By Terry Schrimscher
SPRINGVILLE — The Springville City Council approved scholarship funding for the city’s annual pageant during the June 21 regular council meeting. Once the agreement is cleared by City Attorney James Hill, the city will offer $1,500 to the winner of the pageant and $500 to the teen winner.
Local residents Christy Taylor and Diane Logan spoke on behalf of the pageant to request the scholarship funds.
“I competed in the Miss Alabama program when I was in college,” said Christy Taylor. “I was able to graduate from the University of Alabama debt-free because of that scholarship money.”
Taylor competed for four years in pageants around the state to earn scholarships.
The winner of the pageant will represent Springville in the Miss Alabama pageant each year. Miss Alabama is part of the Miss America organization—one of the largest providers of scholarship funding to young women in the nation. The teen winner will move forward compete in the Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen competition.
The Miss Historic Springville Pageant will combine with pageants in Trussville and Centerpoint to save on costs this year with hopes of moving the pageant to the city in the future. The pageant is planned for July 11.
OTHER BUSINESS
The council approved an agreement to settle a dispute with Springville Self Storage, LLC. The agreement will provide the storage company, which is currently under construction, with assistance on permits, signage and infrastructure.
J.T. Murphy of Civil Consultants, Inc. spoke to the council about the city’s ongoing plans to make upgrades to the four-way stop at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy 174. Murphy made the recommendation to request an extension from ALDOT to compensate for delays in the project, which he hopes will be underway in November.
Funding was approved by the state in October of 2019 but must be used within two years of approval, which would mean the funds would expire in September of 2021 if work has not begun. The council asked City Attorney James Hill to request a six month extension to allow for a November start with a buffer for any other delays.
The council also approved an agreement with ALDOT to place traffic signals at the intersection.
In other business, the council approved phase two of the sewer project for the Archer’s Cove neighborhood. The council also heard from representatives from the Sweetwater community seeking assistance from the city in dealing with drainage and flooding issues in the neighborhood.
The Sweetwater neighborhood, which was recently annexed by Springville, is a community of new homes under development by Newcastle Homes. The council asked City Attorney James Hill to look into ways the city can assist the residents.