Selma City Council to vote on Camera Solution Tuesday night

Published 9:21 am Tuesday, September 14, 2021

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The Selma City Council is expected to vote on a camera solution at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

The council will decide between Alabama Power and SELCOM.

At Thursday’s city council work session, Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr., Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford and City IT Director John Kinnerson  recommended Alabama Power.

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“I went through both, but it is my recommendation with Alabama Power because they have a stronger location in the state,” Kinnerson said.

“Both camera solutions were great, but after talking with Kinnerson, he was impressed more with Alabama Power,” Fulford said.

Perkins pointed out the advantages of going with Alabama Power.

“There will be no upfront cost with Alabama Power,” Perkins said. “If the equipment doesn’t work, they will replace it. Alabama Power makes sense.”

City Councilwoman Lesia James said Kinnerson’s recommendation should be considered.

City Council President Billy Young said the council will review both options before they vote. Young shot down Perkins’ insinuation that Kinnerson and  Fulford integrity was being questioned.

“We appreciate Kinnerson’s recommendation, it’s not an attack on your character or integrity,” Young said. “Every council member is required to take a vote for their Wards. We need to review both. That’s what we do.”

In other news, Perkins discussed repairing the house that stores the Black Sheep Innovation center.

The Cast-in place concrete Ret. wall, Engineered fill, Crushed Agg. Base Course, Asphalt Wearing service, replace concrete drive and Cast iron grating would cost a combined $123,320. Included will be the engineering and inspection fees of $18,800.

Selma City Councilwoman Jamie Thomas questioned the move.

“For the last four years, we’ve been trying to get the storm damage in our wards fixed,” Thomas said. “How long are the citizens going to wait?”

Perkins replied: “We’re just as concerned as getting the work done as you are. I understand people are frustrated. We’re tired of shoddy work getting done. We’re going to do the work right.”

Henry Hicks of Public Works said five cave-ins have been fixed and more will be repaired in the near future.