Opelika approves arrangement for police program and I

By Michelle Key
Editor

Opelika City Council and Mayor Gary Fuller discussed a letter of arrangement with Critical Insights Consulting, LLC for OPD’s strategic initiative at Tuesday night’s council meeting. Ward 5 Councilor Todd Rauch said he believed this was just another step in the right direction for Opelika’s future.

“I believe that the program that Dr. [Chenavis] Evans and Critical Insights Consulting have implemented a set of solution-based initiatives as well as its ‘CIC Policing and Me’ program in schools in the city of Opelika, ”said Rauch.

Ward 1 and Ward 2 council members George Allen and Erica Baker-Norris both had important questions about the letter of arrangement. Allen has expressed concerns about the possibility of going ahead with a second contract with Evans before seeing the results of the first contract approved last month.

Following the discussion, council members voted to approve the letter of arrangement with a three yes and two no vote.

Another important item on the agenda was the discussion and the vote on the pedestrian bicycle plan. Following the discussion, the board voted to approve the plan which has been underway for several years.

Other business:

– The board recognized the Opelika High School track team as the AHSAA 6A State Champion.

– The board recognized the following students who received Killgore scholarships: Charles (Will) Beams, Will Bennett, Max Caldwell, Abigail (Abby) Dixon, Benet Harris, Eleanor Wilson, Braxton Harris, Andrew Harris, Leighanna Howell, Imani Poole and Estefania Valence.

– Fuller presented a proclamation declaring May 2021 as “Bike Month” to Dr Shirley Lazenby. She spoke about the bike-pedestrian master plan. “It’s been a job, 20 years in the making,” Lazenby said.

– A proclamation for the third Opelika Giving Day was presented to the Community Foundation of East Alabama

– Stephen Dawe and James Bush received Fuller’s Atta Boy Awards for their outstanding work.

– The board voted to approve an application for a retail alcohol and on-site beer license for M&P Enterprise, LLC Dba Zen Steak and Sushi Bar.

– Council approved contract offers for OPD uniform cleaning and weed control services.

– The board approved a service contract with Citibot, Inc. for the IT department.

– Council approved the purchase of a Trane HVAC and humidification system.

– A request from Sawyer Stephens for reimbursement of business expenses paid in error has been approved.

– The council approved an agreement with John Randall Wilson, architect, for the installation of environmental services project.

– The council also approved an agreement between the city of Opelika, the AHSAA, the city of Auburn and the AO Tourist Board for matches of the Super 7 football championship.

– A request to extend a sales and use tax rebate for Jo-Ann Stores, LLC has been approved, and they have also approved additional tax rebates and exemptions for Jo-Ann Stores, LLC. The company is planning a $ 5.78 million expansion of its facilities.

– Council voted to approve the construction of a subdivision sign that will be located in the right-of-way of Wyndham Village Drive (west).

– The annual reports of the MWPP for the east and west wastewater treatment plants have been approved.

– The board approved the annual authorization to levy a tax on properties located within Opelika.

– The city of Opelika participates in an annual grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) and the council has approved the application to participate in the OPD program.

– The board approved a special allotment for the East Alabama Community Foundation from the Ward 4 Reserve Fund to help support O Grows and Opelika Theater Company.

– The council approved an ordinance to revise the city’s stormwater ordinance to meet the new ADEM requirements.

– The council voted to approve a memorandum of understanding between the town of Opelika and the US military garrison, Fort Benning for the Professional Skills Program (CSP) partnership.

– The board also did not vote unanimously to suspend rules requiring two readings on an ordinance amending section 5.8.3 of the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual. The order will be postponed until the next meeting.

The next scheduled board meeting will be Tuesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. The meetings will be held in the municipal court building located at 300, boul. Martin Luther King. at Opelika.