Councilmen in good spirits, anticipate wet/dry vote

By Daniel L. Bamberg
Daniel@Centrevillepress.com
Centreville Mayor Tommy Bamberg has been dealing with some personal health issues recently, but that hasn't kept him from conducting city business. Bamberg and the Centreville City Council were in good spirits as they began their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 16th. There are many possible changes coming into the city and it appeared the powers that be were ready to meet the issues head on.
A petition has been making its rounds across the cities of Brent and Centreville. This request is presenting those cities with a desire from some residents for a vote to adopt an ordinance, which allows the sale of alcohol within the city limits. It has been nearly 15 years since the last countywide vote for repealing prohibition. The vote was close enough to validate a recount, but in the end voters kept Bibb County dry. Whether it is from the change in generations or the current economic state, it appears to some that this ordinance may be in place soon. Centreville is not ready to assume that it will happen, but council members seem to be of the opinion that the sale of alcohol in Brent and Centreville is very possible.
"The law has changed so that a city of 1,000 citizens or more can vote on its own without the whole county. What we are anticipating is Brent and Centreville both having a vote," explained councilman Ken Cottingham. "I believe there will be a vote," said Mayor Bamberg. Several brief discussions occurred regarding what restrictions the city would consider if the vote occurred and the sale of alcohol was allowed County business owner richer while the county continues to become poorer. Whatever the outcome and whether or not there is a vote, members of the Centreville City Council are getting prepared.
Members of the council are concerned with where the money normally given to the original park board will go under the new county mandated park boards. Previously the money was given to Linda Lavendar who is now a member of the South Bibb County Park Board. According to City Clerk Stephanie Scott, Lavendar is now contributing that money to the county park board. "If we are paying out money I would rather use it on our park (Cahaba River Historical Park)," said Councilman Chuck Martin. "The money paid by Brent and Centreville needs to come back to Brent and Centreville. We are the ones who put the money in there, we should get the money to spend on our parks," explained Cottingham. "Because it's not county money," remarked Martin. "No, it is city money," Cottingham agreeably expressed.
Cottingham suggested two solutions to clarify the situation. He first proposed that a letter be composed and sent to Lavendar expressing the intent of the city for any remaining money they (may have left. His other suggestion was for Mayor Bamberg to sit down with Brent Mayor Dennis Stripling in order to come to a mutual idea of how money for co-supported parks would be handled. There was no official decision made; the conversation was only that of concern and need for clarification.
A property owner has approached the city with a plan to trade a piece of land Centreville is interested in for city acreage. Mayor Bamberg was concerned with the amount of land they are asking for the amount of land they are offering. Cottingham explained that trades like these are typically based on value not necessarily acreage. He suggested that the city needs to look into the value and potential future value of the portions of land in question before furthering the conversation. Council members and the mayor agreed with Cottingham.
Martin mentioned a new law currently making its way through the Senate, which would prohibit motorists from using their cellular phones to send text messages while operating a vehicle. "It looks like it may pass, but if it doesn't..," Mayor Bamberg cut Martin off with his own dislike for what has become a serious problem on the roadway. Other members of the council also interjected similar thoughts. It seemed, however, that Martin wants the city to adopt an ordinance restricting "texting while driving" if this doesn't become a federal or state restriction. Currently there are no logical estimations regarding how many accidents are caused from text messaging, being that text messaging is a relatively new technology. There have, however, been several accident stories in the news over the past year or more, which have implied the cause, was text messaging. "I don't understand why somebody would try to drive and text at the same time," said Councilman Kenny Hicks. "I mean, I am not real smart,” he said before being interrupted. "I hope you are, you fly an airplane," Cottingham replied with a chuckle. "Why would you take the time to send a text message when you can just pick up the phone and be done with it?" Cottingham looked at Hicks and explained, "We're being left behind, buddy."