City Council approves land purchase for business park
The Chelsea City Council voted Tuesday night to approve a contract to purchase 12 acres of property from Honea Properties for the intent of building a new business park.
“The property was purchased with the intent of building the Foothills Business Park,” said Mayor Tony Picklesimer. “It will be a commercial area strictly for offices and businesses. The official name has not been decided yet, but I am excited about the possibilities and look forward to watching that piece of property transform into a business park for our city.”
The council also voted to support legislation of the Alabama Legislature to bring certain privately-owned sewer systems under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission
“We are offering a resolution to support the legislation currently in the House of Representatives in Montgomery to support it just as it is written,” said Picklesimer. “There is a good possibility and probability that the legislation will change between now if it makes it to a vote.”
Two proclamations were approved, declaring May 2019 as Mental Health Month and May 5-11 as Municipal Clerks Week.
During the community forum, Fire Chief Wayne Shirley addressed the issue of the outdoor tornado warning siren during Sunday morning’s severe weather, saying those questions should be directed to him. He urged residents not to rely on outdoor weather sirens.
“We don’t activate them,” Shirley said. “This past weekend, there was a glitch at the county level and the computer did not activate the sirens Sunday morning. The storm popped up and was gone so quickly and the county was working to fix that issue.”
Shirley also suggested residents use more modern technology, such as weather apps on their phones. These are even more up to date than weather radios, which will go off for a warning anywhere in the county, whereas the app will be for a user’s specific location.
He also gave an update on the department’s new ladder truck, which should arrive in Alabama in the next few days. It will go to the local vendor for some equipment installation and then be delivered to the station, where the firemen will have several weeks of training.
Members of the Chelsea Historical Society addressed the council and crowd, asking people to become members, promoting their upcoming quilt display from April 20-May 4 and their next meeting featuring Sarah Bliss Wright on April 28.
During the pre-council meeting, Charles Williams of Charles Williams & Associates, Inc. presented three different schemes for the additions to the Community Center, all around 10,000 square feet and including a gymnasium, two racquet ball courts, locker rooms, shower, restroom, storage and mechanical space.
Other resolutions approved include:
- Proposal and payment to Pitts Media
- Appoint Margo Churchwell and re-appoint Dawn Wilson to the Library Board
- Approval of city’s bills to be paid
Other upcoming events include:
- Community Clean Up day on May 11
- Big Kaboom on June 29
- Back to school sales tax holiday July 19-21
The council will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, May 7, with pre-council at 5 p.m. and council following at 6 p.m.