By Sherri Blevins
During the April 18 Fort Payne City Council meeting, Fort Payne employee Ron Ogle was presented with a retirement plaque for his 35 years of service to the City. Mayor Baine and the Council thanked Ogle for his dedication to the City, and Ogle expressed his gratitude to those he worked with throughout his career.
Mayor Baine announced that April 23-29 was National Library Week. He appreciated the librarian’s work and said the City is glad to work with her staff in all its endeavors. Baine said, “It’s a good thing. It seems to be a lost art sometimes to get people reading, but they do a great job of making it fun and interactive with the kids. Thank you for what you do.”
During the Mayor’s report, Baine updated everyone on the happenings at City Hall. He received a positive report from the grant writer in Washington D.C. regarding the City’s request for funds for a feasibility study for the Joe’s Truck Stop/Overpass project. The City has worked for years to find a solution to prevent trucks from overturning at Joe’s Truck Stop at the corner of 5th Street NE and Wallace Ave., NE, and has requested that an overpass be built to deal with problems caused by trains stopped on the railroad tracks blocking traffic. Baine said Representative Aderholt’s office had placed the request on the Appropriations Table, which was the first step in meeting the request.
Earlier this month, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) revealed its plan to construct an emergency stop truck ramp at Joe’s Truck Stop. This plan is controversial because it would require the demolition of five houses and one of the City’s historic buildings leased to the owners of Fosters Gym. The City heard from citizens opposed to the ramp during a work session. The owner of Fosters Gym encouraged everyone to express their opposition to the plan to ALDOT before April 28 to stop it from proceeding.
Baine had indicated that he would rather see the feasibility study completed before any other action was taken, but it was not under the City’s control.
Mayor Baine said plans for the June Jam are moving along and that ALDOT has met with emergency workers to discuss managing the traffic flow during the event. He also submitted a paving list to the Council that proposes paving roads totaling $418,077.01.
Before the Council moved on to other business, Baine explained the need for a new City ordinance. He said there was a need for a three-way stop at the intersection of Grand Avenue and 3rd Street Northwest. Therapy Junction is located in the area, and it is dangerous for visitors and patients to cross the street due to traffic flying through the area. He asked that a crosswalk be added at the crossing too.
The Council then approved the following items:
- Ordinance 2023-06 establishing a 3-way stop at the intersection of Grand Avenue and 3rd Street Northwest
- Subdivision of 13.02 acres located at the intersection of Chisenhall Road and Houston Loop Roda for Emily Rosas
- Curbing request for Regina Frazer, 908 Lakewood Dr. N.W.
- Authorize Fire Chief Smith to submit the name of M.L. Pete Leath for consideration to be added to the Fire Fighter Memorial at Patriot’s Memorial Park
- Activity permit for Clara Washington for the National Day of Prayer, on Thursday, May 4, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Rotary Pavilion
- Rental of the G.H. Metal building by Dixie Machine Shop for one week at $1,000.00 to repair and use a machine located inside
- Alcohol application for B&B Management, Special Event License (June Jam)
The Council entered into an executive session after approving the items. The next meeting is on May 2, 2023.
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