Albany City Council held a brief regular meeting last Tuesday evening, April 5 with five of six members present.

The council first approved, on a motion by Frankie Stockton, second reading of an ordinance changing the name of Water Tower Street to Jersie Lane.

Council members then heard a brief progress report from Monarch Engineer David Bowles.

Bowles indicated that the second phase of the utility relocation project as it relates to the Albany Bypass would be let for bids soon, as the lines need to be relocated by October of this year. That phase begins near the radio station and proceeds southward to around Highway 969.

A third and final phase of the utility relocation, to begin after the second phase is completed, will include the area from 969 on to the Tennessee state line along U.S. 127.

Also, the water line extension from the industrial park in Clinton County to near the Wayne County line was about 76 percent complete as of last week.

A representative from the Lake Cumberland Area Development District was also in attendance and briefly offered the city AD District assistance with any current or future projects the city may have.

The council, also on a motion by Frankie Stockton, voted to appoint Johnny Delk to the Clinton County Rec/Park Board. That motion passed 4-0 with councilman Tony Delk abstaining.

On a motion by councilman James “Smitty” Smith, they voted unanimously to declare April as Fair Housing Month in the city of Albany.

Following some discussion, the council passed first reading of an ordinance that would close the fire station alley between the fire department building and Cross Street.

Some council members were concerned about the fire department having routes from the fire station to the main roads. Councilman Smith said the alley way that would be closed was narrow and rarely used by the fire department.

The council will study the proposal to close the alley way prior to a second and final reading on the measure.

Jim DeForest then addressed the council with some information he had gleaned on the chemical fluoride, saying it was in everyone’s water system and wasn’t safe. He further indicated that the chemical may, at least in part, lend to the high cancer rate.

DeForest said he had written letters to state elected officials, including the governor, about the dangers of fluoride in the water and suggested the council may consider taking similar actions.

Prior to adjourning, council members authorized the mayor to check into putting a culvert near Hill Street where there is a water drainage problem, filling in some areas in the downtown sidewalks and doing some mowing around the downtown area.

The next regular meeting of Albany City Council is scheduled for May 3 at 5 p.m. at city hall and is open to the general public.