Confederate monument and trucks discussed at recent Perry council meeting

PERRY — The date is set for the movement of the Confederate monument in front of city hall, which is anticipated to take three days. Mayor Randall Walker and council discussed the plan during Tuesday night’s meeting. 

During the council meeting, Assistant City Manager Mitchell Worthington presented a road closure request. The 800 block of Carroll Street would be shut down for three days from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The movement of the statue will start on Oct.19 and will be completed by Oct.21. 

Worthington said contractors will use a crane to lift up the monument and it will be moved to Legacy Park, located at Carroll and Main Street. 

According to Worthington, moving the statue cost the city $30,000. The request was approved unanimously. 

Heavy commercial vehicle traffic was also discussed in the meeting. The ordinance is focused on curbing the impacts of heavy commercial trucks in downtown, City Manager Robert Smith said. This is the first reading meaning no action has been taken.
The ordinance recommends for drivers to use side streets such as Ball Street and Main Street instead of driving through downtown streets like Swift Street, Jernigan Street and Washington Street. The proposed plan also includes posting signage for police officers to enforce the prohibition of trucks. 

Council will make a decision on the ordinance at the next council meeting. The full plan is available in the council agenda. 

Mayor and council will hold their next pre-council meeting at 5 p.m. and the regular council meeting at 6 p.m. on Oct.20. Everyone is invited to attend, and the agenda is available on the city’s website before meetings. Both meetings are also livestreamed on YouTube.