During Tuesday’s meeting, the Centre City Council received several quarterly reports from the various department heads.
Due to the absence of Building Inspector Mark Welsh and Fire Chief Kevin Ware, Mayor Tony Wilkie read their reports, respectively. During the second quarter of this year, the city saw 3 commercial building permits being issued for a total of $68,200, 2 residential building permits for a $56,909, no demolition permits, and 1 sign permit at $15 for a grand total $125,124.
Also in the second quarter, there were 12 fires, 15 medical or rescue service calls, 5 hazardous condition calls, 1 service call, and 10 “of good intent” calls. Wilkie added that the city’s fire department has been quite busy with 6 or 7 calls in just last 24 hours alone, including a house fire on Sherry Drive.
Centre Police Chief Kirk Blankenship’s report included 202 incident reports, 108 arrests, 23 traffic accidents, and 280 traffic citations (160 citations and 121 warnings). He added that the city has seen a significant reduction in traffic accidents.
Parks and Recreation Director Charles Glazner applauded the efforts of everyone involved in making the recent Dixie Youth District Tournament a great success, which saw local teams performing very well. With Council Member Derrick Wheeler as coach, the AA All-Stars advanced to the State Tournament in Eufaula. The AA Rookie American team took first place, while the National team won second. Both teams will advance to Muscle Shoals. The AAA Rookie team finished first in their division and will also advance to Muscle Shoals.
Additionally, the AAA All-Star team placed second in a Fort Payne tournament and will now advance to the sub-state tournament in Morgan County. The Dixie Youth Boys 14 and under team took first place in the Piedmont District Tournament and will advance to Muscle Shoals.
Glazer also reminded the council that the swim team will compete this Thursday in Jacksonville, while the 8 and under, 10 and under, and 12 and under girls softball teams will be playing this weekend in the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association Tournament in Athens.
In the final report of the night, Street and Sanitation Supervisor Bobby Paul thanked the council for the purchase of the new lawnmower, but reminded the council of additional equipment that is in need of being repaired or replaced. He noted that the city’s brush truck is showing its age, adding the boom has been “patched on top of patches.” Additionally, the city’s spare garbage tuck will also require repairs in the near future.
Paul also informed the council of two recent cases of possible vandalism at the city park. He added that both the merry-go-round and the antique seesaws received major damage and had to be removed from the park, citing safety issues.
The next regular Centre City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29th, at 6 pm.
(file photo)