Morgan County Commission approves liquor licenses and annexation moratorium

The Decatur City Council meeting on April 21, 2025, covered several significant topics, including the approval of monthly bills, liquor licenses for local events, and a moratorium on annexations.

The meeting began with the council approving the March 2025 monthly bills unanimously. Following this, the council held public hearings for two liquor license requests. The first was for Little Scarf Shots, which sought a Class I lounge license for liquor, beer, and wine at their location on Second Avenue. The council closed the public hearing after no one spoke against it and approved the resolution 4-0.

The second liquor license request was from the Greater Morgan County Builders Association for a special event at Ingalls Harbor Pavilion, scheduled for May 3, 2025. This event will now take place outdoors, a change from a previous indoor plan. After a brief discussion clarifying the event's details, the council approved this request, also by a 4-0 vote.

In addition to liquor licenses, the council addressed the assessment of demolition costs for an unsafe building on Cashion Street, approving a resolution to assess $8,330 for the abatement. They also authorized the execution of an emergency planning agreement with Morgan County EMA, which has been in place for several years.

A notable discussion involved a proposed moratorium on annexations, recommended by the planning department to allow for the establishment of zoning districts and polling locations. The council approved this moratorium, effective until September 30, 2025.

The meeting concluded with the council approving several resolutions, including a transition to digital design review grants and a survey of Walter Jackson Elementary School for potential historic districts. The council also declared surplus property that had been donated for a park, which will be returned to the donating church.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's ongoing efforts to manage local governance effectively, address community needs, and facilitate events that contribute to Decatur's growth and development.