Assistant Chief Deroy Bennett said that if weather cooperates, the project could be ready to have the slab poured in 10 to 12 days. Rock saws have been brought in to cut the grade beams and utilities at South State and Thompson streets.
He also reported to the city council Monday that the recent ISO review went well. It should result in lower insurance premiums sometime next year. The review will undergo scrutiny at the state and national levels.
It could lower the home insurance rating for those in the city from a six to a three and also help those within five miles of the city limits.
Bennett said since the department's clown program was expanded to include the entire county, they have been very busy during fire prevention month in October.
By the end of the month, the fire prevention program will have been to every elementary school in the county, Bennett said.
Development activity is picking back up in the city. Planning Director Dedra Ragland said permits increased in September compared to August and were the most for the year.
Of 363 permits issued for the first nine months of the year, 68 were in September, 59 in August and 45 in July.
Value of projects for the first five months of the year was less than $2.5 million, but more than $28 million in construction projects have been registered since June, a large portion of which is the Decatur elementary school and transportation facility off Farm Road 51 South.
Ragland said she anticipates the Candlewood Suites project will get under way soon.
Public Works Director Earl Smith said all major projects for the year have been completed, and the downtown lighting project is winding down.
