ANNISTON, AL — The Anniston City Council reviewed a wide range of development, infrastructure, budget and policy matters during its June 2 work session before approving multiple resolutions and agenda items during the regular council meeting.
Work Session
The work session opened with the announcement that a scheduled presentation from Donald Stewart regarding new business development opportunities in Anniston would be postponed due to his absence.
Representatives from Baptist Health then addressed the council and introduced themselves as part of the organization’s planned acquisition of Regional Medical Center (RMC). Officials said they have begun meeting with local elected leaders and community stakeholders as they prepare for the transition, which is expected to be completed on Oct. 1.
Budget Amendments
Council members reviewed four proposed budget amendments, including:
- Recognition of a grant for the Longleaf Botanical Gardens and Museums Outdoor Trail Master Plan.
- Recognition and appropriation of donated funds received by the Parks and Recreation Department for youth athletics and track program activities.
- Recognition of a Norfolk Southern grant.
- Mid-year adjustments to the General Fund, Capital Projects Fund and McClellan Development Fund.
During discussion of the Norfolk Southern grant, city officials explained the funding will support the development of a police drone team, with approximately five to seven officers expected to receive pilot certification and training. Officials also noted future partnerships with local schools could be explored.
Finance staff explained that mid-year budget adjustments are a routine process that allows the city to account for changing revenue projections, staffing needs, emergency expenditures and departmental funding shifts. Officials reported sales tax revenues had exceeded original projections, resulting in adjustments to the budget.
Employee Reimbursements
Council members reviewed reimbursement requests for city employees, including travel and training expenses incurred while attending professional conferences and certification programs.
National Electrical Code Update
The council discussed an ordinance amendment adopting and incorporating the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code. The item later appeared on the regular meeting agenda for first reading.
Event Support Services Donation
Council members continued discussions regarding a proposed $6,000 payment for volunteer support services provided during the Sunny King Criterium and Noble Street Festival through the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program.
Discussion centered on a longstanding arrangement that predated city management of the event. Several council members expressed concerns about continuing annual donations in future years while acknowledging volunteer support provided for the event.
Paid Parental Leave Policy
The council reviewed proposed amendments to the city’s Paid Parental Leave Policy before advancing the item to the regular meeting agenda.
Tax Abatement Amendment
Council members discussed a tax abatement amendment involving McWane Inc., doing business as Tyler Union.
Officials explained the amendment would revise the project’s “placed in service” date after supply chain delays and permitting timelines extended completion of a previously approved $13.8 million expansion project. Officials stated the project had already created approximately 15 jobs.
Alcohol License Applications
The council reviewed two alcohol license applications:
- A 010-Lounge Retail Liquor Class I license for McCluney’s on Noble, located at 2210 Noble Street.
- A 020-Restaurant Retail Liquor license for Besitos Mexican Kitchen II, located at 1021 Noble Street, Suite 109.
Pay Grade Reclassification
Council members reviewed a proposed pay grade reclassification for the Economic Development and Planning Director position.
Water Works Board Appointment
The council discussed an appointment to the Anniston Water Works and Sewer Board to fill an unexpired term.
Museum Software Renewal
Officials reviewed a proposed three-year software renewal agreement with Blackbaud Inc. for the Anniston Museum of Natural History. Staff noted the software provides integrated ticketing, membership, gift shop and concession management functions.
Transportation Alternatives Program Grant
The council discussed submitting an application for funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).
The proposed project would focus on pedestrian and streetscape improvements along Gurney Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets and improve connectivity between the Chief Ladiga Trail and the historic Anniston bus depot area.
Officials said the grant could provide up to $1 million in funding, with the city responsible for a 20 percent local match if awarded. The discussion also expanded into broader concerns regarding sidewalk accessibility and pedestrian safety throughout the city.
Bar Moratorium and Legislative Affairs Committee
Before concluding the work session, city officials provided council members with draft materials regarding proposed regulations for alcohol-serving establishments ahead of the expiration of the city’s bar moratorium.
Council members were also presented with a proposal to create a Legislative Affairs Committee. The committee would help identify legislative priorities, funding opportunities and grant programs while coordinating with state and federal representatives.
Council Meeting
During the regular meeting, the council approved agenda amendments removing a previously scheduled proclamation and replacing it with a proclamation recognizing Fred Couch for his contributions to historic preservation in Anniston.
Four nuisance properties were also added to the consent agenda.
Proclamation Honors Historic Preservation Efforts
The council presented a proclamation recognizing Fred Couch and fellow preservation advocates for efforts that resulted in 175 Anniston properties being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
The proclamation highlighted the long-term impact of those preservation efforts on Anniston’s architectural heritage, tourism and community identity.
Public Hearings
The council conducted public hearings regarding the two alcohol license applications for McCluney’s on Noble and Besitos Mexican Kitchen II.
No citizens spoke during either public hearing.
Consent Agenda Approved
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included:
- Approval of both alcohol license applications.
- Budget amendments recognizing grants and donations.
- Mid-year budget adjustments.
- Employee reimbursement requests.
- The Tyler Union tax abatement amendment.
- Water Works and Sewer Board appointments.
- Authorization to submit the TAP grant application.
- Declaration of four public nuisance properties.
Standalone Resolutions
The council approved four standalone resolutions:
- Authorizing a $6,000 payment for event support services associated with the Sunny King Criterium and Noble Street Festival.
- Updating the city’s Paid Parental Leave Policy.
- Approving a pay grade reclassification for the Economic Development and Planning Director position.
- Renewing the Blackbaud software agreement for the Anniston Museum of Natural History.
The event support services resolution passed with one dissenting vote.
Ordinance Receives First Reading
The council conducted the first reading of an ordinance adopting and incorporating the 2020 National Electrical Code. No final action was taken, as the ordinance remains in the first-reading stage.
Council Comments
Council members used the comment period to discuss recent severe weather that caused damage throughout the community.
Several members praised Public Works crews and first responders for their efforts during and after the storms and encouraged residents to assist neighbors who may need help with cleanup efforts.
Council members also addressed concerns regarding traffic signals on Quintard Avenue, noting that portions of the corridor fall under state jurisdiction while city staff continue working to address known signal issues.
The meeting adjourned following council comments.
