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Decatur City Council Approves Recycling Technology, Park Improvements, and Public Safety Investments

The Decatur City Council approved several measures Monday that strengthen recycling operations, improve parks, support public safety efforts, and coordinate infrastructure projects across the city.

Council authorized an investment in new artificial intelligence technology for the City’s Materials Recovery Facility. The system will use robotic and optical sorting equipment to identify recyclable materials and improve recovery rates.

Recycling Director Wanda Tyler said the new technology will help modernize operations at the facility.

“This technology will help us recover more recyclable materials and improve the efficiency of our operations,” Tyler said. “The AI system identifies materials much faster than manual sorting alone, which allows our team to process materials more effectively and position our recycling program for the future.”

The Council also approved the purchase of a new horizontal baler for the recycling operation. The equipment compresses recyclable materials into dense bales, which improves handling, storage, and transportation.

Mayor Kent Lawrence said the actions approved Monday support the City’s efforts to improve services and operate more efficiently.

“These investments strengthen our infrastructure, improve our recycling operations, and support the people who work every day to keep our city running,” Lawrence said. “In Decatur, we are better together.”

The Council also approved change orders related to improvements at Jessie Lewis Smith Park. The adjustment addresses soil conditions identified during construction and allows the project to proceed.

In another action, the Council approved the appointment of Lillie Farmer as the City’s Human Resources Director effective March 17.

The Decatur Police Department will also add a Crime Analyst position. The role will analyze crime trends and data to help officers and investigators identify patterns and deploy resources more effectively.

Police Chief Torry Mack said the position will strengthen the department’s ability to use data to guide policing strategies.

“Data analysis plays a major role in modern policing,” Mack said. “A crime analyst will help our department identify patterns, support investigations, and make informed decisions about how we deploy resources across the city.”

Council members also approved electrical infrastructure modifications near Highway 67 and Country Club Road in coordination with Decatur Utilities. The work will support improvements to electrical service in the area.

The Council also approved renaming Frazier Park to Odom-Frazier Park to honor longtime community contributors Jim and June Odom, while continuing recognition of Ned Frazier.

In addition, the City approved a renewed agreement with Decatur City Schools that allows school facilities to serve as storm shelters during severe weather. The agreement also allows Ingalls Harbor facilities to serve as relocation or reunification sites during emergencies.

The Council also authorized signatories for the City’s CCI Development Rebate account to ensure proper financial oversight.

In Decatur, We Are Better Together.