During Monday’s city council meeting, Atmore City Councilman John Garrard announced he will step down from his position when his term expires in November.

Garrard’s resignation will bring to an end 15 years of service on the council. Garrard told the members his decision was based heavily on his wife’s recent medical problems and thanked them for their help and prayers during his family’s time of need.

“I want to finish the current year, which is over the first of November,” he said. “By that date I will ask to be relieved.”
Garrard said the outpouring of emotion since his wife’s hospitalization was touching.

“My wife has been critically ill,” he said. “I’ve had calls in the middle of the night from people saying they are praying for us and I appreciate every one of them.”

Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said he is appreciative for everything Garrard has done for Atmore over the years.

“I speak, not only for Howard Shell, but for the entire council,” he said. “Your involvement in civic affairs goes way beyond being a city councilman. You have done your part in making this town a better place to live.”

Garrard said on Monday that he would like to thank, not only the mayor and city council, but everyone in the town of Atmore for the encouragement and kindness he has been shown over the years.

“I thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” he said.

Currently two Atmore residents, Susan Smith and Larry Houck, have announced their candidacy for Garrard’s District 4 seat.
In other business the city council:

* Approved May 3, 2012 as the date for this year’s National Day of Prayer event. The council also approved use of Tom Byrne Park.

* Approved the appointment of Alabama Power manager Ricky Martin to Atmore’s Industrial Development Board. Martin will replace 12-year board member and former APCO manager Peggie Byrd, who recently retired from both positions.

* Approved IDB board member Jim Johnson’s reappointment to the board.

* Approved Thomas Roofing, from Mobile, to carry out repairs to a portion of the Atmore Public Library’s roof.

Before adjourning Monday’s meeting, the city council heard from APL director Cathy McKinley, who reported the acquisition of a grant through Auburn University that will provide their facility with six new computers, as well as wireless internet access. McKinley said three Apple computers have already arrived and three HP machines are expected soon.