By Nathan Prewett
For the Tribune
CENTER POINT — During The Center Point City Council meeting Thursday evening, July 26, the Council addressed two items on the agenda after hearing comments from the public stressing several concerns.
During public comments portion, Center Point resident Marie Utterback, also a member of the Center Point Action Committee, shared that a meeting recently took place with Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight regarding road repairs. She said that Knight told the committee that a proposal was rejected between the county and city. The proposal was for the county to pay 80 percent while the city would pay 20 percent.
Utterback asked the Council why the proposal was rejected. Mayor Thomas Henderson responded saying that the proposal Knight brought to the Council was to have the city assume responsibility for paving roads within the city limits. He said that when Center Point was incorporated the state law required that roads would remain county roads.
He continued by stating that Center Point has worked with the county on paving around 20 roads and that the city had state road funds that was supposed to cover four streets. After looking at the cost of federal support an agreement was made with the county that the city would pay 20 percent and the county would pave seven roads for a lower price. Henderson added that an arrangement was also made for the Polly Reed project where the county would pay up to $600,000.
“We’re trying to hold the county to what the state law stated when we incorporated as a city,” he said.
Afterwards, Charles Utterback addresses the Council asking several questions about Hillcrest Manor. He asked about the costs to maintain the manor per month and about the lack of a police department in the city.
Council President Barlow replied that it establishing a police department would cost more than $3 million. A disagreement followed over the topic of discussion and became heated between Utterback and Barlow. Utterback was then escorted out of the building by a deputy.
Resident Billy Hagood addressed the Council and asked about the bids for the splash pad. Barlow said that bids were opened and that one company submitted bid on the project. He reported that the city was working to get the bid “under the expected amount.”
Hagood also asked about a road located off 6th Street between 25th and 26th Avenue, saying that it was in such disrepair that residents are avoiding it while driving. Henderson said that he could speak with the Jefferson County Roads and Transportation Department about the road.
After public comments were made, the Council briefly addressed two items under the agenda’s “Unfinished Business”. The first was the approval of a structure demolition located at 508 15th Court Northwest. Barlow said that a public hearing was held and that a notification process for the upcoming demolition began before being approved at Thursday night’s meeting.
The second item was to approve a truck for the Public Works Department from the state bid list to replace an older model currently being used. The Council approved the purchase of a Ford F-250 truck.
In his comments, Henderson announced an “Electronic and Battery” drop off day hosted held by the Jefferson Stormwater Management. Certain items such as computers, audio equipment, scanners and other products can be donated at the Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse parking lot.
Henderson commended the success of the recent “Back to School” rally in which 750 backpacks and school supplies were provided to local students. He reported that around 2,000-3,000 people were in attendance. Henderson also praised the Center Point High School football team’s joint effort with Arab High School in a city cleanup.
The next Center Point City Council will be held on Aug. 9 with pre-council beginning at 6:45 followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.