Albany City Council held its regular monthly meeting last Tuesday, October 2 with all council members on hand.

An engineer from Monarch first updated the council on the utility line relocation project, which is now in its third and final phase toward the Tennessee state line on U.S. 127. That phase of the project was already 85 percent complete and the bypass construction project itself is right behind the utility relocation, the engineer told the council.

He also added the state Department of Transportation has issued some necessary change orders on the project.

The council then voted, on a motion by Councilman Frankie Stockton, pursuant to a request from the Foothills Festival Committee, to close off the usual downtown streets during next weekend’s festival.

Councilwoman Tonya Thrasher then asked for volunteers to help make ribbons for the Aleigha Duvall memorial the city and council is participating in this month.

Councilman Tony Delk, in relation to that tribute to the little girl who was killed in an accident last Halloween night, said some residents had suggested blocking off a street around the square Halloween night and allowing people to set up tables and distribute treats in one central location if enough people showed an interest.

The council and mayor agreed it may not be a bad idea and suggested than anyone interested in taking part in such a trick-or-treat night event to help keep trick-or-treating in a more centralized location and less pedestrian traffic off streets, to contact city hall at 387-6022. (A separate article on that memorial, can be found beginning on page 1.)

Councilman James “Smitty” Smith then asked Mayor Nicky Smith if there were any updates on the proposed sidewalk projects, but the mayor said there was nothing new to report at this time.

The council then approved two resolutions authorizing the mayor to sign documents to refinance water loans through Ross & Sinclair and Associates.

That project could possibly reduce the interest rates on water related bonds, create a shorter pay-off period on those bonds and in the long term, save the city over $800,000.

Thrasher also reminded council members about this weekend’s upcoming Second Sunday event. That includes a health fair, a pumpkin walk for kids and the annual Foothills Festival gospel singing.

Those activities will all take place at Mountain View Park from 1-4 p.m. this Sunday, October 14 and is open to everyone.

Finally, due to the council’s next regular meeting falling on election night, the council voted to move its November meeting up one week, to Tuesday, November 13 at 5 p.m. at city hall. The meeting is open to the general public.