Bell wants improvement in public works dept.'s efficiency

Birmingham Mayor William Bell is looking for more out of the city's public works department. Monday, Bell announced a restructuring of the department: former department director Steven Fancher is taking over again.

Bell says he wants to see more efficiency out of the department. Bell says the city learned they have to respond quicker in the case of a tornado like April 27. The mayor also says the string of arson fires during the summer at abandoned houses shows the needs to move the 8,000 pieces of vacant property.

There is growing concern with the threat of tropical storm Issac creating a flooding problem for Birmingham again.

"It is anticipated because Birmingham has low lying areas that may be flood prone during that period of time. We've asked Mr. Fancher along with the public works to prepare for any eventuality that might occur because of the hurricane," Bell said.

Bell says the city is already working on some plans to clean creeks and drainage ditches but he hopes the renewed emphasis on the grass cuttings, garbage removal and debris cleanup will help make the city safer.

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