Council okays rezoning; voting site changed

Brad Sorrels got the okay from the Demopolis City Council Thursday to split his property into two zones, one for business and one for residential.

The issue had been on hold since the Feb. 24 meeting while Sorrels had the land at 207 U.S. Hwy. 80 W. surveyed. The front part of the property will remain zoned as O-1 Office Institutional, and the back will be rezoned R-1 Residential. Access to both areas will be along the west side.

The vote was 4-0-1, with Councilman Jim Stanford abstaining.

A second ordinance to designate the use of the city’s ad valorem taxes was approved unanimously. The ordinance stipulates how the taxes will be disbursed in the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.

The new owner of the former Malone Texaco, now Demopolis Six LP Inc., 1407 U.S. Hwy. 80 W., received approval for a license to sell beer off-premises only. The vote came after the recommendation of Police Chief Rex Flowers.

The Council also approved a budget adjustment resolution for the Demopolis airport. Funds from an airport grant will be held in the city’s account until needed by the airport for its ongoing construction.

Mayor Woody Collins announced he has granted a Mayoral Pardon to Leroy Alexander. Collins said Chief Flowers had talked with both Alexander and the victim of his crime that occurred some 20 years ago. Flowers recommended the pardon. Alexander is living out of state and needs the pardon to secure a job.

Collins also announced a change in the voting location for residents of Marengo County District 1. The former site of the old National Guard Armory is under reconstruction for Wallace Community College. Voters will cast their ballots at the Demopolis Civic Center for the May 24 primary and for the foreseeable future.

“Merry Christmas,” city project director Mike Baker said to the Council. Work began Thursday morning on Arcola Road, the first paving since Christmas, he said. If all goes well and the weather cooperates, the project should be completed by the middle of next week.

At the request of Councilman David McCants the city will pay for four anti-littering signs to be placed along Bell Grayson Road. The county road is located in the city limits but is maintained by the county. The county has agreed to erect the signs.