The city of Gardendale is seeking professional help in its ongoing negotiations with the Fultondale Gas Board.

In Monday night’s regular session, the Gardendale City Council authorized Mayor Othell Phillips to hire Jackson Thornton Utilities Consultants, a firm based in Montgomery. The firm will consult with the city in preparing a franchise agreement to the gas board, to replace one that expired last year.

“They will assist us in the analysis and revision of the gas board franchise agreement,” Phillips said. “They consult with utilities all over the area, as well as with cities like us.”

The council has already approved a revised franchise agreement that is much the same as the previous 10-year franchise, except that it provides for an additional seat on the board for the current Gardendale mayor. The board currently has one spot reserved for a Gardendale resident, a seat held by former mayor Kenny Clemons.

Phillips said he’s had no response from the gas board about the proposed agreement.

Gardendale officials have fielded numerous complaints from their constituents this winter, after their natural gas bills shot higher. The old franchise agreement limited the rate the Fultondale Gas Board could charge to 2 1/2 percent more than what Alagasco charges similar customers, but customers complained that the rate significantly exceeded that cap.

Since then, Fultondale Mayor Jim Lowery — who’s also the gas board superintendent — said the board would seek ways to lower the rates, and customers would see reduced bills the following month.

In other business, the council:

• voted to reject bids for a left-turn lane project on U.S. Hwy. 31, and authorized advertisement for new bids

• heard Public Works Director Jeff Holliyan report that the main work on repaving Tarrant Road was complete, and that permanent striping would take place in about two weeks.