OAK GROVE, Ala – The Oak Grove Town Council opened their Aug. 13 meeting with a presentation from Gerald and Mariela Tippins, owners of a fragrance candle manufacturing operation, looking for a local location to market their product lines.
During departmental reports, both the Nutrition/Senior Center and Transportation departments reported a need for an additional employee. The Senior Center needs someone to handle weekday facility cleaning, while Transportation needs a substitute driver for approximately three to five days per month.
In unfinished business, a new rate schedule for planning and zoning fees is one step closer.
Robin Caler will produce a draft document for next month’s regular meeting, complete with suggested fee adjustments to consider the larger costs involved in dealing with larger lots as well as those with more adjacent neighbors for notification.
Mayor Tony White reported that he found little interest in clearing property for the town in exchange for the available timber. He will work on a list of quotes for the needed work which was tabled to a future date.
Council member David Harris reported that he had extensively studied the issue of foundation work for the pavilion in Oak Grove Park.
“I think we should simply grout the small cracks and not spend money on major repairs that could very well create more issues than answers,” said Harris. “The foundation seems to have quite solid support, and I don’t anticipate any serious progression. We can simply keep an eye on it for now.”
The Council heard a request for de-annexation for the purpose of a family living there avoiding tuition payment to attend Sylacauga City Schools. The request was tabled while the family submits a formal application.
Caler requested that the Council consider changing the business license software to the IWORQ system, which would both save money and bring the process in-house. The Council approved the expense of $3,370 for the initial set-up and first year operation. If renewed for additional time, the cost would be $1,500 annually.
Renewal of the Cable Franchise Agreement was discussed. Robin Caler will have an ordinance ready for the Council’s consideration next month.
To address the practice of personal cell phone use for official town business, the Council agreed to contract for two text and talk cell phones and service plans with the phones assigned to Town Hall and the Street Department, available on a need basis.
The Council approved the expense of $2,744.30 to Heritage Freight for emergency repairs to the Oak Grove VFD’s Firetruck #51.
The matter of an additional sewer cut-off valve was tabled until a quote is obtained.
Mayor Tony White reported that it has been several decades since the last compensation increase was approved for Town Council members. He proposed an increase of $100 for council members and $200 for Mayor Pro Tem. The matter will be considered just prior to the 2025 election, and if approved would go into effect in 2026.
In a final item added by amending the agenda, the Council approved a $2,115 expense for House Plumbing to repair a well pump.
