Selma, Alabama Development News
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Work Session (7-14-26)
Published: Jul 14, 2026
Resolution Amended to Include Account Number for King Street Sewer Repair Payment
Councilman Thomas inquired about a resolution regarding the King Street sewer repair, which was approved several months prior. The contractor completed the work but could not be paid because the signed resolution lacked an account number. Attorney Graham has since added the necessary account number (bolling fund) to the resolution, and the council was asked to approve this amendment to allow the contractor to be paid. This repair was described as having been done well.
Revised Housing Authority MOU and Emergency Spending Limit Increase Discussed
Attorney Graham presented several items, including a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Selma Housing Authority. The revised MOU clarifies that the Housing Authority will reimburse the city for the salary costs of two police officers patrolling Housing Authority properties, operating from 8 AM to 5 PM, 40-hour weeks. The Housing Authority will also provide videos. The city will not be funding any share of these costs. Another item involved a resolution to allow the mayor to spend up to $20,000 in emergencies, a revision from a previous $15,000 limit requested by the Council President. The need for a designated emergency fund or account was discussed to ensure fiscal responsibility and proper budgeting for such expenditures. Concerns were raised about ensuring expenditures are budgeted and accountable.
Urgent Street and Drainage Repairs Highlighted Amidst Funding and Material Challenges
Councilwoman Melissa James brought attention to the urgent need for street maintenance on Dame and Church Street, describing the conditions as an emergency due to deep ditches and washed-out roads. She mentioned that bids have been received for these repairs and requested a council vote. Further discussion involved problems on 2nd Avenue, where a street has sunk due to settlement over prairie soil, requiring asphalt overlay. A potential breakage around a manhole on 2nd Avenue was also noted, with efforts to assess it before bringing in contractors. The availability and cost of asphalt were discussed, including a potential substitute material. The Public Works director outlined a process of addressing the worst holes first, prioritizing sections rather than wards, and acknowledging that ongoing rain exacerbates existing street problems due to the age of the infrastructure and water infiltration. The director also discussed drainage cleaning, the need for specialized equipment (subtruck), and the challenges faced by a small team handling both drainage and sewage issues.
Grant Draft, Dockage Fees, and Urgent Ward Avenue Culvert Repair Discussed
Attorney Graham presented an initial draft of a grant for first-place solutions, noting that revisions from the contractor are pending. He also addressed questions about a resolution concerning dockage fees, confirming that the approved resolution allows for up to $25 per month per account, plus a $2 city franchise fee, totaling $27. The city will not contribute upfront costs, and the vendor will provide trash cans. The city needs to adopt a franchise agreement and an ordinance to enact these fees, with the contract not taking effect until October 1st. A separate item involved a resolution for the repair of the Ward Avenue Coal, with photos provided showing a large, deteriorating C-by-10 box culvert causing significant road damage. The engineer explained the issue and the need for repair. Questions were raised about obtaining second opinions on such underground work due to past issues with repairs not holding up. The engineer assured the council of their extensive experience and the city's option to use other engineering firms.
Special Use Permit for T-Mobile Tower and Repair of Litter Vacuums Discussed
The council considered a special use permit for modifying an existing 150-foot pole tower at 2614 Citizens Parkway for T-Mobile. The item was presented as a third instance of such a permit for T-Mobile. The mayor also presented a request for the repair of two 'Mad Vac LR 50' litter vacuums, estimated to cost $9,000. Funding for the repairs would be transferred from the condemned housing fund to the equipment fund. The council was asked to approve the expenditure to ensure the equipment is operational for street cleaning.
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The Selma News archive
Public Safety Committee Meeting (7-16-26)
Public Safety Committee Meeting (7-16-26)
Council Meeting (7-14-26)
Council Meeting (7-14-26)
2026-07-14 Board Meeting
2026-07-14 Work Session
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