By Sherri Blevins
On December 5, 2023, Fort Payne City Council members, decked out in their “Tacky Christmas Attire,” met to conduct City business.
Mayor Baine shared some positive news for Fort Payne that may potentially bring more tourists to the area. Baine explained that the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) and Access Fund have purchased the iconic Citadel Borders in Fort Payne. The purchase provides the group with 58 acres of undeveloped land surrounding the bolder field. The group plans to clean the area and develop it for climbing enthusists to enjoy. Before the group’s purchase, the land was privately owned and not open to the public.
According to SCC’s website, this purchase is a landmark victory for climbing and conservation in the Southeast. The site states that SCC will manage the Citadel Boulders alongside its eight land holdings for climbing and conservation. This move will allow climbers from across the country to experience the excitement and challenge of conquering the Citadel.
Mayor Baine reported on the City-owned land by the old Jefferson location. Baine said that he had received a report on the property from G-Tech. According to G-Tech’s findings, the land in its current state will support a wood or metal structure, but if someone wanted to add a concrete structure, footers would have to be dug down an additional five feet. Public Works Director Tim Williams said it would cost the City or the purchaser about $5,000 to prepare the land for a concrete building.
In City business, Human Resource Director Tricia Dunne proposed for the Council to include a “Long Term Disability Insurance” policy as part of the employee benefits packet starting in January 2024. The proposal will cost the City approximately $31,000.00. The Council approved the proposal.
The only other issue the Council discussed was a tax abatement for KBH, LLC, owned by Doug and Breanna Henderson. Dekalb County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Jimmy Durham and Business Retention & Expansion Director Jami Posey spoke to the Council to propose the reduction. Council President Walter Watson stated that he would rather have a work session to discuss the abatement and analyze the benefits of approving it before voting on the matter. Councilmember Lynn Brewer agreed that she would also like to have a work session to examine tax abatements before approving them. Durham and Posey agreed to the meeting on December 13 at noon.
Before adjourning the meeting, Council President Watson encouraged everyone to check out the new restaurant in town. South End Grill is now open in the old Wendy’s location and is operated by Adam and Miranda Golden.
The Council will meet again on December 19, 2023.
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