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An impression of a city is often formed by what motorists see from behind the wheel of their vehicle.

Jemison officials want to make sure this impression is positive.

The Jemison City Council, at a regular meeting Monday at the city’s Municipal Complex, approved allowing Mayor Eddie Reed to negotiate with the Alabama Department of Transportation for maintenance of two highly travelled areas: Interstate 65 Exit 219 and the portion of Highway 191 inside city limits.

“With new businesses coming to the area, we want to present Jemison as a clean city,” Reed said.

Officials said the state mows these areas a couple of times a year, and the grass can reach heights that makes it dangerous for workers on rights-of-way.

“It’s a safety issue, and it’s also a beautification issue,” Reed said.

The city would mow the areas more frequently.

The Council unanimously approved to allow Reed to negotiate with ALDOT.

Councilman George Brasher was absent from the meeting.

In other business, the Council:

•Rescinded a previous resolution and approved the sale of the old city hall building to Marion Bank and Trust through RealtySouth. Funds from the sale would be used to built a fire/public safety building near Exit 219.

•Approved an engineering contract with CDG Engineering for services on the city’s water tank.

•Approved holding a public hearing, at 6 p.m. May 9, for the closure of County Road 746 and posting the hearing.

•Approved a donation of $100 to the Chilton County Master Gardeners, which will hold an event in the city.

•Approved minutes from the April 4 meeting.

•Approved paying necessary bills.