VALLEY — The City of Valley has amended its restrictive covenants for Valley Industrial Park and entered into contract with Scannell Properties No. 319, LLC on a site within the park. The action was taken at Monday’s meeting of the city council.

In late January, Scannell purchased a 30-acre site within the park for the purpose of building a 400,000-square-foot distribution center. It’s a $20 million project that will create an estimated 55 jobs.

Mayor Leonard Riley explained that most of the restrictive covenants will remain unchanged from what was previously adopted.

The changes include Scannell’s purchase price of $12,500 per acre and a commitment of at least $15 million on the construction project.

In other business, the council approved an amended agreement with Point University. According to the existing agreement, the city agrees to provide water, electricity and maintenance of some properties in the city that are used by Point’s sports programs. According to the amended agreement, Point will pay the city a total of $12,500 a year for labor and all field maintenance consumables. The university will also provide a 72-inch mower and assist in the upkeep of them.

A beer and wine license was approved for Steak & Shake on Fob James Drive.

Valley Parks & Recreation Director Laurie Blount told the council that a different kind of Easter egg hunt will be taking place on Thursday at the Community Center. It starts at 6 p.m. EDT and will be in the pool. Blount said that participation is up for this year’s spring sports. It was around 350 last year and is close to 410 this year. What’s encouraging is that the numbers are growing most with the youngest participants.

“We have 90 y0ungsters signed up for T-ball,” she said. “That’s up from 76 we had last year. We have 67 in track. We are excited about that.”

Blount announced that the Community Center would have early closing hours for the Easter holiday. It will be open from 7 a.m. till 4 p.m. EDT on Friday and Saturday.

Council Member Paul Story thanked Patrick B0lt and the Public Works Department for some work that was done recently in repairing sidewalks along Double Drive.

“It looks better and the residents appreciate it,” he said.

Council Member Randall Maddux thanked the Public Works Department for the work they do in cleaning up rubbish off the side of the road.

“This happens a lot when renters leave,” he said.

Council Member Cassie Carlisle thanked the East Alabama Water, Sewer and Fire Protection District for finishing the installation of new underground pipes along California Road in the River View community. That had to be done before some paving work could take place there.

“I guess this is Patrick’s night,” joked Council Member Jimmy Gilson when he thanked Public Works on having recently done some work on 63rd Street to allow for better drainage.”

Mayor Riley thanked everyone for their prayers and get well cards he received. He was in the hospital last Monday undergoing an emergency appendectomy. He appears to be very well given those circumstances.

“I do want to thank everyone for their concern,” he said. “It means a lot to me.”

Henry Jacobs, outreach director, and Hannah Bradford, watershed protection specialist, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, were present to update the council on the organization’s activities. In the local area, Riverkeeper has water monitoring stations on Long Cane Creek, the river, and Osanippa Creek.

Jacobs said that water monitoring reveals that the river is much cleaner along this portion of river than it once was. He added that the eighth annual Sweep the Hooch would be taking place soon.

“We will be cleaning up at 40 sites, including the River View boat landing,” he said. “In 24 years of doing this we have removed an estimated 1,000 tons of trash.”

Details of the upcoming Sweep the Hooch are on the Riverkeeper web site.

Jacobs said that one of Riverkeeper’s best assets is Miss Sally, the floating classroom that makes frequent trips on West Point Lake. “It’s our cornerstone program and has allowed many people to get a great view of the lake and to learn about its history,” he said.

Approximately 10,000 people have been out on the lake on Miss Sally.

Jacobs said that a River Rally would be taking place on Saturday, May 5th. It will be an evening paddle trip from the boat landing at Hardley Creek Park, just below West Point Dam, to the landing in West Point. At the end of the trip, there will be some food and music. A blues artist and a guitarist will be on stage.

“We want to stay involved in the local community,” Jacobs said.

“We appreciate your educational programs and your cleanup efforts.” Riley added. “If we can help you let us know.”

Riley announced that city hall would be closed for the Easter holiday on Monday, April 2.