Killen meeting planned about sewer service

KILLEN -- Residents are encouraged to comment on the future of sewer service for the town during a public meeting Monday.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 in the Killen Elementary School cafeteria.

It comes on the heels of an announcement that a Birmingham construction firm was no longer considering a site in the Bridge Road area outside of town for a land application sewage treatment plant.

Killen Mayor Jerry Mitchell said he wants to get a consensus from the community before the town makes a decision on which direction it wants to go.

The town can either allow a private company to construct a treatment facility, build its own facility or tie into the Florence sewer system.

"If they're steadfast against a sewer system, I want to know it now," Mitchell said.

The mayor said several people who can help answer questions that might arise will attend the meeting.

"We're going to explain some things about our options," Mitchell said.

Scheduled to attend the meeting are the town's engineer, Don Price; Kenneth Brooks, from the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments; and Florence Gas and Water Department Manager Mike Doyle.

A representative of Alabama Utility Services, the company that was looking at the Bridge Road site, is also expected to attend, the mayor said.

Councilwoman Barbara Austin said the town is at a standstill as far as retail development because of the lack of sewer service.

Austin said a large condominium development proposed for Emerald Beach would need sewer service. The development would include 200 to 300 condominiums, a restaurant and a marina for large boats, Austin said.

"This is a project that will bring everything to our area," Austin said.

She said there are other businesses that also are waiting to see what direction the town goes with its sewer service.

Austin said she does not favor a particular sewer option at this time.

"I can't make up my mind until I see all the options," Austin said.

She said some residents she has spoken to want sewer service and growth, while others are content to see the town remain as it is.

Austin said the town would likely have to seek grants to fund a sewer project.

Rhea Fulmer, a member of the Bridge Road Environmental Watch, said she and other members of the group would attend the meeting.

"We think the best thing for Killen to do is hook onto Florence," Fulmer said.

What BREW would rather not see is another land application-type system like the one that was proposed for the Bridge Road property.

Fulmer said the condominium development would be a positive addition to the community.

Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@timesdaily.com.