The Leeds City Council got an earful from citizens who are concerned that plans for the city’s future do not include their neighborhoods and interests.

African-American residents of Leeds voiced frustration over the city council’s actions—and lack thereof—regarding several projects. Included in the list is the lack of action on re-opening Coosa Avenue, the school system not fulfilling its original agreement to locate its central offices at the Moton School (the former middle school), and not including Moton Park to receive improvements along with the city’s youth sports facilities. Some residents also said the city was targeting the Russell Heights area when it comes to levying fines and targeting homes for condemnation.

The dialog began when Dan Marbury, of the Leeds Civic League, addressed the council regarding Coosa Avenue and the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, which is located on that street.

“(The church) was asked to work with the city and school system to allow the construction of the new schools to move forward and we were all supportive to let things move forward,” Marbury said. “We have asked the council (about plans for Coosa Avenue), but we are not getting a response. We are tax payers. Just out of respect we are due a response.”

Marbury also brought up the original plans for the school that included plans and funding for the former Leeds Middle School.

District 1 Councilman Kenneth Washington said he had trusted the previous administration and school system when plans for the new school were announced. That trust led him to pass along to his constituents what has proven to be bad information.

“My district has always been at my heart and I will continue to fight for the district,” Washington said. “The new schools were very important to all of us. A promise was made to us that they would move the central office and other educational facilities to (the Moton School). They have reneged on every promise made to that community.”

Washington has asked an auditor for the Leeds Public Education Building Authority for a copy of the change orders made during the schools’ construction process to investigate when, and what, specific changes were made.

Leeds Mayor Eric Patterson said he had spoken about Coosa Avenue in the past and that construction would cost $500,000 – much more than the city is currently able to spend.

“I spoke to the Civic League. (Superintendent John Moore) has spoken to the Civic League. I have said that we cannot do it. We cannot spend half a million dollars on a road that services only one church,” Patterson said.

Everyone appeared to be in agreement that a mistake was made when the construction of the high school included it being placed on top of Coosa Avenue.

Another resident said the Coosa Avenue problem is forcing people to choose sides within the city.

“This city is going to be divided if (the council) don’t do something to help this situation,” said Marie McDaniel. “That church is of great significance to us.”

Ernest Mitchell, president of the Civic League, brought up the parks, asking why none of the money being discussed for new ballparks included funding for Moton Park.

The council responded that the funding discussed was for the youth sports facilities only, not for other park projects, and that all the city’s children and families would benefit by having updated youth fields.

Michael Perry, a resident of Southern Trace, said he felt there had to be some kind of compromise available on Coosa Avenue and that the city should do away with the idea of funding new ballfields and concentrate on infrastructure problems first.

“I agree the fields need improvement, but we have more important problems to deal with right now,” Perry said.

Another resident said she often sees property around the city that is not compliant with city codes, yet she feels only homes in certain areas – specifically Russell Heights – are targeted.

Susan Carswell, representative of District 3, said there is always a large stack of fines and notices made by the Inspector’s Office and that they include properties throughout the city, including in her district.

Other items discussed by the council included:

• approving a grant application for the police department to purchase computer and dispatch equipment that would include in-car camera systems;

• approving a restating of the city’s Sales/Use and Tobacco taxes after moving collections from AlaTax to in-house collecting.

Charles Morris, a businessowner, said the city owes him $18,000 from a previous tobacco tax levied that was later found unconstitutional. He said he had talked to the previous administration and would still like to have his money back;

• hearing a brief report from an Dale Fowler who conducted a two-year audit of funds used by PEBA;

• accepting a bid of $5,462 for a drainage project on Azalea Drive;

• approving for Patterson to negotiate with a property owner for land located off Zeigler Road for the purpose of building a fire station in the future. The amount will not exceed $25,000;

• approving the discontinuance of the city police K-9 Unit. According to officials, the dog has required numerous vet and medication expenses. The K-9 officer will be allowed an opportunity to purchase the dog;

• hearing from Jim Crego of the Mental Health Authority who asked the council to help fund the group at $1,500 next year. He said the group provided services to 384 Leeds residents last year;

• announcing that Peggy Lee had resigned from the Tree Commission and Chad Anderson from the Parks and Rec Board. Anderson accepted an appointment to the school board recently;

• approving the 2008-09 audit; and

• voting to not allow a local business to have waived a business license penalty.

The next council meeting is scheduled for August 2, 6 p.m., at the Leeds Civic Center.