LaFayette Council recognizes community, marks Black History Month

BY KADIE TAYLOR

THE LAFAYETTE SUN

LAFAYETTE — During the Feb. 9 LaFayette City Council Meeting, multiple community members were recognized, and Mayor Kenneth Vines read a proclamation for Black History Month.

“Today and every day, we encourage everyone to remember the men and women who have worked, and continue to work tirelessly, for freedom, civil rights and equality for all people, and to take this opportunity to acknowledge the centuries of struggle for equality and freedom,” he said. “Now, therefore, by the virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the city of LaFayette, and with the support of the city council, I do hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in the city of LaFayette, Alabama.”

Lt. Lewis Hill presented Officer Eric L. Laney with a Meritorious Service Award for his response to a house fire.

“In response to a structure fire, Officer Laney, who was responding to the call for service, arrived on the scene within two minutes of the initial dispatch,” Hill said. “Upon arrival, Officer Laney found the residence on the front porch and confirmed there was an active fire present inside the home. Without hesitation, [while] the structure was filling with smoke, Officer Laney retrieved a fire extinguisher from his patrol vehicle and entered the residence through the open front door. Guided by the residents to the affected room, Officer Laney encountered active flames and heard popping and [saw] electric arcing coming from the wall receptacle. Demonstrating exceptional composure and decisive action under hazardous conditions, Officer Laney deployed the fire extinguisher and successfully suspended the fire, preventing it from spreading and averting likely severe damage or injury… . Officer Laney’s quick response, courage and sound judgment directly prevented a potential catastrophic structure fire, safeguarding the life and residence and minimizing property loss. Officer Laney’s actions reflected great credit upon himself and uphold the highest standards of the LaFayette Point Police Department. For his exemplary conduct in the face of immediate danger, Officer Eric L. Laney is hereby awarded the Meritorious Service Award.”

Vines read a proclamation for Parks and Recreation Volunteer Appreciation Month and recognized volunteers, Ebony Askew, Adrian Holloway, Kiamyia McNeil, Jamarcus Walton and Danny Williams.

“The city of LaFayette recognizes that volunteers are essential to building a strong, healthy and connected community,” Vines said. “And whereas the LaFayette Parks and Recreation Program provides valuable recreational, athletic and enrichment opportunities that positively impact the lives of youth, family and residents throughout the city. And whereas the success of the Parks and Recreation Program and events depend greatly on the dedication, leadership and service of committed volunteers who give generosity of their time and talents.”

During the discussion among the city council members regarding the Highway 431 Water Line Project, many members expressed their concern over the possibility of having to fund the project entirely by the city if grant money is not acquired, and how the debt would impact future generations of citizens in LaFayette. The council ultimately voted not to approve the Water Line Project, but citizen Lucy Walton shared her perspective on the conversation.

“After listening to some of the conversations, it’s on my heart to come up and address you,” she said. “I have a couple of questions related to the water issue, which has been a water issue for years. I’ve been in LaFayette lots of years, all my life, so I know it’s been an issue. That’s one of my biggest points; it’s been an issue for at least, I’m 57 years old, so if it’s been an issue that long, you don’t want it to be an issue for another 50 years. At some point, you got to stop kicking the can down the road and make a decision, these are not easy decisions to make — I’m aware. But I’m afraid, if you don’t, what’s it going to cost you five years from now — because it’s only getting worse.”

In Other Business

• The council voted to approve the minutes from the Jan. 28 Special Called Council Meeting.

• The council voted to approve the Black History Proclamation.

• The council split a vote for Amendment 2026-02-09-01, regarding approving the Highway 431 Water Line Project — the motion did not pass. Council Members Emily Milford, Kim Langley and Charlene Story voted “yes,” and Council Members Toney Thomas, Tammie Williams and Vines voted “no.”

• The council voted to appoint Council Member Kim Langley to the Planning Commission Board.

• The council voted to change the city’s pay week to allow direct deposit.

• The council approved the addition of crosswalk signage.

• The council voted to approve the Alabama League of Municipalities Voting Delegates for the Annual Business Meeting at the 2026 Alabama League Convention:

- Voting Delegate: Mayor Kenneth Vines

- First Alternate Voting Delegate: Council Member Toney Thomas

- Second Alternate Voting Delegate: Council Member Tammie Williams

• The council voted to approve the account audits.

• The council voted to convey Cemetery Deed No. 1830 to Shinetta Goss at Handy Cemetery.

• The council voted to convey Cemetery Deed No. 1831 to Derrick Vines at Handy Cemetery.

• The council voted to convey Cemetery Deed No. 1832 to Jeanetta Whitlow Holloway at Handy Cemetery.