by Dwight Turner

The Town of Ardmore, AL Mayor and Town Council, meeting in scheduled session on Monday, June 12, voted unanimously to authorize work to begin on a $387,000 sewer system renovation project.

The funds for the project came through a Community Development Block Grant, received by the town earlier in the year.

A resolution authorizing Mayor Eugene Shannon to enter into a contract with low-bidder Portland Utilities Contractor, LLC, was read by Town Clerk Darla Daly, discussed, and unanimously passed after a motion by Councilman Billy Shannon and a second by Councilman Melody Duffey.

A pre-construction meeting was tentatively slated for next Monday, June 19, at 1 PM. After the meeting, formal work on the project will commence. The proposed time frame for completion of the project is four months.

In other business, the council discussed whether or not it would be advisable for the town to participate in a tax-break program passed by the Alabama State Legislature that would allow certain school supplies and clothing to be purchased without state tax on the weekend of August 4-6. No state tax will be charged on selected items during this time, but municipalities were given the choice as to whether or not to opt in to the program. After discussing the matter in some detail, Councilman Duffey moved to participate in the program. Duffey’s motion was seconded by Councilman Ricky Mitchell and passed unanimously.

In another matter, the council voted to begin a small project, aimed at remodeling the interior of the Town Conference Room. Mayor Shannon stated that he believed it would be nice to take up the old carpet, which is stained and has holes in it, and replace the carpet with either new carpet or tile.

The proposed remodeling would also include the installation of a chair rail along the wall, the purchase of new chairs, and a new conference table. Street Superintendent Terry Barkley, who was charged with the task of exploring the costs associated with the remodeling, addressed the council, discussing the various options for flooring and the placing of the chair rail.

“I need you to tell me what you want me to do before I begin anything,” reported Barkley. “I would like to get going, however, and get this finished in three to four weeks.”

After discussing the matter further, Councilman Billy Shannon motioned to proceed with the project, with Shannon Brothers Tile supplying the flooring at cost. Councilman Mitchell seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

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