West Point Mayor Kenneth Kilgo, left, speaks at the West Point Town Council meeting Monday evening. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
WEST POINT – The West Point Town Council on Monday night passed the Town’s FY 2019 budget. A detailed budget should be available this Friday showing an expected $57,746 surplus. The budget forecasts $436,632.20 in income with $378,885.41 in expenses.
Mayor Kenneth Kilgo addressed the progress of the long-awaited deceleration/turn lane on Alabama Highway 157, saying, “The paving is basically complete. It just needs the reflectors and striping added.”
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) recommended a 20-day period to allow for curing before opening the lane for traffic.
The lane is on the eastbound side of the highway as it approaches the County Road 1242 intersection where Jack’s is located.
The council awarded the bid for the project in May to T&K Construction, LLC of Vinemont.
The total bid was priced at $301,260.54. The Town of West Point is responsible for approximately $90,000 of the project after accounting for grants and other contributions. ALDOT previously committed $100,000 to the project, while the Cullman County Commission put in $50,000, according to Kilgo.
The progress is on schedule to coincide with the completion of the new Dale’s Market.
Said Kilgo, “I expect the project to be complete before Thanksgiving.”
The Town intends to hold a joint ribbon cutting to celebrate the completions. The mayor is optimistic that these additions will help attract additional businesses to West Point.
Hesitant to provide specific names, Kilgo said, “I’ve talked to several businesses who have expressed interest in West Point.”
The town’s new food pantry should be up and running soon, according to Councilman Timmy Smith.
“We are planning a community food drive very soon,” he said.
The council has been in contact with local churches for assistance with keeping the pantry stocked and maintained once it is opened.
New business included the first reading of an ordinance to annex a lot in the Somerset subdivision. The matter will be discussed in more detail and voted on at the November meeting.
Kilgo reported that he is interested in expanding the town’s sewer lines in anticipation of future growth. He expressed his intention to discuss the possibility with elected state officials from the area soon.
Town Clerk Joann Jones shared that the new Bent and Dent Grocery is now open for business. It is located in the old Wisner Building.
Wesley Laney and Darion Daniel are actively working to purchase new playground equipment for the town’s park. The addition of a splash pad is also being considered.
Mayor Kilgo said, “I will support anything to improve the park for our kids.”
Cost estimates and details will be discussed further at the next meeting.
The West Point Town Council will meet next on Monday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome.
Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
