It’s been nearly 50 years since the Wetumpka City Council moved its meeting place.
City offices were on Court Street before new offices were constructed on South Main Street in 1976. The Wetumpka City Library was added on later.
Many of the day to day operations of the city moved to the current City Administration building about 15 years ago but council meetings remained at city hall. Monday, the council opened its meeting behind new desks constructed by city employees with the Coosa River and Gold Star Park as a background.
“This is a new look for us,” Mayor Jerry Willis said. “We are excited to be here.”
The old meeting place had gotten in the way of municipal court, the police department on occasion and even allowing citizens access to income tax services. Things were moved around to make meetings work.
“The council now has a home,” Willis said.
The space is now just steps away from the mayor’s office. It was moved upstairs. There is a new conference room upstairs too.
But the space is too good to just be used twice a month. It can also be used for events and the council desks can be repurposed for food service.
The council, Willis and city employees welcomed residents and visitors to a small reception in the new chambers just before its meeting Monday night. After all the pleasantries were taken care of, the council got down to business.
It heard from pastor Emitt Johnson who is president of the River Oaks Homeowners Association. He said residents were concerned about the speed limit in the neighborhood.
It is currently 25 mph but residents would like to see it lowered to 10 or 15 mph. Johnson said the neighborhood has transitioned from more retirees to families with children and more on street parking. He said residents were concerned for the safety of children playing in yards who might run into the street.
Willis said Johnson needs to go through the police department who would have to make the recommendation for a change to a city ordinance concerning the speed limit.
In other action the Wetumpka City Council:
• Approved minutes of the Feb. 18 meeting.
• Approved the installation of new flooring in the FBO building at the Wetumpka Airport at a cost of $8,965.
• Approved a restaurant retail liquor license for El Encanto Mexican Restaurant at 2215 U.S. Highway 231.
• Authorized the mayor to execute an agreement with Elmore County for services related to the upcoming municipal election.
• Approved a City of Wetumpka ADA transition plan.
• Surplused and authorized the sale of vehicles and equipment some of which is no longer running.
The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, March 17.
