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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

The Clanton City Council rejected a request from Carloyn Bland of United Prison Ministries to rezone 1309 Second Avenue N from B3 (Neighborhood Business) to R1B (Single Family) during a meeting on Sept. 28.

Councilman Sammy Wilson said there were two letters written to the Council objecting to the request.

Initially, the request had discussed rezoning to R3 (Multi-Family Residential) but was later changed. Both complaints were related to multi-family housing and were from June and July.

The Clanton Planning Commission had unanimously approved changing the property to R1B (Single Family) at the August meeting.

Building inspector Gene Martin said the property is not large enough for two structures.

A setback variance for 619 Thrash Road was approved, contingent on the existing structure not being torn down. If the structure is ever removed, the original setback from the road requirements would go back into effect. The motion was unanimous from the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals. The City Council was only considering the matter because the city owns adjoining property.

Clanton Fire Chief David Driver updated the Council that the department had received a grant from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for $49,670 to purchase new emergency communications radios that will be compatible with the countywide emergency communications system when it is built. Driver said this, along with a grant received last year, will cover all of the radios needed for the department.

Also during the meeting, the Council:

• Declared a 1997 Windstar van surplus and gifted it to the Chilton County Airport Authority with the stipulation that it be given back if it was ever not being used. Councilwoman Mary Mell Smith abstained from the vote because she serves on the Airport Authority.
• Approved purchasing a crew cab vehicle for the city shop.
• Approved using insurance money received after a tree fell on the Clanton Police Chief’s truck to purchase a Chevy Tahoe for him.
• Approved purchasing 30 bulletproof vests for the Clanton Police Department to replace vests that are nearing five years old.
• Approved purchasing a Ram truck for the beautification department.
• Hired a part-time police officer and two employees for sanitation.
• Approved putting out bids for an anticipated water and sewer project.
• Approved awarding work on Kincheon Road to lowest bidder CBNA.