Scottsboro City Council approves budget, property purchase and honors Reserve Captain Wells

The Scottsboro City Council held two meetings in late October, addressing budget matters, economic development, rezoning requests, personnel appointments and a new ordinance regulating sound systems on the square.
At its October 20th meeting, the city council addressed several items during a combined regular meeting and work session.
Two properties were approved for rezoning to M-2 (industrial). One property, owned by Joey Irving, is located on John T. Reid Parkway, while the second, owned by the Industrial Development Board, lies within the Scottsboro/Jackson County Industrial Park.
The council also approved an ordinance to rename a street in honor of Reserve Captain Cecil Wells. The newly named street will extend from the curve near the Jackson County Jail to the curve turning into Burlington Street.
Council member Patrick Stewart stated, “Mr. Wells has done a lot for this community.”
During the regular meeting on October 27, the council approved the remaining portion of the city’s fiscal year budget in the amount of $3,704,233, bringing the total city budget to $30,506,067.
Council members also authorized the mayor to purchase one of two proposed properties. Property “A” was approved for purchase at up to its appraised value, using excess funds from previous fiscal years. Property “B” was tabled for consideration at a future meeting.
The council approved a memorandum of understanding with a developer for an upcoming economic development project.
An item, which would change the status of two landfill positions was tabled.
In personnel matters, Pam Bradford, who had been serving as interim Parks and Recreation Director, and is a long-time employee of the Parks and Recreation Department, was appointed to be the new Parks and Recreation Director, effective November 1.
Three appointments were made to the Scottsboro Port Authority. The city appointed Mark Peppers to a one-year term and Rudder Williams to a three-year term, while also approving the Jackson County Commission’s joint appointment of Jack Lovelady.
The council approved a new ordinance requiring a permit for the use of sound systems or megaphones during festivals, holidays, and ceremonies on the downtown square.
Permits are free of charge and may be obtained from Main Street Director Julia Whitehead. The ordinance went into effect Wednesday, and violations will carry fines starting at $100.