Council: Park & Rec gets mower, airport terminal is a go

Only two items were voted on during the short Demopolis City Council meeting Thursday. The Park and Recreation Board got the okay to purchase a greens mower for $43,446.73, and Demopolis High School received approval for its Homecoming Parade Thursday, Sept. 29.

Building inspector Julius Rembert reported he is working with contractors to demolish the abandoned motel on U.S. Hwy. 80 E. He also said a new Raceway gas station will be build on the property located between Vowell’s Marketplace and the Red Barn Restaurant.

During the work session prior to the Council meeting, airport manager Jason Pendergrass reported that a $1 million grant to help construct the terminal building was approved.

“Everybody’s doing what they can to get things started,” he told the Council. No firm date to begin construction has been set.

Pendergrass said the FAA and ALDOT “have been very good to us” in helping to find the funds to build the terminal. They were able to pull monies from other projects to support the Demopolis construction.

“I want to use federal tax dollars that will be beneficial to the community,” Pendergrass said.

The first bids were rejected because they were well above the budgeted amount, in large part because of the rising costs of materials and labor. After pulling together other funds, a second bid was requested. With more money available and lower bid estimates, the project can move forward with no cuts in the original plan.