Marla Jones, Managing Editor
FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- (Full video on Southern Torch Facebook) The Fort Payne City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 17.
Mayor Baine discussed the ongoing issue of “Boots” being placed on trucks when they park on private property, near the Mapco Gas Station at the South end of town. The property owners have contracted with Buckhead Parking Enforcement of Union City, Georgia to apply and remove the booting device.
Mayor Brain Baine advised that the company is legal in what they are doing. In the past, the trucks have been allowed to park there but now the property owners have posted that trucks can no longer park on the property.
“This is not the City doing this, this is not our officers doing this, this is not Mapco doing this. It is kinda a negative light on Fort Payne by them doing this…we are trying to look at a way to help with that, by giving a place for trucks to park,” stated Mayor Baine.
According to City Attorney, Rocky Watson, Birmingham has a city ordinance against commercial lots “booting” trucks.
Buckhead Parking Enforcement is booting trucks and charging them almost $600 to remove the boot. At this point, it is legal but can be addressed by the Council.
“If you want to do something about it, we can,” stated Watson.
The Fort Payne Council passed the following Ordinances and Resolutions:
- Resolution 2022-22, accepting the low bid for Wastewater Plant chemicals.
- Resolution 2022-23, declaring a certain vehicle surplus.
In New Business, the Council:
- Discussed granting a one-time, lump-sum, non-recurring payment to retirees or beneficiaries of deceased retirees. The payment amount would total $63,846 and would be paid for either as a direct payment to the Retirement System or as a one-year increase to the City’s contribution rate. After much discussion, the Resolution will be placed on next month's agenda for consideration.
- Set June 21st as the date of a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed rezoning of the following properties and approval of a proposed sub-division:
- Proposed re-zoning of property located at the corner of Highway 11 South and Lebanon Road from C-3 to M-1 and owned by Randy Wilson.
- Proposed re-zoning of multiple lots located on 4th Street South between Sanders Avenue and Turner Avenue from C-4 to R-2 and owned by multiple individuals.
- Proposed sub-division of approximately 2 acres located at 1320 Isbell Blvd. N.W. and owned by Ronnie and Bonnie Barnett.
The Fort Payne Fourth of July Celebration will only consist of fireworks this year. This decision is due to construction on both the Fort Payne Sports Complex and Fort Payne High School Football Field. Mayor Baine stated that the annual event will be bigger and better next year.
The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on June 7, beginning at 12:30 p.m.
