Rockford discusses upgrades, more

By Christa Jennings

Senior Staff Writer

 

The October meeting of the Rockford Town Council saw little action, with the majority of the agenda being for discussion and informational purposes only.

In action items, with Councilmember Shirley Ogle absent from the meeting, the council approved selling a Ford Ranger that is no longer running. The motion passed with a 3-1 vote, with Councilmember Robert Smith opposing the motion to sell the truck as is.

While the motion did not include how the town would sell the truck, the council discussed its options, which included selling the truck through GovDeals, auction it off through an auctioneer, or advertise it for closed bids.

In other action items, Mayor Scott White brought up the Community Development Block Grant program and mentioned that the town had previously been awarded a CDBG for the senior center. He informed the council that with that project completed, the town can now apply for a CDBG again.

White said that it is costly to remove old buildings and structures, so he suggested that the town move forward with holding public hearings and apply for a CDBG with the intent to raze old structures. After brief discussion, the council unanimously approved moving forward with the public hearings and grant application.

In other business, White informed the council that Magnolia Trail, the town’s 2.1-mile walking trail, had been cleared from storm debris, widened and mulched, stating that the trail is ready to use again. The town encourages area residents and others to make use of the trail and enjoy the time outdoors.

The trail is located off of Alabama Highway 22 West on Palm Street, near the Old Rock Jail. Two signs along Highway 22 help indicate the way to the trail’s entrance for first-time guests.

Regarding other upgrades, Rockford librarian Susan Rogers stated that there have been upgrades made to Rockford Public Library, located inside Town Hall.

The library has new bookshelves, books, rugs, and more, with additional décor being added to the library. Area residents are invited to visit and see what the library has to offer while enjoying the upgrades.

In other discussion, the council heard from Police Chief George Fanning regarding the 4-way intersection at highways 231 and 22.

Fanning said that they have received complaints about the stop bars being too far back and it being difficult to see around the intersection. However, he said he spoke with Craig Phillips, a representative with the Alabama Department of Transportation, and was told that the stop bars are where they are suppose to be and that ALDOT cannot do anything about it.

The council and White also discussed grass cutting in town and the possibility of the town seeking a grass cutting company to help as needed and also forming a Nuisance Abatement Committee.

White said that some property owners are not maintaining the properties like they should and that letters have been sent out. He added that if the owners do not comply with the letters, the town sends out maintenance employee Chris Crumbley to cut the grass and then have the owners reimburse the town.

He said that had been done twice, but that in the future the town may want to consider looking into a grass cutting company to handle those situations when they arise.

White also suggested that the town consider forming a Nuisance Abatement Committee for unsafe buildings and homes. He said the town has an ordinance regarding that, but that it no longer has a committee.

In discussion, regarding the grass cutting, Councilmember Lynn Anne Castleberry asked how many property owners are repeat violators, and White said that many are.

Town attorney Tom Young asked about the local media helping get the word out to residents regarding grass cutting and other town ordinances that they may need to be informed about. It was stated that the newspaper can run public service announcements and other informational pieces to help inform residents of those ordinances and other town information.

White said that he wanted to bring the matters up for information and consideration, with no action being taken at the time.

In other business, regarding the sidewalks and drainage issue around the courthouse that was tabled at the September meeting, the council unanimously approved tabling the matter again until it hears from the county and knows what they are doing at the courthouse.

Regarding upcoming events, the town announced that its annual Christmas event and parade will be held Saturday, December 14, with this year’s theme being “Winter Wonderland in Grinchville.”

There will be vendors downtown and activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. with lineup at 5 p.m.

For more information on the Christmas event and parade or to sign up to participate, contact Town Hall at 256-377-4911.

The next regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Rockford Town Council will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 19.

For the audio recording of this meeting, click here.