The Laurel City Council hopes to address the city’s travel policy during its meeting Tuesday.

During the council’s Oct. 20 meeting, Councilman Trey Chinn questioned the city’s policy for travel and why council members’ travel have to be approved by the City Council and city employees’ travel does not.

He said there is a need to be unified in the handling of travel for all city officials and employees.

Councilman George Carmichael agreed.

City Clerk Mary Ann Hess was requested to review the city’s travel policy and prepare to submit recommendations for unifying the policy.

Hess said during the agenda-setting meeting last week that she was continuing to work on the policy, but would have something to present to the council at Tuesday’s meeting.

Also on the agenda, the council will be asked to approve several employees’ travel requests.

Among the requests is one for Rob Norman and Jeff Monk to be allowed to attend the 2009 National Detector Training Seminar in New Orleans, La. on Nov. 8-11 at an estimated cost of $914. The funds will be taken from the Police Department’s travel budget.

Also Tuesday, the council will consider ratifying authorization of travel by Hometown Retirement Community Director to the American Association of Retirement Communities Annual Conference in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Nov. 4-6.

Laurel’s Chief Administration Officer Dennis Keveryn said the conference “is a required trip in order for the city to remain a (certified) retirement community.”

Another request the council will consider is for William Sparrow and David Grasha to be allowed to attend a Train the Trainer class in Anniston, Ala. on Dec. 14-18.

According to paperwork submitted to the council, this class will be paid for by Homeland Security.

Police Chief Walter “Bear” Martin said in documentation to city officials about the trip, that the course would allow Laurel Police to train officers to respond to HAZMAT situations and terrorist attacks requiring the wearing of chemical protective ensembles.

These, along with other matters, will be presented to the City Council during its meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Chambers at Laurel City Hall.