Mayor Dan’s Weekly Blog

 Friday, May 29, 2009 - Thursday, June 11, 2009

Greetings from the Mayors office. I am running behind in my letter-writing. I should have posted one last Friday, but I had so much going that I couldn't get the things down that I wanted to tell. I am going to try to do better. I hope this upcoming weekend, which will be our 2ND Annual Delmore Days at Athens State University, will have many things for you and your family to do. Be sure to attend the Delmore Days if you can. You'll be glad you did.

Friday evening, May 29, Kay and I went to Decatur to have dinner at FuLins, a Japanese restaurant. Mark and Phyllis Whitt and their family was there, and our daughter Dinah came to be with us. We had a great time and the food was pretty good. I ate several pieces of sushi and it was better than the other food. I eat sushi occasionally and enjoy it.

Saturday evening Kay and I went to the Square to participate in the Cruising Reunion that had been organized by Mike Scott. There was a large crowd of folks parked around the Square, and many more circling around and around. I saw a lot of old heads there tonight. Shane Black and Trish, who is the Spirit of Athens Coordinator, were riding around in a convertible. the crowd was having fun, and several brought their lawn chairs and kids. Mike did a great job with the event and raised more than $400 for the Spirit of Athens.

We went to Village Pizza at 9:00 to listen to our son Charles, and his friends Grant Aday and Trav Schrimsher play. We stayed with the music until around eleven o'clock, then went home. I think they played until midnight.

Sunday morning we went to Sunday school then came home to get lunch ready for our folks. We went back to Charles' house this afternoon and finished tearing down his old fence. This finishes most of the hard work we are trying to get done in his yard.

Monday morning I had Holly Hollman, Decatur Daily reporter, as my guest on my Monday Morning With The Mayor radio show. We talked about vacations she and her girl friends had taken through the years. This is a group from college that remained close, and they have taken many interesting trips. Holly did a story some time back that told of all their escapades and close calls they have had. One interesting trip they had was camping and traveling the length of the Natchez Trace.

I met with two Councilmen and our Finance Director about possible plans for a new city hall. We looked at some plans that we have had for about two years. Our first decision about a new facility will be to find a new location and build a new building, or tear down the current building and build on the same site. We could possible sell the current property and purchase property nearby in the downtown area. That may, however, necessitate moving the fire station that is attached to the current city hall. We could leave the fire station intact while taking down the remainder of the old city hall, and build a new hall on the current site. The space we will need in City Hall can be adequately met on the current site.

I met this afternoon with our Finance Directors from the General Fund and Utilities, two Department Heads, and two Council people about accounting changes we are facing in the way we prepare for future liability of the city. This relates to the cost of retiree insurance cost over the future years, which can become a huge amount of liability to the city. We are beginning to plan for this and close attention will be given to the situation to keep it from getting our of hand.

Kay and I went to the Sportsplex tonight to watch Asa play in a baseball tournament. His team fell behind 5-0, but eventually rallied in their efforts and won the game by four or five points.

Tuesday morning I met with an attorney and Elk River Development Agency officials to discuss a possible construction project. Randall Hammock, our Director, is working well with the Board on the project. We hope to have enough information to make a decision about the project within a few days.

I went to the Belles and Bows upscale kids clothing consignment boutique for their ribbon cutting. They are located on Jefferson, near the Greenhaw Furniture building. Lacy Pettus Williams is one of the owners. I saw her Father-in-law, George Williams, taking pictures of the opening. George is my first cousin, and he is proud of his kids and grand kids.

Kay and I went to Huntsville today at lunch to pick up our grandson Luke who is coming to spend the night with us. We carried Asa, our other grandson with us. We met them at the Madison Mall and had lunch at their food court. This mall seems to not have nearly the business as it did before the Bridge Street mall opened. They have improved it a good bit, but the number of stores are down at this time, or so it seems to me. I think the recession is taking a toll on the area.

I finished early at the office today, then went to Charles' house and carried a good bit of the old fence to the street for pickup. I had called the Public Works office earlier and found out the size of trash piles they will pick-up. I made the pile the exact size, 12x3x3, and it didn't look as if I had enough in it to justify the energy I expended getting it to the front yard. That little pile took a lot of energy from me.

Wednesday morning I had a lot of paperwork to attend to before I went to Decatur's City Hall for a meeting. The meeting was with a few other mayors who are working to secure federal funding for the proposed Corridor V. This proposed project brings a route out of Mississippi into Alabama, and follows generally Highway 72 to Chattanooga. It would be build to Interstate standards and would be funded through the Appalachian funds provided by the Federal Government. Our desire is to get monies appropriated for plans to be made for this project.

Councilman Jimmy Gill had day surgery today and it seems things went well with him during this procedure. He will be limping around for a few days.

I took off early this afternoon to attend to some yard work and personal duties. I checked the trash pile I had laid out yesterday and found that the city trash truck had removed all of it.

We went to Charles' house tonight for old fashioned, hand-cranked ice cream. Charles said he was doing a test run on ice cream for our birthday celebration on Saturday. He used my Mama's recipe to cook the cream before freezing, and he used Kay's Dad's White Mountain hand-cranked freezer to make it. It was delicious and we enjoyed it.

Thursday morning I met with our Public Library officials and David Seibert to begin the plans for the new library. We discussed the situation with the Architect and came to an understanding about how we are to proceed with the project.

I later got a pick-up from a friend and carried trash and junk from our fence-building project to the transfer station. This is the first time I have taken material to the station and it is quite an experience. I had to take two truck-loads to complete my work. I also had to unload the material from the truck myself. Each truck-load cost a little more than seven dollars. I was amazed at the amount of material that was brought in to the site while I was unloading mine. There were many small loads similar to mine coming in constantly, and several of our city garbage and trash trucks unloaded while I was there. I really wish everyone would carry their trash here rather than dumping it on the side of the road or in the woods. The cost was minimal and it is then transferred to a landfill to be put completely out of sight.

I went to Lifestyles later in the day and got a haircut. I have been so long without one that I could almost feel my head becoming heavier from so much hair. This is a nice shop and they have a large group of people working in it. I have never had to wait too long for services and their cost are reasonable.

Friday morning I took off work to get ready for the weekend. All of our family is coming to Charles' house on Saturday to celebrate my birthday, which is the 6th, and Whitney's which is the 8th. Kay and I went to the grocery store early to get the food we are going to have. We decided earlier that we would just do burgers and hot dogs with baked beans and chips. We would have homemade ice cream for dessert. This was a good time to shop because there was not a lot of folks out early this morning. That was a big chore completed that we would not have to do later tonight or early tomorrow.

We also tried to put all the finishing touches on Charles' yard and pool to have them ready for tomorrow. We really expended the energy today, so Kay and I stayed in tonight to get some well-deserved rest.

Saturday morning we slept a little late. We then went to Shoney's for out birthday breakfast. Daniel and his family didn't get to come with us this morning. Joy Whitt and Jessica Brock came to be with us this morning. We had a good time being with each other on my birthday.

We went back to Charles place for a while this morning and got everything ready for the afternoon. I went back home for a nap before we had our party.

All of my family and my sister Joan's family were there around three o'clock for swimming and visiting. My brother-in-law, Jimmy, was in and out because he had his car at the cruise-in on the Square. We grilled our food around four o'clock and I guess we ate from then until we weren't hungry. All of the Whitt family came to eat with us, and the neighbors, Joe and Frances Daly came by. Whitney's friend, Stacey Easter and her two children came to be with us. We stayed around until about midnight. As far as I know, nobody called the police to us. I tried to keep everyone under control.

Sunday morning Kay and I attended Church and heard a good sermon from Brother Jenkins. After Church, we went back to Charles' house and grilled our lunch. Joan and her family came back over and we had a good afternoon with our family. I spent a few hours in the pool this afternoon, and it sure was relaxing to me. I also got a little sun that stung.

After everyone left, we helped Charles get things picked-up and cleaned-up. Kay and I then went to Catfish Cabin with the Harpers and Todds for a lite supper. We enjoyed our fellowship with these good friends.

Monday morning I got up at five and drove to Huntsville to be on the Morning Show at channel 19 with Steve Johnson. He is beginning a segment called Monday With the Mayors. He will be interviewing the mayors from surrounding cities to see what is happening in the Valley.

I came back to town and met with Economic Development people and a Councilman about a possible industrial prospect. We met at Cracker Barrel for breakfast, and the crowd today was very small. I don't believe I have ever been to this place when the crowd was down this much.

I later hosted my Monday Morning With the Mayor radio show from McClarey Ford. I had Debbie Delmore as my guest today and we discussed the up-coming Delmore Days Festival at Athens State University this weekends. Debbie is my cousin, and the daughter of the late Alton Delmore.

The City Council met tonight for a regular meeting. The following items of business received action from the Council:

1. A public hearing was held regarding the rezoning of property located at the southwest intersection of Brownsferry Street/Hine Street. Several people spoke for and against this proposed re-zoning. The issue will be voted on at the next meeting.

2. A public hearing was held regarding the annexation of property located south of Athens on Lucas Ferry Road. The annexation was approved and the property was re-zoned by the Council.

3. The Council approved travel expenses for the Gas Department and a cash advance for the Electric Department.

4. The Council postponed the re-appointment of five Historical Commission members until we make some changes to the original ordinance which created the Commission.

5. The Council passed an ordinance authorizing the lease of property to the Clements Fire Department.

6. The Council passed a resolution to approve an agreement with the Clements Fire Department.

7. The Council approved a resolution to approve expenditures related to an agreement with the Clements Fire Department.

The business with the Clements Fire Department will allow residents of Black's Landing inside the city limits to have their home owner's insurance rated reduced. We hope it will lessen the response time to fires in that part of the city.

8. The Council passed a resolution to purchase ten potable radios, two personal computers, and two camera kits for the Police Department.

9. The Council set July 13 as a date for a public hearing for an ordinance to update the Historical Preservation Commission ordinance.

10. The Council approved a resolution to purchase dumpsters for the Sanitation Department.

11. A resolution to implement Drop-Off Locations for City Wide Recycling was postponed until the next meeting.

12. The Council approved a resolution to approve a grant application for sewer services for the Cottonwood subdivision.

13. The Council appointed Don Huddleston as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Adjustments.

14. The Council approved the forced clean-up of property located on Wellington Street and Pine Street.

Tuesday morning I looked at several areas of town where projects are underway, and it seems they are coming along very well. The biggest thing is the re-paving of Highway 31 from Cactus Street to Interstate 65. That is a congested area but it seems to be going well and I think it will be completed within a few days.

I went to my regular radio show this morning to talk about the Council meeting and other business of the city. We had a good show today. Tim Lambert was sitting in the usual place of Ken Fox. Kirk Harvey, the host of the show, had never heard of a bottle tree until today.I told Kirk that I was going to make me a bottle tree to put in my back yard among the flowers. He didn't know what I was talking about.

I carried three of my grandchildren to Dub's for lunch. My kids and grand kids cannot go for more than a few weeks without a Dub's burger or cheeseburger. While we were there today, I saw Gloria King, one of my old friends and co-workers from the Human Resources Department. Gloria has been retired for several years, and her husband, Pete, died on New Years Day of 2009.

We went to see Asa play ball again tonight. His team, the Rangers, played a good game and won by three points.

Daniel and his family came over tonight to see Asa play, then we went to our house for a spaghetti supper. Daniel, Charles, and I practiced tonight for the Delmore Days. We have about fourteen Delmore songs that we do fairly well.

Wednesday morning I was in the office until around eleven o'clock. I met with our Fire Chief and Finance Director to discuss issues related to the department and possible grant opportunities.

James Rich, Evan Thornton, and I went to the North Alabama Transportation Committee meeting in Huntsville at lunch today. The speaker for the luncheon was Joe McInnes, Director of the State of Alabama Department of Transportation. We later met with Joe, his staff, and Senator Tom Butler to discuss transportation needs in Athens and Limestone County.

Thursday morning I met with James Rich and Evan Thornton with an Information Technology person to talk about the needs we have in our city. This was a very interesting meeting, and I hope some good is going to come out of it. I would like to see the city of Athens "lit up", as they call it. I understand that means you have access to Internet, communications, and all the latest technology anywhere in the area.

Kay went to Huntsville today to get our two grandchildren to come over and spend some time with us and their cousins. We all went to the Sportsplex tonight to watch Asa and the Rangers play in the Championship game. They lost by two runs and got second place trophies. The Phils won and they played an excellent game.

We all went to McDonald's after the game for supper. Charles came over to the house later and he and I practiced for the Delmore Days.

Looking for something to do this weekend and the remainder of June? Keep reading. There’s always something to do in Athens/Limestone County. Here are some Events and Attractions to consider. Some are free and all are close to home.

Reminder: June 13th will be our 2nd Annual Delmore Days Bluegrass at Athens State University Beasley Field, sponsored by the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Council and the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention. The gates open at 9:00 AM. Adult advance tickets are $5.00 and children under 12 years are $1.00. Advance Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce Office through June 10, 2009. Adult gate tickets are $7.00 and children are $3.00. Children 5 years and under get in free. Attendees may have their hand stamped for re-entry throughout the day. Legendary Nashville Fiddler Buddy Spicher will headline this year. Spicher is a familiar face at the Tennessee Old Time Fiddlers Convention held in October. He started his career as part of a backing band with Audrey Williams (widow of Hank Williams) in the late 50’s and later became a Nashville based sessions musician backing the likes of Bob Dylan. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the tribute to the Delmore Brothers.

Alabama Bluegrass Music Association (ABMA) Hall of Fame 2009 inductee Jake Landers and his band will also perform. Jake was inducted into the ABMA March 20, 2009 along with Charlie Louvin, Gary Waldrep, Three on a String, The Hintons and Claire Lynch.

Mayor Dan Williams is a cousin to the Delmore Brothers and the Williams Family will perform at 1:30 PM. Other local groups performing include Lacey Snider and The Turkey Creek Ramblers, The Hovis Family, Clear Creek, Lisa Lambert and The Pine Ridge Boys, Tennessee Valley Express, Dixie Bluegrass Boys and Just Down the Road. Live entertainment will begin at 12:30 PM and end at 10:15 PM.

Families may bring their pop-up tents for shade. You must reserve a space for your tent or for more information about the festival call 256-232-5411 or visit www.delmoredays.com. Flyer attached with more information.

Tour of Flower Gardens
Athens Ladies Civitan Club 2nd Annual Golf Classic
June 12, 2009 at 9:00 AM
A 3-man scramble with tee off at 9:00 AM will be at Canebrake Golf Club, Athens , AL . Registration opens at 8:00 AM. McClarey Ford is sponsoring a “Hole in One” with a prize of 2009 Ford Taurus and 3 trips on the other par 3’s. Contact Elizabeth McDowell at 256-874-7490.

Graphic Novel Author and Video Game Design Gareth Hinds
June 13, 2009 at 3:00 PM. The Athens-Limestone Public Library will host two programs with Gareth Hinds. Meet Gareth Hinds and hear how he became a graphic novelist and video game designer. Among Mr. Hinds' books are graphic novel versions of "Beowulf," "King Lear," and "The Merchant of Venice ." Video games designed by Mr. Hinds include "The Incredibles," "Ratatouille," and "System Shock 2." This event is free and open to everyone. For more information contact Paula Laurita, 232-1233.

Comic Book Workshop
June 13, 2009 at 5:00 PM - Graphic Novel Author and Video Game Design Gareth Hinds will conduct a comic book workshop at the Athens-Limestone Public Library. This workshop is limited to 25 people. Fee: $15 for Athens-Limestone Public Library cardholders and $30 for non-card holders. The registration fee includes an Express Yourself summer program t-shirt, an autographed copy of one of Mr. Hinds' books, and a pizza supper. For more information contact Paula Laurita, 232-1233.

Athens Historical Saturday Walk
June 13, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Enjoy strolling the streets of Athens as you learn about the history of downtown Athens , Washington Street homes, old cemetery, Athens State University , Alabama Veterans Museum, and more. Contact: 256-232-5411. Meet at the Clinton Street Annex at 9:45 AM. Free

2nd Annual Delmore Days Bluegrass Festival
June 13, 2009 at 10:00 AM
The festival features all day live entertainment and arts and craft vendors. The event is planned as an “old-fashioned trade day”. Entertainment schedule on website. Lots of arts and crafts vendors, kids games, and great entertainers. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the tribute to the Delmore Brothers. Contact: 256-232-5411 or www.delmoredays.com. Gate admission $7 adults $3 for children, kids 5 and under free. Advance tickets $5 adults, $1 children available at the Chamber of Commerce Office.

Indian Artifact Show
June 14, 2009 at 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Athens State University Ballroom will have Indian artifacts available for viewing. Free Admission - Free Identification of Relics - buy - sell - trade Contact: John Hammons - 256-232-0698

Ardmore Public Library’s Summer Program
June 17, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Bring the kids for “Conductor Jack Norton (Music)” for the Summer Program.

Singing on the Square featuring Clear Creek and The Servants
June 19, 2009 at 6:00 PM
A monthly event (Apr - Sep) held featuring local musicians performing at the free concert on the courthouse steps. Bring your lawn chair and join us. Call: 256-232-5411 or email jeanette@tourathens.com.

Athens Historical Saturday Walk
June 20, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Enjoy strolling the streets of Athens as you learn about the history of downtown Athens , Washington Street homes, old cemetery, Athens State University , Alabama Veterans Museum, and more. Contact: 256-232-5411. Meet at the Clinton Street Annex at 9:45 AM. Free

Ardmore Public Library’s Summer Program
June 24, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Bring the kids for “Hester Bass (Author)” for the Summer Program. Free

Athens Historical Saturday Walk
June 27, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Enjoy strolling the streets of Athens as you learn about the history of downtown Athens , Washington Street homes, old cemetery, Athens State University , Alabama Veterans Museum, and more. Free tour. Individuals and groups welcomed. Contact: 256-232-5411. Meet at the Clinton Street Annex at 9:45 AM. Free

I hope you will have a good weekend.

I guess this is enough for this time.

Take care and I'll see you next time.

Mayor Dan