Alba City Council took the first steps toward a possible grant opportunity for downtown improvements and heard a lengthy presentation from a citizen unhappy about a driveway repair.

The pubic hearing for a downtown revitalization grant of up to $500,000 had to be scheduled quickly when the grant opportunity was announced with a three-month window.

Should the city pursue the grant, at least 50% of the funds would have to be dedicated to accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as targeting low and moderate income areas and benefiting businesses.

The council also heard from Don Pinson who was unhappy that the city wouldn’t furnish materials to fill a hole in his driveway.

The hole was not in the city right-of-way, according to officials, but Pinson argued otherwise.

Mayor Don Heinert said the city had agreed to blacktop the driveway approach once it is repaired.

He told Pinson that the city appreciated what he has done to help the city since coming to Alba in 1985.

“We felt what we came up with to help you is fair,” Heinert said.