By Stephen Dawkins

With the council chambers inside the Jemison Municipal Complex almost filled to capacity, the city’s council spent most of Monday’s meeting recognizing some of the community’s most outstanding members.

“I think this is the first time since we’ve been in the new building that we’ve had a packed house,” Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed said about the more than 50 people in attendance.

First up was Jemison Elementary School teacher Christin Starr Bashaw, who was named Chilton County Teacher of the Year. Bashaw was presented a plaque by the council.

Next was Tommy Lenoir, coach of Jemison’s 12-year-old Dizzy Dean baseball all-star team. The team over the weekend was invited to participate in the Dizzy Dean World Series tournament, a trip that Lenoir estimated would cost from $5,000-$8,000.

The council voted to donate $2,000, and state representative Jimmy Martin made contributions of both state funds and his own money.

“I have been astounded at how the community has responded to this,” Lenoir said. “We’re living a pipe dream, so we don’t want to come back with anything less than a World Series championship.”

Martin also presented a grant for $25,000 to the Jemison Police Department for the installation of e-ticket hardware in police cruisers.

After most of the 50 attendees had taken their leaves, the council got down to more pressing business.

Reed told three members of the Oak Grove community that roads in their area could be paved as soon as Friday.

Donna Bice presented a petition to the council that included the signatures of six residents on Railroad Street, asking that a speed breaker be installed on their road. The council voted to grant their request.

The council also approved Tammy Miller as court clerk/magistrate for Jemison Municipal Court and approved Shelia Hogge as the new city clerk, replacing Mary Ellison, who is retiring.

“We look forward to working with Ms. Hogge, and we would like thank Ms. Ellison for her years of service,” Reed said.

The council voted to approve a vehicle belonging to the police department as salvage. People now have the opportunity to place bids on the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria, which will be displayed near city hall.

Lastly, the council adjusted the water bill of Betty Adams before voting to pay the bills and adjourning.

By Stephen Dawkins

The Jemison City Council on Monday listened to a contentious public hearing before deciding to reverse the zoning on property off Patton Street.
The property was zoned commercial before citywide rezoning in August 2009 resulted in a residential zoning, which made it impossible for Caton Properties to rent a building it owns to potential businesses.
Two people with Caton Properties addressed the council at the hearing, as did five neighbors that wanted the property to remain residential because of problems they said a business would bring.
The city’s planning commission had recommended the council keep the zoning as it was decided last August, but the council decided differently.
Voting “nay,” to overturn the commission’s recommendation, were council members George Brasher, Donnie Lane, Robert Morris and Sam Reed. Mayor Eddie Reed voted to heed the commission’s recommendation to keep the zoning as is, and councilwoman Faye King abstained.
Two public hearings were held before the city adopted a rezoning plan in August 2009. Wayne Caton of Caton Properties said he attended at least one of the hearings, but said he didn’t understand at the time that his property would be zoned differently.
“When the process for rezoning the city was done, it was published, it was announced,” Reed said. “There were no objections; there was no opposition to it.”
The council’s vote and subsequent explanation did not appease the residents who were at the city’s Municipal Complex to argue against changing the property back to commercial, but council members said any business would have to abide by city ordinances pertaining to noise, etc.
The residents said a building on the property in question had housed a vehicle body shop and wrecker service in the past and the noise created, especially late at night, was a nuisance and lowered surrounding property values.
In other business, the council:
•Changed the city’s ordinance pertaining to the sale of alcohol to read that businesses will have to pay the city 5 percent of gross monthly receipts, instead of 15 percent as the ordinance was originally written.
•Donated $1,047 to a Chilton Medical Center program that helps victims of rape.
•Gave Mayor Reed the power to enter into a contract with a real estate company to find possible tenant or tenants of the old city hall.
•Decided to bring in the top three candidates for the city clerk position for another interview. Mary Ellison resigned from the position effective as soon as a replacement could be found, and Reed said an interview committee initially met with six applicants.

By Stephen Dawkins

The Jemison City Council on Monday took steps to improve traffic in the Oak Grove community, which was annexed into the city in March 2009.
The council voted unanimously to install a three-way stop at the intersection of County Roads 138 and 560 and to designate the speed limit for those roads, as well as CR 141, at 20 miles per hour.
“Since we’ve done some improvements in that community, the speeding traffic has been somewhat of a problem,” Mayor Eddie Reed said.
There previously was no posted speed limit on the roads, and council members indicated residents had complained about speeding in the area.
The three-way stop was also an effort to reduce speeding.

In other business, the council:
•Approved five new members of the Jemison Fire Department: Virginia Lawley, Jeffrey Rawlinson, Alberto Salinas, Clay Seyfried and Cameron Emmrick.
•Entered into executive session to discuss “legal ramifications” but took no action on the matter before adjourning.
•Bought a full-page advertisement in the Jemison High football program for $125.
•Adjusted water bills for three residents.

Dear Editor,

I often pray for the leaders in this country, from the president to my local mayor and city council.

I ask God first to provide us good leaders who will seek Him first, and then to give them wisdom and good judgment in their leadership services.

With the blessing of the new city hall in Jemison, which was built in difficult economic times, ensuring employment for many and bolstering Jemison’s reputation in the county all the way up to the U.S. Congress (as represented by the gifts bestowed to the mayor), God has abundantly provided for our little city.

It is quite gratifying to see Jemison’s mayor and city council include thanksgiving to God in the grand opening ceremonies for the new municipal center and city hall. Their humility is appreciated.

During the ceremonies, I was reminded of Malachi 3:10, when God says, “Try me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

Thanks to God and our local leaders who have provided excellent leadership for our community so that we may prosper and be a blessing in return.

–Rex Bittle, Jemison

By Stephen Dawkins

Monday’s Jemison City Council meeting was both the beginning of an era and the end of one.
In its first meeting in the new Jemison Municipal Complex, the council accepted the resignation of city clerk Mary Ellison, who has served in the role for 26 years.
“Ms. Mary has worked faithfully for the city for many years,” Mayor Eddie Reed said. “We appreciate the effort and the work she’s done.”
Reed is the third mayor Ellison has worked with, and Ellison said she expects growth to continue in the city.
“It’s been very interesting—never dull,” Ellison said. “I’ve enjoyed working with all the people.”
The position will be posted for applicants, and Ellison agreed to remain in her role until a replacement can be hired and trained.
In other business, the council:
•Established Thursday night at 6 p.m. as the time for weekly work sessions, though Reed said the council wouldn’t necessarily meet every week.
•Discussed the road condition and traffic on County Road 138, part of which has recently been annexed into the city.
Police Chief Shane Fulmer said the speed limit for any unmarked county road is 35 or 40 miles per hour and recommended the council lower the limit to 25 miles per hour. The council agreed to do so and also assured a resident the road would be paved as soon as possible.
•Bought a full-page advertisement in The Clanton Advertiser’s graduation edition for $1,000.
•Declared surplus, at Fulmer’s request, two police vehicles—a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria and a 2003 make of the same model.

By Stephen Dawkins

Jemison City Hall will close Thursday and Friday while employees make the move next door to the city’s new Municipal Complex.

City Hall will also close on April 29 for more moving, the Jemison City Council decided on Monday at a regular meeting.

“We’ve got a lot of stuff to move out,” Mayor Eddie Reed said. “We couldn’t do it with the public coming in, so we’re going to have to go ahead and close it.”

In other business, the council:

•Moved the site of the city’s municipal elections from the fire department to the new Municipal Complex.

•Voted to annex land on the western side of town, off Smith Road

•Heard from representatives from the Jemison High School Blue Regiment Band and from Jemison Middle School asking for donations. The JHS band director, George Martin, said the Blue Regiment needed money to pay off equipment, while JMS assistant principal David Seale said his school needed money for everyday supplies. Reed told both that the council would have to examine its budget for the remainder of the fiscal year before it could commit to any donations.

•Expressed a desire to remind residents that April is clean up month. Items not normally taken by trash collectors can be placed near roads this month, and workers will pick them up the last week of the month. Workers will not pick up paint, tires or vehicle batteries.

By Stephen Dawkins

The Jemison City Council on Monday granted its first two alcohol licenses.
City residents voted on Jan. 12 to allow alcohol sales, and the council passed an ordinance on Jan. 18.
Jemison Exxon, near Interstate 65 Exit 219, and Stop and Shop, on Highway 31 north of Jemison High School, are the first businesses licensed to sell alcohol in city limits.
“Ya’ll just made history,” Mayor Eddie Reed told the council after its unanimous vote.
Before being granted licenses, businesses are scrutinized by Police Chief Shane Fulmer, who runs background checks on the business owners, and Fire Chief John Dennis and Building Inspector Shannon Welch, who both ensure the business is compliant with local and state fire and building codes.
All three officials were present at the meeting and approved granting licenses to the businesses.
Jemison’s ordinance also allows for public debate before licenses are granted, but no one was present at the regularly scheduled meeting at Jemison City Hall to voice opposition.
“This is a historic moment for the city of Jemison,” Reed said. “It’s gone smoothly because we have the people in place.”
In other business, the council:
•Heard a presentation from Diane Calloway about regulations that could apply to the auditorium in the new city hall that is still under construction.
Calloway previously had volunteered to gather information about rental rates and other usage regulations adopted for Helen Jenkins Chapel in Thorsby and Calera Community Center.
The council thanked Calloway for her help and indicated action could be taken on the matter in a future meeting.
•Heard from Dennis about the Alabama Smoke Alarm Initiative, which Jemison will participate in. The state initiative is a way of ensuring all residents have working smoke alarms.

By Stephen Dawkins

The Jemison City Council on Monday decided on a different supplier for new playground equipment in the city’s park.
The council had awarded a contract to Giffen Recreation of Pelham, but the company is not a member of the U.S. Communities government purchasing alliance, councilmember Sam Reed said.
Had it gone with a company not on the U.S. Communities list, Jemison would not have been able to receive a Land and Water Grant, so the city instead will purchase equipment from GameTime.
Because of its inclusion on the U.S. Communities list, Reed said Jemison could award a contract to GameTime without bidding out the project—which the council did at a regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall.
Reed said the change should not cause any delays on the project and that the cost of the equipment will be comparable to what Giffen was going to charge.
The council also voted to annex land owned by Roger W. Hill into the city. Hill’s land is adjacent to Highway 31 north of Jemison.
The council was unsure exactly how much land would be annexed but seemed to agree that it was about 100 acres.
The council also renewed a contract with RDS, a company that analyzes sales tax information.
Yolanda Watkins, RDS regional account manager, gave a presentation to the council and said her company in three years had discovered 192 businesses operating without a license.
Watkins said the license purchases accounted for more than $20,000, of which the city received half.
The council also voted to adjust the water bills of six residents.
The council went into executive session to discuss possible litigation before paying the bills and adjourning.

By Ben Flanagan

Jemison City Council took time Monday night to thank the city’s police and fire departments for the hard work they do every day.
“We just can’t thank you enough,” Mayor Eddie Reed said.
The council passed a resolution to repay Regions Bank a loan of $495,000 that paid for the construction of the city’s new city hall building.
While thanking Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer, Reed said they were fortunate that nothing had been stolen during the construction.
He said earlier this week there was a theft outside of the new city hall.
A man stole a cement mixer but was apprehended by police officers approximately five minutes after he committed the crime, Reed said.
Fulmer expressed his gratitude toward the council and other city officials who attended the  meeting.
“We’re glad to be a part of it,” he said. “I feel blessed to be here.”
The council also passed a resolution to purchase playground equipment to be built and placed in a local park.
The council passed a resolution to purchase flood insurance for areas in the city subject to flooding or mudslides.
Reed said the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommended the insurance, and the resolution was passed to become eligible for it.
The council also passed an amendment to an ordinance regarding setting fees and rates for alcohol sales in Jemison.
Another amendment was passed on an ordinance to adjust the present rate of business license fees to include alcohol sales.
Chief Fulmer said the Alabama Beverage Company says those who wish to apply for an alcohol sales license can do so now.
The final resolution the council passed was to give Chilton Leadership $500 for a two-part project involving revising the 10-year-old county video advertising the municipalities and attractions in the area.
Rex Bittle appeared on behalf of the organization and said the current video is only available on VHS but will soon be adjusted with new video and photos and available to store and distribute on DVD, flash drives, SD cards and the organization’s Web site.
The council also approved producing a new advertisement for Minooka Park.

By Scott Mims

The Jemison City Council voted last Monday night to enter into a three-year lease agreement for the purchase of five new police vehicles.
The agreement is with Creative Leasing at $59,000 annually starting in January 2011, Jemison Police Chief Shane Fulmer said.
“The majority of our fleet are 2005 models that are at or nearing 100,000 miles,” Fulmer said. “We appreciate the mayor and the council’s support to give us equipment that is safe for us to be able to provide our services to citizens.”
In addition to safety concerns, when vehicles reach the 100,000-mile mark they begin to cost more in regular maintenance and repairs, Fulmer added.
In other business, the council approved poll workers for the upcoming wet/dry special election. The poll workers will be Neal Clements, Ann Thomas, Helen Atchison and Connie Haggard.
The election will be held Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010 at the Jemison Fire Station located at 191 Main St. The poll will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The special election was set by the council after accepting a petition bearing more than the required 220 signatures, or 30 percent, of registered voters participating in the last municipal election.
The question will appear on the ballot as follows: “Do you favor the legal sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages within the city limits of Jemison, Alabama?” Voters will then mark either “Yes” or “No” on their ballot.

The council also:
•Accepted a petition for Collum Street residents to install speed breakers
•Approved speed breakers for Collum Street
•Declared a JCB backhoe as salvage
•Entered into an executive session for the following reasons: 1) to consider the discipline or dismissal of or to hear formal written complaints or charges brought against a public employee, 2) to discuss preliminary negotiations involving matters of trade or commerce in which the entity is in competition with private individuals
•Entered into a second executive session for the discussion of good name and character.