By Terry Schrimscher, For the Tribune
ARGO – The Argo City Council met Monday night, Aug. 14, for the first regularly scheduled meeting of the month. The Council covered much of the city’s business during the pre-meeting work session before moving into the regular agenda.
The Council appointed Beth King to fill a vacant position on the Planning and Zoning Board by a 3-2 vote. Mayor Betty Bradley abstained.
The board will be hosting a public hearing Aug. 29 with a work session at 5 p.m., prior to the 6 p.m. meeting, to discuss the proposed Argo comprehensive plan. The plan will be voted on by the City Council after a final version is approved by the board.
Argo resident Jamey Curlee spoke to the Council about a water project in Didara, Ethiopia. Curlee, a retired teacher from the Trussville school system, is planning to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise funds and awareness for Designs for Hope.
Designs for Hope is a Trussville-based ministry serving the physical and spiritual needs in developing countries. Curlee is working with members of F3, a men’s workout organization, to sponsor and install a well for clean drinking water in Didara.
Curlee asked the Council to help with fundraising ideas and to consider offering support for the project. People interested in learning more or donating can read about the climb or the ministry by visiting www.designsforhope.org/kilimanjaro.
Fire Chief Scott Payne announced the department has won an $80,000 grant for an air compressor. Payne also announced the promotion of firefighter Jorel Barrett to Lieutenant.
The Council voted to accept a bid from Malone Roofing Services LLC for $64,600 to repair the roof at City Hall. The roof has been leaking and causing water spots in the ceiling around the building. Malone Roofing was the only bid submitted for the work. The bid was approved contingent on checking with insurance for coverage.
In other business, the Council approved:
- A $5,000 invoice for legal services from Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation.
- Resolution 2023-08-14 to adopt a transportation plan as required by the Rebuild Alabama Act.
- Approved budgeting up to $5,000 for the Argo Fall Festival in October.
The next meeting of the Argo council is scheduled for Aug. 28, 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.