Closed since early 2020 due to COVID-19, welcome center and railroad museum is open
Town agrees to use funds to help restore old Renfroe log cabin
The Flomaton Town Council approved making roof repairs to the old log cabin next to the Alabama Welcome Center and Railroad Museum and also agreed to reopen the welcome center which has been closed since early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
The town of Flomaton received a $15,500 grant from the Alabama Historical Society the replace the cedar shake roof on the old cabin.
Mayor Dewey Bondurant, Jr., said the total cost of the project would be $21,617 so the town would have to add a little more than $6,000 to the project. He noted the roof is leaking and needs to be fixed.
Betty Jones said the log cabin was built by the Renfroe family in the 1860s.
She approached the council about getting the cabin repaired and said the town could possibly save money by using modern materials.
It was noted that the cabin has not been listed as an historical site which gives the town some leeway on the repairs.
Town Attorney Chuck Johns told the council it was a Catch 22 situation, noting if it is designated a historical site strict restrictions follow on repairs.
Jones said the cabin was originally in South Flomaton and later moved to Flomaton. The Flomaton Research Club once maintained the cabin but then turned it over to the town.
Town Clerk Carrie Moore told the council that the $15,500 in grant funds "is sitting there" ready to be used on the project.
Councilman Roger Adkinson asked if anyone had gotten a price to repair the entire cabin?
Bondurant said the main thing is to get the roof fixed. He also said the flooring that got wet from the leaking roof will dry out and be fine.
"Trust me, the floor will dry out," Bondurant said.
Adkinson said he'd like to see the cabin fixed but suggested postponing spending any additional money and looking at funds for other repairs during budget time.
Councilwoman Kay Wagner asked who would look out for the building after repairs are made, saying the research club didn't exist anymore. There is still a Flomaton Research Club, but it was noted the cabin was donated to the town and now it's the town's responsibility.
"I want to leave it like it is," Wagner said. "As far as restoring it completely, no."
"Apparently nobody believes what I'm saying," Bondurant said. "The floor will be fine. We can make other repairs over time. I'll pull it out of my own pocket if I have to."
Flomaton resident Jason Beasley said he has found some cedar shake roofing material that is less expensive and can save the town about $6,000.
Adkinson said if there were other options the roof repairs could possibly be covered by the grant money.
The council voted 5-1 to proceed with using the $15,550 grant and allow Beasley to show a savings on the shingles and if money could be saved it would be less money the town had to put into the project. Wagner voted no.
Welcome center
Mayor Bondurant also announced that Easter Seals has agreed to pay the salary for someone to work at the welcome center for 25 hours a week. He also said Sheryl Newburn of Atmore had accepted the job and would be there the next day, Sept. 13.
He said the plans are now to have the center and railroad museum open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, but those hours could be adjusted.
"She starts tomorrow and will work 25 hours a week," Bondurant said. "I'd like to see the welcome center and museum open for Railroad Junction Day."
Railroad Junction Day is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24.
The council voted unanimously to accept the Easter Seals offer and hire Newburn.
