Weaver, AL – Weaver held their regularly scheduled works session and City Council Meeting on August 13tg. Below are details of the meeting.
Work Session
Key Discussions and Decisions:
- ADA Air Transit Resolution: The council discussed a resolution related to ADA air transit, which authorizes the signing of an agreement with the East Alabama Regional Plan. This resolution is a routine measure for ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.
- Vehicle and Equipment Updates:
- Trucks: The council has recently acquired two new trucks at a discounted rate. Some trucks remain in their boxes, and efforts are underway to install necessary equipment. There are ongoing issues with obtaining tags, which will be addressed in the future.
- Fire Trucks: One of the fire trucks is currently being repaired with an expected completion time of two to three weeks. The repair involves replacing a damaged radiator, with costs potentially being negotiated down from $10,000 to $5,000.
- Police Department Updates:
- Vehicle Acquisition: The Dodge Durango ordered for the fiscal year is undergoing installation and is expected to meet the fiscal year requirements by October. Chief Bush highlighted the difficulties in acquiring vehicles and the shift toward turbocharged engines.
- Staffing and Recruitment: The department has received seven applications for new officers, with four candidates showing up for tests. Background checks and physical training are scheduled. The department is exploring options to increase staffing, including a certified officer potentially joining at a higher pay rate.
- Budget and Paving Updates:
- Paving Project: The recent paving project is completed with a minor overage of approximately $20,000, covered by existing funds from the Rebuild Alabama grant and other sources. The council noted some public complaints but acknowledged the improvements made.
- Road Maintenance: There is a discussion about ongoing road maintenance, including clearing tree limbs and grass cutting. A proposal was made to hire a contractor for more extensive right-of-way clearing due to high costs and the limitations of existing equipment.
- Property Sale Proposal:
- Lake Property: The council is considering putting a 6.6-acre lake property up for bid. The property, valued around $100,000, is mostly water and has limited use. The council discussed setting a reserve bid of $50,000, with the option to accept lower bids if necessary. The proceeds from the sale would be used to improve nearby playgrounds and infrastructure.
- Community Engagement and Future Projects:
- Cleanup Event: A community cleanup event is proposed for mid-October, avoiding conflicts with other local events. Council members expressed appreciation for the police department’s efforts amid staffing challenges.
- Park Event: A tree-cutting event in the park is scheduled for late October, with backup dates available. The council noted that past events had positively impacted local businesses.
- Additional Discussions:
- School Bus Access: Concerns about tree limbs affecting school bus routes were raised, with plans to address the issue.
- Future Bids: The council agreed on a $50,000 reserve for the lake property bid and will proceed with preparing the necessary documentation.
The Weaver City Council Work Session addressed routine resolutions, vehicle and equipment updates, budgetary concerns, and community engagement. Key decisions included setting a reserve bid for the lake property and planning for future maintenance and community events. The council remains focused on improving infrastructure, supporting local services, and engaging with the community effectively.
City Council
- At the Weaver City Council meeting led by Mayor Jeff Clendenning, all items on the agenda were approved unanimously. The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Council adopted the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting without any changes.Key points from the meeting included:
- Department Reports: Two new trucks have been received and will be outfitted with necessary equipment. The fire and emergency services will perform safety assessments. There were discussions about staffing issues and department efficiency.
- Council Reports: Updates were provided on ongoing issues, including the status of park improvements and code enforcement concerns. Council members discussed specific property issues and potential changes in development plans.
- New Business: Resolution 2024-08 was passed, authorizing the mayor to sign the FY 2025 Transit Service Agreement for ADA paratransit services.
- Mayor’s Report: The mayor reported on ongoing and completed projects, including paving and road improvements. He also discussed a proposed development in Buckhorn, involving potential changes to lot sizes and building types.
- Public Comments: Concerns were raised about property maintenance and code enforcement. Specific properties with ongoing issues were highlighted, and there were discussions about the need for more proactive measures.
The meeting concluded with a reminder about upcoming events and a motion to adjourn.
