VINEMONT – The top two items on the agenda for this week’s Vinemont Town Council meeting were the town’s Cary C. Montgomery Scout Community Center, known locally as the “Scout House,” and the possibility of the state purchasing a home for use by the mentally and physically disabled.
According to council members, questions have been asked regarding the rental of the Scout House in cases where the building is rented for two consecutive days. Currently, each four-hour period rental costs $160, $60 of which goes to pay for cleaning services; however, if the building is rented for two consecutive days, the building is only cleaned once. In other words, renters are paying for two cleanups when they should only be charged for one. The council passed a resolution stating that parties who rent the building for two consecutive days only pay the initial $160 for the first day’s four-hour rental and $100 for the second day’s four-hour rental. Prices are still $25 for every hour past the four hours.
In response to a request from the Cullman County Probate Office, the council passed a resolution to allow the Scout House to be used during county, state and federal elections; however, municipal elections will not be held in the location. Mayor Radginal Dodson says that the change will reduce confusion and will make the process of voting, as a whole, easier due to more room being available at the Scout House.
After a lengthy discussion, the council approved the purchase of a home within the town limits to be used for the care of the mentally and physically disabled. The building will function as a group home for adults who are challenged and employees of the state who will offer constant supervision. The purchase was ultimately approved; however, stipulations were added regarding possible local traffic impact. The home is near the “V” intersection of Tillery Road and Patton Drive.
In new business, Dodson appointed council members to oversee different areas: Toni Helms will oversee the Scout House, Joann Oakley will oversee the parks as well as the walking trail, J.D. Marcum and Sonya Mabry will jointly cover lights and potholes and Shirley Arnett will oversee beautification of the town.
Helms thanked the citizens of South Vinemont for sending the council to a conference in Huntsville regarding effective governance.
“I was amazed by how government should run, and the process of how it works,” said Helms, who says the experience was very helpful as she is a relatively new face in local politics.
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.
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