A lingering problem with flies in neighborhoods near the wastewater treatment plant will get expert attention, while REHAU gained a tax abatement approved for a $12 million expansion at Monday’s meeting of the Cullman City Council.

The abatement, which will not affect education tax money, will help create 70 jobs at the auto supplier plant, Mayor Woody Jacobs said.

Concerning the flies, which brought a delegation of residents to the council meeting last week asking for help, wastewater plant manager Jeff Adams said a new spray, using natural ingredients was going to be used Monday night in the area. He also said Cullman County Cooperative Extension agent Tony Glover helped contact an entomologist at Auburn University for guidance on solving the issue. Entomologists are experts in the study of insects.

“We’re trying a new spray that is all natural to get away from the chemicals,” Adams said. “We’re also going to try flooding on the larvae, which has been recommended.”

The flies, according to Jacobs, have been breeding in the sewer lines. He said a variety of efforts will be used, based on advice, to bring the problem under control.

“We’re hoping within two weeks to see a lot more results. It’s a problem that got out of control, but we’re working to resolve it. We appreciate the patience while we work on solving this problem,” Jacobs said. “One approach is to drown the larvae by flooding them. Tony Glover has been very helpful to us. If the flooding works, we may be doing this every two weeks or so.”

In other business, the council:

• Approved an amendment to the new subdivision ordinance that requires street lighting in new developments, which the city will take over maintenance after the installment.
• Welcomed a group of Boy Scouts working toward Eagle badges. Scouts Walker Huddleston, Aidan Screws, Brody Taylor, and Reid Huddleston led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
• Approved event requests for the Eva Midnight Run, Aug. 2, 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., beginning at the Cullman Civic Center, and Possum Day, hosted by the Cullman County Republican Party, Aug. 24, from 4:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at the Festhalle Market Platz.
• Adopted a resolution to submit an application to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Development for $450,000 in CDBG funds to implement a neighborhood improvement project on Katherine Street.