CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday evening approved the rezoning of property along Bolte Road Southeast to allow for the construction of a subdivision of small-lot, single-family houses, as well as an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) paving the way for a traffic signal at the dangerous Alabama Highway 69 (Cherokee Avenue)/24th Street intersection in the city’s southwest industrial district.
The rezoning, from residential R-1 to PR-1 (Planned Unit Development) will allow the construction of approximately 280 small single-family dwellings on the city’s southeast side. During the public hearing that preceded the vote, neighborhood resident Brian Messersmith came forward to voice concerns about the development. He did not object to the new subdivision but pointed out the poor condition of Bolte Road in that area, and asked the council to consider repairing, improving, widening and restriping the road to help accommodate what he estimated will be up to 1,000 more vehicles per day on that section of road.
The rezoning approval vote came on a first reading of the ordinance after the council suspended its regular rules of procedure.
The traffic signal resolution will allow the City to work with ALDOT, which controls Highway 69, though it is inside Cullman’s city limits at the 24th Avenue intersection, on the signal and intersection improvements.
Nesmith Park renovations
The council approved a resolution to award the bid for its Nesmith Park renovation project to the lowest responsible bidder, Coston General Contractors, Inc., in the amount of $779,544. City personnel and Renta Urban Land Design evaluated bids and selected Coston to include a splash pad, multi-use baseball field and other improvements.
Lodging taxes going up
The council approved a 1.75% increase to the City’s existing 2.25% lodging tax and room fees on hotel/motel accommodations in the city of Cullman, bringing the total tax to 4%. Councilman Clint Hollingsworth pointed out that the tax will allow improvements to area lodging, while not increasing taxes on local residents.
Sewer project approved
The council awarded the bid for Derby Creek sewer rehabilitation to the lowest responsible bidder, Pipeworks Plus, Inc., in the amount of $4,475,246. Council President Pro Tem Johnny Cook told the audience that, despite its name, the project is not limited to the Derby Creek area but affects sewer lines extending all the way into the downtown area. Other bidders included:
- American Infrastructure Tech Corp. – $5,591,100
- Gulf Coast Underground, LLC – $5,591,100
- Portland Utilities Construction Co., LLC – $5,442,942.88
- Suncoast Infrastructure, Inc. – $5,103,500
- Tren-Tay Incorporated – $4,878,475
City Clerk Wes Moore pointed out that the winning bid came in more than $1 million under budget.
New owners of Rumors Deli receive alcohol license for renamed establishment
The council approved a request from Hank’s Sports Bar and Grill located at 601 Fourth St. SW for a restaurant alcohol license. The business, listed on the council agenda as Hank’s Sports Grill, will occupy the current location of Rumors Deli. The Coombs family, who recently purchased the restaurant, have said that they intend to continue its regular day service and menu, but expand into an evening schedule with new food options and alcohol service.
The council also approved a special event request from Justin Lynch of Jesus in the World Ministry to hold a prayer gathering on the sidewalk in front of the Cullman County Courthouse Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 beginning at noon, “to pray for our nation, county and state.” The event will include prayer and live music.
Outgoing city school superintendent honored
Mayor Woody Jacobs opened Monday’s meeting by presenting retiring Cullman City Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson a resolution of appreciation honoring her for her years of service to the city system. Members of the Cullman City School Board came to see her receive the honor, and she was accompanied by incoming Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff.
Other council business
The council passed resolutions to:
- enter into contract with Chest Medicine of Cullman (Dr. Scott Warner) to oversee and provide medical direction, case analysis and clinical oversight regarding outbreaks of infectious diseases
- enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Cullman City School Board to support and assist in its capital improvement plan for the Cullman City Schools, in order to provide “exceptional education opportunities for the citizens of Cullman”
- enter into a contract with Millennium Risk Managers to provide medical billing repricing for jail system
- enter into service contract agreement with Evans Terry Associates for the development and implementation of a transition plan for compliance with ADA regulations
- authorize the city attorney to seek clarification to levy franchise taxes
The council suspended its regular rules of procedure to pass the following ordinances, in addition to the Bolte Road rezoning:
- to rezone property along Beech Avenue Southwest from M-2 Manufacturing to B-2 Business District
- to amend the zoning ordinance for the City of Cullman, Alabama. Details can be viewed at http://cullmanal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/o10-02082021.pdf.
- to annex property on Welti Road Southeast as AG-1 Agricultural and R-1 Residential
- to improve and update the inspection process for street construction. The new process will require inspection of streets after each phase of construction and will require developers to put up a maintenance bond.
- to amend the dedication of streets in the city of Cullman. The updated ordinance will require developers to have streets inspected and to put up maintenance bonds.
The Cullman City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in the Cullman City Hall auditorium. The public is invited to attend.
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