The eyesore of neglected automobiles and dilapidated houses was again addressed Thursday by members of the Demopolis City Council.

Councilman Ronnie O’Neal was first to bring the matter up. "We might have to take a new approach to this," he said.

Councilman Willard Williams was concerned about an old ballfield site now owned by CEMEX. He also told of several other houses on his list.

Councilman Thomas Moore also mentioned a house on Front Street.

Demopolis Mayor Austin Caldwell again asked the council to give him addresses, and he would give them to City Attorney Rick Manley.

In other action from the brief council meeting, a resolution declaring May as Foster Care Month in Demopolis was read by the mayor. Kennis Johnson, a social worker for Family Finders, was on hand to accept the resolution.

Public Safety Director Jeff Manuel gave the council details of Thursday’s Rosenbush warehouse fire. Mayor Caldwell thanked the firemen for their work and passed on the thanks of property owner Bert Rosenbush Jr.

Manuel also spoke about a new disaster preparedness committee for Demopolis. Representatives from county emergency management, police and fire departments and the Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital have met for the last several months to prepare a disaster plan for the city. They hope to have some disaster drills in the coming months.

The public safety director also announced that Vernon Waters and Tommy Tate had been promoted to captain in the Demopolis Fire Department on May 10.

The city received 22 applicants for the Firefighter I position that is currently open, and interviews are presently being conducted.

Larry Owens has been hired to work with City Horticulturist Amanda Smith.

Mayor Caldwell reported that Curtis Vick had passed away last week. He had been the superintendent of the Demopolis Street Department for many years.

The council held an executive session regarding a personnel matter.