VINEMONT – The Vinemont Town Council spent a big portion of its meeting this month discussing the Good Samaritan Health Clinic with the clinic’s executive director Jolanda Hutson, who is requesting funding from the Town. Good Samaritan provides medical care to uninsured people throughout Cullman County.
Hutson is requesting that municipalities support the clinic, since it serves members of their communities. Hutson said that estimates show that 13 percent of patients at the clinic have Vinemont zip codes, but the figure could be higher as a Cullman zip code covers a portion of Vinemont’s residents. The clinic is a nonprofit, and has several streams of revenue; however, the clinic is receiving less support in the form of grants. This has lead them to seek more financial support from the communities they serve.
The council was sympathetic toward Hutson and the plight of the uninsured, but no final decision was reached. According to Mayor Radginal Dodson, the council will discuss funding among themselves over concerns of financial ability and state regulations. Dodson said he could not promise anything now, but a decision should be reached before the next budget is drafted.
In old business, striping has been added to Patton Road, Patton Drive, School House Road and Tillery Road. The striping was completed the afternoon of July 11, and residents are no longer asked to take an alternate route.
In new business, drainage issues have been reported on Kelly Road. Drain lines will be installed in the right-of-way which should alleviate the problem.
The Town has recently installed four cameras in the Vinemont Community Center, also known as the Scout House, to deter unapproved activity.
Lastly, the council approved a request by Dirty Dawg Pet Spa and Rescue to install a sign. Due to an unusual ordinance, the council must approve every commercial sign that is requested in the town’s limits. The request was approved as long as the sign complies with another sign ordinance that doesn’t allow flashing signs.
The Vinemont Town Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Vinemont Town Hall. The public is welcome to attend.
Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
