Council sets hearing on Heman Drummond Center aid, approves drilling and parking studies; fiber franchise introduced

The Jasper City Council on May 20 set a public hearing for proposed development assistance to the Walker Area Community Foundation for the Heman Drummond Center for Innovation and approved municipal steps to evaluate property for potential acquisition and to study parking at the new City Hall.

Russ Robertson, the city's attorney, told the council that a hearing on the proposed development assistance is required "by section 94 0 0 1 of the Alabama Constitution." Robertson said staff had drafted a resolution to set the hearing for the council's June 3 meeting and prepared a notice for publication; the city must give seven days' notice in the Mountain Eagle. The council approved the resolution setting the June 3 hearing.

Mayor Cowan asked the council for permission to enter an agreement for drilling on a parcel discussed in executive session to determine whether the city should acquire the property for possible industrial or retail expansion; the council approved the request. The mayor separately asked the council to authorize an agreement with McGee Engineering to study parking layout around the new City Hall and annex to increase the number of recommended parking spaces; the council approved that authorization.

Chambers (city staff) introduced a franchise agreement with Alabama Fiber Network for fiber placement (previously discussed at a work session). Chambers and the city attorney said the city negotiated a few changes and Alabama Fiber Network agreed; the item was introduced and no council action was taken at this meeting.

Council also agreed to reschedule the Mar Jac matter to June 3 to allow coordination with the Department of Revenue.