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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

It was a meeting full of goodbyes and honors at the Clanton Council voting session on Oct. 26.

John Hollis Jackson Jr. announced his resignation from the position of city attorney. A position he has held since 1999.

Prior to that he had served as the city judge from 1970 giving him a total of 50 years of service to the city.

“Everyone has been so nice to me over the years, and it has been such an honor,” Jackson said. “… In each of the positions, I served with fine people who were dedicated to performing their jobs to the best of their abilities.”

His letter of resignation had been given to the Council, mayor and mayor-elect about a month and a half ago.

The Oct. 26 meeting was his last as city attorney.

“I just did not feel I could leave without saying thank you,” Jackson said in a brief speech.

Jackson recounted how the community had welcomed his parents when they moved to the area. They liked it so much that they stayed and raised their family. His father served three terms as mayor.

Jackson said his only law practice has always been in Clanton. However, Jackson has needed to move out of the county.

“I pray that God will continue to bless the City of Clanton,” Jackson said.

Hollis Jackson, Jackson’s son, will also be resigning as city judge.

Mayor Bobby Cook thanked each of them for their service throughout the years.

Who will fill either of these positions was not discussed during the meeting.

Cook and Councilman Jeff Price were also recognized for their service with a plaque presentation. It was the last Council meeting for both of them as the new council members will be sworn in on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m.

Also during the meeting, the Council accepted the resignations of two employees.

The Council will be looking into whether a donation can be made to the Higgins Ferry Park project. Cook said he was unsure if the city could legally donate to a project that was outside the city limits.

The legal process for selling property at 119 Martin Luther King Jr.  Street will also be researched. Cook said two people have expressed interest in purchasing the house and property. The house needs repair.

Hiring an employee for the beautification department, making a sanitation employee full-time and giving a truck driver for the sanitation department a raise were also approved.