The Jemison City Council at its meeting Tuesday voted to allow the creation of a “public explorer” program.

The program, which would be organized by Fire Chief John Dennis, is intended to create a reserve-type force that would be made up of young men and women.

The council also approved an ordinance accepting the annexation of 20 acres of land off Smith Road. Both owners of the land, Paul Shannon and Kimberly Robinson, requested annexation into the city.

In addition to passing the annexation ordinance, the council amended several ordinances already on the books.

One such ordinance was amended so city officials could better deal with the problem of people not keeping vicious animals restrained. Another amendment will allow the city to change meter rates for new water customers.

Finally, an amendment was passed in regard to the police department’s drug tip fund. Revenue comes into the fund through court fees paid by drug offenders.

In other business, the council:
•Entered into a contract with Thorin and Associates for grant writing services.

•Recognized councilman Sam Reed for becoming a Certified Municipal Officer through a training course.

•Summarized reports from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, on the city’s water, and from the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation, on liability insurance paid by the city. Jemison received high marks in both reports, Mayor Eddie Reed said.

•Heard a presentation from Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center Executive Director Lynda Beebe. Beebe gave the council an overview of the non-profit organization and invited council members to a banquet Care Net will hold at Jemison’s Municipal Complex on Nov. 4.