The Brundidge City Council heard an update by Brundidge City Manager Britt Thomas Tuesday regarding the $4 million dollars in projects the Council had previously approved.

The projects will improve the city’s infrastructure, assist industrial development  and make way for the remediation of a city park that was sold as a part of an industrial development package several years ago.

Thomas said all of the right-of-way necessary for the city’s sidewalk or path project has been acquired and the necessary documentation completed.

Sidewalks will be constructed on the right side of S.A. Graham Boulevard from the existing sidewalks to the Chevron station on U. S. Highway 231 and on the left side of Galloway Park and to the housing development.

The plans will have to be reviewed by the Alabama Department of Transportation before bids can be taken. Thomas said hopefully the path project would be completed by May.

Work is underway at the Brundidge North Industrial Park to prepare for the construction of the Magnolia Vegetable Processors plant, which is a division of Southern Classic Foods.

Thomas said the trees have been cleared to the city benefit of about $10,000. The stumps will have to be removed before further work can begin. Southern Classic Foods will assume that expense.

The city will construct water and sewer lines for the industrial development project and also construct a public loop road that will also serve Southern Classic Foods. The project cost will be $424.886.

The estimated combined cost of the city’s projects to improve the city’s infrastructure is $1.9 million but the council has approved up to $2.4 million as a ceiling for the project.

Thomas said that cost of the combined projects could be reduced if the application for a $350,000 CDBG grant is approved. The city has been approved for a 20-year loan at 2.5 percent for the projects.

The TransLoad America bankruptcy court in New Jersey is close to closing the estate in which the city has a $1 million claim. Wells Fargo also has a claim and depending on the award the city might hope to receive $250,000.

Thomas said ADECA has requested additional maps for the city’s park remediation project. The request is for more detailed information about plans inside and outside a fenced area. Thomas said the city has prepared the maps and will get them in the mail by week’s end.

He said the plans will then go to the Department of Interior for approval. He would not venture a guess as to when the plans might be approved.

The council discussed refinancing the city’s Revenue Refunding Warrants totalling $6 million. Refinancing at this time could save the city a considerable amount of money.  The council made no decision but voted to continue the meeting until next Tuesday to allow more time to consider its options.

In final action, the city voted to amend a previous decision regarding the purchase of a Tahoe for the Brundidge Police Department. The department requested a change in the make and model of the vehicle and the cost was more that previously approved. The council voted to allow a purchase of up to $40,000 for a vehicle with a radio and lights.

The Brundidge City Council meets at 4 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Brundidge City Hall. The meetings are open to the public.