Council updates lease talks, audit status and paving plans in old business

During the old‑business portion of the meeting, staff updated the council on several ongoing economic‑development and public‑works matters.

Staff said the long‑term lease and related documents for Big Mike's and the cooperative district were approved by the council in draft form and forwarded to Big Mike's for review; staff reported awaiting any suggested changes before final adoption and before initiating building work. The staff member said audit work was complete and the city expects the written audit report soon, after which staff plans to proceed with bond preparations associated with the project.

Council members discussed paving and road projects, including a street paving list of roughly 12–13 streets, an application for a Rebuild Alabama grant, and a reported $2 million widening project on Highway 129 with linked sewer work described as approximately a $3 million project overall. The council also noted progress on roof repairs at the old Citizens Bank/museum building following recently opened bids.

On the community football field, staff said the project had been bid in two phases, that permit requirements and phasing caused some delay, and that work is now progressing under a general contractor. Council members urged continued coordination so pavement and traffic‑calming work could be combined where possible.

The chair later called for a motion to pay the city bills; the council approved payment by voice vote and set the date of the next council meeting.

The meeting record does not include detailed timelines for bid awards, bond closings or final construction start dates; staff indicated those items will proceed once outstanding documentation is returned or finalized.