“For his efforts in improving the appearance of the gateway to the city, we felt it would be appropriate to establish an appropriate symbol in his honor for all his services,” said city attorney Dale Perry, who was asked by new mayor Chris Peck to find out the proper procedure for the name change.
Waggoner served as Colbert’s mayor for 40 years, but recently stepped down, taking a new role as a city advisor.
Council member Bert Robinson, who agreed with the decision to rename the road, inquired about possible costs.
“Are there any expenses outside of paying for the signs?” he asked.
Perry, who spoke with Sen. Ralph Hudgens about the name change, said the only possible expense would be the purchasing of two $250 signs.
“But we’re hopefully going to get the state to take care of that,” he said. “We should just be happy it’s not an interstate highway, because those signs cost about $25,000 a pop!”
Waggoner was completely surprised by the honor.
“Let the record show that the mayor never bothered to discuss this with the advisor!” he said.
AN AWNING FOR THE DEPOT
In other business Monday, an awning for the entrance of the depot was discussed as both a physical necessity for the well being of individuals entering the building, as well as a cosmetic enhancement for the overall appearance of the historic landmark.
“The door is so heavy, and when it’s pouring down rain and people are trying to close their umbrellas, these little old ladies get drenched because they can’t get it open,” said Peck. “I believe it’s something we really need!”
The only concern regarding the idea came from Roger Fortson, in relation to its possible appearance.
“I just want to make sure it’s architecturally the same as the building,” said Fortson. “It needs to match the appearance we already have.”
Ellyn Trinrud shared ideas on the appearance of the building, noting that a stylish awning may benefit the depot in the future.
“In the instance that we ever decided to make our depot some sort of historical museum, it would be great to have an outside appearance that matched how good everything looked on the inside,” said Trinrud.
Waggoner then asked if anyone knew of a good architect to contact for the job.
“You wouldn’t want anything I put together,” he said.
Trinrud volunteered to investigate the matter through some personal contacts she held in the building industry, and planned to return to the next meeting with an idea for both the price and size of the awning concept.
Mayor Peck, joking of how the month of January seemed to be a breeze until the last few days, drew the meeting to a close by extending thanks towards his council members for all their help thus far with the transition into his position, and said simply, “I’m looking forward to February.”
OTHER BUSINESS
In other matters, the drainage problems and correction in Crystal Creek Subdivision left the city $1,300 over budget due to some extra work that had to be put forth in the digging of ditches, avoiding of gas lines, and other various conflictions. All work on the old school building has been completed and paid for, including the asbestos removal, installation of the new roof and complete redoing of the floors. The council made a unanimous decision to request the deed to the old school from the school board considering, as Mayor Peck put it, “the city has gone above and beyond to keep it up.” The fire station reported a good year safety wise with no structure fires, no locations considered as flood plains, and Colbert seeming like, as Robinson stated, “A pretty good place to live.” Also, as a final note, Waggoner expressed his gratitude towards Dwayne Patton for his service as EMS director, fire chief, and ultimately “all he’s done for the community.”
“He’s always gone above and beyond to get the job done.” said Waggoner. “I have the utmost confidence in him, and wish him well!”
