Leeds Council approves new districts ahead of election

Yahoo

21-05-2025

The following article is by Nathan Prewett for the Trussville Tribune:
LEEDS, Ala. (Trussville Tribune) — The Leeds City Council accepted a redrawn map of the city's council districts during its meeting on Monday before approving the Motors on Main event after hearing from a resident who urged that it be put on the agenda.
The approval of the revised map was done several weeks after a previous proposal from the firm ESRI was met with dissatisfaction from both the public and the council after it grouped two councilors in the same district.
Mayor David Miller once again explained that data is collected into census blocks that are population blocks used to balance districts. Districts have to be balanced within 5% of each other and there has to be at least one minority district as required by the criteria.
'This map does meet the criteria that's been discussed with the council people,' Miller said. 'And so it comes down to me to vote on it. The requirement is that we have an approved district map that meets all the requirements no later than May 26.'
The map was approved unanimously. Specific details about the new district lines can be found on the agenda packet online.
During public comments, Shandi White spoke in favor of placing the Motors on Main Street car show on the agenda after she said an anonymous complaint that was filed.
White said that plans for the event were approved by ALDOT and by the Finance Committee. She also requested that the council expedite a TCP traffic control plan.
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During the following discussion, Miller suggested that it be approved as a one-time event as a trial, but White disagreed and said that it should be approved through to October at least. A compromise was reached to approve the event one time that is subject to reapproval.
According to its website, Motors on Main is a monthly event occurring every fourth Friday that raises awareness of special-needs nonprofits and supports local businesses. The first event is scheduled for June 27.
Additionally, the council voted to accept a donation of 10 wooden benches from Leeds Main Street as part of their Leeds Legacy Benches project. In a letter to the city Leeds Main Street Executive Director Kristi Biddle explained that the project aims to enhance the 'walkability, beauty, and comfort' of the downtown district.
The city was given handcrafted, 10 foot long benches that each have engraved plaques recognizing those who made them possible. One plaque memorializes Robert Carswell, a wrestling coach at Leeds High School that passed away in 2005.
The benches are ADA compliant and will allow for 'flexible relocation' during events or sidewalk maintenance. Some will be placed near local shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces.
In other business the council:
Declared buildings at properties on 11th Court and Moton Street to be unsafe,
Amended and updated the city's credit card holder list,
Annexed the historic Rowan House 1900 Montevallo Road following an engineering error that was discovered,
Authorized a service agreement for Ethernet VLS for the Leeds Jane Culbreth Public Library,
Authorized a tax compromise agreement with a corporate taxpayer for $36,823.98 and
Approved a three-way stop at Rowan Springs Drive, and Rowan Springs Circle.
Leeds City Council meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of every month at City Hall on 1400 9th Street Northeast. Agenda packets can be seen online at the City of Leeds website.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at [e-mail].
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