Residents will get reminders to keep Demopolis beautiful

Demopolis residents soon will be getting notices in their water bills reminding them to “be a good neighbor to help keep our city clean, safe & beautiful.”

The reminders will list violations of ordinances such as overgrown lots, junked vehicles, lack of visible addresses on homes or businesses, and trash in the yard.

The Demopolis City Council Thursday voted to insert the reminders in the water bills twice a year at a cost of approximately $500. The Council first discussed sending out the notices one time for $231, but Councilman Bill Meador suggested semi-annual reminders would have a better effect.

The Council approved a tax abatement for Foster Farms. Marengo County Economic Development Authority director JoEllen Martin said the company has continued to improve and expand its presence in the city.

New Demopolis Fire Chief Jeb Bailey submitted protocols for dispatching fire/rescue vehicles. The Council approved them and will submit them to the E911 operators.

In final action, the Council approved an entertainment district for the speed boat races July 9-10 at the City Landing. The designated area for alcoholic beverages will only be within the paid admission area.

During the work session prior to the Council meeting, Georgia Todd requested the city maintain the ditch, slope and fence adjacent to the DMS football field across from her home on South Strawberry.

“I want this part to look as nice as the other parts” of the city, she said.

Mayor Woody Collins explained the maintenance of the fence is the responsibility of the Demopolis City School system, but he directed Public Works director Ashford Jackson to address Todd’s problems.

The mayor appointed Councilmen Meador and David McCants to review the provisions for renting the Civic Center and bring them up to date. The issue arose when a church congregation asked to rent the facility every Sunday, but the Council was not in favor of locking out other groups that might want to use the Civic Center on the weekends.