By Nathan Prewett, For The Tribune
LEEDS – Four officers from the Leeds Police Department were honored during a meeting of the Leeds City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 17, their first meeting of the year after the previous one was canceled due to weather.
“You are exemplary officers working for the city of Leeds and I am thankful for you and everything you do each day,” Police Chief Paul Irwin told the officers.
Irwin then talked about each officer and presented them with awards. The first was Jake Turnbloom, a patrol officer who took part in what Irwin believed to be the largest seizure of marijuana in the state.
The second was Harley Hamer, a native of Leeds, followed by Clayton Cato, an “asset” to the city’s SWAT team, said Irwin. The fourth was Brian Parsons, who Irwin commended for his guidance of newly hired officers.
Afterward, the council voted to go into executive session. City Attorney Scott Barnett cited Section 36-25A-7 of the Alabama code concerning reputation as the reason for entering the session. The council returned after almost two hours to a mix of cheering and booing from the audience.
They passed their agenda items and tabled again a report by city attorneys on the transactions brought up in past meetings by Councilman Eric Turner regarding payments made to Barnes and Barnes in 2019 and 2020.
When the floor was open to public comments, the first to speak was Austin Creel, owner of Sweet Home Spirits. At the last meeting, the council was set to consider his request for a liquor manufacturing license, but this was opposed by Irwin. The council then decided to table the matter.
Creel spoke to ask about approving the license, to which Irwin replied that he still opposed it but did not elaborate on his reasons why. Since this was not on the agenda as an item, the council did not vote, but Miller said it would be further looked into.
Creel was followed by Albert Daw, who urged the council to establish a cooling and warming station for those in need during extreme weather, citing the recent arctic freeze that caused temperatures to plummet during the Christmas holiday.
Becky King, secretary on the Leeds Main Street board, spoke on the funds the program has received and spent. She reported that the largest donation was corporate at 40% and the city’s donations at 20%. She said that $3,100 had been used by the program, mainly for the music festival.
She added that those interested in supporting Leeds Main Street may contact the director, Amber Vines.
Next was Jason King, who spoke regarding a property on Lawley Avenue. He speculated that it was owned by Linda Miller and complained of its condition. He directed a question at Developmental Services Director Brad Watson about it.
“How can this house be in such deplorable shape for the past 10 plus years and it never be replaced, torn down, repaired, or anything?” He then asked if it was because of Linda Miller.
Mayor David Miller asked him to “avoid personal attacks,” to which King said he was not attacking anyone.
Afterward, Jerry Trott spoke and voiced concerns about potholes at Highway 41 and asked about rumors of an ALDI store in Leeds. Miller did not reply.
In other business, the council:
- Declared a property on Saddle Trail to be unsafe and ordered its demolition,
- Declared a property on Mountain View Lane to be a public nuisance,
- Ratified the November 2022 city expenditures and payables,
- Authorized the purchase of police equipment using confiscated funds at a value not to exceed $6,025,
- Authorized the purchase of police communication equipment using confiscated funds for $2,700, and
- Ratified emergency repairs to the roof of the police station with a payment of $4,376 for immediate work and an estimate of $74,286 to replace it.
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.