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

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 19. 

The Council passed Resolution 2019-06, which declares certain recreation department items as surplus. 

In new business, the Council approved the following:

• Activity permit for DeKalb Heart Walk, which will be held on Saturday, August 17 at the Rotary Pavilion Route
• Budget adjustment in the amount of $5,000 for the DeSoto Golf Course
• Gave authorization to enter into contracts with Ladd Environmental for sewer projects

The Council also approved with the consent of the 3rd Saturday event coordinators taking over the event, due to tax reasons. 

City Attorney Rocky Watson brought forth the request to begin the annexation procedure for property belonging to Marlin Blalock. This property is located off of Roden Drive on Lookout Mountain.

Watson stated that the property would be highly restricted, residential lots. After much discussion, the Council began the procedure of annexation. 

Mayor Larry Chesser discussed the infiltration of water in the Valley Head Sewer Service area that resulted in extra sewer fees from 2017-18. 

The Council opted to collect these extra fees on a payment plan that will be suitable for both Valley Head and Fort Payne alike. 

The authorization to enter into a contract with GMC for changes and renovation at the Wills Valley Recreation Center. Councilmember Red Taylor voiced his opposition to beginning more work until a price was determined on the rebuilding of the recently burnt Public Works building. 

The Council approved entering into the contract for the work to begin at the Recreation Center.

The Council went into executive session to discuss matters of trade and commerce.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held on Tuesday, March 5 at 12pm on the second floor of Fort Payne City Hall.