By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
LEEDS, Ala.–During a meeting on Monday, April 15, the Leeds City Council approved an ordinance to lower the fees for certain construction permitting and discussed a concern raised about development on Norman Drive.
The first item passed by the council was an ordinance to reduce the building and constructing fees for permitting new construction, additions, alterations and repairs.
Mayor David Miller said that this was to bring the city’s fee structure in line with other Jefferson County communities.
“We have looked at the fees around Jefferson County and the areas…and we were on the high side compared to most of the other municipalities around town,” Miller said.
The amendment now has fees calculated at 0.9% of the valuation for construction, as well as demolition, electrical installations, plumbing installations, and mechanical installations.
The valuation is based on the costs of labor, materials, and equipment.
Later during public comments, Joe White, owner of Curtis White Companies, spoke at length and thanked the council for the fee reduction but pointed out concerns about construction costs increasing as a result.
After discussion, Miller said that this would be looked into.
Before the floor was turned over to public comments, Councilman Eric Turner asked the council about pending construction on Norman Drive in which the developer, Steve French, has zoning approval to build 60 apartments.
Turner asked about negotiating to allow French to follow through on his original proposal to build 28 R-3 zoned homes instead, saying that the Planning and Zoning Commission turned this down and cited potential issues with traffic.
However, Turner claimed that 28 homes would be better at keeping traffic issues to a minimum with homes likely to have 50 to 60 cars and apartments to have an estimated 120 cars.
“I just think as a city we need to negotiate with [French] in good faith to try and do something to make that happen,” Turner said.
Miller said that he did not have an opinion on the matter.
Turner said that Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Eddie Cook told him that the entrance at Norman Drive could cause issues with traffic and suggested that the developer buy a property there for taxes that could be used as a new entrance. But when he spoke with, French he was told that it would take three years to take possession of a property if it is bought for taxes.
Turner suggested possibly buying a lot and giving French the right of way. City Attorney Scott Barnett said that buying a lot and giving out the right of way could be done but the commission has jurisdiction of the subdivision and was unsure if it could be worked out.
Turner asked if they could bring French to a future council meeting to hash out an agreement, to which Barnett said they could but the subdivision approval rests solely on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
“I just think rooftops are better than apartments,” Turner said shortly before discussion concluded. “No offense to apartments but we’ve got plenty.”
In other business the council:
- Renewed its contract with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society for animal control,
- Waived the penalty for a delinquent business license payment for a deceased business owner’s heir,
- Approved a budget amendment to purchase a knuckle boom truck for solid waste collection for approximately $222,507,
- Approved an agreement with Blount County 911 Communications District to provide dispatch services,
- Reappointed Chad Anderson to the Leeds Board of Education, and
- Approved an agreement with Paul Zuckerman to provide dance and exercise instruction at the Senior Services Center.
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.