BY MICHELLE KEY
PUBLISHER
The Opelika City Council approved more than $375,000 in appropriations to various organizations during Tuesday night’s city council meeting. The funds were allocated as follows:
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System $12500
• American Red Cross – East Alabama Chapter $10,000
• Circles Opelika $2,500
• Violence Intervention Center (DVIC) $4,500
• East Alabama Services for the Elderly, Inc. (EASE) $9,000
• Keep Opelika Beautiful, Inc. (KOB) $38,000
• Lee County Youth Development Center (LCYDC) $40,000
• Opelika Chamber of Commerce $90,000
• Downtown Redevelopment Authority $6,000
• Opelika Industrial Development Authority $125,000
• Storybook Farm $6,000
• The Museum of East Alabama $30,500
• 3D Youth Development Academy, Inc. $2,000
• Chattahoochee Council, Boy Scouts of America $500
• Sound Wall Music Initiative for the 2nd Annual Songwriters Festival $2,500.
Also during the meeting, Mayor Gary Fuller recognized Opelika High School student, Will Randolph, as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist and he also presented Barbara Arrington, administrative assistant to the mayor for an ‘Atta Girl Award’ for her work and efforts to help support other departments throughout the city.
IN OTHER BUSINESS:
– The council approved a request from Opelika Main Street for the annual Snopelika event on Nov. 30.
– The council approved a request from Opelika Main Street for the annual Christmas Parade on Dec. 4.
– The council held public hearings on weed abatement assessments and voted to approve the assessments on the following properties:
– 308 Brannon Ave.
– 120 Chester Ave.
– 1709 Frederick Rd.
– 1302 Rocky Brook Rd.
– The council held a public hearing for a weed abatement assessment for a property located at 1109 Alton Ct. Stephen Ward addressed the council pertaining to this assessment and asserted that the city has been maintaining this property for years. Following the public hearing, a motion was made and was approved to table this item until more information could be determined.
– The council approved the disposal of surplus city personal property.
– The council approved the purchase of one 2022 Ford Explorer for the revenue department.
– The council approved the purchase of Meraki Security Hardware and Software.
– The council approved the purchase of two 2022 Nissan Frontiers for the Inspection department.
– The council approved the purchase of seven 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trucks for OPD.
– The council approved the purchase of seven 2022 Chevrolet Tahoes for the OPD.
– The council approved the purchase of one 2023 Peterson Knuckle Boom.
– The council approved the purchase of one 2023 Heil Automated Side Loader.
– The council approved a three-year agreement with CDW Government, LLC.
– The council approved a contract with the Lee County Humane Society for Animal Shelter Services.
– The council authorized a request for a firework display by First Baptist Church Opelika on Oct. 31.
– The council approved a grant application to ADECA for Recreational Trails Program with Creekline Trails of Opelika.
– The council approved an agreement with ALDOT for the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Grant for a bike and pedestrian path along Waverly Parkway.
– The council introduced an ordinance to approve a franchise agreement with Knology of Alabama, Inc. for its first reading.
– The council approved the reappointment of Dr. Cathy Long to the Library Board for a new term that expires on Oct. 19, 2025.
– The council approved the reappointment of Shirley Carter to the Library Board for a new term that expires on Oct. 19, 2025.