Gardendale seeks to promote tourism

Published 11:10 am Friday, February 10, 2012

A local city partnered with its chamber of commerce this week in order to promote tourism and economic development in the city.

The Gardendale City Council on Monday authorized an agreement with the Greater Gardendale Chamber of Commerce, including identifying a source of funding.

Funding for the venture will equal 10 percent of the city’s lodging tax collected for the fiscal year. City officials said Gardendale expects to collect $100,000 in lodging tax for the fiscal year.

The city will provide the funds in exchange for a list of services, including promoting the city’s image; providing a Business and Visitor Division in chamber, city hall and hotel brochure racks; advertising and promoting city attractions and events; assisting the city in economic development, providing service with registration, surveys, tours and welcoming ceremonies; keeping the city updated on trends, ideas, programs and procedures in the business community; and preparing and distributing pamphlets in order to promote the city.

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The contract is effective until the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, and is renewable yearly.

In other business, the council:

• authorized a sales contract with Southern Wings Six LLC for the sale and purchase of a one-acre parcel within the proposed City Center for construction of a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. The price of the parcel is $75,000

• authorized bids for a public works tractor

• approved a restaurant retail liquor license for Oysters & Stuff, to be located at 520 Decatur Hwy.

• hired Blake Powell as a part-time laborer at the Gardendale Civic Center

• hired Wayne Culpepper as a police officer

• authorized a street light on Quail Ridge Drive

• accepted a proposal from Premier Lawn Care LLC for mowing highway medians. The proposal is for $13,500 for mowing twice a month from March to October, and two other cuts for special occasions.

The next regular city council meeting is Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.