In a move to help open up part of the L&M Co-Op District for new development, the County Commission is partnering with the city of Leeds for improvements to A.E. Moore Drive. County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to fund one half of the improvement project and then turn A.E. Moore Drive over to the city for maintenance, repair and upkeep.
The improvements would include grading and widening the roadway to a minimum width of 22 feet, paving, and storm drainage improvements. The improvements would run along A.E. Moore Drive from Markeeta Spur Road to the new Alabama Auto Auction location.
The total projected cost of the project is an estimated $300,000. St. Clair County would fund half of the project cost up to $150,000 while Leeds will carry the other half.
A partnership with the city of Moody is also possible on the project and would further split the Leeds portion of the project cost.
Commission chairman Stan Batemon said the county would receive repayment of some of the amount given to the city.
The agreement between the county and city states that the city will reimburse 75 percent of the county’s share by paying the county 20 percent of the amount of taxes and other fees the city collects from Alabama Auto Auction each year until 75 percent of the county’s share has been repaid.
“The county will also benefit as the street opens up and draws more developments,” Batemon said.
Commissioner Mike Bowling said the partnership is a good move toward bringing more business to the L&M Co-Op District.
“This is not a new business opening there, so we’re going to get some of the money back,” he said. “But it (A.E. Moore Drive) will also lead into property inside the co-operative district and open it up for development.”
The city of Leeds is responsible for taking and awarding the bids for the project.
In other business, the commission:
O Approved a resolution regarding Soil and Water Stewardship Week.
O Approved changing two part-time deputy positions to full-time positions.
O Approved amending the budget $20,000 for overtime in the sheriff’s office.
O Appointed Penny Gilmore as a representative to the Revolving Load Fund held by the Regional Planning Commission.
O Approved an additional $7.95 monthly to provide voicemail for the Veterans Administration office in the courthouse.
O Approvedadvertising for new part-time courthouse security officer at pay grade 8.
O Approved a resolution recognizing Rubye Sisson for her service on the St. Clair County Library Board.
O Approved $100,000 in funding for capital projects in the town of Margaret.
O Approved a resolution is support of the KC-45 Tanker Project awarded to Northrop Grumman and EADS. The tanker would be built in Mobile.
O Approved a resolution recognizing the St. Clair County Extension Service for Farm City Week Awards.
O Approved $12,000 (budgeted) for funding to help purchase a van for the Ragland Senior Center.
