By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS – Mayor David Miller announced several infrastructure projects during a meeting of the Leeds City Council on Monday, Aug. 7, where a new member was appointed to the Leeds Board of Education.
Mayor David Miller on Aug. 7, 2023. (Credit: Nathan Prewett)
In his report, Miller announced that the projects would commence soon. The first was a project in collaboration with ALDOT and Goodwyn Mills Cawood architectural firm that is three years in the making. The project is an overhaul of the sidewalks, signage and lighting in the downtown area that Miller compared to Homewood.
“It’ll really be a first-class project,” Miller said. “And one of the things that we’ve had to work with is to make sure that we maintain access for our businesses. One of the major concerns is that if we do this much major disruption to our sidewalks and so forth, it will interfere with business and that was a major concern that the design people have determined that we will be able to have access to all of our businesses.”
He then said that a project on a deteriorating wall of the public library is underway, and finally, that the children’s playground at the city park will have new playground equipment and will be increased in size.
During department reports, Police Chief Paul Irwin addressed an incident that took place recently in which a woman started a fire inside of the Leeds Walmart location.
“The officers did a great job locating her really quickly,” he said. “And we had a lot of great citizens that came forward with information on her, so it was a great thing working together.”
He also mentioned the bust of a gambling ring in Leeds last month with help from the public.
A resolution came up again that would modify the zoning ordinance of R-5 Garden Home District and delete R-6 Patio Home District. This resolution was, again, rejected after a motion called by Councilman Eric Turner was not met with a second.
The modification would require certain changes to be made for homes under the code, including requiring driveways to be put behind the building.
Councilman Kenneth Washington explained that there were still aspects to the modification that were unclear, such as the driveways being wide enough to accommodate more than one car.
The final item on the agenda was to appoint a new member to the Leeds Board of Education. This was Karla “Crickett” Ford, who has served as treasurer for the Leeds Water Works Board.
“I think she’ll be a mighty fine appointment,” said Superintendent John Moore. “She’s proven her worth to the city of Leeds and we appreciate your consideration.”
Ford replaces outgoing member Jeff Hudson, who stepped down in May.
Before going to public comments, Washington addressed what he said were some remarks made in writing that attacked his character, with the author being named “Citizens for Justices Leeds.” The writing apparently accused him of neglecting the citizens, to which he said was false and stressed that he would help whoever he could.
“If you’re going to say something, make sure it’s right,” he said. “And make sure you sign our name. Because I will help anyone, anyone that I can. That’s always been my position.”
Afterwards, Turner asked a question regarding two lawsuits that he said have been filed against the city. He asked if this had been reported to the city’s insurance carrier, to which City Attorney Scott Barnett said that it was a “work in progress” and that the council will be briefed on it in the future.
During public comments, Albert Daw spoke and urged the council to reverse a resolution that he said bans “tiny homes.” He also urged affordable housing, citing citizens in Leeds that are in need of it.
In other business, the council:
- Declared a property on Clairmont Drive to be a public nuisance,
- Approved replacing non-compliant curb ramps on Highway 119,
- Approved right of way acceptance and maintenance for Unali Lane, Ashley Drive and Weaver Way,
- Approved invoices for fire department equipment purchased from a grant, and
- Adopted the 2024 Council Meeting Calendar.
Meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.
