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Improvements designed to increase pedestrian safety on Pettus Street was approved by the Demopolis City Council last week.

Along with sidewalks that are already scheduled to be constructed in that area leading to U.S. Jones, the council approved for the striping of crosswalks at two locations as well as a flashing signing warning drivers to be aware of pedestrians.

The council also discussed possible revisions to speed limits, on multiple streets, as well as walk/don’t walk signs in the area of Pettus and Front streets.

The sidewalks project will be funded through a grant and will also include construction around Westside Elementary School. A construction meeting for the project is scheduled for Sept. 16.

The council also discussed the following items.

• The council approved for the Demopolis Fire Department to enter into a five-year lease for the purchase of a Lucas chest compression device, used for CPR. “It is expensive, but quite effective,” said DFD Chief Keith Murray. The total cost for the device is $19,700.

• Building Inspector Julius Rembert reported that demolition permits were filed for a property on the 1800 block of A Street and that non-compliance letters have been sent to other property owners. He said 21 other properties are in the early stages of the dilapidation process.

• The FY 20 city budget was tabled until the next meeting.

• The council approved making the area of George Franks Field and the City Landing Park an entertainment district on the evening of Friday, Dec. 6, for the annual barbecue cook-off.

• During public comments, Harold Park said he continues to see illegal truck traffic along Walnut Street. Mayor John Laney said recent statistics have shown that the truck traffic on Walnut is a problem and that measures will be taken to correct it.

David McCants followed saying truck traffic along Bell Grayson Road is also a problem, specifically for speeding and littering.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, September 11 issue of the Demopolis Times.)