Calling the recent outbreak of killer tornadoes in the state of Alabama a “wakeup call” Frank Broadman a member of the Ehrhardt Fire Department and EMS Unit asked Ehrhardt Town Council members to donate a space in the town hall for supplies in case of a storm.

“With major tornadoes to the west and hurricanes to the east of us, we’re right in the middle,” Broadman, who said he “went through” six hurricanes said. Broadman noted that it was “a good idea” to store disaster supplies in the town hall which he said was the “strongest building” in town. “This building could provide a sanctuary for us.” He asked council members to make a list of items that should go in the building and noted that town residents could drop off items like soap and toothpaste when they came in to pay their utility bills. Ehrhardt Town Council members approved Broadman’s request to let the Ehrhardt EMS use a room in the town hall to store basic supplies.

Also during the meeting:

• Public Safety Chief Chad Dilling reported the Ehrhardt Fire Department responded to four calls since the last meeting including: creating a landing zone at the ball field, a shed fire and two brush fires. He noted the police department had a “busy month” responding to: two false alarms, a DUS, domestic call, attempted burglary, vehicle larceny, speeding, driving without a license, a suicide attempt, stolen car and trespassing. Chief Dilling said that citizens need to secure their vehicles at night and call central dispatch to report any suspicious happenings.

• Councilmember Freddie Copeland stated in the public works department report the town collected $11,796.16 in April with eight residents’ cutoff and collected $10,388.91 in May.

• In the town’s financial report, Mayor Stanley noted the town has “taken in enough money to pay its bills.”

• In an update on the proposed Ehrhardt Healthcare Clinic it was stated the town will follow up with Representative Bakari Sellers to see if money is in the legislative budget for the clinic. Mayor Stanley noted the grant could not be obtained until matching funds are secured. Council member Bill Edinger stated he was told money was in the budget for the clinic.

• Council members approved a policy on the use of the Ehrhardt Auditorium which includes a $200 rental fee, a $150 security deposit and $15 key deposit. The policy agreement states that 50 percent of the rental fee for the auditorium will be waived for nonprofit organizations.

• In a water system project update it was reported that all the new water meters were “almost in” and should be all in the next 10 days. The water system project upgrade itself should be complete in the next 30 days.

• The town council members were given copies of the Fiscal Year 2012 Budget which should be finalized “between now and the next meeting” Mayor Stanley said.