Wetumpka council approves economic-development deals, liquor licenses and emergency equipment repair

The Wetumpka City Council approved two economic-development resolutions and a series of liquor and retail alcohol licenses during its meeting, and temporarily suspended rules to approve an urgent equipment repair.

The council unanimously approved a resolution described on the agenda as an economic-development agreement for a downtown restaurant and bakery and a similarly described agreement for a grill/restaurant/bakery. No members of the public spoke during the public hearings the council opened for the agreements.

Council members also approved a Class I lounge retail liquor license for Coosa River Craft House (listed on the agenda at 191 Spring Street) and two retail beer and table-wine permits for Piggly Wiggly Food For Less at 5326 U.S. Highway 231 in Wetumpka. During discussion on the Piggly Wiggly licenses a councilmember noted the store’s opening had been busy and the licenses had not deterred customers.

Separately, councilors voted to suspend meeting rules so they could immediately approve a $7,469 repair to replace the turbo on a city grapple truck. A roll-call vote on the rule suspension recorded affirmative votes from all members present, and the subsequent motion to approve the repair carried.

Several budgetary and capital items were not acted on and were carried over to the council’s next meeting. Those items included a requested purchase of five police vehicles at a listed cost of $289,717.89, $8,000 in fire-apparatus repairs to address diesel-exhaust issues, and a tree removal at the municipal airport estimated at $11,500; the council marked each as first-time agenda items and deferred formal action.

The council approved the motions by voice vote when indicated or by roll call for the suspended-rule item. The meeting concluded after the final motions and adjournment.