The Huntsville City Council made the first sewer rate hike to utilities customers in 20 years official at its regular meeting Thursday night.

That approval was expected, as was passing a $44.6 million construction contract for a major expansion of the Huntsville Ice Sports Center (ISC).

First, however, Mayor Tommy Battle’s special recognitions included Huntsville Police Department Investigator Scott Northcutt. He was awarded HPD’s life-saving medal for his bravery and selflessness during a fiery crash that nearly claimed the life of a fellow officer.

Deputy Chief Scott Hudson presented the honor in the absence of Police Chief Kirk Giles, who was attending the birth of his grandchild.

“(Northcutt) is one of our investigators for the violent crime unit, a very fine investigator who has a high caseload and is very good at what he does, and it’s an honor for me to be here for him,” said Hudson.

On Feb. 18, Northcutt came upon a crash with a police officer trapped in a patrol car on fire. Northcutt rushed to the burning vehicle, where he found the officer severely injured – his uniform on fire and unable to escape due to a broken wrist. Northcutt pulled the officer from the car and rolled him to the ground to extinguish the flames.

Moments later, the vehicle became fully engulfed, igniting live ammunition inside. Northcutt shielded the officer with his own body and moved him to safety. The heat was so intense, parts of Northcutt’s jacket melted. The injured officer survived.

“His actions that day were nothing short of heroic,” Hudson said.

The council approved a $44.6 million construction contract with ARCO/Murray National Holdings, Inc. to begin expansion work at the ISC. The project will add 118,822 square feet to the existing 83,934-square-foot facility. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027.

The expansion will include a new arena with seating for 1,254 spectators, a second sheet of ice with five curling lanes, new locker rooms for men and women, ADA-compliant elevators and seating, as well as expanded common areas, concessions, and support spaces.

In addition to expanding access to the ice, the project is expected to enhance the city’s ability to attract events.

“The opportunity to grow exponentially allows more of our community to enjoy the wonderful world of ice sports,” ISC Executive Director Dita Dotson-Bowser said.

The average customer’s monthly sewer bill will increase from $24.15 to $29.15, well below the Alabama average of $52.14 per month. The funds will support a $150 million infrastructure investment within an aging sewer collection system and treatment facilities over a 10-year capital plan to meet regulatory requirements.

“We’ve tried to find every way in the world other than have a rate increase,’’ said Shane Davis, director of urban and economic development for the city. “We’ve been working for several years to try and find a way to solve it without (a rate increase), but it’s just been so long since a rate increase there just wasn’t a lot of options.’’

There was a resolution honoring Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon for His Dedicated Leadership and Lasting Contributions to the Advancement of Alabama, and another honoring the impact of Hodie McCraw, a lifelong citizen of Huntsville who celebrated her 103rd birthday on March 6. She has dedicated many years to educating the city’s youth.

A third resolution recognized the international achievements of Spokes-N-Vogues, a custom car builder located in District 1.

Rodgrika Quarles, Public Safety Alarm Coordinator, was presented with the Employee Incentive Award for her efforts in reducing false alarm calls that require police response. She also volunteered to join the department’s IT team to help improve inventory management.