About 70 people, including concerned residents and city leaders, met May 15 to discuss issues related to West End community.

The meeting was organized by the West End Neighborhood Watch and held at West End Church of Christ.

The most pressing issue addressed at the meeting was the situation with the closed E.M. Henry Head Start Center.

Clanton Mayor Billy Joe Driver told those in attendance of plans to renovate the building in order to have it re-opened, so pre-school classes and other community events could resume.

“The majority thought we ought to try to rework what we have there,” Driver said of planned renovations.

City officials are waiting on architectural drawings that would detail the work that needs to be done. Driver said he expects the project to encompass several phases, with the first phase including re-worked electrical wiring and the installation of a sprinkler system.

The completion of Phase I could be sufficient to re-open the building, which was closed because of fire code violations.

Clanton City Councilman Greg DeJarnett, who represents the West End community, said it was good to see so many residents turn out to hear about the Head Start Center situation, plus other matters of community importance.

“I was greatly encouraged to see that turnout,” DeJarnett said.

DeJarnett opened the meeting with a welcome and went over the agenda, and was followed by a prayer from local minister James Dunigan. Former Chilton County commissioner Aubrey Wallace closed the meeting with prayer.

Other officials present included Clanton Police Chief Brian Stilwell, building inspector Gene Martin, state Rep. Kurt Wallace and Jackie Baker and Jessie Binion with West End Neighborhood Watch.

DeJarnett said some residents were concerned that the city didn’t intend to have the E.M. Henry Head Start Center re-opened.

“Those rumors were clarified,” DeJarnett said. “We have all intentions to get the building back open—not only for the Head Start but also for the citizens in the community.”

Martin explained city ordinances, and Wallace let other leaders know he was willing to help if possible.

Other topics discussed at the meeting were dilapidated houses in the area, and plans to open a police substation in the West End community.

DeJarnett said the conversation was productive on all fronts.

“We’re continuously asking that neglected properties be dealt with and that there be an increased positive police presence in the community,” DeJarnett said. “We’re all committed to that endeavor. We’re trying to help improve the quality of life for all residents.”