Clay Council declares weeds on various properties public nuisances

By Bethany Adams, For The Tribune

CLAY—During Monday night’s Clay City Council meeting, there was a public hearing concerning the abatement of weeds on 30 properties in the area. The majority of the properties were brought to the attention of the council by the fire marshal, who said that the condition of the lots does not allow access to fire hydrants. No one spoke during the hearing, and the resolution was passed unanimously.

Later during the meeting, the council approved a resolution endorsing and supporting the efforts of the Alabama Bicentennial Commission in Clay. The resolution was requested by Bicentennial Commission in preparation for the Alabama Bicentennial Celebration, which will take place next year.

The council also voted to reappoint Alaina Tow to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Additionally, they voted to approve several resolutions concerning the abatement of public nuisances and weeds on properties throughout the area.

The council later approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Charles Webster to enter into a land-use agreement/lease with the Alabama Department of Youth Services. The City of Clay plans to use the property to expand the walking trail system in the city, eventually connecting nearby neighborhoods to Cosby Lake.

“We could probably have ten miles of walking trails in there,” Webster said. He also hopes to develop the property to include features such as tennis courts and a possible Veteran’s Memorial Park, and to eventually tie the trail system to Turkey Creek Nature Preserve.

“It’s part of the master plan for the county,” Webster said.

The council also discussed the possibility of revisiting the city’s sign ordinance, which currently contains strict guidelines concerning size and uniformity. The ordinance was recently revised in order to allow for the construction of Auto Zone, which otherwise would have been in violation of the ordinance.

“You don’t want a sign ordinance that prohibits a national company from coming in just because of the size,” City Manager Ronnie Dixon, who is in favor of a new sign ordinance, said.

Before the meeting was adjourned, Webster announced a Town Hall meeting with Representative Gary Palmer on Monday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m.

The next Clay City Council meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 17.