OAK GROVE, Ala. – A series of six Resolutions, 624 through 629, were approved declaring that Mayor Tony White and all five town council members have been re-elected without opposition and issued Certificates of Election for all.
In Old Business, the council authorized a $1,600 payment to Nelson Motors for work done on the east side well. The new invoice copy broke down labor and material costs.
A “No Action” motion was approved in regards to a Nuisance Ordinance revision after a report from Susie Wimmer indicated that she found no issues with a recent resident complaint concerning an animal rescue operation.
Under New Business, David “Luke” Lunsford was appointed as the new Chief of the Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department. In a related matter, three applications to join the department were tabled while Chief Lunsford studies the applications.
The council approved a pair of requests from Chief Lunsford for his department. The purchase of five new radios was approved at a cost of $2,000 each. Also approved was up to $32,000 for replacing a brush fire truck as well as an EMS Quick Response sport utility vehicle. The current brush truck had been used for both functions and had gotten old with expensive repairs pending.
In other business, the council approved Resolution 630, which authorized the purchase of a vehicle lift at a cost of $9,499, plus an additional $500 freight charge.
The council approved the purchase of a 12×20 foot standard carport for the sewer pump stations. In a related matter, approval was given to Resolution 631, which authorized the purchase of a sewer pump at a cost of $6,650. That allows for an installed pump and an emergency spare at both the east and west town pump stations.
Also concerning the west pump station, the council authorized the purchase of 25 tons of gravel for the pump station and driveway. The cost is $725.50.
With the state making changes in the taxation of vape products, the council agreed to take advantage of the state-run revenue sharing program, which required passage of a “No Action” motion.
In pre-meeting reports, Mayor White said that land clearing across from Town Hall will begin soon. The City Clerk’s office will prepare information on new operational software from CSA, which is geared specifically toward government operations use. Also, for future consideration, the City Clerk’s office will prepare a Resolution for consideration that could create a Park Committee to address new family activities for Oak Grove Park facilities.
One of the park’s largest annual events, the Oak Grove Fall Family Festival, was the subject of another report. The festival has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Councilman David Harris said that their first festival meeting went well and plans are progressing. He reported that inflatables have been confirmed along with several key activity vendors, including Home Depot’s kids crafts under the pavilion.
With Sewer Board member Frank Young getting married and moving to Birmingham, it was discussed dissolving the Sewer Board. Mayor White said, “The council has to handle approval of all sewer-related actions, so it might be time to dissolve.
The City Clerk’s office was assigned the duty of researching the ramifications of dissolving the Sewer Board. If no major issues are discovered, a proposal Resolution will be prepared for the August Town Council meeting.
