Aleria Harper of Pleasant Grove is a professional. Since 2022 she has served as the Sanitation and Ordinance Inspector for the Bessemer Public Improvements Department.
A job that requires discipline, Aleria is also compassionate. She has been with the department for 17 years having been hired in 2009 as the administrative assistant for the department.
Aleria is especially committed to working with Bessemer’s senior citizens in the maintenance of their properties.
A friendly and pleasant personality, she has a beautiful alto voice that blends well with her singing gospel music. Aleria has been a member of First Memorial Baptist Church for 13 years and serves as a servant leader to the trustees.
Aleria is always ready for the workday and is a dedicated employee that the department is fortunate to have on staff.
What are your duties as an inspector?
Aleria: I am responsible for observing residential and commercial properties throughout Bessemer for the purpose of sanitary conditions. Also, I report to the mayor and city council the status of overgrown lots and processing weed liens. I work with private contractors concerning the maintenance of overgrown lots.
Define a weed ordinance?
Aleria: A weed ordinance governs, “All weeds growing upon private property within the city which bear seeds of a wingy or downy nature and which attain such a large growth as to become a fire menace when dry or which are noxious or dangerous are hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be abated.”
Who has been most influential in your life?
Aleria: Without question, my mother, Wavelyn Hartley. She raised me right; teaching me to respect people, value an education, love one another, value family and respect your elders.
What has been rewarding in your work?
Aleria: Seeing the neighborhoods clean and improved. It is most rewarding working with the property owners with a common goal being positive results.
Tell me your favorite Bible verse?
Aleria: Do everything as if you are doing it unto Christ.
Do you have a favorite television show?
Aleria: I enjoy watching the American romance drama Virgin River.
What is your favorite meal?
Aleria: I enjoy a T-bone, medium with a green salad served with a vinaigrette, Brussels sprouts, baked potato, yeast roll and for dessert a bowl of cookies and cream ice cream.
