By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
MOODY – The Moody City Council heard from candidates running for the county commission and for congress before approving a ditch and drainage project during a brief meeting on Monday, Feb. 26.
First to speak was Joey Stevens, who is running for St. Clair County Commission Place 3. He spoke about infrastructure being a part of his platform, noting Moody’s business growth with two new restaurants settling in the city.
He said that he would like to see a “greater” level of cooperation between the cities and the county regarding infrastructure. He mentioned the 4% gas tax, believing that Moody should be able to share in this revenue.
“If we don’t’ have infrastructure it’s going to be hard to grow,” he said. “And we’ve got to make sure that our infrastructure keeps pace with the level of growth we’re seeing, whether it’s roads, bridges and I think broadband’s important. We have to continue to pursue those things and stay on top of those items.”
Next was Bryan Newell, a retired military serviceman who is running for the third congressional district of Alabama as a republican. Newell
criticized his opponent, Mike Rogers, who currently represents the district, particularly for sponsoring the National Defense Authorization Act.
He said that he would campaign to defund CRT, DEI, sex reassignment surgeries, and abortion travels for service members.
“We have a house full of career politicians that have no leadership abilities and no passion for the solutions for the problems that they have created,” he said.
Sometime afterwards, the council approved the resolution for a dich and drainage project on Stuart Drive Road. This is a joint venture with Odenville, which has property nearby.
The resolution was approved for a cost not to exceed $45,000 and was funded with money from the Rebuild Alabama Act.
Additionally, the council approved the voting delegates for the Annual Convention of the Alabama League of Municipalities on May 17. The delegate includes Mayor Joe Lee as first alternate, with mayor pro-temp Linda Crowe and Councilman Lynn Taylor as second alternate.
In other business the council:
- Approved a request from Police Chief Reece Smith for lodging expenses not to exceed $700 for an officer to attend a critical incident training in March,
- Approved a request from Parks and Recreation Department Director Mike Staggs to renew the annual RecDesk subscription for $4,700,
- Approved Staggs’ request to replace two front desk computers and one office computers for a cost not to exceed $3,500,
- Approved Staggs’ request to purchase four metal picnic tables for the park for a cost not exceed $3,800,
- Approved a request from Fire Chief Larry Horton to purchase and install a bed slide for the fire marshals for $3,000 and
- Granted $500 for the Moody schools’ participation in the upcoming Special Olympics Programs on April 5.
Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.