Trunk or Treat, park project approved in LaFayette
BY SAM VISE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — The LaFayette City Council advanced long-awaited improvements to the city’s original park and moved community events forward during its regular meeting on Sept. 28, while postponing action on property ordinance hearings due to the absence of City Attorney Joseph Tucker.
The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing an addendum to the memorandum of understanding with the University of Alabama’s Economic Development Center for the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative Healing Zone project at the original city park (Ridgeway Park).
City officials said after state-level funding shifts altered initial scopes, the university agreed to fund and complete the revised project phase, which includes sensory installations, internal walkway paving, bike racks and landscaping improvements around the recently renovated pavilion. Completing the Healing Zone work will finally allow the city to install roughly $13,000 in playground equipment funded through an RC&D grant that has sat in storage awaiting site readiness.
“We were not satisfied with the way things looked out there... they did some construction work out there on the ground,” Mayor Kenneth Vines said, explaining why updated site plans were negotiated. “We were not satisfied with the work they had done. So we went back, and that’s why you see this showing the update.”
City Clerk Louis Davidson said contractors aim to begin work on site in October. Council members also voiced support for hosting a communitywide ribbon cutting and grand reopening once the playground is fully installed.
Earlier in the evening, the council opened a public hearing concerning overgrown property ordinance violations for parcels owned by David and Elaine Boyd, Robert A. and Judith B. Brown and Paris L. Story. With Tucker absent, the council voted to table all three property hearings and their companion resolutions until legal counsel is present.
During public comment, citizen Robert Gardner voiced frustration over the postponement, arguing the council could have discussed the properties without voting and pointing to ongoing efforts by city code enforcement.
“I’m disappointed you wouldn’t follow through with item four tonight. You didn’t have to vote on it. You could have discussed it and tabled it to the next meeting,” Gardner said. “I think you’ve got a young man who works for the city that’s doing a whole lot of hard work, and it doesn’t appear that y’all appreciate what he’s doing.”
In Other Business, the Council:
Proclaimed Oct. 4-10, 2026, as Public Power Week, recognizing electric utility line workers and public power personnel. Council Member Emily Milford commended the LaFayette Electric Department and Electric Superintendent Chris Sanders for swift, dependable responses to service disruptions.
Approved LaFayette Main Street Executive Director DeAnna Hand to hold the annual downtown Trunk or Treat on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The council approved street closures along Alabama Ave. E and 1st Street SE starting at 4:30 p.m. to accommodate setup. Hand said last year’s event drew more than 60 decorated trunks and more than 300 children into the downtown district.
Approved a request from Stephanie Thomas and Miciah Vines, representing Whitehall Missionary Baptist Church, to use the parking lot of the new City Hall for a community blood drive on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Authorized Mayor Vines to execute the FY 2027 East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission senior grant agreement, which provides $57,158.40 for meals, $5,581.65 for health promotion and administration and dedicated transportation support covering daily driver costs for $83.33 per month.
Passed a resolution awarding the 2026-27 fiscal year water and wastewater treatment chemical bids to the lowest responsive vendors as recommended by department superintendents.
Council members noted Alabama’s “Beau’s Law” regarding dog regulations officially takes effect Oct. 1, urging citizens and dog owners to review requirements.
Council Member Milford announced volunteer outreach and planning for downtown Christmas decorations and festivities will launch soon across social media, welcoming participants from across the area to assist with seasonal preparations.
Approved accounts payable warrants totaling $236,646.32.
