Council paves way for possible new plant

Cheers and applause erupted in the Demopolis City Council chambers Thursday as the way was cleared for the possibility of a new industry coming to Marengo County.

The Council voted for a change in a city ordinance to allow Two Rivers Lumber Co. to purchase the land it now leases from the city and provide space for Pinnacle Renewable Energy for construction of an $80 million pellet plant. The new industry could provide some 50-60 jobs.

The Demopolis site is one of several Pinnacle is considering. George Anglada, general manager of business development, said the company will decide within the next two months where it will locate.

The agreement allows Two Rivers to purchase the property with payments it now makes for the lease. The property would not be in the Demopolis Police Jurisdiction, however. Marengo County has agreed to maintain the road to Two Rivers and the possible Pinnacle site.

Anglada said the Demopolis site provides two of the basic needs for the company: a supply of wood fiber and river access for shipping.

The Council gave the Park and Recreation Department the go-ahead to look into the expansion of City Landing. The proposal, if approved by both the city and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, would allow a long-term lease of the property to the department.

The city would continue to do general maintenance, such as mowing, but the DCNR would build boat access ramps and provide other upgrades to the property.

The possibility of the state leasing the site was set aside several years ago because of restrictions required by the department. It took a lot of “arm-twisting” to get the department to reconsider the City Landing, said Hugh Overmyer, Park and Rec Board member, during the council’s work session.

Demopolis Fire Chief Keith Murray received Council approval to pursue a grant of $250,000 to set up a firemanship program at Demopolis High School.

The grant would not require a match from the city. It primarily would pay for the equipment, which also can be used by the Fire and Rescue Department, said Murray. The grant also would cover some administrative costs associated with the school system.

Murray’s request for an expansion of the weather alert system, estimated to cost almost $140,000, was moved to the Capital Budget Committee for consideration. Murray proposed purchasing five additional towers to cover Demopolis from Foscue Park to French Creek. The new towers would be omni-directional, unlike the two existing towers that have a revolving siren.

Murray also got the okay for a step plan for DFD salaries. The steps would extend over 10 years and allow the ability to forecast salary costs.

The measure was approved after the Council struck two unused positions from the proposal.

In other business, the Council:

  • Approved the October financial statement
  • Approved the rezoning of property at 508 N. Walnut Ave. to accommodate an Allstate Insurance office.
  • Deferred action on the future of the Commissioners Street water tower until the Dec. 19 meeting.
  • Approved the purchase of pipe for Roman Alley at a cost of $1,010, already in the budget.
  • Deferred appointments to the Park and Rec Board and to the Marengo County Economic Development Authority until the Dec. 19 meeting.