By BRAD GASKINS / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The Columbiana City Council on Tuesday night accepted a bid for a sidewalk project on Main Street.

With a unanimous vote, the council awarded the project to Triple J. Construction, which was the low bidder at $193,932.

Three bids were received, including Southeastern Sealcoating at $211,334 and R.E. Grills Construction at $212,658.

Pending approval by the state, Triple J. Construction will build a 5-foot wide sidewalk stretching from in front of Alabama Power Company to East Sterrett Street, according to Hilry King, Columbiana’s city planner and public works director. Street lights identical to those already on Main Street will be added along the new stretch of sidewalk.

There is already a sidewalk on the other side of Main Street.

The project could begin as early as three weeks from now, King said. Once the project begins, Triple J. Construction has 80 days to complete the work.

In other actions from the meeting, the council:

– Appointed Jeff Brumlow to hear Aug. 23 the cases of two men whose civil dispute ended with shots being fired in the Columbiana Police Department parking lot in April. Walter Perkins was charged with reckless endangerment and discharging a firearm within city limits. Ray Traywick was charged with reckless endangerment and assault. Judge Mike Atchison removed himself from the cases due to “prior business dealings” with one of the two men, Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe said.

– Granted approval for Court Clerk Joanna Seale to use the city credit card for meals not to exceed $350 while attending the Court Clerks and Magistrates Annual Conference in Orange Beach, Ala., Sept. 15-18. Accommodations will be paid by check in the amount of $705.96.

– Approved minutes from the Aug. 2 meeting.