Kellyton hears from SOS Missions, discusses licensing
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By Christa Jennings
Senior staff writer
Following a community meeting that showed strong opposition to a proposed rock quarry operating near Kellyton, the Kellyton Town Council held its regular monthly meeting last Tuesday.
With Mayor Johnny Sharpe absent because of illness, Mayor Pro Tempore Missy Kohls oversaw the meeting, with all Council members present.
The Council heard from Michael Pike with SOS Missions, a new food pantry that has opened within the town limits.
Pike explained that they offer food and prayers for those in need, averaging 58 food boxes they provide each month without government assistance. Because of government freezes on Feeding America and the Heart of Alabama food banks, the organizations are not taking new agencies, and Pike said they are primarily relying on the community and donations.
He said they pray with everyone in addition to giving out food boxes. Additionally, they have some clothes on hand and try to help with clothing needs when possible, although the primary focus is food.
“It’s just unreal the way people are suffering right now in Kellyton and in Coosa County,” Pike said.
During discussion with the Town Council, Pike said that SOS Missions greatly appreciates and is accepting food donations right now, and they will also accept monetary donations.
The food pantry currently gives out food once per month, and Pike said they do not turn anyone away.
Pike said they are trying to reach out anyway they can, adding that God put it on his heart to start this. He said that he prayed that whatever God wanted him to do that he would do the work and asked God to tell him who he needs to talk to and what he needs to do.
“God equips the called,” Town Clerk Karen Keel said.
Pike said individuals and businesses or other organizations can contact them for donations or to drop off food. To contact him, call 256-397-0184. For information on when food boxes are available and to stay up to date with the new food pantry, see their Facebook page “SOS Mission.”
SOS Missions food pantry is located at 135 County Road 50, Kellyton.
In other business during the meeting, the Council briefly discussed potentially needing to look into placing some restrictions on new businesses wishing to apply for a business license within the town limits.
Keel explained that the town does not currently have restrictions on business licenses, but that the Council would need to consider putting restrictions in place for any business that might negatively impact the town.
In discussion, it was mentioned that the restrictions could include that if the business will do anything that could be a negative impact to the town then it will be required to provide proof of a state license, as well as any permits that might be required for the business to operate.
No action was taken during this month’s meeting, but the Council will look into it and consider it after also seeking legal advice on the matter.
Additionally, the Council mentioned that the topic of zoning restrictions has been brought up, as the town currently has no zoning. The Council briefly mentioned it and said it will look into zoning restrictions further after seeking legal advice on that matter, as well.
It was also mentioned that the town would like to see the County Commission look into adopting a nuisance resolution that would cover a certain number of miles from a municipality within the county.
Keel also provided the Council with an update regarding a franchise fee agreement between the town and Central Access. She said that agreement has been completed for Central Access to run its lines within Kellyton’s town limits, as well as a business license for the contract company that is marking the roads and running the cable for the broadband internet project.
The project had originally been placed on hold until those involved obtained the proper license and franchise agreement. Now that those are in order, Keel said they are now compliant with the Town of Kellyton and able to resume work on the project.
The next regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Kellyton Town Council will be held at 6 p.m. March 3 at Kellyton Town Hall.
