City officials are considering a proposed lease agreement for use of the Aragon Fire Department building as a base for a Redmond ambulance.

Marty Robinson, Community Resource Coordinator, Redmond, pitched the idea during last Thursday’s meeting of the Aragon Mayor and Council.

He said that Redmond seeks use of a fire bay and is prepared to pay for cost of needed remodeling to house EMS staff once the lease document is signed.

Initial plans are to place a 12-hour ambulance in Aragon and, if needed, expand to 24-hour service. Proposed times for the 12-hour start up would either be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The hours will be decided after a review of statistical data and call volume during these periods.

Curtis Burruss, fire chief, reminded that firefighters and emergency personnel would have to work together if the lease becomes reality.

Mayor Ken Suffridge said the lease agreement would be a win/win situation for Aragon.

“Having Redmond here is a feather in both our caps and for the citizens on the north side of the tracks,” he said. “We are looking forward to having them become part of the city.”

The group approved continued negotiations with Redmond and asked for a review by Zack Burkhalter, the city attorney.

Other business

Following discussion, they gave the green light to a resolution for packaged sales of malt beverages and wine by a licensed retailer in Aragon.

The question will be placed on the ballot during the State Primary on July 31. If approved by voters, sales would be made from 12:30 to 11:30 p.m. Sundays, effective Aug. 1.

Council members also voted to seek grant funds from the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).

According to federal law, the Commission must use the money to purchase distressed properties, renovate the homes and sell the real estate to lower income individuals and families in an effort to stabilize home values and provide affordable housing.

The Commission would organize a non-profit corporation to hold title to the properties while they are renovated and marketed.

The program allows the corporation to purchase any foreclosed home, renovate and resell it to provide affordable housing to lower income families.

Suffridge said he believes the program would be good for Aragon, especially the Village.

Following the Mayor’s recommendation, the group approved a motto — "A Proud Past and Promising Future” — for Aragon. The City was established in 1899 and incorporated in 1914.

In other business, the group:

Noted that the City has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The money will be used to purchase equipment for the police department.

Approved a request by Billy Alexander to annex property he owns at 2536 Rome - Cole Road.

Voted to allow Jennifer Delgado to organize a Neighborhood Watch program in Aragon.

A planning meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20 in the Aragon United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Interested residents are invited to attend.

Authorized Suffridge to hire a public works supervisor due to the illness of the director.

The new hire would be in charge of daily operations.

Heard a presentation by Jim Croy, Sr., P.E., managing partner, Croy Engineering. Following discussion about what a City engineer would provide, the group named Croy.

Approved sending a letter in support of Georgia Rural Water Association’s efforts for training and continued recertification of staff.