city drainage problems

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

BRUNDIDGE ­ Some drainage problems in Brundidge may be solved with some federal funding.

Brundidge City Manager Britt Thomas said the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service division has approved $19,000 with a 25 percent match to fix some erosion problems. Plans are to install rock flumes on Chestnut Street, Leona Street, Airport Road and Hallie Drive.

Members of the city council gave Mayor Jimmy Ramage and Thomas the authority to execute the appropriate documents.

In other business, the council:

· Was informed by Thomas that $80,000 was taken out of a certificate of deposit (CD) to pay the municipality’s insurance premium.

In the past, the premium has been paid for with gas district proceeds, but a change in the district’s fiscal year made that impossible, this year. That change, Thomas said, has created a "cash flow problem" for the city.

· Approved the rezoning of two pieces of property after holding a public hearing.

Joe Flowers had requested the vacant building at the corner of Highway 231 Business District be rezoned from residential to business for the opening of a convenience store.

The Morris family had requested the former Piggly Wiggly building be rezoned from commercial to manufacturing for the purpose of opening Southern Classics, which will produce salad dressings and other sauces. That change will be on a temporary basis ­ until the new building for the business is complete.

· Was told by Thomas of some "serious right-of-way work" that will be done this summer. The work will involve the rights of way along the sewer system.

· Asked Thomas to get a copy of the ordinance so the city can consider enacting the dilapidated buildings law. That law allows municipalities to tear down unsafe structures and access the value to the property owners’ taxes.

· Will open bids at the May 15 meeting regarding the renewal of a $200,000 line of credit that will mature on May 17.