Category: City Council meeting

The newly seated Childersburg Council settles in with a routine agenda

Read the accounts of the meeting &/or watch the meeting video below:

The Childersburg Council held the second required public hearing for a tax abatement proposal from Long Lewis Coosa Valley, LLC. There were no comments on the proposal. Mayor Ken Wesson said they anticipate a vote on the matter during the second November regular meeting.

In New Business, Ordinance 1153 approval adopted the National Fire Protection Association Fire Codes for enhancement of life and fire safety, protection, and prevention.

The following nominees were appointed to terms on the Childersburg Historic Preservation Commission: Gaye Powell (9/30/2026); Monty Powell (9/30/2028); Deborah Morris (9/30/2027); Diane Newman (9/30/2028); John Mark Freeman (9/30/2028); Bill Moody (9/30/2028); Howard Smith (9/30/2027); Mayor Ken Wesson (11/12029); Mary Beth Carpenter (9/30/2029).

The Council approved an amendment to the agreement with Elite Home Theater for installation of an electronic gate system at the new Police/Judicial Complex, in the amount of $4,653.94, making the total cost $22,174.79. The additional cost issue was created because electrical service was not available in the needed location and had to be relocated.

Approval was given for CPD Investigator Micah Northcutt to attend Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (A-RIDE) training in Mobile. Approval includes a two-day per-diem, two night lodging, and mileage reimbursement, with no registration fee.

The Council approved invoice payments in the amount of $68,587.90.

Prior to the meeting, the Council heard from District and Juvenile Court Judge Dale Price, concerning his proposed Accountability Court, A large percentage of those children in our foster care system are there after parents are arrested on drug charges. This is a program to address that problem.”

Mayor Wesson reported a conversation with USPS official Alisha Henderson, who promised a meeting to address issues for residents of Childersburg’s College Park housing development.

Councilman Robbie Riddle reported that milling of Forest Hills Road has been completed, with paving scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, starting at the intersection with Plant Road.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18th at 6:00 p.m.

Newly-elected Childersburg Council and Mayor were sworn in before organizational meeting

Watch the meeting video, including the swearing in of officials &/or read the accounts below:

CHILDERSBURG, Ala, – Following a ribbon-cutting and open house for the new multi-use city complex, the newly-elected Council and Mayor were sworn-in on Monday, November 3rd before they held their organizational meeting. The Honorable Judge Chad Woodruff conducted the ceremony, with Lexi Morris holding The Bible for each official.

Councilman Tommy Ivey was elected to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore to open the organizational meeting. Ordinance 1152 was adopted to set procedures for the governing body.

Mayor Ken Wesson announced his committee appointments as follows: Fire/Ambulance Department – Wayne Spivey; Police Department – Wesley Allen; Parks and Recreation and Senior Center – Tommy Ivey; Street Department – Robbie Riddle; Library, Safety Coordinator, and Chamber Representative – Gerald Wallace.

The following were all reappointed to their current positions: City Clerk and Treasurer – Aimee P. Burnette; Kevin Koss – Police Chief; Shane Phillips Fire Chief; Tech/ City Computer Systems, Inc; City Accountant and Auditor – Hullett, Kellum, and McKinney, P.C.; City Attorney – Robert Rumsey.

Cadence Bank, Renasant Bank, and First Bank of Alabama were retained as Designated Depositories, and Council Tommy Ivey was elected as the Authorized Council Member to sign City Checks in the absence of the Mayor.

Mayor Ken Wesson announced that the first regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 4th at 6:00 p.m. All meeting, per Ordinance 1152, will continue to be held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The current evening meeting schedule will continue through the rest of the 2025 calendar year, but the 3rd Tuesday meetings will be held at 11:00 a.m., beginning with the January, 2026 meetings.

Sylacauga seats a new mayor and council, holds organizational meeting

The new Sylacauga Mayor and Council members were introduced and sworn into office by Taylor Pharr and Robert Rumsey prior to their organizational meeting. They are: Mayor Matt Hubbard, District One Council Greer Bisignani, District Two Council Tiffany Nix, District Three Council Nate Brewer, District Four Council Tim Vincent, and District Five Council Laura Barlow Heath.

The first order of business for the new Council was to elect a Council President. Tiffany Nix was elected on a split vote of 3 to 2. Nate Brewer proposed an amendment to the agenda to limit the terms for Council officers to one-year with annual elections, which was approved on a 5 – 0 vote.

Tim Vincent was selected as Council President Pro Tempore on a 3 to 2 vote.

On a unanimous vote, the Council approved Ordinance 2181-16, which established the Rules of Procedure for the City Council. They followed with approval of a measure to ratify the appointments of the various current City employees to their respective positions at their current rates of pay established and fixed for each such employee in accordance with the City’s pay plan, which may be amended from time to time by the Council.The Council ratified existing depositories of public funds and monies of the City of Sylacauga including Cadence Bank, Renasant Bank, Regions Bank, First Bank, US Bank, First Bank of Alabama, and any other banking or financial institution currently holding City of Sylacauga funds.

Resolution 79-2025 was approved, designating signatories for checks on City of Sylacauga bank accounts and for conducting other financial transactions on behalf of the City. Another related Resolution, 80-2025 failed to get approval to authorize the use of a facsimile signature of Mayor Matt Hubbard for checks drawn on City of Sylacauga bank accounts.

An amended Resolution 81-2025 was approved, appointing Edwin Livingston, Jr as City Attorney to serve at will for not more than a term of four years. Laura Barlow Heath and Greer Bisignani voted for the appointment, but against the amended version of the resolution.

Resolutions 82-2025 and 83-2025 were approved appointing Matthew West as Prosecuting Attorney for the Municipal Court, along with Dean McConatha as Public Defender for the court. A third related resolution that would have appointed Baylee McDonald as Public Defender was tabled until the next meeting, to give the new Council time to study her resume.

That work session and Council meeting, originally scheduled for Tuesday, November 4th, was rescheduled for Thursday, November 6th, with the work session at 5:00 p.m. and the regular meeting to follow at 6:00 p.m.

Childersburg Council to consider tax abatement for a proposed used car super-center on Highway 280

Read the accounts of the meeting &/or watch the meeting video below:

The Childersburg Council set a pair of public hearings to consider a tax abatement for a proposal submitted by Long Lewis of the Coosa Valley, LLC for a used car super-center. It is proposed for 35115 US Highway 280, in the former Millican Mobile Home location. The public hearings are scheduled for October 21st and November 4th at 5:45 p.m. each day.

In other New Business, Elite Home Theater was approved to install required parts for electronic gates for the new Police/Judicial Complex at a cost of $17,520.85, paid from Fund 25.

The Council approved Yarnell Construction for a pair of metal roof installations. One is for the Sadie Lee Baseball Complex at a cost of $4,900. The other is for the old John Cox Stadium football concessions building at a cost of $6,300, both paid from Alabama Trust Fund 08.

Approval was given to advertise with the Childersburg High School Softball in the amount of $300 from Fund 23.

The Council approved Jimmy Thompson to be classified by the Police Department as full-time, permanent with no change in rate of pay. Also approved was attendance at a one-day training session, “Leading Without Rank” in Oxford, with total registration of $796 for CPD Officers Buchannon, Smith, Gaffney, and Jenkins.

The Council approved a Special Retail ABC License for the Life Celebrations Event Center.

Payment of invoices was approved in the amount of $107,645.81.

The next regular meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21st, 2025.

Sylacauga Runoff Election is set for September 23rd – Absentee ballots now available at City Hall

Sylacauga’s municipal election continues with a run-off election in the mayoral race, along with two city council run-offs on Tuesday, September 23rd.

Dr. Matt Hubbard and Bryan Taunton face off in the race to select a new mayor for the city. Council races come down to Tiffany Nix and A.J. Stamps for District 2, with another for District 4 between Lee Perryman and Tim Vincent.

With voter turnout low for the general election last month, making your voice matter can be the deciding factor, and there’s no reason to miss out with absentee ballot supplies available at the City Clerk’s Office inside City Hall at 301 North Broadway Avenue.

Ask for Heather Long to get started with your absentee voting process. Be aware that there are important deadlines involved:

  • SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 is the last day to receive an absentee application by mail.
  • SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 is the last day to apply for a regular absentee application IN PERSON.

You also need to be aware that a Photo ID is required for both in-person and absentee voting, even by mail. Only the voter themselves can hand-deliver an application or ballot. Ballots and Absentee applications can also be mailed, as long as they arrive by the deadline. Call (256) 391-4236 or stop by the City Clerk’s Office if you have any questions.

More progress for the industrial park highlights the latest Childersburg Council meeting

Read the accounts of the meeting &/or watch the meeting video below:

The Childersburg City Council passed Resolution 2025-23, which approves Goodwyn, Mills, and Cawood to make an ALDOT grant application for additional access road development in the Industrial Park, with City commitment for funding for engineering fees. The resolution authorizes Mayor Ken Wesson to execute any necessary documents.

Approval was given for Sgt. Lee Harris to attend the Advanced Field Training Officer Course in Andalusia on September 22nd and 23rd. Approval includes registration of $325, 2-day per diem, lodging, and use of a city vehicle.

Payment of invoices was approved in the amount of $70,973.48.

The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held on September 16th at 6:00 p.m. and will take place in the new Judicial Complex on Highway 280.

Childersburg Council certifies election results as official

During a called meeting, the lone matter before the Council at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 was approved, Resolution 2025-22, which canvassed the reported election results and certified them as officials as follows:

Mayor:
Wesson, K 583 – 74.44% – Winner
Warren, D E 183 – 25.55%

Ward A:
Riddle, R 80 – 50.95% – Winner
Robinson, B 59 – 37.58%
Lewis, A 18 – 11.46%

Ward B:
Spivey, P 87 – 36.40%v – Runoff
Barclay, J 82 – 34.31% – Runoff
Moody, B 53 – 22.27%
Swain, S 17 – 7.11%

Ward C:
Wallace, G – Winner, no opposition

Ward D:
Allen, W 53 – 53% – Winner
Haynes, E 47 – 47%

Ward E:
Ivey, T 62 – 44.29% – Runoff
Marbury, J 44 – 31.42% – Runoff
McLain, M 34 – 24.2%

Childersburg has held their final meeting before the August 26th election

Read the accounts &/or watch the meeting video below:

The Childersburg City Council called a meeting for 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 2nd to canvass the results of the August 26th Municipal Election. They also approved for all officials elected to attend the newly required orientation training provided by the Alabama League of Municipalities. That approval includes registration, travel, lodging, and per diem.

In New Business, the Council approved Ordinance #1150, which approves the City’s participation in the State Consumable Vapor Products Tax Revenue Distribution Program, as opposed to handling that on their own.

Resolution 2025-20 provides an important stop-gap for City retirees with 25 or more years of service. They were approved to receive health insurance benefits as provided, until they reach the required age for Medicare eligibility.

Also approved was Resolution 2025-21, which selects Utility Engineering Consultants, LLC for the Rebuild Alabama paving project for Forest Hills Road.

The Council approved payment for 17 Childersburg Police Officers membership in FOP Lodge #8 at a rate of $30 per officer for a total of $510, paid from Fund 13.

Approval was given for Tracey Crocker to be hired as a full-time permanent transportation driver at a rate of $12 per hour.

Several items were approved for the Childersburg Fire Department concerning Alex Knight. He was classified as a full-time permanent firefighter paramedic with no change in his pay rate. The Council also approved $800 for Knight to attend recruit school in Mountain Brook in September.

The Street Department was approved to purchase a 1996 Isuzu Box Truck from Ponder Plumbing in the amount og $5,000.

Payment of invoices was approved in the amount of $395, 497.67.

During the Town Hall meeting, a discussion was held about a public meeting concerning ALDOT’s proposed changes in Highway 235, known as Plant Road. That meeting will be held at the Church of Christ on Plant Road on August 28th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A large crowd of citizens and representatives of industry are expected to join City officials in voicing opposition to changing the road from four to two traffic lanes, with a left-turn lane dividing those traffic lanes.

The next Council meeting have both been set for Tuesday, September 2nd, a called meeting at 12:00 Noon to canvass election results, and the regular meeting at 5:00 p.m. The hope is to hold those meetings in the new Police-Judicial Building on Highway 280, if an issue with the door can be secured between the Police Headquarters and the Municipal Court sections by then.

Oak Grove Mayor and Town Council will skip an upcoming election without opposition for any sitting officials

A series of six Resolutions, 624 through 629, were approved declaring that the Mayor and all five town council members have been re-elected without opposition and issuing Certificates of Election for all.

In Old Business, the Council authorized a $1,600 payment to Nelson Motors for work done on the east side well. The new invoice copy boke down labor and material costs.

A “No Action” motion was approved in regard to a Nuisance Ordinance revision, after a report from Susie Wimmer indicated that she found no issues concerning a recent resident complaint concerning an animal rescue operation.

Under New Business, David “Luke” Lunsford was appointed as the new Chief of the Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department. In a related matter, three applications to join the department were tabled while Chief Lunsford studies the applications.

The Council approved a pair of requests from Chief Lunsford for his department. The purchase of five new radios was approved at a cost of $2,000 each. Also approved was up to $32,000 for as replacement brush fire truck, as well as an EMS Quick Response sport utility vehicle. The current brush truck had been used for both functions and had gotten old with expensive repairs pending.

In other business, the Council approved Resolution 630, which authorized the purchase of a vehicle lift at a cost of $9,499, plus an additional $500 freight charge.

The Council approved the purchase of a 12 x 20 foot standard carport for the sewer pump stations. In a related matter, approval was given to Resolution 631, which authorized the purchase of a sewer pump at a cost of $6,650. That allows for an installed pump and an emergency spare at both the east and west town pump stations.

Also concerning the west pump station, the Council authorized the purchase of 25 tons of gravel for the pump station and driveway. The cost is $725.50.

With the state making changes in the taxation of vape products, the Council agreed to take advantage of the state-run revenue sharing program, which required passage of a “No Action” motion.

In pre-meeting reports, Mayor Tony white said that land clearing across from Town Hall will begin soon. The City Clerk’s office will prepare information on new operational software from CSA, which is geared specifically toward government operations use. Also, for future consideration, the City Clerk’s office will prepare a Resolution for consideration that could create a Park Committee to address new family activities for Oak Grove Park facilities.

One of the park’s largest annual events, the Oak Grove Fall Family Festival, was the subject of another report. The festival has been scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Councilman David Harris said that their first festival meeting went well and plans are progressing. He reported that inflatables have been confirmed alons with several key activity vendors, including Home Depot’s kids crafts under the pavilion.

With Sewer Board member Frank Young getting married and moving to Birmingham, it was discussed dissolving the Sewer Board. Mayor White said, “The Council has to handle approval of all sewer-related actions, so it might be time to dissolve.

The City Clerk’s office was assigned the duty of researching the ramifications of dissolving the Sewer Board. If no major issues are discovered, a proposal resolutions will be prepared for the August Town Council meeting.