BY MICHELLE KEY
PUBLISHER
The Opelika Council approved a resolution to accept the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funds during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
The total allocated to the city is $6,466,895.
Opelika resident and NAACP Community Coordinator Christine Bradshaw asked the council to plan to use part of the funds in impoverished neighborhoods in Opelika. Bradshaw expressed her desire for the community to be included in determining how the funds are to be spent.
“We hope that we can part of the planning, we hope that we can work cohesively and we hope that we can work collective together, as the city council, as a community, as a ward,” Bradshaw said. “Let’s make a difference here in Opelika.”
The city has until Dec. 31, 2026, to spend the funds.
Bradshaw also expressed her interest in serving on a committee for the 2040 Plan.
“We are hoping that you will have a town hall meeting, maybe a round-table meeting where we can come and express our concerns and work together as Opelika,” she said.
Bradshaw advocated for the community and council to work together as plans are made.
“Let’s make a difference here in Opelika. Let’s do it together,” Bradshaw said.
“Together, we are strong. Together, we can make a difference here.”
Mayor Gary Fuller read a proclamation for OLLI Day to be recognized as such on Aug. 20.
The council and Fuller also recognized the Moorehouse Weekend Academy graduates.
This program, which is centered around coding, was held at Loachapoka High School.
During the meeting Fuller recognized the 2021-22 20 Under Forty Class.
Other Business:
– The council received the financial report for the city for the month of July, 2021 as well as the July monthly building report from city administrator Joey Motley.
– The council voted to approve a request from JC Inc. dba M and M Grocery for a retail beer and wine off-premise alcohol license.
– The council voted to approve a request from Opelika Main Street for the On the Tracks event to be held on Oct. 22.
– The council voted to approve a request from Opelika Main Street for the Christmas in a Railroad Town event to be held on Dec. 10.
– The council held a public hearing and later introduced an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance and map to rezone 27,680 square feet of property, located at 1109 Columbus Parkway for the first reading.
– The council held a public hearing for a resolution to vacate the right-of-way for the north portion of an unnamed street in the Fox Run Industrial Park and later voted to approve the resolution.
– The council voted to approve emergency repairs for Substation 7 for Opelika Power Services due to damage caused by lightning on July 27. The repairs are estimated to cost $120,164.
– The council voted to approve a resolution to authorize a professional services agreement with L.P. Campbell Co., a professional grant writer, to assist the city in securing grant assistance.
– The council voted to approve the renewal of an employment contract for Tyler McGill.
– The council held public hearings and subsequently voted to approve weed abatement assessments for the following properties:
• 1733 1st Ave.
• 308 Brannon Ave.
• 120 Chester Ave.
• 55 N. Uniroyal Road
• 310 Pleasant Dr.
• 810 Williamson Ave.
– The Council voted to approve a special appropriation for the Opelika Learning Center for the Positive Behavior Dog Pound Program in the amount of $5,000.
– The council voted to authorize the exchange of real property to CJCF, LLC.
– The council introduced an ordinance to designate June 19 as a city holiday in honor of Juneteenth. This ordinance will be voted on at the next meeting.
– The council voted to reappoint Debbie Purves to the Historic Preservation Commission for a new term that ends Aug. 19, 2024.
– The council voted to reappoint Elaine Burton to the Historic Preservation Commission for a new term that ends Aug. 19, 2024.
– The council voted to reappoint John Marsh to the Historic Preservation Commission for a new term that ends Aug. 19, 2024.
– The ordinance for a Registration and Inspection Program for Residential Rental Properties remained tabled at this time.
Former Ward 5 Council Member David Cannon spoke during the citizen’s comment section in favor of the ordinance.
The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.