by Cliff McCollum
News Editor
After Tuesday’s Opelika city council meeting, Opelika Power Services’ customers concerns about the city’s new Smart Grid system have hopefully been mollified, as the council unanimously passed a “Smart Grid Bill of Rights” ordinance.
“We hope this will help ease some citizens’ concerns about the Smart Grid,” city council president Eddie Smith said.
The so-called “Bill of Rights” was crafted by a seven-member committee of citizens appointed by the mayor and council, as well as a representative from OPS. The document focuses on four fundamental rights for customers, including the right to data security, the right to options, the right to be informed and the right to privacy.
The council also:
– Granted a request from Opelika High School for a homecoming parade and pep rally to be held Sept. 26.
– Held public hearings and fixed weed abatement costs for 13 properties across the city.
– Approved expense reports from city employees Lisa Gallagher, Carrie Evans, Stephen Daw and Lou Malloy.
– Agreed to a travel advance for two Opelika Police officers to attend the Law Enforcement Academy in Jacksonville.
– Refunded $1,833.18 in building permit fees to Clearwater Homes, LLC.
– Agreed to a three-year $275.50 per month lease for a large format copier for the city’s public works department.
– Voted to carry forward some 2012 budgeted funds into the 2013 budget.
– Annexed property located at 3373 Lee Road 54 into the city’s limits.
-Re-appointed Richard Patton to the Downtown Redevelopment Authority.
– Designated certain city property as surplus and authorized their sales.