Fall in Vestavia Hills

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I hope this message finds you well, and enjoying the early fall season in our beautiful Vestavia Hills.

We have begun the new fiscal year, and I am pleased to report the City Council approved the budget, as presented by City Manager Jeff Downes in early August. That budget includes a 2 percent cost of living raise for the city’s 260 workers. Approximately 128 individuals who have not yet tapped out the maximum level of their pay grade also received merit increases. We are proud to be in a position to reward the city’s staff in this manner. They are major assets to the City of Vestavia Hills; we depend on them to make the city run efficiently. 

I also want to update you on the state of the city’s fleet. Across all departments, we have continuously worked over the last two years to systematically update our fleet inventory. It’s been a successful effort. The police department is receiving five new vehicles per year as part of its replacement program. The fire department will add one additional engine this year, which will allow the city to have all new equipment at each one of the stations. Within our Public Service Department, we are in the process of upgrading landscaping equipment. This will be used for right of way maintenance and for upkeep of field conditions at all Vestavia Hills athletic complexes. 

From a communications standpoint, we are also working towards the development of a new website. Please check the Mayor’s Minute in future issues and/or your Community News for updates on the status of this project. We also are evaluating a new email service to replace our existing in-house program, which limits us on capacity. To be added to the distribution list, please contact City Clerk Rebecca Leavings at rleavings@vhal.org. In addition, we are in the process of rolling out new programs in several departments to enhance the departmental operation of these units. I will be sharing the details of these efforts with you as plans are finalized. 

One other vital communication matter that I would like to address concerns the misuse of handicap parking spaces. I want to ask our citizens to remember that the handicap parking within shopping centers and other buildings are strictly for individuals who have a handicap hang tag or permit. If you do not meet these requirements, please do not use the designated handicapped parking spots. 

I will conclude by encouraging those of you who are available to attend the Oct. 14 Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon. During this event, I will be delivering the annual State of the City address. Your opinions about the affairs of our city matter to me. I hope you will attend this event and look forward to hearing from you in the meantime. Vestavia Hills is the wonderful place that it is because of your commitment and your involvement.

Your Mayor,

Butch C. Zaragoza