The City Council meeting held Monday at 7 p.m. revealed that a grant is on file with Federal Highway Administration Transportation Enhancement Funds at the Alabama Department of Transportation requesting $300,000 with local funding of $60,000 proposed to aid the city in the construction of a sidewalk around the downtown square on the west side of Alabama 21. The construction would include the east and west sides of the square extending it by about three feet and includes some low growing shrubbery. It was felt by some members that more needs to be included in refurbishing the square before spending the money for the sidewalks. The city has until the last day of the month to respond.
Police Chief Tommy Thompson submitted a list of firearms to the council for approval in destroying the majority of confiscated firearms and requested permission to sell or swap others for police use through licensed dealers in order to bring in money for the city.
Dr. Robert “Bob” Baker with Weapons of Mass Destructions Preparedness and Response Institute for grant research and writing was granted a one-year agreement to write grants for the city.
Stanley Birditt, wastewater treatment plant Operator II, was moved from a step 6 to a step 7 at a request made by supervisor Joel Bonds after Birditt successfully completed his training.
After 23 years of service in Jacksonville and 32 years of service in the system, Court Clerk/Magistrate Claudette Ledbetter is retiring. “She is a diligent worker and we will miss her greatly,” stated finance director Rita Spruiell.
After Mayor Johnny Smith called for public comments, general manager of Wireless Solutions, Mandy Holland, and Grand Slam’s T-Mobile head of sales Danielle Swindle raised an issue concerning temporary sign placement. Both claim their sales have declined drastically since recently being asked to take down their “wind feathers”, the temporary advertising making it possible to be noticed in their tucked away location in the College Center on Pelham Road. Council expressed safety concerns in terms of obstructing the view of motorists but directed them to the planning commission where they may get assistance in changing the temporary sign law.
Dr. Ched Black of In the Black Ventures, LLC has applied for a license to open The Cock Diesel Dance Club at 103 Pelham Road, S., in the old Spinz building. The item was tabled until the next council meeting in order to acquire more information about the premises.
A split vote divided the council on a utility bond issue that would pay for cast iron gas main replacement and multiple sewer and water projects. The bond would have also cut the current 5 percent paid by the board to 2 percent. A rate study was requested to be completed in the next two weeks through Alabama Rural Water Association. Nevertheless, the gas lines need replacing to prevent a safety issue in the future. A meeting to discuss the gas line situation further was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
