By Alison James
Associate Editor
Voting on a change in cemetery rates was delayed Tuesday after a request for further discussion by one of the Opelika City Council members.
The ordinance was up for second reading, and approval would have been followed by implementation. However, Councilwoman Patsy Jones expressed concerns about the measure prior to a vote.
“We, I think, need to fully discuss this more,” Jones said. “We have not talked about it in a work session, and I do have some additional information as opposed to what is in the packet. I would like to move that we table this so we can put it on a work session (agenda) for discussion.”
Jones’ request was motioned, seconded and approved. The ordinance will be discussed in a work session prior to the next meeting. Council President Eddie Smith asked Jones to provide information to the council and administration prior to the meeting.
(Editor’s note: The “Opelika Observer” previously reported the change in cemetery rates as having already been approved by the council. We regret this error.)
The council also:
– heard the mayor recognize the following: Amanda Geiger, an Atta Girl award for her diligence as a city employee; Conner Pruitt, special recognition in light of his achievement as OHS State Diving Champion; Erin Beaver and family, congratulations for their success at eliminating more than $100,000 in debt in a little over six years; and OPD officers James Daniel, Alfred White, Glen Loveday and Daniel Metivier, recognition for their achievement at the Alabama Tactical Officers Association annual conference, participating in the Lee County Area SWAT team.
– approved a retail beer & wine off premise license for Dollar General.
– approved a retail beer & wine on premise license for Full Moon BBQ.
– approved a lounge retail liquor class 2 license for King Food Mart.
– approved a retail beer & wine off premise license for Holiday Inn Express.
– rescinded a bid to C&C Sanitation for dumpster services in downtown and awarded it instead to Waste Away Group, Inc.
– reappointed Kenneth Wilkes as municipal judge and Joanne Camp as public defender.