Haley gets nod, again, as phase two engineer

After hearing from both Hart Freeland Roberts, Inc. and James C. Hailey and Company, the city’s Finance Committee gave Hailey their node of approval.

‘I think HFR is an excellent company,’ said Alderman Bobby Kirby. ‘I think they are an excellent firm but nothing I’ve heard has changed my mind about James C. Hailey. I’m ready to move forward with phase two with Hailey.’

The recommendation was seconded by Vice Mayor Donald Hillis with Alderman Patti Nunley adding, ‘You don’t have any concerns at all that Jimmy (James C. Hailey) isn’t concerned at all with working closely with property owners. That is the one area he didn’t stress.’

During Hailey’s presentation, he stressed several key areas regarding phase two. However, only briefly did he touch on the street construction and how to minimize the impact to businesses on that street.

‘He has worked for me personally and he has worked for the city,’ said Kirby. ‘I’ve never had a bad experience with him. To answer your question, not at all.’

When it came to the vote, Hillis and Kirby voted for Hailey. After a moment’s pause the vote was noticeably missing a vote from Nunley which prompted the others to ask if she intended to vote.

‘No, I’m just going to fail to vote,’ said Nunley. ‘I’m going to sit on the fence. I’m going to abstain. I don’t object to Jimmy. I just wish he had a little more experience with street-scape projects.’

The decision to choose Hailey will still have to be approved by the full board at Tuesday night’s of Mayor and Aldermen regular session. The resolution will need one vote to pass.