Council approves grass and weeds ordinance

During a May meeting, the city council approved an ordinance establishing a procedure for grass and weeds violations.

The ordinance allows for these types of property concerns to be able to come directly before the council.

"We want to improve the way we react to resident's complaints," said City Manager Jeff Downes. "The number one area of complaints in our action center are property complaints. We want to address these complaints in the most efficient and effective method possible."

Also during the meeting, Downes gave an update on several ongoing projects throughout the city:

• Patchwork Farms infrastructure work is moving forward. Doug Neil, vice president of development at Daniel Corporation, estimates the project should be complete in the next 18 to 20 months.
• The official move-in date for the new city hall has been moved up to Oct. 3, 2015 due to rain delays.
• A new city website is currently under construction.
• U.S. 31 paving is estimated to be complete in the next two to four weeks. 
• The new Library in the Forest parking lot is expected to be complete the week of June 1. 

In other news, the council:

• Approved a resolution of the annexation of properties located at 4711 Caldwell Mill Road and 2501 Dolly Ridge Road.
• Approved a resolution for financial advisory services for Vestavia Hills.
• Recognized two students from Vestavia Hills High School who will be attending service academies.
• Recognized Captain Scott Key as Vestavia's new fire marshal.