Chelsea mayor looking forward to reopening businesses

During the April 21 council meeting, Mayor Tony Picklesimer said that the city of Chelsea will follow the recommendation of Gov. Ivey to keep the shelter in place order until April 30. He said he hoped the governor would accept the recommendation to begin phase one of reopening Alabama, but she did not. 

“I don't think this is the time for rebellion or the time to chart out our own path in Chelsea,” he said. “We will follow the guidance of our governor and chief medical officer. I was disappointed it stayed the same, but it is what it is and we will wait until the 30th and see what Gov. Ivey decides to do at that point.”

The only items on the agenda were two proposed ordinances for annexation, which were both passed by the council, along with approval to pay the city’s bills.

The mayor reminded Chelsea residents about the ongoing 2020 Census, and said if questions can be answered at cityofchelsea.com. 

“The last progress report I received, we were in third place,” he said. “A lot of cities might be thrilled to be in third place, but we can do better. If you have the code, you can fill out the census online, and it takes less than five minutes. If you have not received  your census 2020 mailer, the web address is my2020census.gov or you can call 844-330-2020. Let’s get on the census train and get back in first place where we belong.”

Council member Cody Sumners reminded residents of the city’s new storm shelter on Hwy. 51 next to the tennis courts and the new fire station 33. 

“The new shelter opens up during a tornado watch, as soon as it’s issued, that's when the shelter opens up," he said. "We will have hand sanitizer and masks."

Sumners suggested staying informed by a weather radio or the Chelsea Fire and Rescue’s Facebook page.

The next council meeting will be May 5 at 6 p.m.