By Terry Schrimscher, For the Tribune
ARGO – After months of discussion, the Argo City Council voted to approve zoning regulations Monday night, December 11, in a unanimous vote. Council member Dennis Griffin was absent.
Efforts to establish zoning in the city met with some resistance in the early stages, which began more than a year ago. The Council held one final public hearing prior to the vote but no one was present to speak on behalf or against the measure.
“After months of debate and public hearings, the Argo City Council voted to implement zoning for the city,” said Mayor Betty Bradley. “I believe by the council passing zoning it will insure that property values are protected, and sometimes enhanced.”
The city contracted with the Regional Planning Commission and the firm Goodwyn Mills Cawood to create a comprehensive plan for the city, which was adopted by the council in September. Since then, the Planning and Zoning Commission has worked to update proposed zoning maps and building codes for the city.
Bradley offered thanks to the commission and the city council for their leadership in working to pass the measure. The ordinance and zoning maps can be viewed on the Argo Alive website at www.argoalive.com.
“Argo’s next step is to implement subdivision regulations so that developers building in the city must bring subdivisions up to city specifications,” she said. “Substandard subdivisions have been an issue for the city. The city has documented at least five subdivisions in its jurisdiction that do not comply with regulations meant to ensure that roads and drainage systems are properly constructed or installed.”
The council approved proposals from MSE Building Company for $23,974 and O’Cet Inc for $4675 to repair roads in the city. MSE will do work to remove and replaced drainage pipes at the intersection of Mary Ann Lane and Will Keith Road and O’Cet will continue ongoing work on Roulain Road.
In other business, the council heard monthly reports from the Argo Fire Department and Argo Police Department. Police Chief Alan Busler gave a brief update listing 522 total calls in November including 13 wrecks and seven domestic violence calls.
Fire Chief Scott Payne gave his updates on 77 total calls including 40 medical calls, one structure fire, seven brush fires and 19 assists. Payne also noted the State has lifted the recent no burn order.
The council also approved a recommendation to request the State of Alabama to lower the speed limit on Hwy 11 within the city limits due to several accidents along the corridor. The state highway runs directly through Argo’s business district.
Due to the holiday season, the next regular meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for December 18 with a work session at 5 p.m. An agenda for each meeting is posted in local businesses including Hill Top Farms, Argo Hardware, Liberty Automotive, Shell, Southland BBQ, Fox’s Pizza and Buckeye Grocery. Agendas are also posted on the city’s Facebook page.