The Gardendale City Council honored the city’s police force and Police Chief Mike Walker during its regular council meeting on Monday night for their professionalism and courage as well as their work last week during the city’s tragic triple homicide.

Walker also took the opportunity to honor Sgt. Brian Odom for his work on the homicides. Walker said Odum was off-duty when he heard the call go out, but responded to the scene to assist. He later took the initiative to find out what car the suspect was driving, clearing up confusion that had lingered all day. Identifying the vehicle allowed police in Florida to find the suspect, Kenneth Lever, and attempt to apprehend him. Lever took his own life in a parking lot in Escambia County, Florida, rather than allowing the officers to apprehend him.

In other business, the council also:

•approved the annexation of 904 Spring Hollow Circle.

•held a first reading of a proposed zoning change to the current parking requirements. The measure will come up for a second reading and vote at the regular Aug. 21 council meeting.

•held a first reading for a proposed rezoning of 1590 and 1600 Quail Ridge Drive from Institutional to Agricultural. The measure will come up for a second reading and vote at the regular Aug. 21 council meeting.

•approved a budget amendment for building repairs and maintenance.

•approved a resolution to extend a temporary position in the Parks and Recreation Department.

•approved a resolution to authorize a professional services agreement with Skipper Consulting in the amount of $8,550 for work to create entrances and exits on Mt. Olive Road for the proposed new UAB development.