By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Staff Writer

CHELSEA – The Chelsea City Council approved a resolution at a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 20, to name the new community center road from County Road 337 to the new Chelsea Community center, “Wanninger Way,” in honor of Bob Wanninger.

Wanninger was the first ever clerk in Chelsea, the architect for the two fire stations located in the city and the architect for the previously mentioned community center.

“He truly is one of the founding fathers of our city and I wanted to recognize him in a way that makes him feel very special,” said Chelsea Mayor Earl Niven.

When called up to hear the announcement Wanninger, who was completely shocked by the touching tribute, could only muster up the question, “Yes sir?”

“This has been a friend of Chelsea for 20 plus years,” Niven said. “Bob, we love you here in Chelsea and we want to show you how much.”

Niven then made the announcement and went on to say, “If you’re in favor of this resolution please stand,” to the council and crowd that was already standing.

“You are a jewel in Chelsea and well respected by us all,” Niven said. “If they don’t love you, they don’t know you.”

The sign was put up the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the intersection of County Road 337 and County Road 47, as well as the intersection of County Road 337 and the community center.

In other business, the council:

• Denied a re-zoning request submitted by Matt and Robyn Lyons, who wanted to open Cat and Bird Winery at 11661 Old Highway 280 in Chelsea. It was determined the current zoning law allows the request, so there is no need for rezoning. City Councilman Dale Neuendorf made sure to point out this was a positive denial.
• Approved the annexation submitted by Darryl and Rebecca Eastman for a parcel of land at 2000 Highway 440, which contains a total of .69 acres of land.
• Approved a resolution to accept the lowest and best bid from Kelley Contracting and Paving, Inc., in the amount of $23,400 for roadway improvements to Ferguson Drive. The original price was estimated at $19,000, but only included 10 feet. This new bid includes the correct size of 12 feet.
• Discussed a citation that was issued by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) for a dirt and water violation.
• Set a meeting for Monday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the 2017 fiscal budget, as well as what entrance sign they will choose for the soon to open sports complex.
• Paid the bills.