City tables motion of subdivision annexation, plans 50th anniversary

Mayor Bruce Grantham said he and the council had concerns about a water retention pond near the entrance to the subdivision and Dale County Road 445.

“If we’re taking responsibility for the roads, we’re accepting a big responsibility,” Grantham said. “I’d like to talk with the county engineer and see his concerns before we move forward with this.”

Grantham expressed concerns with water runoff issues surrounding the retention pond, which could lead to damage to County Road 445 the city would be liable for.  

Youngblood said the retention pond is dry and doesn’t hold water before a rain, and added he’s monitored the pond during rains and doesn’t foresee water runoff as a danger to the road.

Dale County still hasn’t approved the addition to the subdivision, and the council decided to table the request and gather further information before proceeding.

In other business, the council discussed plans for Level Plains’ 50^th anniversary celebration, which is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2015.

The city’s official anniversary is April 30, 2015, but the council decided to plan the celebration for the following Saturday to allow more residents to attend.

During the meeting, council member Ronnie Thompson was named the activities co-chairman, councilmember Gregory Eldridge was named the safety and security co-chairman and council member Phillip Cole was named the food co-chairman.

Council member James Bullinger, who has spearheaded plans for the anniversary, said the festivities would likely be in the park at the Level Plains Community Center.

Activities will likely include inflatables and games for children, a dedication of the anniversary, guest speakers and a luncheon.

The plans aren’t finalized as the anniversary is still nearly two years away, but the council wanted to begin planning early so it could give adequate notice to the public and those interested in attending.

In other news, the mayor announced some planned renovations to Level Plains City Hall, which have already been approved in the city’s budget.

The renovations include security improvements to the city clerk’s door, which would prevent residents paying court dues or tickets from entering the clerk’s office.

The renovations also include upgrades to the electrical outlets in the building and renovations to the ceiling in the bathrooms and lobby, both of which will be performed by a local carpenter.

The Level Plains City Council will meet again at 6 p.m., July 2, in the Level Plains Community Center.