By Sherri Blevins
The Fort Payne City Council met on January 3, 2023, for its first meeting of the new year. Mayor Baine made several announcements during his report, including a plea for the public’s help in solving the litter problem in the City.
Baine reported that he had received several complaints from citizens about litter being strewn throughout the City. He reminded everyone to be mindful of the environment and avoid throwing items out of car windows. He asked business owners to ensure the grounds and parking lot around their businesses were litter free. The Mayor said he would meet later with a concerned group about starting an anti-litter campaign. Council President Watson and the Mayor also reminded everyone to bag their trash before putting it in the cans.
On a positive note, Mayor Baine invited everyone to participate in the January 19 Comprehensive Master Plan public meeting at the Little Ridge Intermediate School. The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm, and participants are asked to share their vision for the City’s future. He also announced another important meeting for building contractors doing business within the City. On Thursday, January 26, at 4:00 pm in the Council Chambers, the City will discuss the changes brought about by the proposed adoption of the new building and fire codes. Home builders and contractors will have the opportunity to express their concerns regarding the new regulations.
The Council considered three ordinances concerning various rates charged by the City. The Council suspended the rules and approved Ordinance 2023-01 permitting the Recreation Department, in consultation with the Mayor, to implement various rates, rules, and regulations at facilities owned by the City and under the supervision of the Fort Payne Parks and Recreation Department. The Council members asked that they be made aware of the changes so they would have information to relate to the citizens. Council member John Smith commented that he thought some of the current rates under this ordinance would be lower than the ones previously set. Two other ordinances concerning sewer and sanitation rates were carried over until the next meeting giving the Council time to review them.
The Council voted to authorize the annual bids for fuel, supplies, and other yearly items. It also voted to reject the bids for the Police Department due to irregularities in the bid process. It expects to rebid the Police Department renovation when Curt O’Daniel determines that the irregularities are resolved and the specifications are “cleaned up.”
After the business, the Council entered into an executive session to discuss potential litigation. The next regular meeting is set for January 17, 2023.
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