Welcoming in the New Year, the Leeds City Council held its first meeting of 2012. On the top of the list for the City of Leeds is enhancing public safety.

Addressing traffic issues created by the 20 to 35 trains that come through Leeds everyday, Mayor Eric Patterson asked for the council’s approval to submit a grant.

“Money has become available that will fix our railroad problems. I’m requesting the council to approve moving forward with submitting a grant to fix that problem by building an underpass under the train tracks near the elementary school,” said Patterson.

Detailing delays that the numerous trains cause, Patterson told the council in order to avoid the traffic jams drivers have to travel at least 10 miles in one direction and 12 miles in the other in order to not be caught up by the trains.

Asking for approximately $3.7 million from the grant provided by the federal government, Patterson said the police department, fire department and the schools are on board and that he’s asked them to write letters to the Leeds representative on behalf of the City of Leeds receiving this grant money.

“This is an incredible opportunity here. If anyone needs this, it’s Leeds. I hope y’all will agree to push forward with this grant proposal,” Patterson said.

The council approved moving forward with the grant proposal.

Also, a city ordinance was passed pertaining to the zoning of neighborhood business districts meeting the definition of general retail and the issue of enclosed versus unenclosed sales.

The council strives to keep unauthorized businesses such as non-permitted fruit stands or truck loads of firewood being sold off the side of the road.

Under this zoning ordinance the council approved that businesses in the neighborhood business district can hold special sales that last no longer than four days and can occur four times a year where there products are sold outside. For example a side walk sale or selling watermelons the week before the Fourth of July.

Christmas tree lots and selling pumpkins were also approved as seasonal special promotions that don’t pertain to the four day special sale rule.

Other items on Monday night’s agenda were:

* David Coyne, Business Officer for the City of Leeds, suggested the council have a bankruptcy lawyer present in courtroom hearings relevant to Leeds in order for the City of Leeds to reclaim money that is rightfully theirs.

“It’s a preventive measure to make sure the money Leeds is supposed to receive does not get mixed up in the Jefferson County bankruptcy,” Coyne said.

* As of February 1, 2012 the City of Leeds can stare redeeming the 2002-B warrants. With approximately $1,340,000 in its debt reserve account, the City of Leeds can begin buying back the warrants.

“This will allow us to pay over half of the warrants back now. We anticipate being able to pay off the remainder by or before the end of 2012,” said Coyne.

The next Leeds City Council meeting will be held Monday, January 23 at 6pm at the Leeds Civic Center.