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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

The Clanton City Council received a favorable financial report at its work session on Feb. 10.

“It’s looking good,” Mayor Jeff Mims said.

He said balance in the lodging tax fund was lower because approximately $400,000 of those funds were used to pay for the wetland credits needed for development at the proposed Alabama Farm Center site.

The other funds were showing increases, Mims said.

Chief of Staff Bob Woods noted that there had been a $235,000 increase from December 2021 to January 2022. City Clerk Jonathan Seale said this was mostly because of business license renewals.

Seale said much of the city’s funds are in restricted accounts, “but our general operating monies — I am very happy with where those are right now.”

“We will probably have a mid-year budget review at some point next month,” he said.

On the agenda for the council voting session on Feb. 14 is a request to rezone 20 acres at 198 Kemp Place from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to AG (Agricultural). The Planning Commission has recommended denying the request.

At the Feb. 10 work session, Mims said there are fewer zoning restrictions that the city can enforce in the agriculture zone.

An update to the food truck ordinance and increasing the cost for the pre-trial diversion program will also be on the Feb. 14 agenda.

Clanton Police Chief Erick Smitherman explained that the program was for those who had a clean record but “made a mistake,” such as a first time driving under the influence charge, and want to get it taken off of their record.

“It is a case-by-case,” Smitherman said. “The judge reviews it.”

Fines and court costs related to the incident also have to be paid in addition to the pre-trial diversion fee.

The council discussed establishing an entertainment district downtown, but it will not be on the agenda. Mims said there are several areas that have them, but more research was needed before a motion could be presented to the council. He said he has had several conversations with the ABC board on the topic.

Council member Billy Singleton said creating such a district could also open new revenue for improvements to the buildings in the district through specific fees. Singleton said he would research more details.

Other updates included:

• A Parks and Recreation director has been hired and will start on Feb. 28.
• Road striping for the recently paved roads has been bid. The asphalt has to cure before the striping can be done.
• Patching is being scheduled for some roads.