The Westover Town Council voted unanimously at its last regular meeting to accept a planning commission recommendation to draft an ordinance that clarifies the continued use of non-conforming structures such as manufactured homes.

Also Councilmember Susan Wooten reported that three weeks prior to the July 19 council meeting her pet dog appeared to have been chemically burned and that on the previous weekend prior to the meeting she received a threatening letter.

Wooten’s only comment was that the matter was turned over to the Sheriff’s Department for investigation and that she was advised to make the incidents public.

The continued use of non-conforming structures was also taken up at the council’s regular July 19 meeting in the absence of Councilmember Larry Riggins.

Councilmember Wooten said she voted for the action in order to have something written presented to the council.

On Dec. 21, 2004, the Westover Town Council adopted a zoning ordinance.

The Town Council then requested the Planning Commission to resolve language specific to clarifying the continued use of non-conforming structures.

On May 17, 2205 the Town Council authorized building permits to repair and replace grand fathered structures.

The resolution of the planning commission to clarify continued use of nonconforming structures, which was presented to the council on July 19, includes:

Section 1: Strike Article XI Section 111.00 Sub-section C, &uot;rebuilt, altered or repaired after damage exceeding 75 percent of its fair market value immediate prior to damage.&uot;

Section 2: Article XI Section 111 Nonconforming use to read, &uot;Any nonconforming use or structure may be continued but except upon approval of the Board of Zoning Adjustments as provided in Article XIII, such use shall not be:

&uot;A. re-established after discontinuance for one year;

&uot;B. extended except in conformity to this ordinance.&uot;

In another matter, the council heard the first reading of annexation petitions from Alabama Power to annex two parcels of land, one including 26 acres and one including 67 acres north of U.S. Highway 280 between Westover and Harpersville. Both parcels are not zoned.

City Clerk Wayne Jones said one of the properties is behind the town limits sign and the other toward Harpersville.

Councilmember Annette Tyler reported that home of William and Linda Smith received the August Beautification Award.

Councilmember Ed Bahr reported that a recreation meeting that had been scheduled for July 10 was cancelled due to impending bad weather.

Mayor Mark McLaughlin reported that Kermit Ingle was appointed to the Planning Commission.

He also reported that the town has applied to the Federal Emergency Management Administration for a $13,000 grant to purchase a weather siren.