials want to tighten up accountability for how Hamilton businesses and facilities are disposing of grease.
Hamilton Water Superintendent Rodney Williams appeared before the Hamilton City Council during a work session on Wednesday, May 13, explaining the need for a local ordinance that would empower the city to obtain documented proof of how local facilities are disposing of their grease.

HAMILTON - When will our economy reopen? That’s the million-dollar question across the nation right now. It’s the big question locally, too.
The Hamilton City Council met on Monday, April 20, with minimal attendance in order to adhere to social-distancing requirements  due to COVID-19. The council broadcasted its meeting by way of 49 County News, a local online news outlet.

HAMILTON - A new Marion County Jail is beginning to become more of a reality.
The Hamilton City Council voted unanimously during its Monday, March 16, meeting to pledge $200,000 a year to the Marion County Commission to help cover payments for up to a $10 million bond for a new jail.
The pledge was passed with a provision that the commission not raise lock-up fees for the Hamilton Police Department.

• Bedford industrial plot priced at $10,000/acre for new jail site

HAMILTON - A new Marion County Jail is beginning to become more of a reality.

The Hamilton City Council voted unanimously during its Monday, March 16, meeting to pledge $200,000 a year to the Marion County Commission to help cover payments for up to a $10 million bond for a new jail.

The pledge was passed with a provision that the commission not raise lock-up fees for the Hamilton Police Department.

HAMILTON - Construction on Hamilton’s new Love’s Travel Stop and Country Store has been pushed back again.

Hamilton Mayor Bob Page told the council during a work session held on Wednesday, Feb. 26, that Love’s March 21 start date has been delayed until April.

Love’s officials had projected construction on its new $12 million facility to begin in December. The store will be located off Interstate 22’s Exit 14 in Hamilton, off County Road 35 and River Road Drive.

HAMILTON - Last year, the City of Hamilton paid out just shy of $190,000 in overtime pay to city employees.
Councilman Gene Sanderson brought up the matter during a Hamilton City Council work session on Wednesday, Feb. 26.
“Why do we have $65,000 in overtime in the police department?” Sanderson asked. “I don’t understand how it could be run up that much. We could hire two more police officers full-time.”