During the Committee of the Whole before Tuesday night's City Council meeting, City Manager Jim Buston said that the City does not know when to expect the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19, but East Alabama Medical Center, the Lee County Health Department, Auburn University, Auburn Urgent Care and Thomas Pharmacy will provide distribution.
The state of Alabama will act as the deciding voice of who will be administered the vaccine and when.
Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller offered their support to the state to ensure a smooth distribution of the vaccines.
“I appreciate the hospital for looking at this untraditionally, and trying to do the very best they can to get as many people vaccinated as possible,” Anders said.
The vaccine will be first available to those in the 1A category, including medical personnel, first responders and people of 75 years of age or older, said Public Safety Director Paul Register.
As Jan. 22 is the last day of Gov. Kay Ivey’s statewide Safer at Home Order, Anders expressed his anticipation of a potential extension of the order. He encouraged community members to continue enacting preventative measures such as continuing to social distance, wearing masks and frequent hand washing.
Anders also took a moment to recognize Buston’s final meeting with the Council after 25 years of service to the community and 4 years of service as the city manager.
“You've been a great source of support, information and advice to a new mayor,” Anders said. “Auburn is thankful for everything you've done to serve its citizens and all of us. Thank you, you've had a great career and we will miss you.”
Council members from each Ward expressed their appreciation and gratitude for Buston’s service, both to them personally and to the City of Auburn.
“Words cannot describe the job you've done,” said Ward 8 Council member Tommy Dawson. “You gave me encouragement ... all throughout my career, you've been there to support me. A man can count on one hand how many people he can count on in his career, and you've always been one.”
Auburn Student Government Association City Relations Manager Abby Ronson announced the addition of six new businesses in the student discount program. The program offers a 10% discount to University students upon showing their student ID.
When discussing building a playground at Town Creek Park, Parks and Recreation Director Becky Richardson explained that it will be constructed with equipment inclusive to the various physical challenges or needs of children.
“There will be equipment that would be good for kids with autism and equipment for children with Down syndrome,” Richardson said. “There will be things that children who are deaf or blind can play on.”
In addition to this equipment, there will also be equipment suitable for typical children as well as outdoor exercise spaces for adults. The Council unanimously approved $1.9 million for the project.
When discussing the purchase of recycling carts, Ward 2 Council member Kelley Griswold asked if the City previously made a similar purchase with grant funds. Environmental Services Director Catrina Cook explained that the City did, but the funds have been spent and the City already budgeted for additional recycling carts.
Griswold asked if the purchase could be deferred until the City receives more grant funds for recycling. Buston explained that the demand for recycling carts outweighs the number of carts the City owns. Auburn has seen more growth recently with new houses being built in addition to an 85% recycling adoption rate, he said.
Cook said the City has less than 200 new carts and the City is currently using an extra 50 carts per month. An order for new carts takes roughly 90 days to arrive.
The Council unanimously approved the purchase of new recycling carts.
Anders and the Council concluded the meeting with a round of applause for the retiring City Manager.
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