City OKs continued clean-up at Greif Bros.

Aug 30, 2009 (The Cullman Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- GEF | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- The next phase of clean-up work at the city-owned Greif Brothers property has been approved by the Cullman city council.

The council authorized a $34,500 agreement with engineering firm Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood to complete the clean-up of the Greif Brothers property.

The 12-acre lot, located on Second Avenue in downtown, is already home to a new city police station that is currently under construction.

Because the area has an industrial history which left behind solvents in the soil, the property is classified as a "brownfield" site by the Environmental Protection Agency.

By going through the clean-up procedures and re-purposing a former industrial property, Townson said the city had originally hoped to receive some grant funds.

"We applied for the brownfield clean-up grant money, but got turned down on the first application," he said.

Townson said the city plans to re-apply for brownfield assistance, and the new phase of clean-up work and testing should help the process.

"We've got to do some more field work," he said.

With the police station already nearing completion, the city has also considered moving other city annexes to the property, including the city garage. Townson said grant money gained through the project could help clear out some older buildings on the property.

"We may be able to get a low-interest loan for demolition," he said.

The city finalized the purchase of the property in April for approximately $300,000.

The council also:

--Joined the county commission in support of widening Highway 157, from Highway 31 to Highway 69, with DOT and TIGER funds.

--Awarded a bid to Mitch Smith for a water truck for $27,500.

--Awarded a bid to G&C water works for water department supplies for $38,347.

--Adopted an identity theft prevention program for the water department.

--Held a first reading for an ordinance concerning tattoo parlor zoning.

--Re-appointed Morgan Edwards to the personnel board for another six year term.

--Approved a written request from Elaine Fuller and Chris Van Dyle to close Second Avenue NE from 7 a.m. until noon on Saturday, October 10 for the third annual Oktoberfest 5K run.

--Approved a written request from Deanie Penney, chairman of the Cullman County Historical Society, to host the Front Porch Tour on Saturday, October 10.

--Sent a written request from John and Rachel McPhillips to have their property in Magic Farms subdivision annexed into the City of Cullman to the planning commission.

--Approved a request from Robert Tidwell, Jr. of Northbrook Church to host the 5K run on Saturday, September 12.

--Approved a request from Cullman County Parks and Recreation for a permit to have a fireworks show at Sportsman Lake Park on New Year's Eve.

--Approved police department purchases:

Acae" Electrical changes for the new building with K&M electrical contractors for $910.

Acae" Cabinets for the new building with Hall Woodworks for $300.

Acae" Appliances for the new building with Luyben & Boike for $4,068.

Acae" Four Keltec Sub2000 guns from One Stop Pawn and Gun Shop for $1,600.

--Announced no bids were returned for a DARE vehicle.

--Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.

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