BY MICHELLE KEY
PUBLISHER
The Opelika City Council approved a resolution during its Tuesday night meeting that will allow the city to enter into an agreement with the state of Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the development of an archery park at Spring Villa. According to the resolution, funding for this project is made available through U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Program 15.611 under the authority of the Pittman-Roberson Wildlife Restoration Act 16 U.S.C. 699 et seq.
Spring Villa has been an active RV camping location for many years and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller expressed his thoughts on how a new recreational activity in the area could help revitalize the park.
“Spring Villa is underutilized in my opinion,” he said. “Our RV Park is very popular and many groups use the lodge for events such as family reunions. This is an excellent space for archery.”
According to Fuller, members of the community have expressed an interest in having an archery range in Opelika and he said that he believes this will help increase the popularity of the sport.
“Over the next few years I’d like to see our RV Park expand to accommodate more campers,” Fuller said. “We’re always receptive to ideas from our citizens on what they would like to have.”
Sam Bailey, director of Opelika Parks and Recreation said that the archery park should be open in the spring 2022.
PRESENTATIONS
Fuller recognized Taylor Smith as an Oprah Winfrey Leadership Scholarship (OWLS) recipient. Smith received one of 15 scholarships awarded nationwide.
Captain Noah Allmond was recognized as Opelika Fire Department’s 2021 Firefighter of the Year during the meeting. Nominees for 2021 were as follows:
A-Shift — Firefighter Taylor Mitcham
B-Shift — Capt. Noah Allmond and
C-Shift — Firefighter/Medic Kevin Swatts.
The Opelika Pickleball Club also made a presentation to the city council. It presented the city a check for $60,000. This amount is a portion of revenue generated from pickleball tournaments that have been held in Opelika. During the presentation, Young said that he projects that with the addition of the newly approved pickleball courts, the annual revenue from tournaments will be $2 million.
IN OTHER BUSINESS:
– The council approved a request from First Baptist of Opelika for a temporary street closure for a live nativity event on Dec. 15
– The council held a public hearing and approved a resolution for a weed abatement assessment for 2512 Cunningham Dr.
– The council approved a bid for the construction of additional pickleball courts to Lower Brothers Co. Inc. for $300,000.
– The council approved the purchase of software maintenance for the evidence library for the police department.
– The council approved the purchase of a Sulzer Non-Clog Submersible Pump for the public works department.
– The council approved the purchase of Itron metering products for Opelika Power Services.
– The council approved the purchase of a dome cover for the pickleball courts.
– The council approved the purchase of Google Software for the IT department.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA
– The council approved the purchase of Cisco Refresh software and cameras for the public works and fire department.
– The council voted to accept a proposal from Custom Engineering Solutions for professional engineering services for Opelika Power Services.
– The council approved a resolution to appoint Kisha Abercrombie to serve as an assistant municipal prosecutor.
– The council approved a resolution to approve a memorandum of understanding with Child Care Resource Center, Inc.
– The council approved a resolution authorizing a contract for accounting and administrative services with the library board.
– The council approved a resolution authorizing an engagement letter with Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. for professional services.
– The council approved a resolution to reprogram unused PY2020 CDBG Funds.
– The council approved a request for the approval of a special use permit with AT&T at 4499 North Park Dr.
– The council approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2022 with Art Haus.
– The council approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2022 with Christian Care Ministries.
– The council approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2022 with Lee County Literacy Coalition.
– The council approved a special appropriation for the Domestic Violence Intervention Center.
– The council approved a special appropriation for the Dream Day Foundation.
– The council approved a resolution to appoint election officials for the Ward 3 special election to be held on Jan. 11, 2022.
– The council approved a resolution approving a contract extension with South Dade Air Conditioning and Refrigeration., Inc (SDAC) for ADA Improvements Project.
– The council approved a resolution approving an Industrial Access Road Funding Agreement with ALDOT to cooperate in a new roadway for industrial access within the northeast Opelika Industrial Park off Northpark Drive for Project Crown. The estimated cost of the project is $1,115,200.
– The council approved a special appropriation from Ward 3 to the Opelika Police Department in the amount of $750.
The next city council meeting will be held on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.