The city of Gardendale took further steps this week to borrow up to $2.85 million, in order to lend the funds to a developer.

On Monday, the Gardendale City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the the lending of credit, the expenditure of public funds and the issuance of a general obligation taxable warrant.

The city is planning to borrow the money from Regions Bank in order to lend it to Odyssey (III) DP X LLC. Odyssey is slated to redesign the Northgate Village shopping center, build Publix and T.J. Maxx stores, and rename the center to Century Shoppes at Gardendale.  

Only one person in the audience spoke during the public hearing portion of the meeting. Andrew Kinnaird questioned the city council on several aspects of the city becoming a lender to a private company, and why the developer did not borrow the money itself.

Gardendale Mayor Othell Philllips said the city is “filling the gap” for Odyssey by providing the loan; in addition to the almost $3 million from the city, Odyssey has secured a loan of $12 million from Aliant Bank, according to Phillips.

The resolution listed five possible public benefits from the development: Increased tax revenues in the city, creation of more jobs, promoting the expansion and retention of business, bringing new large retail business to the city and generating additional economic activity to the shopping center and the city.

In other business, the council:

• voted to solicit bids for a heart monitor and defibrillator for the fire department

• amended the city’s business license code to add some new classifications

• authorized placement of a new street light in the vicinity of 4515 Mitzy Drive

• gave a pay raise to library employee Yolanda Jackson

• changed the Jan. 2 council meeting to Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. because city hall will be closed Jan. 2 for New Year’s.

The next regular council meeting is Dec. 19, 6 p.m., at Gardendale City Hall.