A Message from Mayor Stimpson - November 2
Nov 2nd, 2020
Good evening,
It is 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 2, and I am writing to give you an update from the City of Mobile.
Today, the Mobile County Health Department reports 17,445 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 40 cases. To read a detailed report, click here.
As I mentioned last week, our crews on the ground have adjusted their strategy for collecting debris from Hurricane Zeta and the remaining debris from Hurricane Sally. We now have public works employees and contractors following our normal trash pickup schedules. This should also give citizens a better idea of when they can expect trash to be removed so they can be prepared. Based on our current timeline, we hope to have the city cleared by Thanksgiving. We are also continuing to accept bagged vegetation at Langan Municipal Park and the James Seals Community Center every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
After a thorough evaluation from a third-party group of arborists, we began work last week removing five trees from Bienville Square that were damaged during Hurricane Sally and posed a threat to public safety. Fortunately, Zeta did not cause any additional damage to this historic park. After stump removal is completed, our concrete crews will make sidewalk repairs to facilitate re-opening of Bienville Square. We hope to release a more detailed timeline soon about when the park will officially reopen.
This evening I'm excited to announce the City of Mobile was recently awarded $742,088 as part of "Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Grant" from the U.S. Department of Justice. These funds will help provide more streamlined services to those who come in contact with law enforcement while experiencing a mental health crisis. The grant will also pay for additional training so that our officers are using the best practices when engaging with residents who have greater mental health needs.
On a lighter note, fans of the Gotcha scooters that we brought to downtown Mobile last year will be happy to see some improvements to the fleet. Last week, we heard from the company's leadership and despite some rollbacks in other areas, they do not plan to change their operations in Mobile and will be upgrading some of our scooters and adding e-bikes in the coming weeks.
As I'm sure most of you are aware, tomorrow's general election will decide a number of our local, state and federal leaders for the next several years. For better or worse, government touches nearly every aspect of our lives in one way or another... with the exception of what we think. Our opinions are still our own, and tomorrow, if you haven't already, you'll have an opportunity to express your opinion and make your voice heard. Please do so. Please go vote and encourage others to as well. It's too important not to.
When you wake up on Wednesday, regardless of who wins or loses, I can assure you your city government will steadfastly continue to fulfill the vision of One Mobile by working diligently to become a safer, more business and family friendly city. We will also be continuing our collaborative efforts with governmental agencies at all levels to protect you, your family and your property.
In a time when there is such divisiveness and angst, have you thought of what God wants you to do? Micah was one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament and delivered unpopular messages to the people of Israel and Judah. One of his messages is just as applicable today as it was back then. To the question, "What does the Lord require of you? The answer is simply, "To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God." In Paul's letters from the New Testament, you can find a similar theme.
Regardless of our station in life, our families, co-workers and community would all benefit tremendously if all of our actions generated kindness, compassion, justice and humility. Perhaps more importantly, it would be pleasing in God's sight.
Sleep tight,