By Jeff Devine
The Ozark City Council met Tuesday night for its regular scheduled meeting. During the meeting, the council unanimously approved several agenda items.
After Council President Brenda Simechak called the administrative meeting to order, Council Member Leah Harlow presented Sandra Gilhousen of SpectraCare with a proclamation about cyberbullying awareness. October is Cyberbullying Awareness Month, and Mayor Blankenship issued the proclamation to help bring attention to the issue. Blankenship was not in attendance. A copy of the proclamation is in the comments section. It reads, in part, “October is recognized as Cyberbullying Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness about the harmful impacts of online harassment and to promote safe, respectful behavior in all digital spaces…and cyberbullying affects people of all ages and walks of life from young people in schools to adults in workplaces and in communities, and may include online harassment, doxing, workplace shaming, trolling, targeted abuse, intimidation, and smear campaigns…public servants and candidates for office are also frequent targets of cyberbullying, facing personal attacks, threats, and misinformation that can cause fear, stress and lasting harm.” For the full proclamation, please view the comments section of our Facebook page. Video from the meeting is also linked in the comments and at the end of this article.
The council also approved the minutes from the September 16 meeting.
Next, the council considered a resolution to apply for state matching funds for airport improvement. Chris Peters, the City Clerk/CFO, said “This money is the AIP and AIG funds that we will be receiving to recoup the costs associated with the corporate hangar.”
Councilman Enfinger inquired about the amount of the funds, and Peters estimated it would be “in excess of $300,000.” Peters pointed out that the city has already paid for the project and this grant would just be a reimbursement of some of the expenses. Enfinger made a motion to approve the resolution to apply for state matching funds and Perault seconded the motion. It passed by unanimous vote.
The council then set a public hearing to consider a rezoning request for 397 Blake Drive. Ozark Building Official and Inspector Brett Head addressed the council, describing the reasons for the rezoning requests. Head pointed out, “He owns the property behind his house which is part of the old Willow Oaks Golf Course…part of that is RH and part is R1, and he wants to combine the [property] and make it R1.” This rezoning request refers to changing the property’s designation to that of a single-family residence.
The council then considered setting a public hearing to consider rezoning 473 and 493 Parker Drive. Head also elaborated on this request, saying, “A month ago we rezoned this property, but he bought two more lots…and he wants to combine it all together.” The council voted unanimously to set a public hearing to consider these rezoning requests for October 21, at 5:00 p.m. More details about these requests will be discussed at that meeting, and we will provide updates at that time.
Next, the council heard from Holle Smith of Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC) regarding a request to renew the lease for Pray Aviation, which is utilizing the facilities offered by ODEDC as headquarters as they grow their business (or incubate). Smith pointed out that this would be the fourth year Pray Aviation would be leasing the space, and they pay $982 per month. The council voted unanimously to approve the lease renewal. The technology center is currently full except for one open office space, according to Smith.
Simechak then asked if anyone wanted to address the council. A citizen, Mr. Harry, expressed his concerns about an incident near Atlas Street. Mr. Harry described it as a dangerous situation involving a man who reportedly shouts out obscenities at women who pass by the residence. Harry said, “I addressed the council a couple weeks ago…and the problem continues…and someone is going to get hurt.”
The council then went into executive session to discuss pending litigation. Simechak asked City Attorney Joe Adams and City Clerk Peters to join the council members in executive session. When the council returned, Harlow made a motion to amend the agenda and add Item #10, which is to allow the mayor to execute a notice of a voluntary dismissal of a defendant in the national opioid litigation. The council voted unanimously to amend the agenda and allow the ` voluntary dismissal of Bloodworth Wholesale Drugs, Inc. from the national prescription opioid litigation.
Jackson then invited members of the audience to address the council about a request to apply for a special event license from the ABC Board so they can sell alcoholic beverages at a gala for Her Haven scheduled for October 18 at the Civic Center. Her Haven is a nonprofit organization that is working toward securing a location that will assist young women who have aged out of the foster care system and provide them with a transitional living facility and education and career support. They will be holding a fundraising gala on the 18th at the Civic Center.
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The city sought bids from area businesses to sell alcohol at local events, but according to the city clerk, no bids were submitted by the September deadline. The council voted unanimously to approve Cloud 334’s request to apply for a “special event license”, pending approval from the ABC Board.
When Simechak asked if the council members had any final comments before adjourning, Councilman Stanley Enfinger praised the success of the Claybank Jamboree, which was held Saturday. Enfinger emphasized the role city employees played in the event and cleaning up afterward.
Councilman Jackson mentioned the ribbon cutting ceremony for Reality Check, which will be held behind City Hall this Thursday at 2 p.m. Jackson commended the program for the services it provides to children, teens, and the homeless in the area. Jackson also pointed out that there is a donation box for food and other supplies if individuals wish to donate to Reality Check and support their mission.
Councilman Perault echoed Enfinger’s comments about the Claybank Jamboree and also mentioned the Kiwanis Club’s annual pancake supper, which will be held on October 28, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at the Perry Recreation Center. Advance tickets for the supper are $9 and $10 at the door. Children under 6 eat free. Perault said he has tickets for sale and tickets will also be available at the door. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Alabama Children’s Hospital. They will also be raffling off a Yeti cooler loaded with lots of goodies. For more info, you can visit the Kiwanis Club’s page on Facebook or email them at [email protected].
Simechak chose to give “kudos to Heather Cohen and the rest of our Dale County United Way delegation…it was phenomenal. This year the United Way is kicking off at alost 70%, so kudos to everyone.”
Perault added that the United Way dinner is Thursday night at 4:30 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market. While the meals are all sold out, they are selling raffle tickets for a cooler filled with goodies.
