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

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 1. Mayor Larry Chesser was absent from the meeting.

At the meeting, the Fort Payne High School “Best Robotics” team addressed the Council to request a $1,000 donation, which comes out of special appropriations. Students presented their case to the Council regarding the appropriation and it was approved unanimously.

Fort Payne Fire Chief Ron Saferite showed off the new shirt that the Fire Department will be selling this year for Breast Cancer Awareness. Shirts are $15 and can be bought at Fire Station #2. Saferite also reminded the Council that October was Fire Prevention Month. 

The Council discussed sharing the cost of building four new tennis courts with the Fort Payne Board of Education. The total cost is anticipated to be $428,045 with the City and Board splitting the cost evenly.

A streetlight was approved at the intersection of Marlo Street NE and Martin Avenue after several residents requested it. Johnny Evans of the Fort Payne Improvement Authority recommended the placement of the light.

The Council granted activity permits to following events:

• Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce — Halloween Block Party on Thursday, October 31 at Gault Avenue from 1st Street to 5th Street North from 5pm to 7pm
• Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce — The Annual Christmas Parade on Monday, December 9 at Gault Avenue from 18th Street North to 3rd Street South from 6pm to 8pm
• Benefit Ride at the Pavilion on Saturday, October 19

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, October 15 at 12pm on the second floor of Fort Payne City Council.