The Troy City Council on Tuesday cleared the way for repairs to be made on 13 sites damaged during the December 2015 heavy rains.

Council members approved a $400,000 budget amendment in anticipation of federal funding to help offset the cost of repairs.

“This damage was caused by the tremendous amount of rainfall we received over Christmas,” Mayor Jason Reeves told council members during the work session. “A state of emergency was declared for our county by Gov. (Robert) Bentley and we have a presidential declaration as well … Pike County did reach the threshold for receiving federal aid from FEMA, and we have several areas we anticipate will qualify for FEMA funds.”

Vaughan Daniels, public works director, said all the paperwork has been completed. “We’ve completed all the paperwork they requested and we’re waiting for FEMA to inspect the sites,” he said. “We that is done, and they are approved, we can get the work done and then file for reimbursement.”

Daniels said he could not provide a timeline for the repairs to begin.

“We had one project we’ve already had to address, on Hubbard Street,” he said. “But now, we’re waiting on FEMA.”

District 3 Councilman Marcus Paramore, whose district includes two roads still closed from storm damage, asked the public’s patience. “I just want to tell the citizens of District 3 that we appreciate everyone’s patience,” Paramore said, adding with a laugh: “We have two of the largest projects in First Avenue and Wilson Street, and we hope to get this done quicker than the Elm Street project.”

Reeves said the total cost of the repairs is estimated at $374,031.27

In other business on Tuesday, the council:

• Approved a resolution recognizing Black History Month during the month of February. The resolution recognized the efforts of trailblazing African-American leaders from Troy, including U.S. Rep. John Robert Lewis; Mrs. Johnnie Mae Warren, the first female African-American on the city council; and Alphonso Byrd, the first African-American male member of the council. The resolution also recognized efforts supported by the city during the month, including the partnership with Troy University to host the African-American Leadership Conference, Black History programs in city schools, and the read-in at the Troy Public Library. The resolution passed unanimously.

• Heard a proposed resolution from District 5 Councilwoman Dejerilyn King Henderson to rescind the appointment of Michael Stephens as Troy Fire Chief effective March 1. Henderson read the resolution as part of her comments at the end of the meeting and it was not seconded.

Council President Johnny Witherington reminded Henderson the resolution needs to be entered onto the agenda in advance to be considered by the council. Henderson abstained from the January vote to appoint the fire chief.