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The Demopolis City Council on Thursday heard from concerned residents about cars speeding through residential neighborhoods and commercial trucks not using proper truck routes in the city.

Eleanor Park and Aliquippa Allen approached the council with concerns about reckless drivers on Main Street, Walnut Avenue and Strawberry Avenue. Park commended the Demopolis Police for their efforts to stop speeding vehicles but said that the problem still persists.

“There are children that live in our neighborhood that ride their bikes and skateboards, and they are prone to go out into the streets,” said Park.

Allen spoke on trucks not using the designated truck routes, particularly on Walnut Avenue. One proposed solution was installing signs warning truck drivers that violators would be prosecuted and that both the driver and the trucking company would be heavily fined. Another suggested solution was installing a mobile traffic camera that can be used in different areas of the city. The camera, however, would be expensive to purchase.

Allen also spoke about GPS systems that take drivers along Walnut Avenue rather than on Capitol Street.  Mayor Woody Collins said the city has looked into the GPS issue and asked Allen if she would research how to change the GPS coordinates. Allen agreed that she would look into the issue, provided that the city installed new warning signs for truckers.

A representative with Avenu Insights & Analytics presented the council with a proposal from her firm to collect license fees and taxes. Audrey Freeman said the city could save an estimated $50,000 compared to current charges. Freeman also proposed a discovery/recovery plan to collect fees from businesses in Demopolis that never paid for a license. The finance committee will review the proposal at their next meeting and will give their recommendation at the next city council meeting.

The council appointed Doug Brewer, CEO/Administrator of Whitfield Regional Hospital, to the Industrial Development Board (IDB). Rance Stevenson was appointed to the Park and Recreation Board.

Collins announced an agreement between the city, Wallace Community College, and WRH has made it possible for COVID-19 vaccinations to be given at the National Guard Armory on Hwy. 43 South. Brewer also said students with the University of West Alabama School of Nursing will work at the vaccination site.

The next Demopolis City Council meeting will be on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 5:15 p.m.