By By Adam Prestridge
If you're tired of looking at those dead piles of brush in your front yard, help is on the way.
The Atmore City Council unanimously awarded Crowder-Gulf of Theodore the contract for Hurricane Dennis debris removal, disposal and reduction, during a special called meeting Thursday afternoon.
"We were looking at the best of the best in experienced disaster recovery firms," Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said. "I feel Crowder-Gulf represents the best value to the citizens of Atmore."
Shell said he anticipates debris re-moval operations to begin Monday and complete curbside removal operations by Friday September 16.
On July 18, the City of Atmore issued a request for proposals to firms for providing the services to the city. At the close of the proposal period, which was at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the city had received 25 proposals.
"We appreciate the interest these firms displayed by their response in helping the city recover from the impacts of Hurricane Dennis," Shell said.
Shell went on to say that there were many excellent proposals submitted by well-qualified firms to perform the work at fair and reasonable prices.
It is important citizens understand for debris to be picked up it must be Hurricane Dennis generated debris and:
Also Citizens are cautioned not to place debris on or near water meters, fire hydrants, communication pedestals, or street signage.
Eight firms provided proposals for field debris and fixed site monitoring services. After evaluation of the proposals and considering resources available to Atmore to accomplish this very important segment of the clean up of Atmore, Shell announced his intention to structure a group of experienced professionals using existing city employees, retirees and experienced people available to execute this segment of the debris removal project.
"Using people we know and who know us will help make this effort move forward and keep problems to a minimum," Shell said.
There will be no contract award for these services.
Shell also announced at the meeting that Tom Byrne Park, including the pool, would remain close until further notice to insure safety while debris as well as hanging limbs and light fixtures are removed.
"We've had a lot of calls and our insurance company will not let us open it," Shell said. "It's certainly not the desire of the city to cut back the activities at the pool or park. It's
not a city decision, it's just one we're complying with as a result of liability."
Shell said he doesn't expect either to be reopened before school starts.