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COLUMBIANA – Picking up brush from residences was among the items discussed by the Columbiana City Council at its meeting on Tuesday, June 16.

Though the ordinance on the books declares that the city will only pick up brush from a residence once per month, Mayor Stancil Handley said crews have been making multiple pick-ups due to demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Handley brought up the matter because of the increased expense associated with the service.

While city workers have in the past burned brush instead of take it to the landfill, there are currently no options for property where they could burn brush.

So, all loads are being taken to the Shelby County Landfill, where the city is responsible for fees.

Officials decided to revisit the ordinance and possibly search for an option for burning the brush.

The ordinance currently states that if a residence requires more than one brush pick-up per month, the resident must pay $50 per ensuring load.

In other business, the Council:

• Heard a report from Handley that a unity rally on Saturday, June 13, was peaceful. Handley commended Columbiana Police for their preparation to ensure there was no violence or property damage.
• Heard from Sgt. David Alexander about the Columbiana Police Department’s activity during May. Alexander also said the department is looking at ways to improve its service in the wake of national protests about issues including law enforcement.
• Heard that Handley has been approached by someone wanting to bring a dog park to Columbiana. Handley said the sponsor, Misty Brasher, has indicated that if a location could be determined, there would be sufficient funding to construct the park, which would be called Madigan’s Paws after Brasher’s daughter, an animal lover who died at the age of 15 after a battle with leukemia. Handley said he would report back to the Council with more details and then seek the council members’ direction.
• Heard that discussions are ongoing about potential changes to the city’s zoning code to accommodate more development, both in another sector of the Springs Crossing subdivision and elsewhere in the city.
• Heard an update about a request to allow mobile food vendors in Springs Crossing. In order for the Council to give its approval, a location must be identified by the developer, officials said. Handley said he expects the measure to be included on the agenda for the Council’s next meeting, on July 7.
• Approved a resolution to give the mayor the authority to apply for Community Development Block Grant funding through the Alabama Department of Community Affairs for a sewer improvement project. With the grant, the city’s part of the $450,000 project would be $260,000.
• Heard from Handley that the Shelby County Arts Center and its tower sign had been recognized by two different organizations for the brick work used in their construction.