By By BILL CRIST Publisher
Strong and deep roots.
These traits are important in individuals and our government, according to Dr. Steve Yuhasz, who gave the quarterly invocation to open last Tuesday's Brewton City Council meeting.
International Plastics and Equipment Corp. (IPEC) is planning to expand its existing building, and is seeking to purchase an additional 1.12 acres in the Brewton Industrial Park.
According to Jim Byrd, who heads the Brewton Development Authority, IPEC needs more space to allow for additional truck traffic and parking and approached the board about purchasing the land.
"We're asking the council's consideration to transfer the property through deed to the Development Board," Byrd said.
Byrd said that in the past, the city had transferred land in the industrial park to the board and allowed it to sell it to the industrial customer. The board sells the property for $4,500 an acre, or $5,040 for the parcel in this case.
The council voted unanimously to transfer the land.
Brewton Mayor Ted Jennings appointed councilmen Cary Barton and Frank Cotten, as well as utilities superintendent Ray Madden and community development director Pete Diurno to a committee to study dumping at the city's septic tanks.
According to Madden, the dumping is causing problems with the sanitation ponds. That has the city out of compliance with the Alabama Dept. of Environmental Management and has cost taxpayers over $10,000 in the last two months to try and correct.
The committee will look at existing policies and recommend a course of action to help eliminate the problem.
The council also approved a retail liquor license for Sheila Bach Martin, the owner of Johnny D's Sports Bar and Grill. The restaurant, located at 1023 Douglas Ave., is in the old Score's location.
Four members of Brewton Leadership Class VII attended the meeting, and introduced themselves to the council. Dr. Bill Thallemer, Jim (Jimbo) Harp, Thad Moore Jr. and Pat Rigby all said they were excited about the class and looked forward to learning more about Brewton.
Jennings appointed councilmen Cotten and Dennis Dunaway to a committee to recommend an appointment to the Library Board. Dr. Keith Miller's term is set to expire.
In other business the council;