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The Linden City Council approved no longer allowing fundraisers involving individuals, particularly students, standing under red lights to collect money, citing resident complaints and safety concerns.

“I don’t know of any other town that I drive in that’s got kids standing out in the street with buckets,” Mayor Charles Moore said, adding that in the past some “bucket-drop” fundraisers have taken place without permission from city haall.

Councilwoman Vonda Wilson suggested allowing fundraisers that were for a good cause, while Mayor Charles Moore said that he didn’t want the city to pick which fundraiser was for a better cause.

Councilwoman Jan Cannon made the motion to no longer allow them, and Wilson seconded. The vote passed 3-1-1, with Councilman Neal Jackson, Cannon and Wilson voting ‘yes’, Councilman William Bryant voting ‘no’ and Councilman Byron Vice abstaining.

The eight fundraisers that were already scheduled were canceled.

The council was also approached by Denice Rembert and Latasha Taylor representing Aletheia House, which aids in substance abuse treatment and prevention, employment services, health care and affordable housing. They gave an overview of what outreach Aletheia House has been doing in Linden, including teaching students about drug awareness and prevention and providing HIV education and testing and connecting individuals with HIV to the city’s health department to get treatment.

Rembert also informed the council that the organization is currently securing a location for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27.

“The objective is to have a safe place in the community to drop off their prescription medication such as opioids and to teach proper disposal of prescription drugs,” she said.

Other items discussed by the council include:

• approving the purchase of a new charger for the weather siren for $614.

• Alston informed the council that H.O. Weaver & Sons were paving SR 28 West from Rangeline Road to U.S. Hwy. 43. He also announced the police department received an ADECA grant for $16,624 which will be used to purchase new stun guns and bullet proof vests.

• approving Wayne Lewis to the Board of Equalization.

• approving hosting Spring Cleaning by bringing in dumpsters so residents can throw away large items. The date and location are still under discussion.

• discussing the train with Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway sitting on the tracks and blocking traffic for too long. City Attorney Woody Dinning Jr. will be writing a letter to the railroad company asking them to address the issue.

The Linden City Council meets every first and third Tuesday at city hall at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, March 27 issue of the Demopolis Times.)