Road work and park renovations among topics at chamber luncheon

The South Shelby Chamber of Commerce held their monthly membership luncheon at the First Baptist Church of Columbiana on Thursday, Aug. 2, sponsored by St. Vincent’s One Nineteen and Candlewood Suites. With the exception of Mayor Stancil Handley of Columbiana, all mayors from the southern cities of Shelby County were present with updates on the affairs of their respective cities.

The City of Alabaster’s mayor, Marty Handlon, discussed various roadwork and construction projects, mentioning the possibility of a new public safety building. She also announced that Manufacturer Day will be held Wednesday, Oct. 3, and would include a block party.

Mayor Tony Picklesimer of the City of Chelsea announced that the city is ready to start construction on Highway 21, and begin roadwork on their portion of Highway 11 and Highway 280. He also announced the closure of a railroad crossing in the city that proved to be dangerous for students in the area. Additionally, the board of education will begin pursuing various partnerships with the city.

The City of Columbiana asked City Clerk Mark Fry to speak on Mayor Stancil Handley's behalf. Fry boasted about Columbiana’s senior center, which he said averages 46 visitors per day. He also said the city’s trolly system has proven itself to be an attraction capable of bringing in people from all around the state. For twenty-five cents visitors can ride the trolly around the city once, and for $10 per year they can have a year-long pass to ride. Fry also announced plans for a 30,000 square foot center to house the arts council, and the possible building of a 500 seat theater and 200 seat black box theater to encourage family friendly entertainment.

Mayor Don Greene from Harpersville teased that though the city may be small, it has a lot of things going on. A golf course is set to open in September once renovations are completed. In addition to the city successfully upgrading its water system and well, it has plans to build an indoor storm shelter, community center and senior citizen center. Looking toward the future, Greene said the city hopes to work with different agencies to bring in some “fruitful” retail, fast food and even car lot options.

Ray McAlister, mayor of Vincent, began his report by discussing the success of Vincent in the Park, a community event held in July, calling it “a gift from the city to you.” Improving the conditions of the park has been the city’s main mission for a while, and in addition to the park improvements the city has purchased two police cars from the Hoover Police Department. With the nearest grocery store being ten miles away, McAlister also voiced plans to bring a grocery store into the city.

Mayor Larry Riggins of Westover also had positive news to share on behalf of their parks and recreation department. He announced plans to create a senior program and build a storm shelter. His report took on a somber tone as he brought up the fact that the city hasn’t quite recovered from the recession of 2008, but that it is beginning to see change. Two city council members built a business alliance to promote economic movement within the city. Riggins also mentioned efforts to “bring the city into the twenty-first century,” with the introduction of high speed internet to many homes.

Wilsonville’s mayor, Lee McCarty, reported that the city is in good financial shape, with many businesses doing well. In addition to plans for a new city park, McCarty also announced that the bridge connecting the city to Columbiana would also be getting fixed. Lastly, he announced that the exceptional performance of the elementary school has brought forth plans for a pre-K program to be added.

The next South Shelby Chamber luncheon will be Thursday, Sept. 6.