Conflicting maps confound Roman Alley work
Roman Alley for years has stymied city administrators. The narrow, single-lane road with only one entrance makes it difficult for vehicles, let alone emergency responders, to travel the street.
At the Demopolis City Council meeting Thursday, Councilman Nathan Hardy requested approval to purchase pipe for work along the road and to bushhog overgrown vegetation. While the Council wants to see the work done, the question arose as to whether the property is owned by the city or by a private individual.
City maps show one thing; county maps, another. Until the discrepancies can be resolved, Mayor John Laney said any improvements cannot be done. If it is determined the city owns the land, it then can determine whether to proceed with plans to extend Roman Alley to McNamara Road, making it a through street.
The Council approved the 2019-2020 Capital Improvements Budget totaling $694,640.48. Included are $76,480.14 for the Demopolis Fire Department vehicle leasing and fire station repairs; $442,239.59 for Public Works equipment and vehicles; $60,000 for Parks and Recreation equipment and repairs, and $115, 920.75 for the Demopolis Police Department to lease 10 vehicles.
The Grants and Infrastructure Projects also were approved for 2019-2020. The city is expected to receive a total of $6.77 million in grants, both unrestricted and dedicated. Matching funds will be $3.11 million.
In other action, the Council:
- Approved a Public Works budget adjustment for storm sewer work on Decatur Street for $17,179.85.
- Approved a loan agreement between the city and the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority for $1 million with the same terms and conditions as the city got from Trustmark Bank.
- Approved the necessary permits for Freedom on the River, sponsored by the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce
- Tabled action on the Water Works and Sewer Board water tank and lot on North Commissioner.
The next Council meeting will be Tuesday, July 8, at 5:15 p.m., with a work session beginning an hour earlier.