By Robert Noles
Photojournalist

The Opelika City Council approved agreements with ALDOT for four phases of improvement on Pepperell Parkway during their Nov. 20 meeting.
The first two phases will consist of a traffic study, road improvements and repaving portions of Pepperell Parkway from Westend Court to Lowndes Street.
Mayor Gary Fuller commended the work of the Downtown Christmas Committee headed up by Community Relations Officer Leigh Krehling for her team’s efforts in decorating downtown and thanked the council members for providing the money for the decorations.
City Administrator Joey Motley reported that October’s building permits totaled $5.54 million, with nine being single-dwelling homes.
Fuller also presented Opelika Chamber of Commerce President Pam Powers-Smith with a proclamation declaring last Saturday “Small Business Saturday” in downtown Opelika. He encouraged citizens to go downtown on Saturday to participate and support the local merchants.
The council also approved a request by St. Mary Catholic Church to use Floral Park for a walk and parking spaces and a request from Kabuki Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar for a alcohol Beverage License.
A number of public hearings for demolition of properties were approved, with the exception of 112 N. 18th Place which was tabled since the owner was working with the city’s planning department to make improvements.
In other business, the council:
– approved bids for the purchase of three 2019 Chevy Tahoes for the Opelika Police Department
– approved the Opelika Sportplex’s connector road financial change orders for a construction cost of $77,000 with a total cost of $1.8 million
– approved the reservation of two tables at the J.W. Darden Foundation’s annual “Black-Tie Gala” Feb. 3
– approved a change of council meeting date from Jan. 1, 2019 to Jan. 2.
– renewed annual appropriation contracts with the American Red Cross for $10,000 and Arts Association of East Alabama for $25,000. Following the renewals, council members asked for organizational representatives to attend meetings in order to obtain a report on services provided for funds received.