By Lawton Vallely
For the Opelika
Observer
The Opelika City Council held an extensive meeting Tuesday night.
Highlights of the hour-long meeting included the approval of two project agreements that will bring more than 30 new jobs to the Opelika area. In addition, the council approved an LGBTQ- themed parade slated for June 1.
The council also recognized various outstanding members of the Opelika community. The Lady Bulldogs basketball team was recognized for their participation in the Final Four as well as 15 city employees for their excellent performance and service.
Project agreements
City Council hopes to bring more employment opportunities after the approval of two project agreements at Tuesday night’s meeting.
The first approved project with a company, S&E Holdings LLC, will allow for the development of an indoor-shooting range that will be located at 2195 First Avenue. Expected to bring nearly 12 jobs, the project will require the city to contribute $91,500 to relocate a drain pipe on the property.
The second approved project is a bank, First South Farm Credit, ACA, will allow for the development of an office building located at 1613 Fredrick Road. Expected to bring about 14 jobs, the project will require the city to contribute no more than $24,154 to install a private access road.
Parade
City Council approved road closures for downtown on behalf of an LGBTQ-themed parade set for June 1. The parade is sponsored by a local nonprofit, Pride on the Plains, and will be their first parade in Lee County. The parade plans to feature 15 -20 participating groups and will start on Avenue A and continue toward Courthouse Square.
Recognition
Opelika City Council recognized various members of the community for performance and service at Tuesday night’s meeting.
The council started off by recognizing The Opelika Lady Dawgs basketball team, Coach Devin Booth and her staff for their participation in this season’s Final Four.
The council then presented three employee performances awards. The recipients included Byron Prather, David Floyd and Jim Darden.
The council then finished by presenting 12 employee service awards. The recipients included Leigh Krehling, Denise Rogers, Dorothy Daniels, Josh Lowhorn, Oak Gentry, Thad Jones, David Chapman, Chris Wilson, Stephanie Durbin, Michael Bass, Steven Doll and Craig Dupo.
In other business, the council:
-approved request by Prayer Force United for Walk May 19
-approved request by Jean Dean RIF for Annual Run to Read October 27
-approved request by KOB for temporary road closure for Garden in the Park May 5
-approved special events alcohol retail license for AU Hotel & CC
-awarded a bid to P&J Enterprises for access road improvements at $380,852.25
-awarded bid to Downtown Cleaners for police uniform cleaning
-approved expense reports from various departments
-authorized disposal of city personal property surplus
-approved Occupational Tax refund to Jonathan Teal at $1,138.89
-authorized purchase of Cisco equipment at $65,691.66
-authorized demolition of 207 Raintree St.
-approved agreement with CDC Engineering
-approved annual reports from P/W Sewer Treatment Plants
-approved project agreements with First South Farm Credit and S&E Holdings LLC
-approved a special appropriation of $500 to Boy Scouts of America
-appointed Robert Elliott to Library Board
-appointed David McCain to the LRCOG/MPO Citizen Advisory Board
-appointed Haley Wilder to the Historic Preservation Commission.