By Stephen Dawkins

The Jemison City Council on Monday granted its first two alcohol licenses.
City residents voted on Jan. 12 to allow alcohol sales, and the council passed an ordinance on Jan. 18.
Jemison Exxon, near Interstate 65 Exit 219, and Stop and Shop, on Highway 31 north of Jemison High School, are the first businesses licensed to sell alcohol in city limits.
“Ya’ll just made history,” Mayor Eddie Reed told the council after its unanimous vote.
Before being granted licenses, businesses are scrutinized by Police Chief Shane Fulmer, who runs background checks on the business owners, and Fire Chief John Dennis and Building Inspector Shannon Welch, who both ensure the business is compliant with local and state fire and building codes.
All three officials were present at the meeting and approved granting licenses to the businesses.
Jemison’s ordinance also allows for public debate before licenses are granted, but no one was present at the regularly scheduled meeting at Jemison City Hall to voice opposition.
“This is a historic moment for the city of Jemison,” Reed said. “It’s gone smoothly because we have the people in place.”
In other business, the council:
•Heard a presentation from Diane Calloway about regulations that could apply to the auditorium in the new city hall that is still under construction.
Calloway previously had volunteered to gather information about rental rates and other usage regulations adopted for Helen Jenkins Chapel in Thorsby and Calera Community Center.
The council thanked Calloway for her help and indicated action could be taken on the matter in a future meeting.
•Heard from Dennis about the Alabama Smoke Alarm Initiative, which Jemison will participate in. The state initiative is a way of ensuring all residents have working smoke alarms.