City of Fort Payne

The primary focus of the discussion was addressing frequent speeding concerns on Alabama Avenue North, specifically between 14th and 18th Streets, where residents highlighted dangers to children and elderly personnel. Residents requested the installation of a speed table or radar signs. Discussions included the comparative costs and implementation timelines for speed humps versus speed tables. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing the efficacy of radar signs, with a preference expressed for solar-powered units over battery-operated ones. The council also considered installing a four-way stop at 16th Street as a quick fix, although concerns were raised about traffic diversion to other streets like Forest Avenue. The Chief of Police also noted that increased patrols were ongoing and discussed the importance of residents reporting specific speeding vehicles. The feasibility of funding for traffic safety measures using Highway and Traffic Safety funds was also mentioned.

The council meeting commenced with opening formalities including an invocation and pledge of allegiance. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring departing council members: Phillip Smith (5 years of service), Lynn Lleer Brewer (9 years of service), Johnny Eberhart (29 years of service), and Walter Watson (25 years of service), who received plaques and keys to the city in recognition of their dedicated public service. The council approved the minutes from the September 16, 2025, regular meeting and the September 30, 2025, special call meeting. Mayor's report included updates on railroad crossing repairs scheduled for early November and authorization of $70,000 in gas tax money for paving projects, including Grand Avenue and a section near Little Ridge. The mayor also announced the immediate resignation of the city attorneys, Rocky Watson and Tamara Neely, and stated a plan to secure new legal counsel shortly. Resolutions were passed concerning amendments to vacation time cash-out verbiage and authorizing an agreement with the State of Alabama Department of Transportation for downtown sidewalk improvements on G Avenue. New business included approving requests for a 5K color run/trunk-or-treat event on November 1st and a First Baptist Church Fall Festival road closure on October 26th. A work session was scheduled for October 16, 2025.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The G Avenue project is nearing completion, and the railroad is changing out crossings, which will be rough for some time. The council received another TAP grant for more sidewalks downtown, and there was a discussion about a previous sidewalk grant that was turned down. The council also discussed an ordinance to levy a local excise tax on consumable vapor products, and approved a public request for a homecoming parade. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding a franchise agreement request with Unifi Gulf.

The City of Fort Payne's planning document outlines a comprehensive approach to enhance its natural built environment through adopted public policy. It focuses on key goals such as providing for orderly growth, revitalization, and redevelopment, upholding public interest, aggressively pursuing federal and state funding, promoting Smart Growth principles, and maintaining accurate mapping systems. The plan also details specific initiatives, including a Downtown Revitalization Plan to market the district and a Hazard Mitigation Plan to guide efforts in mitigating natural disasters.

The meeting included discussions regarding a ribbon cutting for the G Avenue paving and downtown sidewalks, and the appointment of a new attorney, Chad Hopper, to address legal matters. The council also addressed the paving on Grand, the organizational meeting, and a business license revocation hearing. The discussion regarding the business license revocation was tabled until the new attorney could provide guidance.