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Aliquippa Allen became the newest member of the Demopolis City Schools Board of Education seat by a 4-1 vote at the Demopolis City Council meeting May 2.

Allen was one of three women nominated for the post. Dr. Brittney Anderson withdrew her name, leaving Allen and Karen Braxton. The new board member will fill the seat being vacated by Carolyn Moore.

A very proud Mayor Woody Collins started off the meeting by announcing the state Senate passed the bill earlier that day designating Demopolis as the home of the Alabama Health Science High School. The House passed the measure two weeks ago.

“We got our school today, folks,” he said. “We now start the real work.”

In thanking all the people who set up the foundation to push through the bill and secure funding over the past three years, Collins added, “This is a day for Demopolis to be proud.”

He said efforts are underway to have Gov. Kay Ivey sign the bill at an ceremony in Demopolis.

The Council approved two road repair projects that will be paid for with funds from the American Rescue Plan. This first is the drainage issue on Cedar Avenue that has been an ongoing problem for years. The three bids that came back for pipe, site prep and concrete totaled $68,020.

The second project involves the drainage problem on Main Avenue. Work had started when the first bucket to remove dirt hit a water main that was not on the map. Collins said the estimated cost to the city is about $50,000. He asked and received Council votes to pursue the repairs as soon as the costs are finalized.

Freddie Charleston, director of the Demopolis branch of Habitat for Humanity, asked the Council in early April for $5,000 to set up an office and begin work on several houses in the city. Charleston also asked that Habitat for Humanity be included in the city’s annual budget.

Collins said the Finance Committee recommended $5,000 be given immediately to the group and will consider the request for annual support.

Demopolis Moving Forward requested a public assembly permit to hold fund-raising events May 4 to benefit the Black Belt Regional Child Advocacy Center. Volunteers are to collect donations at the intersections of Washington and Walnut and at Maria and Herbert from 8 to 11 a.m.

The Council declared as surplus two police vehicles, a 2013 Chevrolet Capri and a 2018 Ford Explorer.

Councilman Bill Meador reminded residents to be aware of children illegally operating golf carts on city streets now that school will be letting out for the summer.

The next Council meeting will be May 23 because members have other commitments on May 16.