West Point Mayor Kenneth Kilgo, left, speaks at the town council meeting this week. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
WEST POINT – The West Point Town Council this week extended an invitation to the community to join in as it celebrates the opening of the new Dale’s Market, as well as the now-completed Alabama Highway 157 turn lane project. The event is scheduled for Nov. 30 at 11:30 a.m.
West Point Mayor Kenneth Kilgo said he has invited many high-profile guests, and the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce will also be on hand for the occasion. Following the ribbon cutting, Dale’s will be giving out free chicken sandwiches and pizza. The first 200 gas customers will receive a free T-shirt.
The new turn 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.
At the West Point Town Council meeting this week, Kilgo addressed what he said are rumors regarding Dale’s Market: “I want to make a statement for the record to alleviate any questions. Our responsibility ends at the end of the right of way. Anything we have spent has been on that right of way. We cannot, would not and never would give a penny of money…that Dale’s Market is on Greg Black and Black Enterprises. Whatever happens with them, whatever they pay or do; they bought that property.”
The council also discussed possible ways to stop truck traffic on County Road 1243, which allows access to the road behind the school. Large trucks and dump trucks using the road are described as “very, very, very dangerous,” according to Councilman Timmy Smith. The hazard comes from large trucks regularly using the road as school kids are attempting to cross the street at the two crosswalks. The town council hopes to find a solution by its next meeting.
West Point High School Tennis Coach Shanda Gardner addressed the council regarding the electric bill at the school’s tennis court. The council agreed to pay $1,000 a year to the school to assist with the power bill.
Discussions continued on the addition of a splash pad at the town’s playground. The council hopes to see drawings of the proposed splash pad at the upcoming meeting.
Smith said of the possible addition, “It’s something for the community and kids. It will be wonderful, and I believe it is money well spent.”
Councilman Frankie Jones added, “Any money spent on the kids is money well spent.”
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