By Rebekah Martin
Associate Editor

The Opelika High School boys track team, who are the 6A state champions, were recognized by the city council at Tuesday’s meeting for their success. “We want to say a special thank you to the coaches,” said President Eddie Smith. “Without you and your leadership we wouldn’t have the state champion track team here with us.” Several of the young men were individual winners in their divisions, including Ben Bryant, Ben Garner, Nathaniel Huggins, Kacey Spinks, Marquevious Swanson and Hayden Washburn.
The council also recognized Jody Fuller at the meeting. In Mayor Gary Fuller’s absence, Smith read a proclamation honoring Fuller, naming him “The Funniest Man in Opelika.” Fuller is a comic, speaker and soldier, having served three tours in Iraq. When not in uniform, Fuller performs at comedy clubs and for troops at home and overseas. He will open for comedian James Gregory in August.
“I appreciate my family and friends coming out tonight. It means so much,” Fuller said. “As some of you know, right now things are pretty tough but humor can get you a long way and this means a lot to me.”
In other business the council:
-Heard an update on the Carver Jeter plan from Market + Main’s Aaron Fortner. Upcoming progress includes zoning changes to accommodate the addition of future housing. Fortner said the street art that is in the master plan should be completed by October of this year.
-Heard from Terry White, director of solid waste, about the expansion of Opelika’s recycling program. The city will soon go to a single-stream system and will offer curbside pick-up twice a month as a subscription service that will cost $10 a month. The city will begin converting existing sites to single-stream next month.
-Approved an ordinance amending the rights and responsibilities of the city Animal Control officer, spelling out the officer has the authority to use whatever means available to capture an animal that has been deemed dangerous. The ordinance also prohibits citizens from interfering with actions taken by the officer.
-Approved a request for permit made by the Parks and Recreation Board for a fireworks display.
-Approved requests for two temporary street closures for the city’s Memorial Day service May 25 and the Run to Read event October 24.
-Removed the demolition of dilapidated structures in the Carver community from the agenda until the next council meeting. The structures, owned by Sirco, Inc., were previously tagged for demolition. City Administrator Joey Motley recommended the removal of the items to start the process anew.