OAK GROVE, Ala. – The Oak Grove Town Council has named Cody Cleghorn as the new Chief of their Volunteer Fire Department.
A veteran of eight years with the department, Cleghorn has previously served as Captain, Assistant Chief, and most recently as Interim Chief, before his appointment to the top spot.
Mayor Tony White announced that Jason Drury has joined the Oak Grove Street Department staff.
In previously Unfinished Business, the Council approved Ordinance #133, which sets a new schedule of fees relating to planning and zoning. The ordinance was deemed necessary in order to offset a portion of the costs that development and zoning place on the Town of Oak Grove.
The Council tentatively accepted the low bid of $25,000 from Waller Excavation for clearing about two acres of property across from Town Hall. The details will be confirmed in writing via a contract for services to include stump removal, as well as preparation for grassing the cleared lot and meeting ADEM regulations for silt fencing.
A request for de-annexation died for a lack of a motion. The McDonald family made their second request to de-annex in order to attend Sylacauga City Schools without paying tuition. Mayor Tony White noted that, “It’s unheard of for towns and cities to de-annex single properties. It sets a precedent that simply isn’t in the town’s best interests.”
In New Business, the Council approved a new 10-year Cable Franchise Agreement with Spectrum. That ordinance, #132, will go into effect with the new fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2024.
Ordinance #134 was approved, setting new pay amounts for Council members, effective November 2025, after the next election cycle. Council members will be paid $400 per month, with $600 for the Mayor Pro Temp.
The Council approved a $1,750 expense to repair a manhole on Hannah Ln. They got an update from Councilman David Harris on the upcoming Oct. 12 Oak Grove Fall Festival. Harris said that the festival committee hopes to finalize details during a Wednesday, Sept. 11 meeting.
