By By SHERRY DIGMON
Advance Staff Writer
Atmore will have a new look downtown.
The Atmore City Council voted Monday to remove the Bradford pear trees and replace them with trees or shrubbery that are hardier and require less maintenance.
Clint Smith, who is under contract with the city to maintain downtown planted areas, told the mayor and council that the current trees are creating a number of problems.
Also, the roots are starting to crack the sidewalks in some places.
Mayor Howard Shell said he and Smith have been discussing the problem for several months.
The council voted to request bids to remove trees in all areas recommended, with the understanding that they will be replaced.
In other business, the council
held a public hearing on remodeling and updating radio equipment for the Atmore Police Department radio room. The hearing was required by the terms of the grant that will fund the project. There were no comments, and the public hearing was adjourned and the regular council meeting reconvened.
approved letting bids for remodeling and updating radio equipment for the APD. The city has received a grant for $28,152 from the justice department.
heard an update from the mayor on tree root removal at the walking trails in Houston Avery and Tom Byrne parks. Councilman Webb Nall was to give a report but he was absent due to illness. Shell said the trencher is being used to cut the roots and will be used in both parks.
urged parents and children to be extra careful during Halloween.
heard a report from Shell on the status of street sign replacement. A survey was done to identify where signs are missing.
Shell said the signs could mean the difference between life and death when emergency personnel are trying to respond to a call and are not familiar with the location.
voted to close Trammell Street between School and Craig streets to allow Cruisers Unlimited to hold a car show during Williams Station Day. The block will be closed for this day only.
authorized Atmore Fire Chief Gerry McGhee to interview applicants to replace two firefighters who have left the department through retirement and resignation.
voted to return a fire department vehicle to the forestry service. The vehicle was on loan and is no longer used by the Atmore Fire Department. The City of Brewton has requested the vehicle.
approved a request from Montgomery Mobile Railroad Photographers to set up a display on city hall grounds the night before Williams Station Day, Oct. 26. The group photographs trains and displays their work.
heard an expression of appreciation from W.G. Johnson who praised the personnel at the Atmore Animal Shelter for their prompt attention to a problem he reported.