By Rebekah Martin
Associate Editor
Two city employees were honored by Mayor Gary Fuller and the Opelika City Council upon their retirements last week.
Jackie Robinson has worked as the city courier for 22 years and will be retiring on July 1. “He’s been a dear friend and a great, great asset to the city of Opelika,” Fuller said.
Fuller and the council hosted a reception last Wednesday in Robinson’s honor.
David Horton, who is retiring from his position as the director of Opelika Power Services, was also recognized at the meeting. Horton was hired in 2013 to help guide the city and OPS through the transition to fiber internet. “Thank you for your dedicated service to our community and your leadership qualities that have been an inspiration to us all. Congratulations on a job well done … we wish you a wonderful retirement that is well-deserved,” Fuller said.
Horton addressed the mayor and council, thanking them for the opportunity to serve Opelika. “I love this city … I want you to know I can say this with a true heart. I don’t know of anybody anywhere that loves their community more than you all do. It has been my pleasure to serve this city and I can truly say I feel good about what’s happened here. I’m glad you have great leadership to take over and move you forward,” Horton said.
In other business the council:
-approved a temporary street closure for Opelika Main Street for July 15.
-approved the sale of a warehouse located on Geneva Street to JSR Real Estate Holdings, LLC for $100,000.
-Entered into an agreement with Barrett-Simpson for the design of a SportsPlex connector road.
-approved an engagement letter with Montgomery-based law firm Melton, Espy & Williams for legal services to oppose two proposed methodone clinics in Opelika.