Terry Shabel named new Good Hope councilman

City amends billboard ordinance, talks seniors, Halloween

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Left to right are Good Hope Councilman Taft Dillashaw, Councilman Greg Brown and Councilwoman Susan Eller at Monday night’s meeting. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

GOOD HOPE, Ala. – A new council member was seated and billboard restrictions were eased Monday night at the Good Hope City Council meeting.

Terry Shabel was unanimously approved by the members of the council to fill the Place 1 seat recently declared vacant following of the passing of Councilman Johnny Harris. Shabel is also on the 2019-2020 Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is employed by Pepsi Cola Distributing Company. Shabel is a 1975 graduate of Good Hope High School.

Shabel was not in attendance at Monday night’s meeting. Plans are being made for his swearing-in ceremony and will be announced in the coming days.

Danny Buchanan was named as the new Parks and Recreation director.

Councilman Taft Dillashaw said of Buchanan, “He is really excited about it. Thanks to Danny for doing it.”

The council made amendments to the City’s existing sign ordinance to allow for billboards within the city limits of Good Hope on Interstate 65 and on Alabama Highway 69 and County Road 222, within a half-mile of Interstate 65.

The ordinance states that all signs must meet Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) regulations as well as addition requirements set forth by the City of Good Hope. On Hwy. 69, a billboard cannot be within 1,000 feet of another billboard, regardless of the side of the road or the city in which the billboard is located. There are additional restrictions on the size, lighting and materials that can be used.

Billboards on I-65 within the city limits have similar restrictions as those on the state highways with distance required between each sign differing as well as distance from the edge of the road.

The City of Good Hope is launching a new program for area senior citizens. The “Sizzlin’ Seniors” program kicks off Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. in the city hall basement. A great day of events is planned at the senior center, including bingo, door prizes, lunch and painting. The City asks that seniors please RSVP to 256-739-3757 to make sure there are enough plates.

Councilman Greg Brown is excited about the senior center events. He will be directing the revived program and is planning fun activities, great meals and monthly mystery trips to fun area destinations. Starting in November, activities will be planned for the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

The City is also preparing for a fun Halloween evening for the kids. Once again, the mayor and other city officials will be giving out candy at city hall. Each child will have his/her picture taken and entered into a costume contest. Gift card prizes will be given to the winners the following day. This event is rain or shine and will be from 3-5 p.m.

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