Enterprise
City of Progress
May, June 2015
Enterprise in the News
Mayor gives update on skate park, Dauphin Street paving project
May 1, 2015
Mayor Kenneth Boswell said he hopes that the long-awaited Dauphin Street repaving project will begin soon. The city has been working with the Alabama Department of Transportation on the project for about four years and circumstances beyond the city's control have delayed the bid process.
The Mayor said that when the Dauphin Street project is taken care of, the city will then reconsider the possibility of building a skate park, which has been at the center of much discussion in recent months.
For more, see the link to The Southeast Sun below. The article contains a correction regarding the cost of the project.
City celebrates National Day of Prayer
May 7, 2015
Enterprise Ledger photo
About 100 local residents gathered in the courtyard at the Enterprise City Hall May 7 to observe the National Day of Prayer. Mayor Kenneth Boswell presented a proclamation declaring the national observance in Enterprise. A number of local pastors led the service, praying for specific needs ranging from the military to the church in America. For more about the service, click on the following links:
Southeast Sun photo
Mayor proclaims Small Business Week
May 7, 2015
Mayor Kenneth W. Boswell presents a proclamation declaring Small Business Week in Enterprise to Enterprise Enterprise Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Fenner and Chamber Board Chairman Pam Gillis, right. Chamber members and small business owners joined in the observance. For more, clock on the following links:
City hopes to convert CES into museum
May 14, 2015
At a May 13 city council work session, Mayor Kenneth W. Boswell discussed the possibility of converting College Street Elementary School into a museum and cultural arts center. He said city personnel have been researching the possibility of hiring a professional consultant to aid in the process. No decisions were made at the work session. For more, click on the local media link.
Enterprise Ledger photo
MAY 2015
City of Enterprise photos
Children's Festival
a big hit for crowd
of 6,000-7,000
May 2,2015
City of Enterprise photo
The Children's Festival in the Park, hosted by the City of Enterprise Department of Parks and Recreation May 2, was another great success as between 6,000 and 7,000 youngsters and grown-ups enjoyed beautiful weather and lots of family fun. Even Ronald McDonald stopped by to enjoy the fun and games, and greet fans at the McDonald's booth. Fifteen local businesses or organizations set up booths at the festival to sponsor games or other activities such as face painting and pony rides, and served refreshments, including the popular snow cones. For more photos, see the Photo Gallery by clicking the link below.
Wounded veterans welcomed to Enterprise for Boll Weevil 100
May 8-9,2015
More than 300 riders and runners participated in the Enterprise-sponsored Boll Weevil 100 Bike Ride and 10K Run Saturday, May 9. The participants included about 26 veterans recovering from recent wartime physical or emotional injuries. The Wiregrass Wounded Veterans Steering Committee hosts a dinner each year for the wounded veterans. Mayor Kenneth Boswell welcomed the veterans who were able to attend the dinner and thanked them for their service and sacrifice. Several custom-built bikes purchased through the WWVC were donated to Warrior Transition Units where veterans are assigned. "Quilts of Valor" representatives also presented hand-made quilts to each of the wounded veterans. Many were able to ride regular bikes in the BW100 rides while others rode recumbant bikes to fit their physical needs.
Mayor Boswell sounded the horn to officially start the race May 9. Lions Club leaders said more riders and runners participated
City of Enterprise photos
than ever before and they were happy with the success of the ride.
For more about the ride and run, click on the following links and see the photos in the News Photo Gallery.
Photo Gallery
Railroad Street water well rehab an example
of city's successful maintenance plan
May 7, 2015
A 56-year-old Enterprise water well is getting some modern enhancements this month as the City of Enterprise Water Department replaces its pump and piping with a cleaner, greener system.
The work is part of the city’s ongoing well maintenance program, which city officials said has actually prevented the Railroad Street well, the second oldest in the Enterprise Water Works System, from being abandoned long ago. The oldest well is on North Main Street. It was drilled in 1949 and put on line in 1950.
Water Department Field Superintendent Alan Mahan said the Railroad Street well was last “rehabbed” 20 years ago, in 1995. For more, click on the link below:
City of Enterprise photos
Above, Enterprise Water Operator Darrell Smith looks on as Morrow Technologies personnel Andrew Gardner, Austyn Smith and Donny Gates prepare to lower a waterproof camera into the Railroad Street well in order to transmit video used to assess the casing’s condition.
At right, Enterprise Water Department Field Superintendent Alan Mahan examines the well casing’s condition in real-time as the camera was lowered into the empty casing and then into the water table.
Above, Using a crane, Morrow Technologies personnel lift the main water pipe out of the well casing and through the roof of the well house on Railroad Street during the first week in May.
City approves
water meter-reading
system
May 21, 2015
A new, automated meter-reading system that’s expected to save the city more than $4 million over 15 years was approved for purchase at the May 19 meeting of the Enterprise City Council. For more, click on the links below:
Shane's Rib Shack recently opened in Enterprise and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting in late May. The new restaurant is one of several new businesses coming into the city. For more, see the story from WDHN by clicking the link below:
Enterprise one of "Bests" in state
in Economic Development
May 21, 2015
The leading economic news magazine in the Southeast has tapped Enterprise among its “Bests in Alabama” of 2015.
In a recent issue, Southern Business and Development magazine recognized the high-quality workforce in the area by naming Enterprise among the top three cities in the category “Alabama’s Best Manufacturing Workforce” in Small Markets. For more, see the story from WDHN by clicking the link below:
Enterprise one of Alabama's 'Best Towns'
May 21, 2015
High grades in education, housing, jobs, health and community involvement propelled Enterprise to a Top 3 ranking of “Best Towns in Alabama.”
Niche.com, a leading research site that provides information to help Americans make life decisions, ranked Enterprise third among Alabama towns. Auburn in Lee County was ranked first and Hoover in Jefferson County was ranked second.
Enterprise Mayor Kenneth W. Boswell said the Niche.com analysis only affirms what he and so many others in the city of approximately 28,000
For more, see the story by clicking on the links below:
Southeast Sun photo
Middle Class rising in Enterprise,
says National survey
May 15 2015
An online resource for consumer financial advice has ranked Enterprise 17th nationally among the top cities where the middle class is growing substantially. The survey says the middle class grew by 7.7 percent between 2007 and 2013. For more, click on the links below:
Department heads
answer citizen's questions
May 27, 2015
Enterprise City Department heads answered a number of questions posed by a citizen at the May 19 city council meeting. Mayor Kenneth W. Boswell called upon the department heads after Perry Vickers asked the council about plans for a portion of funds generated by a half-cent sales tax approved nine months ago. For more, see the story by clicking on the link below:
City Police to use body cameras
May 27, 2015
Some Enterprise police officers have been using body cameras already, but the department is currently testing different types of body camera systems to choose one for use department-wide. For more, see the story by clicking on the following link
Southeast Sun photo
JUNE 2015
Lightening detection
system installed
June 3, 2015
A ThorGuard lightning detection system has been installed at the Enterprise Recreation Center and at the Enterprise Recreational Complex to help make outdoor activities safer for participants. For more, see click on the link below:
Dauphin Street residents
asked to attend
June 11 meeting
June 5, 2015
City leaders urge all residents of Dauphin Street to attend an important informational meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Farmers Market on North Main Street.
Dauphin Street is set to be resurfaced soon under an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation, through its Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program. The grading, draining, base and paving improvements will be done on a section from North Main Street to Shellfield Road, and from .15 miles north of Alberta Street to U.S. 84.
City officials, ALDOT officials and others involved in the project will be on hand to address Dauphin Street residents. The general public is also invited to the meeting.
Council approves
4 alcohol licenses
June 8, 2015
The Enterprise City Council approved four alcohol sale licenses at the council meeting Tuesday, June 2.
The council approved on premises consumption Alcohol Beverage Control licenses for CJ’s Korean Takeout on Rucker Boulevard, Mikata Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar on Boll Weevil Circle, and White Oak Ale House on Boll Weevil Circle. The council also approved an off premise consumption ABC license for Save A Lot Foods on Boll Weevil Circle.
In other business, the council approved the request of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church to rezone church owned property at 515 Coppinville Road from residential district to institutional district.
Hundreds gather for Farmers Market season kickoff
June 6, 2015
Hundreds of people gathered Saturday, June 6, for the official kickoff of the peak growing season at the new Enterprise Farmers Market facility. Eighteen vendors featuring homegrown produce ranging from squash to blueberries and peaches, as well some homemade goods such as painted gourds. For more, see click on the links below:
City of Enterprise photos
Vietnam Vets recognized
June 8, 2015
Mayor Kenneth Boswell joined Ma-Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe of Alabama Chief James Wright in presenting certificates of appreciation and lapel pins to Vietnam veterans attending an appreciation ceremony Saturday, June 6. For more, click on the links below.
Dauphin Street residents hear plans for street reconstruction
June 11, 2015
City of Enterprise photo
City leaders, engineers, contractors and other officials involved in the upcoming reconstruction of Dauphin Street gave an in-depth preview of what they can expect as the work is being done over the next nine months or more. For more about the June 11 meeting, click on the links below:
ALERT: Yellow and black 'Water Update' mailer not affiliated with city; municipal water is safe, available
June 11, 2015
After receiving an overwhelming influx of calls and visits from citizens concerned about their water quality, Enterprise Water Works officials reassured residents Thursday that city water is safe and available. The concerns arose this week after households received a misleading yellow and black "Water Update" mailer.
City officials said the mailer is in no way affiliated with the municipal water system but is from a private business apparently hoping to sell home water filtration systems. A disclaimer in tiny lettering is included on teh card, along with a return address with the acronym of a business.
Many residents either could not read the disclaimer or overlooked it, resulting in some confusion concerning the city water system. For more information, click on the links below:
City residents invited
to have 'Coffee With a Cop'
June 16, 2015
The Enterprise Police Department is inviting the public to join officers from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 18 at McDonald's for the first "Coffee With a Cop."
The event, a national initiative, will allow members of the community to ask local law enforcement questions about the department's work.
"The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. 'Coffee with a Cop' breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction," said Sgt. Billy Haglund.
For more information or if you would like to host an event, contact Sgt. Haglund at 347-1211 ext. 2242.
Council approves
sales tax holiday
June 18, 2015
In a quick meeting Tuesday night, Enterprise City Council members unanimously approved the city’s participation in the upcoming, statewide Back to School sales tax holiday.
The event, which is scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 7-9, offers customers in participating cities and counties in the state sales tax-free shopping on school-related items. Items may include clothing, school supplies and computers.
See the rest of Jennifer Calhoun's story in The Enterprise Ledger by clicking on the link below:
ALERT: Dauphin Street to be closed beginning June 22 for street reconstruction
June 19, 2015
Dauphin Street will be closed to through-traffic, from Alberta Street to North Main, beginning Monday, June 22, as street reconstruction gets under way.
Expected to span at least nine months, the project consists of storm drainage, curb and gutter improvements along with resurfacing and striping.
Enterprise Police Chief T.D. Jones said Dauphin will remain closed to through-traffic until further notice, and advises the public to use caution when traveling in the area of the construction because traffic is likely to increase on some of the surrounding streets.
Local chef enjoys 'Farm to Table' concept
June 22, 2015
The Enterprise Ledger's Courtney Gilley recently talked with local chef Bill Schleusner about purchasing fresh, homegrown produce from the Enterprise Farmers Market. He uses the fresh foods in recipes that customers enjoy at a local restaurant.
For more, see Courtney's story at the following link:
Enterprise Ledger photo
Mayor meets with industry leaders in Paris
June 23, 2015
Mayor Kenneth Boswell met with aerospace industry leaders in Paris recently. Boswell said he talked with leaders from companies such as Airbus about great opportunities in the Enterprise area and the wonderful workforce that is available here. For more, see the local news stories by clicking on the following links:
Enterprise Ledger photo
Water system project could have positive economic impact
June 20 2015
Enterprise Mayor Kenneth Boswell told a gathering of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees that he hopes a comprehensive water system improvement will help the city's efforts to recruit new business and industry. For more, see the story by clicking on the link below:
City government, school system
proactive when it comes to BRAC
June 30, 2015
Mayor Kenneth W. Boswell and Enterprise City Schools Superintendent Dr. Camille Wright talked to the media recently about how the quality of the city schools can have an impact on upcoming Base Realignment and Closure Commission decisions. A BRAC study is expected sometime in the near future. For more information about the press conference, click on the local media links at left.
Southeast Sun photo
City council considering sidewalk request,
approves Sales Tax Holiday
June 30, 2015
A request by former Coffee County Commissioner Bernest Brooks was taken under advisement by the Enterprise City Council at the council's June 16 meeting.
Brooks appeared before the council to ask that the city consider installing a sidewalk along Ouida Street because of a high volume of foot traffic in that area. He said pedestrians often walk through his yard.
The council also approved the annual Sales Tax Holiday for school clothes and supplies for Aug. 7-9.
For more about the June 16 council meeting, click on the link below.
