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

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne City Council held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 16.

DeKalb County Economic Development Development Executive Director Jimmy Durham addressed the Council on the expansion of The Children’s Place in Fort Payne.  He presented  a proposed resolution for tax abatements to the company.

The Council presented Anita Shankles, who is retiring after over twenty years with the Recreation Department, a plaque for her service. 

The Council passed the following Resolutions:

• Resolution 2019-18, declaring some City equipment and vehicles as surplus
• Resolution 2019-19, authorizing the Local Legislative Delegation to introduce legislation making the Jacksonville State University Canyon Center an “Economic Development Zone”. This will allow for development of lodging and restaurants.
• Resolution 2019-20, granting tax abatements to Children’s Place, Inc.  The Children’s Place will be adding and updating equipment to better serve their e-commerce line with an over 11 million expansion. This will add 50 new full time employees to their already 700 full time employee and 400 temporary employees staff. The Children’s Place has an over 51 million dollar impact on the City of Fort Payne.

In new business:

• MDA presented the Council with their review of the FY2018 budget report to the Council and it was deemed satisfactory
• A budget adjustment for $3,897.60 for banners to use for the Bicentennial Celebration.  The banners will be placed in the entrance into Fort Payne.
• The streetlight request for: Karl and Jody Smith-6406 Banks Drive NW and Gene Hall-Hope Hill Drive NW were approved
• The Council approved the Land Use Agreement with First Presbyterian Church for the use of a parcel of land for public parking. The Church reserves the right to use during church services.

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held at 12 pm on May 7 on the second floor of the City Hall.