By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Four of five Atmore City Council members gave unanimous approval during the group’s Monday, January 23, meeting to a proclamation honoring Vangela McPherson Franklin and permanently attaching her name to the municipal swimming pool at which she has been a fixture for several years.
City Clerk Becca Smith moderated the meeting, the second in a row in which she has served that role. Mayor Pro Tem Shawn Lassiter was out of town and did not attend the meeting, but the other council members agreed without discussion to name the pool at Houston Avery Park the V.J. Franklin Community Pool.
Municipal Court Judge Karean Reynolds, who also holds the District 5 seat on the Escambia County Commission, spoke in favor of the proclamation.
“We like to reward people who put in community service helping our young people, people who dedicate their time and energy toward bettering our community,” Reynolds said. “Ms. Franklin has put in countless hours at that park every summer. She provides swimming lessons, counseling, and all sorts of other mentoring services to our young people.”
Reynolds added that, “on behalf of the [county] commission, I would sponsor a nice sign that’s going to go in front of the park.”
In other business conducted Monday, the council:
*approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to renew the city’s line of credit at First National Bank & Trust for a year at a fixed interest rate of 6 percent.
*approved a supplemental agreement between the city and Volkert, Inc., whereby Volkert is to provide all necessary professional services associated with construction of the six-unit hangar to be built at Atmore Municipal Airport.
*approved grass and weed abatement cost reports for 10 properties recently cleaned up by the city. Codes Enforcement Officer Greg Vaughn said the cost averaged “about $450” for each property. The reports will be sent to county officials so that tax liens may be placed on the properties.
*pledged to continue the city’s support of employees who are members of the National Guard or Air National Guard. Charlotte Boyle explained the particulars of the program and handed out statements of support for council members and audience members to have their employers sign.
*approved the use of Houston Avery Park for the second annual Love Day, which is scheduled for April 15, from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The free event, which will be conducted under Christian principles, will be hosted by Standing in the Gap Ministries.
*approved the use of city streets for Main Street Atmore’s third annual Shamrock Shuffle fundraiser, a 5K run. MSA Executive Director Shinora Redmond said the event will begin at Heritage Park and will follow the same course as last year. The date for the event was not disclosed.