By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON/Community columnist

Columbiana City Hall was filled to capacity at the coffee with Mayor Stancil Handley sponsored by the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce. Executive Director April Stone planned the event attended by Columbiana citizens, city employees, merchants and professionals.

“My office is right here in city hall,” Handley said. “And my door is always open. I am very proud of my department heads who work so hard for this city and are here today: Allen Reynolds, streets and sanitation; Dale Lucas, sewer department; Chief Lamar Vice, police department; Mark Frey, city clerk, Director Dutcha Lawson, Columbiana Public Library; Chief Johnny Howard, fire department; Joanna Seale, city magistrate; and Helen Dean, marketing director.”

“I am pleased to say that all buildings on Main Street are rented or being repaired to rent,” Handley said.

Mayor Handley also announced that more roof tops will be coming to Columbiana and the papers have been signed with ALDOT to begin the road improvements at the Hwy 26/70 intersection so that residential construction can begin.

“Last year we had 20 new businesses come to Columbiana,” Handley said. “The old CVS property has been sold, and we have a national chain looking to locate in Columbiana.”

Handley said the city has a new fleet of vehicles. It now has a brush truck, bucket truck, small bus, two new police vehicles and two more coming, a new 4-wheeler for streets and maintenance, and new vehicle in sewer department. He said the new trolley will begin its route in April 2014 as the first transit system in Shelby County.”

“I am really excited to announce that a much needed Auxiliary Police Department is being formed to help with games and events,” Handley said. “We have a full time school safety officer. And we have more money in the bank this Jan. 31, 2014 than last Jan. 31, 2013.”

He also said the city has many events planned for 2014.

“ I want Columbiana to be known at the entertainment destination for Central Alabama,” he said.