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VALLEY — The City of Valley’s purchase of approximately 2,000 acres of land near I-85 is continuing to be a very good move. It’s property that’s in demand, and the city has more than gotten back its original investment. The city council took action this past week to sell a site off Fob James Drive that was in one of those land purchases.

In its meeting on Thursday, May 9, the council held a first reading of an ordinance to sell a 12-acre site next to Valley Collision to Willow Capital Partners LLC for $586,000. Willow Capital is a privately held commercial real estate firm focused on developing, acquiring and investing in properties across the Southeastern U.S.

The council held second readings and approved the sale of two other parcels of property, one to Tamicha Davis and one to Michael and Brenda Parrish. The land being purchased by Davis is off 23rd Boulevard and the site being acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Parrish is off Plantation Road.

The council approved its portion of a settlement with Mathand, Inc. involving the sales tax that’s owned to the city and county. A total of $240,000 is involved. The city could receive more than $200,000 out of this, with approximately $105,000 coming up front. The county could receive around $45,000.

The matter was settled out of court and had been pursued by the city and county for the past four years.

Two aging trackhoes were traded in in favor of a new one. The new one costs $327,000 with the two used ones bringing in approximately $140,000.

“Those two we are giving up did lots of good work,” said Mayor Leonard Riley. “They helped clear over 1,900 acres of land, and we built some roads with them.”

The council approved the purchase of a new bus for Valley Senior Center. It will replace one that’s got a lot of miles on it. The new bus costs in the neighborhood of $45,000.

Another Senior Center bus will be in need of replacement in the next year or so.

The council honored John Minter on having achieved 50 years of continuous service at Valley Pharmacy.

A Lanett native, Minter graduated from Auburn University in 1970 and purchased the store from Gene Covington four years later.

He changed the name of the business to Valley Pharmacy and was its owner/operator until 2012 when he sold the business to registered pharmacist Angie Moore and her husband Craig. Minter continues to work at the business as a staff pharmacist.

“Having been a small business owner and pharmacist for a number of years,” a mayor’s proclamation reads, “John has seen lots of changes in the Valley and in the pharmacy profession in general but one thing that has not changed is John’s commitment to the health and well being of our community and his love and devotion to his customers.”

John and wife Martha raised two children who are now doctors. They are Dr. Alex Minter and Dr. Mary Emily Minter Sheffield. Martha died in 2017. John has two grown children, their spouses and four grandchildren.“When John is not at the pharmacy he enjoys following his Auburn Tigers and spending time with his children and grandchildren,” the proclamation continues.

“The staff and community would like to say ‘Thank you!’ for 50 years of service and ‘War Eagle!’ and ‘Well done!’”

The city has received some help in continuing the annual Christmas Merry Go Round tradition. Sara Crutchfield of Valley Local was present at the council meeting to donate $4,000 in support of keeping this treasured tradition going. It has taken place every Christmas season since 1956.

The money was raised during the recent Valleyfest, held in March at Valley Sportsplex.

Valley Local is planning on having another such event next year. The next council meeting will be taking place at 6 p.m. EDT on Monday, May 2o. There will be a work session at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 23.