By Tommi O. Peters
For The Tribune
SPRINGVILLE – In a vote of 6 to 2, the Council approved Ordinance 2018-10 to Amend Zoning regarding Wright Farm development, with further density reduction of approximately 40 homes. Councilors Toles and Tucker voted against the ordinance while Councilors Vinson, Hennings, Walker, Jones, Reaves and Mayor Isley voted in favor of the ordinance.
The approval of the ordinance allows the City of Springville to control or influence decisions made regarding the development. Examples include negotiating the the number of homes within the development as well as price range – and subsequent quality – of the homes offered. Specifically, the city’s influence has reduced the number of homes within the proposed development to less than 600. Additionally, the city’s acceptance of the project allows for the increase in proposed home price to the range of $220K – $300K’s. If the Council had not passed the ordinance, the project would have been controlled by the county and likely reverted to the original plan of over 750-1,000 homes priced between $120K – $150K.
The Council also heard from Richard Caudle, Traffic Engineer with Skipper Consulting in regard to results of a study of traffic flow at the four way intersection of Hwy. 11 / Main Street and Hwy. 174 / Murphrees Valley Road. The study tested the impact of a roundabout, a temporary traffic light without turn lanes, and a temporary traffic light with turn lanes. The temporary light with turn lanes would provide the greatest impact.
Mayor Isley reminded the community that the city began seeking assistance from ALDOT in regard to traffic flow at the specified intersection beginning in 2010. He also added that delays in progress on the project resulted from ALDOT’s prioritization, even though the city had hoped to move forward significantly sooner. No specific resolution was presented to the board for a vote at this time.
Public Hearings were held and closed on the following:
- Ordinance 2018-11 to Amend Zoning Ordinance regarding B-2 General Business Uses, A-1 Agricultural District Uses, Enforcement Officer administration, Animals/Lot Area permitted in Hobby Farms, and I-3 Industrial District Uses. These amendments are not in substance, but in format only.
- Ordinance 2018-12 to Amend Zoning Ordinance regarding Special Exception Uses in B-2 General Business District. The special exception is intended to allow for a wrecker yard.
In other matters, the council approved:
- Minutes of Aug. 20 regular meeting;
- Minutes of Aug. 27 special called meeting;
- Expenditures for Library Overdrive computer software for $1500; Fire Department Allcomm Radios for $2068.54; Sports Park Alabama Power additional cable for lighting for $771.77.
The Mayor’s Report included the following updates:
Librarian Jamie Twente provided the council with an updated calendar of events for the month ahead. Twente also noted that the library’s Thousand Books Before Kindergarten initiative has resumed. The initiative rewards preschoolers for every 100 books read. Mayor Isley commended Twente for her influence in leading the Springville Public Library to its current position of most volume of any library within St. Clair County.
Senior Center Carrie Denton updated the Mayor and Councilors o n satisfaction survey results indicating a desire for line dancing classes, which will begin soon.
Fire Chief Richard Harvey updated the council on the success of the mechanical CPR equipment that is expected to be in place on all trucks within the next few weeks.
Public Works Director Earl Peoples noted that his crew has been working to assist citizens experiencing reduced water pressure. Mayor Isley noted that some of the currently used water lines were initially installed in 1932 and should be expected to experience issues from time to time.
City Building Inspector Asa Sargent reported six housing permits within the past month with several more pending.
Mayor Isley adjourned the evening with a comment to the community. “This city council has agreed to disagree and to continue to love each other. We’re looking for God’s will in our lives and for this city. Even though some of the city councilors may not have voted how you wanted them to tonight, at least respect them for who they are and their willingness to serve this city,” said Isley.
The next regular scheduled City Council Meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 27 at 6:00 p.m. preceded by a 5:00 p.m. work session.