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Council says goodbye to departing representatives

by

Sydney Cromwell

The city council began and ended its Oct. 24 meeting with words of praise for the four council members who will not be returning in the 2016-2020 term: Ward 1 Representative Michael Hallman, Ward 2 Representatives Fred Hawkins and Vance Moody and Ward 5 Representative Rich Laws.

This was their last full council meeting together before the new members are inducted. Council President Bruce Limbaugh read resolutions thanking each of them for their service. Of the four, only Hawkins was present at the meeting, so he received most of the praise from fellow representatives during their final statements at the end of the meeting.

“Fred loves Homewood. There are no truer three words than those three words tonight,” Limbaugh said.

Their praise ranged from personal friendship and descriptions of his "kind heart" to the practical things he has achieved in his term. Hawkins' engineering background with the city of Birmingham has helped Homewood work with ALDOT, obtain grants and reduce project costs.

“Fred Hawkins has saved this city millions of dollars through what he has brought to the table,” Ward 5 Representative Peter Wright said.

“You’re such a collaborator. You bring people together to solve problems,” Ward 3 Representative Walter Jones said.

Hawkins said he was still available to the rest of the council for help when needed, and said he believes Homewood is "a special place." He noted that proactive thinking is part of what has made Homewood thrive, which had particular relevance in tonight's sales tax increase debate.

“Homewood does not stay number one by being reactionary,” Hawkins said.

Prior to the meeting, the council also held a work session to discuss sidewalk projects for the year. The list sent to the finance committee for consideration included sidewalks on portions of Saulter Road, Parkridge Drive, Valley Avenue and Rumson Road, part of which is already under engineering work.

The council also:

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