Armstead elected to DCS Board in short Council meeting

In the only action taken at the Demopolis City Council meeting Thursday, Bobby Armstead was elected to the Demopolis City Schools Board of Education.

Armstead, a former BOE member, and former city Police Chief Tommy Reese were nominated by Council members for the post. Councilman Charles Jones Jr. moved to suspend the vote to the next meeting since Councilman Nathan Hardy was absent. However, another member of the Council will not be at that meeting, and Mayor Woody Collins said he was reluctant to postpone a decision until July.

Although Jones’ motion received a second, it was defeated 3-1.

Mayor Collins announced his appointment of Wilbur Rowser and Brandi Daniels to the Planning Commission.

He also celebrated the announcement of Demopolis being chosen as a Main Street community and praised the group that submitted the application and made the oral presentation to the deciding committee.

“I’m so excited for that group and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Collins said Main Street Demopolis will be the “parent” company of the Demopolis Farmers Market. The first one will be held Saturday in its new location in the Public Square.

During the work session prior to the meeting, Collins said Councilman David McCants has been working diligently on plans for cleaning up the city. He asked Councilmen Nathan Hardy and Bill Meador of the Public Safety Committee to work with McCants on establishing ordinances and penalties pertaining to keeping the city clean. They group will present a proposal to the Council for approval.

Work is proceeding rapidly on the City Landing, but boaters are having to be run off from launching at the site. “It’s not open yet,” Collins stressed.

A clogged storm drain has forced runoff from the Splash Pad to cause a void under the grounds around the City Landing. City Project Manager Mike Baker said the Splash Pad had to be closed to prevent further erosion. He hopes repairs can be made on Friday.

Jason Pendergrass, the airport manager, told the Council that a pre-bid hearing was held Wednesday on plans for a new terminal building. Bids are expected in two weeks.

Previous bids on the terminal were far above estimates. Plans have been revised with alternatives.

“We’re giving contractors every opportunity to save us money,” he said.