Clay City Council establishes 2017 meeting times

By Bethany Adams, for the Tribune

CLAY— During Monday night’s meeting, Battalion Chief Brad Appleton gave an update concerning the Center Point Fire District.

“We all know that the drought’s going on, and so we suspended anything to do with using water really, unless it’s an emergency situation,” Appleton said. “We stopped any hydrant flow just to check the hydrants, and we’re getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas and all the parades and everything, as well.”

Councilor Becky Johnson reminded the audience about the upcoming Christmas Parade, which will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 10. She instructed anyone interested in participating to find the registration form at Clayalabama.org. “We’re working on the city’s now,” she said.

Later during the meeting, the council voted unanimously to appoint Ronnie Dixon as City Manager for the coming year. This will be Dixon’s fifth year serving as City Manager.

The council also approved resolutions establishing 2017 meeting times for the City Council. Beginning in January, meetings will take place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. with Pre-Council meeting at 6.

Afterwards, councilors voted to approve the 2017 meeting times for the Planning and Zoning Commission on the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. and the Board of Zoning Adjustments meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month if there is an agenda.

The council also established the quarterly meetings for the Library Board and for the Committees of Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, Schools and Seniors.

During Public Comments, former council member Kevin Small inquired about the release of additional deputies.

“Sheriff Hale spoke at the chamber meeting on Tuesday,” Dixon said, “and he announced to everyone there that he had a full load and should be releasing two deputies.”

During the next meeting, the council will consider a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Committee for the annexation and rezoning of two land parcels on Deerfoot Parkway to Highway Commercial.

The next Clay City Council meeting will be held on Monday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m.