Springville mayor gives state of the city address
Published 8:00 am Tuesday, February 18, 2014
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Springville mayor William Isley gave a state of the city report at last week’s chamber meeting. He shared information on current projects and work around the city as well as future projects, events and goals.
He began his address by saying that Springville wants to remain a historic city.
“It prospers unlike others because of its heritage.”
He said that the city would continue to do so if its citizens continue to elect officials who are diligent and if the membership on Springville’s board remains consistent. Springville, according to Isley, is a central point for people from surrounding areas, such as Pinson and Trussville.
“And as a whole, we have a voice,” said Isley.
Isley also commended the commission chairman, Stan Batemon, who was in attendance for making not only Springville but also the whole county a great destination point.
“Batemon has done a tremendous job for our county.”
Isley added that it is community spirit that keeps people coming to Springville as well as the quality of life. Isley placed the city’s splash pad under this heading.
“The splash pad is the jewel in our crown,” said Isley. He said that he believed that the pad would be much more useful once others are built in surrounding areas even though he loves to have others visit Springville.
Isley also expressed appreciation for officials.
“ I hope that all of you appreciate the people who help run the city.” He said that he has meetings with these people, but he is thankful because he never has to micromanage them. According to Isley, they do their jobs effectively.
In correlation with those who run the city is the issue that has been brought before them about debris removal. Isley said he believes that the issue has been solved but urged citizens to call if they need to. He did say, however, that the removal would not be happening every Saturday.
Isley then discussed an ISO analysis, which is currently underway. This is a check-up going on in the fire department that will help to determine insurance rates. He said that this is why the fire department maintains like they do.
Isley said that the police department is also doing a great job and is under excellent leadership. He said that the police department would be in their new facility within 30 days. This facility is located near the fire department and is two stories.
“It’s really nice, and they’re really excited,” said Isley. He said that the other 2/3 of the building would be used for the city’s court and city council meeting, meaning that the annex would no longer be in use.
“This is a really nice asset to the city,” said Isley.
Open house for the new building will be scheduled soon.
Ongoing projects were the next items addressed by Isley. He said Walker Drive was a $550,000 project. He said the city received $50,000 from the commission and $500,000 from the state of Alabama.
“This is a fantastic road,” said Isley.
The City is also working on the construction of storm shelters. These are to be citywide storm shelters. One shelter has already been constructed, so the city will have a total of three shelters. Isley said that when the storms came through a couple of years ago, the city sought out grants so that Springville would be prepared in the future.
Isley said that the city would probably not ask for grant money in 2014 because of the matches they are already making, but he suspects that the city will seek grants for sidewalks and lights in 2015.
The new sports complex was another item mentioned by Isley. He said that over 500 kids had signed up to participate in sports teams. This is a great jump from the normal sign up of around 300 children. Isley said that the high school is also looking into having a soccer team for the first time ever because of the new sports facility.
Other news for the future of Springville includes:
– Springfest is set to be held on May 17 at 2:00 PM.
– Take your Kids Fishing Day is going to be held on May 24 beside the park.
– Springville’s Easter egg hunt will be on April 19.
– The last thing on the horizon, according to Isley, is the potential purchase of around 380 acres of Springville land. He said that if Forever Wild goes through with their purchase of this land, Springville will see the construction of a nature preserve.
