Council gets update on hydrant testing, telehealth use
BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — LaFayette Fire and EMS Chief James Doody made two announcements at the LaFayette City Council meeting on Monday evening.
The first was regarding water flow testing for the dozens of new fire hydrants recently installed throughout the city.
“We have placed a public notice in the paper for fire hydrant flow testing from Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, to Friday, Oct. 31, 2025,” Doody said. “Testing will be conducted between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. We are asking the public not to park near fire hydrants so they remain clear while testing is in progress.”
Doody explained that the testing would be conducted in partnership with the LaFayette Water Department and a third-party provider.
“This testing will be completed in accordance with ISO standards and will include the newly installed hydrants,” he said. “Flowing hydrants may result in temporary discoloration of water. This is not unusual and does not indicate any problem in the water system.”
Doody also reminded residents to take precautions during the process.
“Flowing and maintenance are routine procedures that result in improved water service for customers,” he said. “Residents are advised not to wash light-colored clothes if their water appears stained or discolored. The city asks for patience and understanding during this important testing process.”
Doody’s second announcement focused on the use of the city’s telehealth center, operated in partnership with OnMed.
“In your council packet, you’ll find a copy of the OnMed impact report for September 2025,” Doody said. “Since its opening, the care station has treated more than 2,586 visitors. One of the most notable findings, aside from a patient satisfaction rating of 4.96 out of 5, is that 71% of those treated do not have a primary care provider. This continues to be an ongoing issue for our community.”
LaFayette Main Street Executive Director DeAnna Hand provided details about the upcoming Coosa Valley RC&D grant celebration event for Chambers County.
“This is the RC&D grant celebration,” Hand said. “They’ve published notice of the actual grant checks being awarded to multiple Chambers County organizations. LaFayette Main Street is one of the recipients. Sen. Randy Price and Rep. Debbie Wood will attend, and all are invited.”
The event will take place Monday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m. CST at The Spot on the Square on LaFayette Street South.
In Other Business
• The council approved rescheduling the Nov. 10 City Council meeting to Nov. 3, which will include a swearing-in and organizational ceremony.
• The council approved a single motion to convey cemetery deed No. 1820 to Kyneshia Phillips (Handy Cemetery) and deed No. 1821 to Jeanette Whitlow (Handy Cemetery).
