Childersburg City Council meetings

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.

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.

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.

Gerald Wallace has been certified as the new Ward C Councilman in Childersburg for the coming term of office

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

With only one candidate for the Ward C seat on the Childersburg Council, Resolution 2025-12 issued a Certificate of Election for Gerald Wallace during the Tuesday, July 1, 2025 regular meeting.

Resolution 2025-13 also gained approval, authorizing Ken Wesson in his capacity as Mayor to enter into an agreement with Advanced Integrated Security for the purpose of monitoring the fire system at the new Police-Judicial Building at 34011 US Highway 280.

Passage of Resolution 2025014 allows the City of Childersburg to proceed with the abatement process for three vacant lots on Parkdale Lane in Minor Terrace.

In other new business, the Council approved a request to transfer Terrie Sprayberry to the Police Department as a full-time permanent Records Clerk at a pay rate of $14 per hour.

Approval was given for Johnny Swain to perform curb and concrete work at the Police-Judicial Building in the amount of $7,150.

Payment of invoices in the amount of $72,018.22 was approved.

The Council adjusted the pay rate of transportation drivers to $12 per hour, effective with the next pay period.

The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Mayor Wesson said that the hope is that the Council will be able to hold that meeting in the Municipal Courtroom of the Police-Judicial Building on Highway 280.

Childersburg has selected a new Library Director ahead of current Director’s retirement

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

The Childersburg City Council voted to approve Cindy Wideman as the new Library Director, effective July 1, 2025. Wideman replaces Susan Carpenter, who is retiring at the end of June.

Wideman, who has been employed at the Rainwater Library for the past year, will transition to training mose from June 18 through the 30th at a pay rate of $12.50 per hour. She will serve a 6-month probationary period at a pay rate of $14.75. Upon completion of the probationary period her pay rate will increase to $15.25 per hour.

In other new business, the City council approved Fierce Athletics to provide cheerleading and tumbling instructor services. That decision came via approval of Resolution 2025-11.

The State of Alabama has made training for elected municipal officials mandatory. The City Council voted to approve registration for the Mayor and Council to complete the required hours of training. It will include a combination of on-line and in-person training sessions.

Approval was given for the City to advertise with the Childersburg Quarterback Club in the amount of $300, paid from Fund 23.

The Childersburg Street Department was approved to replace a large tractor used in providing large scale grass cutting duties. They will be getting a Kubota V2403 Tractor from Beshears Tractor and equipment through the Sourcewell Cooperative at the state bid list price of $29,961.68, including a roof canopy addition.

The City Council added a pair of late year dates to the Municipal Court schedule on November 19 and December 17, 2025

Invoices were approved for payment in the amount of $375,286.50.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1st at 6:00 p.m., but the meeting location is still up in the air. Mayor Ken Wesson said that if the new Municipal Court/Police Complex is completed, the meeting will be held at the new Highway 280 location.

Childersburg prepares for August Municipal Election with three resolutions

Read the accounts of the June 3, 2025 meeting of the Childersburg City Council &/or watch the meeting video below the story:

The Childersburg City Council approved three resolutions necessary for the operation of the August Municipal election. The first, Resolution 2025-08, appoints the City Clerk to handle the 2025 Municipal Election and Absentee Manager.

Resolution 1025-09 approves the various electronic devices to be used in the voting process. Resolution 2025-10 appoints a slate of Election Officials as follows:

Chief Inspector – Candy Mahaffey
Assistant Chief Inspector – Eugene Marbury

Ward A Assistant Clerk – Terry Kaye Cleckler
Ward A Assistant Clerk – Donna Jones

Ward B Assistant Clerk – Anita Mahaffey
Ward B Assistant Clerk – Teresa Martin

Ward C Assistant Clerk – Nina Marbury
Ward C Assistant Clerk – Mildred Whetstone

Ward D Assistant Clerk – Debbie Hamilton
Ward D Assistant Clerk – Tammy Salter

Ward E Assistant Clerk – William (Slim) Milam
Ward E Assistant Clerk – Kaye Hernandez

In other New Business, the Council approved Ordinance 1149, which approves the sale of 60 +/- acres at the Industrial Park to Cooper Steel for $360,000 for an expansion project. It also names Mayor Ken Wesson, as the Chairman of the Local Redevelopment Authority to execute the agreement and associated documents for the transaction.

Approval was given to hire Matthew Griffin as a full-time permanent Transportation Driver at a rate of $10 per hour.

The Council approved moving Council Meetings and Municipal Court to the new Judicial/Police Complex at 34011 US Highway 280 upon completion of the renovation project.

Approval was given for the Street Department to hire Rick Wallace as a part-time temporary CDL Driver and Equipment Operator at a rate of $12 per hour.

The Council approved a Senior Center request to purchase a replacement ice maker from KaTom Restaurant Supply in the amount of $1,697.50.

Payment of invoices was approved in the amount of $65,237.92.

Prior to the meeting, Mayor Ken Wesson reported that ALDOT wants to move ahead with a project to repave State Highway 235 (Coosa Pines Drive & Plat Road), while changing it from a 4-lane highway to two-lanes with a left-turn lane. The Mayor told ALDOT that the Council opposes the change. He also made certain that ALDOT representatives met with all of the industries along the road, with all of them expressing displeasure to the change as disruptive to efficient industrial traffic.

The Mayor asked the public to go to the ALDOT website to make public comments at dot.state.al.us/news/pi_schedule.html. However, the link labeled as “Resurfacing/Road Diet on AL-235” went to a comment section on a different project.

Mayor Wesson also reported calling on Congressman Mike Rogers for his assistance in addressing the issue of addresses in the new College Park development being listed under the Sylacauga Post Office for delivery and Post Office Service.

Also prior to the Council meeting new Childersburg Police Cadets, Kristian Glenn and Christian Blair, were sworn in before heading to the Anniston Northeast Law Enforcement Academy in August.

Mayor Wesson reported that he had met with a representative of the Long-Lewis automotive group in Birmingham about a proposal to create a new used car supercenter along Highway 280 in Childersburg. He told the Council that an undisclosed Childersburg location was one of two locations in the area under consideration.

The next regular meeting of the Childersburg City Council will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Childersburg weathered the weekend storms – Preparation was the key

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

Mayor Ken Wesson reported that all City departments were proactive in preparing for this past weekend’s storms, “They inspected their facilities, collecting and storing all items that might be subject to problems from the expected high winds. With over four-inches of rain in a very short period of time, we did experience a few short-term flooding issues, but we were pleased at how quickly the excess rain subsided. We were fortunate that we did not experience what our neighbors in Winterboro dealt with.”

Wesson reported that the City storm shelter housed 35 people during the evening on Saturday, March 15th, while 52 took advantage of the safe zone at the Limbaugh Community Center, “We got the all clear at 11:00 p.m. and allowed our emergency visitors to go home.”

The Childersburg City Council opened their Tuesday, March 18th regular business meeting by revisiting an item from the last meeting, when they approved ABC Beer and Wine Retail licenses for Quik Sak (32522 US Highway 280, Childersburg. This meeting, the Council also approved a Retail Liquor Class C license, added by the ABC Board.

Having completed his certification, Joseph Lide was approved for a classification change to firefighter/paramedic at an hourly pay rate of $16 per hour.

The Council approved a hole sponsorship for the scheduled April 14, 2025 golf tournament for Elks Lodge 2295 for $100, paid from Fund 23.

Payment of invoices was approved in the amount of $844,125.84, including a $400,000+ payment on the construction project for the new Police-Judicial Complex on Highway 280.

Wesson also announced receipt of approval of ADECA grant funds for the Childersburg Police Department in the amount of $23,540.

After the meeting Chief Kevin Koss said that the grant funds will be used in a variety of projects inside the new Police-Judicial Complex, “The funds are to address gun violence, and the terms will allow a wide range of uses that meet the standards. It will be difference-making.”

The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday April 1st, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.