Council agrees to apply for loan to support BWWMH; passes golf cart ordinance
After the city gave Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital a $300,000 short-term loan at its last meeting, CEO Doug Brewer asked for approval and guarantee in applying for a $1 million loan from a local bank.
Instead, the Demopolis City Council agreed Thursday to apply for the loan itself since the city would be able to get better rates than the hospital. Terms of repayment would be negotiated between the city and the hospital.
Brewer said the hospital has been working on long-term financial stability and is showing progress, “but in the interim we do need to … secure $1 million to get to that point.”
The council passed the golf cart ordinance after a public hearing on the proposal had no one to comment. Police Chief Rex Flowers was asked to determine the cost of stickers for each golf cart and to make it as low as possible.
Demopolis airport director Jason Pendergrass received approval to hire Michell Hall to cut airport property. Hall, the lowest of three bidders, will charge $2,000 for the work and $2.50 a bale for any bale over 800.
Collins Communication does monthly maintenance on the two weather sirens in the city. Tim Soronen told the council that the electrical components are in good shape, but the boxes housing the components and batteries are deteriorating.
He submitted a $5,408 proposal for new boxes to house the components and batteries for both sirens. The council directed Demopolis Fire Chief Keith Murray to review the proposal.
The council voted to allow the annual Buddy Poppy Drive by VFW Post 5377 on March 25. Phillip Spence, representing the Demopolis/Marengo County chapter, said members will be collecting donations and handing out poppies at the intersection of Capital and Walnut.
Building inspector Julius Rembert reported on the following dilapidated properties:
- 1200 E. Pettus: the Demopolis Fire Department is scheduling a burn for the first weekend in June.
- 508 N. Strawberry: torn down
- 515 S. Front: demolition is almost complete
- 506 S. Commissioner: no activity.
Rembert said plans are being made to hold an auction for lots that have been cleared and the owners have not paid for the work.
He also complemented the Demopolis Public Library for its Building Safety Month window display.
Mayor John Laney announced that the Marengo County Probate Office now is offering residents the opportunity to register on-line any cars bought from an Alabama dealer.
The next meeting will be June 6.