(Left to right) Mayor Hunter, Officer Jones, Officer Allen, and Chief Walton
On February 5, 2018, the Uniontown City Council held its bi-monthly meeting. Mayor Jamaal Hunter called the meeting to order and the council motioned to go into executive session. The City Council meeting resumed with four members present including Langhorne, Watts, Moore, and Jones. Bell was absent. The meeting began with reports from department head, Fire Chief Williams who reported on the recent arsons and stated, “The Fire Marshall and County Sheriff Jones, were helping with the investigations of car and house fires.” Williams also spoke about the “Sowing Seeds of Hope” Luncheon held in honor of first responders that he and Councilwoman Jones attended. The City of Uniontown Fire Department received recognition for their handwork and was awarded with a framed certificate that will be hung in Council Chambers. The City Sanitation Superintendent Bell did not have a report but accepted suggestions from each district as well as the Mayor who suggested that each district fill out a form regarding needs from the sanitation departments. This will allow the sanitation and water department to review and execute requests.
Chief Walton gave a report stating it has been pretty quiet around town; however, on Saturday, there was a concerned citizen’s call about a vehicle being parked on the basketball court at the park on Lucious Street. Officers responded and confiscated alcohol and marijuana. The trespassers were arrested. Suggestions were made to put up barriers to block cars from coming through but still allow access to the park.
Officers Edward Jones and Joemarius Allen both were recognized for their recent bravery in the city. Officer Jones saved a female citizen on Water Street from an attack by her brother. Had he not arrived immediately, the victim might have died. Officer Allen responded to a call and was able to use his training to identify a potential arsonist. Officer Jones and Allen both received a plaque and a formal thank you by the council. Mayor Hunter stated,“ We wanted to commend these officers for their work, putting their lives on the line, as they protect the community.” Officer Allen was officially sworn in tonight as a police officer for the city of Uniontown. Emefa Butler, C.H.O.I.C.E. founder, held The Bible as Allen was sworn in tonight.
The Mayor also spoke about a dinner he will give all first responders for their work. Ben Eaton, Vice-President of Blackbelt Citizens, invited the city council to a meeting on Tuesday, Feb 6th, with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund at Quinn Chapel in Uniontown, Alabama with the Atlantic Fellow, which targets grassroots activism. After speaking about the program, Eaton was on the agenda regarding a council vote that has been postponed since October. Mr. Eaton asked the question regarding the council’s lack of decision regarding City Sanitation Superintendent Bell. A motion was made but it lacked a second to proceed. Subsequently, Eaton asked the council, “When will they close that business out,” referring to the dismissal of Sanitation Superintendent Bell. Councilwoman Watts stated, “(She) was glad she waited the 60 days before making a decision regarding that matter,” she then stated, “after observing him for 60 days and he had no other incidents.” Councilwoman Watts made the motion to keep Bell in his current position, it was seconded by Jones, and passed with four yeas and one nay by Councilman Moore.
Each District Reported or asked question regarding their district.
District 1: Represented by Langhorne, spoke about the playground equipment in her district where she has groups coming in Feb 17-18 and March 10-13 to complete the project. The park is stated to be completed before the start of the summer.
District 2: Represented by Watts, wanted to know the amount of people working in each department. Williams reported 15 firemen, Walton reported 5 full-time officers and 2 part-time officers and Bell reported 18 sanitation workers.
District 3: Represented by Moore, discussed a lawsuit the city can join with Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C., who wishes to file a lawsuit on behalf of the City of Uniontown, Alabama, against a number of manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioid medications. The complaint states the marketing of these drugs contributed to the creation of the opioid epidemic, a public health and safety crisis. Because of responding to the opioid crisis within the communities, the city has sustained economic damages and continues to incur a significant financial burden. The city council voted to meet with the attorneys to ask questions and get more information about the lawsuit.
District 4: Represented by Jones, asked about park and recreation. Salso asked for a discussion about, as well as a copy of, the budget. She also spoke about her concern regarding the kick start program not performing its duties. Additionally, she asked the city council members to stop in and look at what is going on.
After Salso’s report, the mayor went to approvals.
First up on approvals was Rural Health wanting to implement a “Change Your Life” program for ages 18 and up that will target members who have diabetes. They would like to use the auditorium for free. This was tabled until they can find out time and days per month they wish to offer the program. Second was Mike Caitlin’s application to operate the package store on West Avenue. This item was approved unanimously. Cadence Bank asked for permission to do some work and council gave the mayor permission to sign the paperwork to complete the water pipe repair. The Library is reporting a leak and the mayor stated, "The work that was done did not help the problem, he also stated that a roof must go on the library.” Before the meeting adjourned, Mr. Eaton asked for “clarification regarding the budget”. Mayor Hunter stated, “The council approve the budget and it has not been balanced, but he will give them a copy of the last budget that the city worked on.” Moore then made the motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting and all voted to approve. Moore also motioned to have the next meeting on Feb 20, 2018. It was approved. The meeting was then adjourned.
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Written by: Portia Shepherd
Edited by: Shaunte Woods