Flomaton resident Louise West was back before the town council Monday night complaining that it appears nothing is being done about cleaning up abandoned properties in town.
“I chose Flomaton as a place to retire,” West said. “I didn't know I'd get so involved in the community.”
She said she became involved with abandoned properties and said there was still a house on Sue Street that Mayor Dewey Bondurant Jr., promised he would take care of but nothing has been done.
“That property is unsafe,” she said. “I've been talking about it for two years. Beautification of this town is forefront to me. What can we do as a city council to make this a better town?”
Town Attorney Chuck Johns explained that the town has recently gone through two different code enforcement officers.
West said she also tried to get in contact with Johns but has been unable to do so.
Johns noted he is the town's attorney and answers to the town.
“I'd be happy to take calls from the citizens if the town wants to change my agreement,” Johns said.
Mayor Bondurant said the town would continue to address abandoned properties the best way it could.
Health Insurance
In other business Monday, the town council agreed to absorb half of the health insurance premium increases for employees that will go into effect on Jan. 1.
The current monthly premium for individuals is $450 per month and will increase to $471 per month. Family coverage will go from $1,097 per month to $1,149 per month.
“My suggestion is we eat half and the employees eat half,” Mayor Bondurant said.
“Can we afford to eat anything?” asked Councilwoman Lillian Dean.
“If we dump it all on the employees we'll have a moral problem,” Mayor Bondurant said.
“If we can afford it, do it,” Dean said.
Councilman Buster Crapps said if the town can do it he'd like to see it be done.
“We need to give them moral support,” Crapps said.
But he noted if the town doesn't have the money it may be looking at layoffs.
“The council is for them, but we expect them to do their jobs,” Crapps said. “I'd rather help them medically than with a raise.”
In other business Monday, the council:
- Agreed to put up school zone signs on portions of College, Poplar and Ringold streets lowering the speed limit to 25 during school hours.
-Announced that the fall festival, sponsored by Flomaton High School, will be held from 5:30 p.m. to7:30 p.m. on Oct. 25.
- Agreed to allow Ricky Hart to place boxes around town to collect food items that will be distributed to those who need food.
- Tabled action to repair a leaking water pump until they could get a price. Mayor Bondurant said a recent study by the Alabama River Water Report showed the town is losing about 30 percent of its water. Mayor Bondurant said the report said the town could save up to $10,000 per month by fixing the leak, but noted Utilities Superintendent Shaun Moye disagreed with the savings.
- Agreed to a 90-day extension to keep the ambulance in Flomaton.
- Heard from Councilman Charlie Reardon, who requested a breakdown on the town's electric bills. Reardon said the town gets 25 separate bills and the council doesn't know what they are all for. He said the town spent $13,000 on electricity according to the last bill.
The council agreed a breakdown was needed.
