By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
The Woodruff City Council addressed a light agenda for the February meeting, approving the acquisition of a parcel of land on Irby Street and taking no action on a request to alter the boundaries of the revitalization district.
Council members unanimously approved accepting a parcel on Irby Street being donated by the owner. The parcel is located behind the Tractor Supply store and adjacent to the substation. It contains a drainage ditch that the City maintains and accepting the parcel will provide easier access to the ditch for maintenance.
In the only other item up for action, the Council heard a request to remove a property from the revitalization district so the prospective owner could open an auto dealership. The district prohibits automotive-related businesses.
The Woodruff Planning Commission heard the request the week prior to the City Council meeting and voted to deny the request. Commissioners did not want to set a precedent for altering the revitalization district for unapproved uses. After hearing the item and the Planning Commission’s recommendation, the item failed to receive a motion and was effectively denied.
City Manager Lee Bailey provided departmental and city updates, including the upcoming opening of the Block 224 public space on Main Street. A ribbon-cutting and grand opening event were planned for March 4, and space would be open to the public from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily after that. According to a staff report from the community development department, Block 224 is booking a number of acoustic performers to provide entertainment on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. starting on April 15.
Bailey also recognized the actions of the Woodruff Police Department in executing a large drug bust in February. Police were called to a domestic violence incident. During the course of their investigation, the corporal and officer on scene were made aware of possible drug activity and uncovered nearly 26 pounds of marijuana and a small amount of cocaine on site. Both Bailey and Chief Greg Ryan, in his monthly report to the council, commended the actions of the responding officers.
Following staff reports, the Council held an executive session to discuss new investment opportunities proposed for the City.
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Woodruff City Hall.
(Source: https://www.cityofwoodruff.com/woodruff_city_council)
Author: Tracy Sanders
