COVID, cameras top Selma City Council meeting
Published 9:59 am Friday, October 29, 2021
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Selma’s COVID-19 ordinance and surveillance cameras were the biggest subjects at the Selma City Council on Tuesday night.
Selma Mayor James Perkins said he will not extend the city-wide mask mandate when the ordinance expires Sunday on November 1.
Under the ordinance, Selma residents must wear a mask in public places. People found guilty of non-compliance of the ordinance — could be fined $25 dollars for a first offense — $100 dollars for a second offense — and $250 dollars for a third offense.
“I have no intention of extending the ordinance,” Perkins said. “I am concerned about the status of COVID, the numbers have been fluctuating up and down. I am encouraging the citizens of Selma to continue to practice social distance and wear masks.”
In the Mayor’s report, Perkins brought up the city wide camera and said he was concerned about the contracts between Alabama Power and Selcom.
“I read the contract from Alabama Power, it’s not a sale contract, it’s not a lease contract, it’s a service
contract,” Perkins said. “It has to be bid.”
City Council President Billy Young told Perkins that the camera situation will be handled in the near future.
“Why is this so difficult,” Perkins asked. “It’s not about the company, it’s about the about the service whether it’s the most functional technical solution to the City of Selma.”
Young halted the camera discussion, saying it was not on the agenda for the council meeting.
“I notice when we get off the road map, we get into an area of confusion,” Young told Perkins.
The council did not get the last page for the Mayor’s report that included the camera subject. The last page got stuck in the printer of the mayor’s office, which Dawn Taylor, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, acknowledged via ZOOM.
“I was not aware that you didn’t have page 8, forgive me,” Perkins said.
Perkins and the city council are expected to resume the discussion, starting at next Thursday’s city council work session.
In other council news:
-Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams addressed the council and announced three events: (Community Forum, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. at Selma High School), Donuts for Dad (9 a.m. Selma High School)Board meeting (Nov. 9 at 5 p.m.) and State of SCS address (Nov. 16, 9 a.m. Facebook live).
-Perkins urged the city council to send out letters for job officers to Tax Collector and Treasurer positions.