Marla Jones, Managing Editor
FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 17.
Fort Payne Police Chief David Davis along with Mayor Brian Bain spoke on the need for speed notification signs for the city. Bain stated that citizens call daily to ask for speed tables or signs in different areas of the city.
Davis stated that the signs could be moved to different locations throughout the city to help with the problem. He went on to state that the department was writing tickets to speeders.
The Council approved the purchase of two notification signs which includes two trailers, two signs, and a data collector for the City in the amount of $23,000.
A public hearing was held to receive comments from the City’s proposed participation in a tax-sharing agreement with Roy H. Drinkard for the Harbor Freight location.
Darlene Rotch and Connie Fuller updated the Council on the activities of Main Street Fort Payne.
Fort Payne Fire Chief Ron Saferite updated the council on the department's efforts to obtain a higher ISO rating that would benefit citizens and industries with their insurance ratings.
The Council authorized the purchase of pipe and equipment, in the amount of $100,000, to alleviate flood issues in four locations across Fort Payne. This project is estimated to take up to two years to be completed.
A discussion was had about entering a fleet program, similar to what DeKalb County participates in, for the police and fire department Tahoes. Fort Payne Councilman, John Smith, suggested that all City vehicles be put into the program. A motion was made to enter into an agreement for the Police and Fire Department vehicles at the present time, and eventually the entire city fleet.
At the March 16 meeting, the Fort Payne Council voted to donate land, adjacent to the old Jefferson’s location, to the DeKalb County Commission. The County had planned to build a new Tourism office there but has since bought property on Highway 11 North for that purpose. No paperwork or survey was completed to transfer the property to the County. The Council voted to rescind the motion.
A budget adjustment was made to the Fire department in the amount of $10,000 for the repair of the Medic-1 fire vehicle.
The Council approved the following alcohol licenses, which were also approved by the Alcohol Committee: Blue Jug (on-off premise beer and wine); DeSoto Golf Course (on-premise beer and wine); Osaka Sushi Steakhouse (Restaurant retail liquor).
The following activity permits were granted:
- The Well, Spencer DeVries, free coffee for everyone, Alabama Walking Park, August 28, 9:00 am.
- Sunshine Ministries and Frosty’s, 5K run for animal adoption, Saturday, September 11, City Park, from 8 am until 10 am.
- VFW, 5k Run, Williams Avenue from VFW to Alabama Walking Park, Saturday, November 6 beginning at 8 am,
- DeKalb County Library, outdoor movie, fundraiser for Toys for Tots, third Saturday in August and September, from 7:30 pm until 9 pm.
The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be on September 7, at 12:30 pm.
