Leeds City Council votes for progress
Published 12:00 pm Monday, April 28, 2014
Monday night’s regularly scheduled Leeds City Council meeting saw the council unanimously vote in favor of Resolutions 2014-04-07 and 2014-04-08 which grant a tax abatement incentive for Engineered Plastic Components, an Iowa based company, that’s looking to house its Southeastern head quarters in Alabama, Georgia or Mississippi.
Initially, if the plant locates in Leeds, the company’s opening will bring in 80 new jobs. As it expands it will grow to 110 jobs in total by its third year in operation.
Jobs Engineered Plastic Components would bring to Leeds would pay $15.75 to $16 per hour.
“We want these jobs and we want them in Leeds,” said Mayor David Miller.
Jeff Traywick, Senior Project Manager with Economic Development for the Birmingham Business Alliance, is overseeing Engineered Plastic Components’ interest for Leeds and says that if the company sets up shop in Leeds the Alabama Industrial Training Program will have also have a temporary presence in the area.
In other city news Mayor Miller announced the splash pad is still shooting for an opening date of May 3rd or somewhere within the near vicinity of that date.
Leeds Fire Chief Pierce reported that hydrant testing has started and Leeds City Inspection Department superintendent Brad Watson announced citywide clean up day for Leeds is set for Saturday, May 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to noon in an effort to keep Leeds green!
Designated drop off points are Leeds Middle School’s entrance to the ballfields on Parnell Drive and Moton Community Center located at 1721 Moton Street.
“We need volunteers to pick up trash throughout Leeds,” said Watson. “We will provide the trash bags.”
Those interested in volunteering are asked to call Toushi Arbitelle at 205-699-0934.
Watson also wanted community members to know they can bring old tires as well.
Other approved items:
* Leeds Jane Culbreth Library will soon have a new heating and cooling ventilation system to the tune of $31,050.
This will help remedy the library’s mold problem as well.
A library annex will be set up in the former Monkey Tails location next to Massey, Stotser and Nichols, P.C. on Parkway Drive.
In addition to the library’s location at 8104 Parkway Drive they will have a space for their Speak Easy Art events, Tot Time, quilting and other activities the library hosts.
* Members of the council accept District 2 councilman Eric Turner who abstained from the vote, approved the support of the Northern Beltline construction.
“I’d like to be on record that we supported this project,” said Miller.
* Dr. Carl Marbury was appointed as a board member of the Tree Commission.
Leeds City Council meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at the Leeds Civic Center located at 1000 Park Drive.
The next meeting is schedule for Monday, May 5th.
