DEMOPOLIS- The Demopolis City Council ordered a special session on Monday to chose an architectural/engineering firm for the Arch Street Scenic Walk project.

According to Councilman Woody Collins, the council had “a lot of good companies” at their disposal.

“This is a wonderful group we have to choose from,” he said during the meeting.

Mayor Williamson said there were so many bids for the project because it was a “happy project” and “something you could get your creative juices flowing with.”

After little discussion, Goodwin Mills and Cawood, or GMC, of Montgomery was chosen as the architectural firm for the project.

Councilman Jack Cooley said he was impressed with the organizational skills and depth of GMC’s employees.

Councilman Thomas Moore said he is familiar with the firm’s work, having used it for a project almost 20 years ago. According to Moore, GMC did good work two decades ago.

“This company doesn’t move with haste,” Moore said.

Cooley said the firm seemed “totally committed to receive local input before making decisions.” Other council members agreed.

Councilman Melvin Yelverton motioned to accept GMC for the project and Moore second the motion.

The Arch Street Scenic Walk project must be completed by a July 1, 2006 deadline or funding for the project will be lost. Thus, GMC will begin construction immediately.