Weaver Expects to Lose the sum of $100,000 in revenue on June 1st Weaver City Council meeting

Weaver, AL – Weaver hosted the regularly scheduled work session as well as the city council meeting on Tuesday, April 24th.

Work Session

In the course of the working meeting Public Works Director, Joey Conger said that the price of repairing driveway damage caused by recent storms will be $3,012. He also said that that four generators were not operating and required electrical work. The three generator project is moving forward, however it might be two or three months away from funding, the project, and then a 60-week waiting time to receive parts. The tank booster that is being developed is still waiting on funds due to ADEM not receiving funds as of yet. The expectation is that funding is received within two to four weeks, after which the project could be put up for offered for bid. It is expected to begin in the autumn or in 2024. He also mentioned that a new picnic table is being ordered and is due to be invoiced to the architect or engineer for reimbursement for the table’s destruction in the construction of the bathrooms.

There was no information by chief Bush (police) nor Jody Stephens (admin) or chief Bunn (Fire as well as Code Enforcement) was absent.

Councilman Clint Burns asked about the wrestling dedication. He was told from the mayor that the dedication was scheduled to be held on April 26th at 12:30 in the evening at High School. It was announced that the Mayor along with City Council would be presenting the check of $1,000 at the direction of Coach Fulmer and a matching check will be given to Commissioner Terry Howell. The meeting also reported the fact that Nick Ledbetter was the winner of at the Calhoun County Golf Tournament and Councilman Burns asked to receive some type of acknowledgment.

Mayor Clendenning stated that, in addition to honoring Mr. Ledbetter, he would want the council to establish an award for the Teacher of the Year award and a Coach of the Year award which will be awarded at the time of the end of the school year. Both awards would be awarded out of a pool of nominations that were selected through their fellow peers. The council could not choose or decide on the winners. The council was also informed it was mentioned that Kathryn “Kathy” McMinn is a Weaver alumni who is included in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. McMinn would like the council to create something that honors her accomplishments.

The councilwoman Cathy Hamby asked of someone was planning to establish an enterprise outside Weaver City limits, Weaver City limits, but was still within the Police Weaver Jurisdiction do they need an official business license. Mayor Clendeinng said that they will, but on June 1st, the rules would change. He then explained how in 2021 Act 2022-97 was passed. The law required an annual report be provided to the state describing all activities and revenue collection that take place within the police authority. The city was not informed of this, nor was it aware that the date was coming up and therefore they were not able to complete the report. This led to Weaver to be out of compliance, along together with Piedmont as well as Hobson City, both in Calhoun County and a total of 136 municipalities throughout the state. Because of the language in the law, when a municipality is out of compliance, it will not be reinstated. This means that Weaver will never be able to take property taxes, taxes on fires, nor give an business license to businesses that are not within the city limits however within the police jurisdiction. This would cost Weaver around $100,000 per year in revenue. Mayor Clendinning said he has spoken with all other Mayors in the County and they are in favor of new legislation that will give municipalities a period of 24 months to meet instead of just one. If the legislation is approved, Weaver will remain in compliance and keep the money. It was also mentioned it was noted that Sen. Elliott (original author of the 2021 Act) has promised to filibuster and has promised to stop any attempt to alter the original text of the law. The Mayor requested to all Weaver residents contact Senate president pro tempore Greg Reed, to request Bill 351 be passed. The bill will allow Weaver along with other municipalities to remain in compliance with the law by extending time for reporting from twelve months up to. To send an email to Senator Reed you must click the link under his name.

Mayor Clendennig also provided an update on the bathroom facilities. Because of the elevation, it was built at, the present septic system isn’t functioning. This has led to the need for new pumps at an approximate cost of $6500. There was much debate about what the reason for this to be the expense of the city, not the architect or engineer. Mayor Clendenning declared that he was trying to ensure that the project was in line with the timeline in the event of a delay and the cost of this won’t make the project go over budget as contingency funds was allotted. There is a possibility to pursue a lawsuit over the cost but the legal costs could be more than the cost for a brand new pump. Also, there was no assurance of winning. At present, the bathrooms are scheduled to be finished by the end of May, which coincides with the opening to Splash Pad. Splash Pad.

Mike Warren spoke about being approached regarding honoring Kathryn “Kathy” McMinn. He sought permission to investigate the cost of having a sign made to honor Kathryn McMinn. The council mentioned that they had previously discussed this but they were not in any way displeased regarding Mr. Warren also looking into the issue.

An official of East Alabama Regional Planning came to discuss the plan’s comprehensiveness that is been in development. She was keen to concentrate on the business aspect and laid out the main objectives that the city might take into consideration. The city did not take any formal actions.

The new site for the City will be launched in May. The site is waiting for department and council members to look over and provide a handful of details. Once the site is completed, the city will launch the new website.

City Council Meeting

• Invocation
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Roll Call
  • Councilmember Clint Burns – Present
  • Member of the Council Tim McRae – Present
  • Member of Council Cathy Hamby – Present
  • Mayor Pro Tem Nick Bowles – Absent
  • Councilmember Terri Summerlin – Absent
  • The Mayor Jeff Clendenning – Present
• Agenda Agenda Unanimously approved
• Minutes Unanimously approved
• Department Heads
  • Joey Conger – No Comment
  • Jody Stephen s- No Comment
  • Chief Bush Chief Bush No comment
  • Chief Bunn – Not Present
• Council Comments
  • Tim McRae – No Comment
  • Clint Burns- No Comment
  • Catherine Hamby thanked Chief Bush for his exceptional department and thanked them for their tireless work.
  • Nick Bowles- Not Present
  • Terri Summerlin Terri Summerlin She’s Not Here
• Mayor’s Report
  • Mayor Clendenning informed everyone about the paving grant of $2,500. It is an ongoing process, and they haven’t received anything as of so far. He also stated that the former colonial house is up for sale.
• Adjournment Ajournment Unanimously approved