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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Clanton City Council unanimously approved allowing Mayor Billy Joe Driver to sign a letter for Daniels Communities to show that they are speaking on behalf of the city as they talk to property owners on Highway 145 near Exit 212.

The Vestavia Hills company was selected at a previous meeting at the request of the Industrial Development Authority to be the exclusive broker and listing agent for the City Council for the project.

The goal is to secure additional land that is adjoining to the proposed Alabama Farm Center at ALFA Centennial Park to be developed. Having hotels, restaurants and retail that would appeal to visitors to the farm center have been mentioned as potential projects the IDA hopes to see on these adjoining properties.

Later in the meeting, Clanton Police Chief Keith Maddox announced that Hunter Hurst was leaving the department as a full-time officer but wanted to be on the department’s part-time list. This was approved, but council members and Driver discussed how many vacant positions the department has and how many positions were needed.

Maddox said there are a couple full-time positions that have not been filled. He said the positions have been advertised but “there hasn’t been much response.”

Comments were made that the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office had raised the pay for officers and that was having an impact on CPD.

Councilman Awlahjaday Agee requested that the Council hold a work session to discuss police officer pay and the appointment of an assistant police chief.

“We have a certain amount set up in the budget, so any changes in that would have to be (amended),” Driver said.

Councilwoman Mary Mell Smith said action needed to be taken.

“We are going to have to do something to be able get some police officers,” Smith said.

Councilman Jeffrey Price said 10% attrition, CPD’s recent rate, seemed like a typical average.

The Council has asked for a recommendation for an assistant chief in the past, but a name has not been submitted for a vote during a meeting. The work session has been set for Nov. 18 at 4 p.m.

Also during the meeting:

• The Council approved a bid for The Carpet Store and More for carpet and vinyl for 308 Park Plaza, which is owned by the City of Clanton and is being leased by Restore Outpatient Therapy Services. The cost for the carpet and vinyl will be $17,900.
• The date for the next Council meeting was rescheduled to Nov. 7 at 5 p.m.