Uniontown City Council discusses E911 move, infrastructure, economic development

Uniontown City Council met this week to address a range of issues affecting the community, including economic development and infrastructure concerns.

Walmart now delivering to Uniontown

A welcome announcement for many residents came from Councilwoman Cynthia Mims, who confirmed that Walmart in Demopolis is now delivering groceries and pharmacy items to Uniontown.

By downloading the Walmart app, residents can place orders and have essentials delivered to their homes. Mims credited a Uniontown resident who works as a manager at the Demopolis Walmart for helping to make this service available.

Free water filters available for Uniontown residents

Free water filters are available to Uniontown citizens.

Ben Eaton and Black Belt Citizens Fighting for Health and Justice have been working with the Diocese of the Episcopal Church of Alabama to bring clean drinking water to Uniontown residents. They are now actively distributing free water filters.

If you or someone you know lives in Uniontown and needs a water filter, contact Uniontown City Hall at (334) 628-2011 and ask for Alfreda Washington or Chrisalin Moore.

There are two scheduled delivery dates so far:

•            Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

•            Saturday, April 12, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

E911 moves without notice

The Street Sanitation Department reported clearing out the area where E911 was previously located, only to learn that the service had relocated to Marion without notifying Uniontown city government.

City leaders expressed frustration over the lack of communication and want to ensure that all satellite equipment and attachments are removed from the building.

Concerns over ambulance service and infrastructure repairs

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Council members raised questions about the ambulance service’s 12-hour shifts, stating that it’s difficult to confirm whether emergency personnel are staying for the full shift.

Mims voiced concerns about water contractors failing to restore roads and yards after digging. She noted that many residents, including herself, are struggling to navigate muddy and damaged areas, particularly in rainy weather.

“I have to park in the road and walk to my house because of the mess,” Mims said, adding that similar issues have been reported across the city. The council agreed that action must be taken to hold contractors accountable.

Shepherd appointed to Airport Board

Uniontown’s Airport Authority Board gained a new member as Portia  Shepherd was nominated and approved by the council.

Cahaba Center Board appointment pending

With Cecily Turner’s term on the Cahaba Center Board expiring, the council must appoint a replacement since Turner now resides in Kim Bell’s district. The Mayor Pro-Tem was assigned to reach out to Turner to determine whether she would like to be reappointed and report back by the March 3 meeting.

New festival and business plans announced

New Uniontown resident Pride Fournoy, who recently purchased the United Methodist Church as well as a nearby lot and house, introduced herself to the council and shared her vision for the city.

She announced plans for a festival honoring the mural created in Uniontown by the Uniontown Foundation and discussed a new business venture. The festival date is yet to be determined. Fournoy also noted the recent sale of the Lucy Home for $65,000.

City supports economic development grant

In a positive move for Uniontown’s economy, Cedric Hudson requested approval to apply for a strategic planning grant for economic development through the Delta Regional Authority. The council unanimously voted to allow him to proceed with the application.

Storm shelter water and sewage update

Carlton Lewis provided the council with an update on water and sewage issues for the town’s storm shelter. Details of the improvements are still in progress.