Cullman City Council adopts road repair plan under Rebuild Alabama Act, approves tax abatements

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W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday adopted an annual transportation plan for road repairs to be made throughout the city as funds disbursed annually under the Rebuild Alabama Act become available. The City expects to receive $112,328.51 in the first year, with increasing amounts after that. 

The city roads planned for repair include: 

  • Resurfacing of Main Avenue West from Highway 69 to Highway 278  
  • Resurfacing of Graham Street Southwest from Highway 69 to Main Avenue Southwest 
  • Resurfacing of Logan Street Southwest from Main Avenue Southwest to Logan Avenue Southwest  
  • Resurfacing of Whispering Pines Drive Northwest  
  • Resurfacing of Rocky Waters Circle Northwest 
  • Resurfacing of Waterford Drive Northwest 
  • Resurfacing of Seven Bark Drive Northwest 
  • Resurfacing of Quail Run Drive Northwest 
  • Resurfacing of Pinehill Drive Northwest 
  • Resurfacing of Whispering Pines Drive Northwest 
  • Resurfacing of Rocky Waters Circle Northwest 
  • Resurfacing of 30’ wide alley past Fairway Drive off Pinehill Drive  
  • Resurfacing of Fairway Drive 
  • Resurfacing of Viewpoint Circle, except concrete entranceway  
  • Resurfacing of Augusta Trail Northwest 
  • Resurfacing of Wedgewood Circle Northwest 
  • Resurfacing of Greenview Circle Northwest 
  • Resurfacing of Bent Green Circle Northwest 

Tax abatements 

The council approved tax abatements for two expanding local industries, including: 

A 10-year abatement for Royal Technologies for an expansion with an estimated capital investment of $2,500,000. 

A tax abatement for an unnamed but existing area company whose large expansion project was codenamed “Project Connect” with an estimated capital investment of $49,000,000. 

Both companies will receive an abatement of all local taxes except those collected for the support of education. 

Aquatic Center water park expansion plan enlarged 

The council approved an order for “additional and improved features” at the new “Wild Water” water park at the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center, including a larger wave pool.  The expansion will add an additional $7,372,360 to the overall cost. Council President Jenny Folsom said that the City wished to get the size of the project right on the first try, and not have to add more after its completion. 

Annexation ordinances passed on first readings 

The council suspended regular rules of order to pass multiple annexation requests: 

Ordinance No. 2021-45 to annex 1816 Childhaven Road NE into the city limits as AG-1 Agriculture District. 

Ordinance No. 2021-46 to annex 155 County Road 497 and 173 County Road 497 into the city limits as R-3 Residential District. 

Ordinance No. 2021-47 to annex 100 County Road 497 into the city limits as R-1 Residential District. 

Ordinance No. 2021-48 to annex 160 Golf Course Road SW into the city limits as R-1 Residential District. 

Ordinance No. 2021-49 to annex 550 County Road 1467 and 471 County Road 1466 into the city limits as R-1 Residential District. 

Ordinance No. 2021-50 to annex 1605 County Road 1339 into the city limits as R-1 Residential District. 

The council also suspended the rules to pass an ordinance to establish a central dispatch telecommunications center for the City of Cullman. The ordinance establishes, “a standalone department of the City of Cullman to process emergency and routine calls for public safety within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Cullman.” According to Folsom, the City already has the center, but needed the ordinance in writing to bring the City into compliance with state regulations. 

Special Events 

The council approved a full slate of upcoming special events, including requests from: 

Cullman Parks Recreation to hold the annual Oktoberfest celebration in various locations throughout the city Sept. 30, through Oct. 2. 

Cullman Parks Recreation to hold the Annual Oktoberfest 5K and 10K runs starting at the Festhalle on Oct. 2, starting at 8 a.m. 

Shane Bailey for a block party at 706 First Ave. SE on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 6-10 p.m. 

Cullman Christian School for a 5K run to benefit Cullman Christian School on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 7-10 a.m. 

Cullman Lions Club for Cullman County Fair Parade from 7th Street Southwest to Arnold St Northwest on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021 from 1-3 p.m. 

Cullman Caring for Kids for the 35th annual Ho Ho Ho Christmas Car Show at Depot Park on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Warehouse District Merchants Association for its Annual Street Sale on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17 and 18, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Carolyn Taylor for a wedding reception and dinner at the Festhalle and adjoining street on Sunday, Nov. 28, from 3-9 p.m. 

East Side Baptist Church for the Hot Chocolate 5K and 1K Run on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 8-11 a.m. 

Genesis Performing Arts for a 5K, 1K, and Fun Run Fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

The Cullman City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month in the auditorium at City Hall. The public is invited to attend. 

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W.C. Mann

craig@cullmantribune.com