Staff Writer

Troy’s leaders were visited by one of their predecessors Monday night.

Former Mayor Al Gibbs was recognized during the Troy City Council meeting for the contributions he made during 15 years of service.

Gibbs, who will be 80 years old on Saturday, will also be recognized today at 10 a.m. with a proclamation declaring Mayor Al Gibbs Day.

The honoree served five terms as mayor under the commission form of government.

Under his leadership, the city secured a $6 million grant ­ the largest ever for the city ­ for the construction of the sewage treatment facility. He was also on board when the old Carnegie Library was purchased for what is now Troy City Hall and the city purchased the land on which the National Guard Armory now stands.

Gibbs and his fellow city commissioners also expanded the Parks and Recreation Department and added Fire Station No. 2.

He said he was most proud of starting a retirement fund for city employees, during his tenure.

In other business, the council:

· Advised Timothy Fayson, who has applied for a pool room/dance hall license, the city will conduct a background check as they have with similar applications. Fayson wants to locate the business in the former Spring Fresh Cleaners building on South Brundidge Street.

· Transferred off-premise retail beer licenses to Beeline 700 on South Brundidge Street and the Beeline at U.S. 231 and Highway 29. Both convenience stores were Spe-Dee C’s and have been purchased by Pro Marketing LLC, which operates the Beeline stores.

· Had the first reading on rezoning two parcels of land at Alabama 87 and Ruth Road. The owner, Driscoll Colquett, wants the property rezoned from R-2 (residential) to C-O (commercial office district). The council will act on the request at its March 27 meeting.

The only opposition to the request has been concern development would impact drainage and the Planning Commission has stipulated plans will have to be brought before the commission before work is done, providing the council does approve the rezoning.

· Adopted an ordinance that would authorize the city to retire police officers’ badges and pistol when the officer retires.

· Reappointed Kenneth Campbell to the Airport Committee and Melba Warren to the Health Care Authority.

· Discussed applying for an Emergency Shelter Grant ­ through the Organized Community Action Program ­ that would provide funds to prevent people from being homeless. The funds can be used to subsidize rent and utilities, hotel accommodations and bus tickets.

The city will apply for a $50,000 grant that requires a $25,000 match from the city. Application has to be made by March 30.