By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — For the first time since December, the Fort Payne City Council is meeting in person again. 

Jimmy Durham of the DeKalb County Economic Authority and Ken Chandler of Heil addressed the Council of the 42 million investment that Heil was planning to complete. This investment, according to Chandler would continue to “anchor” Heil to the Fort Payne area. Heil has a 34 million dollar economic impact on the city each year.  

The Board approved Resolution 2021-15 granting tax abatement to the Heil, with no educational funds diverted. 

The Marine Corps Toys for Tots presented the Council with plaques for their generous support last season.

“Your support in 2020 came to us at a time when Covid had initially gripped the country, and disabled our ability to hold public setups,” stated LaRue Hardinger, Coordinator of Marine Toys for Tots of DeKalb County. “The City of Fort Payne’s provision of a building from which our volunteers can work is the heart of our campaign.”

City Attorney Rocky Watson updated the Council on the old hospital demolition project. Necessary paperwork to proceed will need to be reviewed before the process can be completed.

In other business:

• Announced the expiration of Kathy Prater’s term of the Fort Payne Board of Education and to post the position until the close of business on April 14.
• Made a budget adjustment for the Fort Payne Fire Department to purchase appliances
• Made a $1200 appropriation  budget adjustment for the Fort Payne Sectional Track meet

Councilmember John M. Smith announced that the Sanitation Department had open positions for those with Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Applicants can apply at the Fort Payne City Hall. 

The next meeting of the Fort Payne Council will be held on April 20, 2021.