BY MICHELLE KEY
MICHELLE@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
OPELIKA —
Opelika High School senior Alexandria Torbert has been elected to serve as the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National secretary. Opelika Mayer Gary Fuller presented Torbert with a proclamation detailing her accomplishments at Tuesday nights city council meeting.
Torbert has served as both secretary and president of the local chapter and the state chapter. Other accomplishments for the rising senior include serving as an Opelika High School emissary, a member of the 2022-23 Lee County Young Leaders, a member of the Opelika High Theatre Society, the OHS dance line, the Opelika Student Government Association, the Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mu Alpha Theta and Science National Honor Society as well as working with the Kennel, Opelika High School’s weekly video broadcast.
“First of all, I just want to thank everybody in the community,” Torbert said. “I have to give glory to God, because I would not even be national secretary or even be here without Him.”
Torbert talked about a verse in the Bible that she takes strength and encouragement from everyday.
“There is a verse in the Bible that I try to live by every day, and it is Romans 8:31: ‘If God is for you, who can be against you?’, and that just gives me so much comfort,” she said.
REDISTRICTING
Several members of the community and members of the local chapter of the NAACP addressed the council, asking council members to consider an alternative map for the redistricting of Opelika’s council districts.
“I must say that we are committed as a branch,” said Lee County Branch No. 5038 NAACP President Billy Allen. “We are committed to being a voice for the community. The community has spoken to us and we have provided a proposed amendment to the city’s map.
“We’re asking that you all amend the city map to allow for the community to be heard. Again, we are committed to advocate for the people of Opelika.”
The council did not make a motion to remove an ordinance to approve and adopt a plan for redistricting the council districts of the city of Opelika and it remains tabled.
“When the workshops were held and the information was [received] back from the people, the city and the mayor listened and sent out a memo that said that while they heard what the people said, they didn’t agree to make any changes,” said Elizabeth Hill, a member of the NAACP’s redistricting committee. “The NAACP also listened to the same information and we believe that there were some changes that could be made.”
OTHER RECOGNITIONS
Opelika Main Street President Ken Ward presented the Opelika Fire Department, Opelika Police Department, Auburn Fire Department, Lee County Emergency Management Agency and Opelika Public Works with plaques of appreciation for the services provided during the July 21 fire that destroyed Maffia’s Italian Restaurant, and significantly caused damage to neighboring businesses, Southern Crossing and The Gallery. The efforts from those involved resulted in the fire being contained and prevented the fire from spreading throughout Railroad Avenue.
Fuller recognized the 2022 Opelika YES! Program students.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
• The council approved the expense reports from various departments.
• The council approved a resolution to designate city personal property surplus and authorize its disposal.
• The council approved a resolution for emergency repairs of garbage truck no. 846.
• The council approved a resolution for an agreement between the city of Opelika and ADEM for a recycling fund grant.
• The council approved a resolution for an agreement for construction inspection services with CDG Engineering for Hanwha Cimarron Industrial access road.
• The council approved a resolution for an agreement with Robins & Morton as construction manager for the Opelika Aquatics Facilities project.
• The council approved a resolution approving a lump sum RSA payment to retirees.
• The council approved a quote from CDW Government, LLC for a Barracuda Email Protection Subscription.
• The council approved a resolution to submit a grant application for the 2022 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).
• The council approved a special appropriation to the Chattahoochee Council, Boy Scouts of America in the amount of $1,000.
• The council introduced three ordinances for first reading during the session. The ordinances introduced are:
– An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map pertaining rezoning 3.14 acres of land located at 3373 Society Hill Road, from R-1 to C-2, GC-P. A public hearing was held on this matter.
– An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map pertaining to rezoning 40 acres located at 2900 block Society Hill Road, from R-1 & C-2 to C-2. A public hearing was held on this matter.
– An ordinance to amend the city Code of Ordinances: Section 14-318, Revoking Business Licenses
• The council approved the appointment of Deke Hilyer and Ken Ward to the Downtown Redevelopment Authority for a new terms ending Aug. 7, 2028.
