ANNISTON, AL. — The Anniston City Council addressed infrastructure financing, business licensing, traffic signal maintenance, board appointments and several other matters during its work session and regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 6.
Mayor Ciara Smith-Roston presided over the meeting with Ward 1 Councilman and Vice Mayor Lewis N. Downing, Ward 2 Councilwoman Erica Tolson, Ward 3 Councilman Joe Harrington and Ward 4 Councilwoman Julie Moss present. The city’s published schedule confirms Oct. 6 as a regular 2026 council meeting date.
Paving and Infrastructure Financing
The council unanimously approved a resolution selecting Raymond James as the proposed senior managing underwriter for the city’s paving and infrastructure financing. The proposal had been reviewed during the work session before being brought forward for a vote during the regular meeting.
Park Operating Hours
Council members also unanimously approved an ordinance amending Chapter 19, Article II, Section 19.29(a) of the city code governing park operating hours. The ordinance was on its second reading, and no one spoke during the public hearing held before the vote.
Hospital Business License Schedule
An additional ordinance was added to the agenda to amend the city’s business license classification and license schedule to include North American Industry Classification System subsector 622, hospitals.
During the work session, officials said the ordinance establishes the formula used to determine a hospital’s annual city business license. Under the ordinance discussed by the council, Schedule HA establishes a rate of 25 cents on each $100,000 of gross receipts. Gross receipts from businesses operated within the hospital complex are included, while businesses operated by separate entities within the complex must obtain licenses under the appropriate schedule.
The council agreed to unanimous consent for immediate consideration so the hospital could receive its business license and subsequently approved the ordinance unanimously.
Consent Agenda
The council approved its consent agenda, which included several items reviewed earlier during the work session.
Those included a health care services agreement between the city and BBH-ANN, Inc.; a special-events retail beer license for Elks Lodge BPOE No. 189 for its Elktober Fest and Car Show at 1019 S. Noble St.; appointments to the Anniston Museum and Gardens Advisory Board and Anniston Historic Preservation Commission; reimbursement of expenses incurred by city officials while traveling; establishment of a local approval process for consumable hemp retail license applications; traffic signal agreements; a $5,000 sponsorship to the Alabama Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation; declaration of city property as surplus; and acknowledgement of the city’s FY 2025 audit report.
The traffic signal maintenance agreements discussed during the work session involve Alabama 21 at Bill Robinson Parkway, Alabama 21 at Glade Road, Alabama 21 at Fort McClellan and Galloway Gate.
Officials clarified that establishing the consumable hemp retail license process does not approve any individual business. Instead, it creates a procedure for businesses to apply, with applicants still required to come before the council for approval.
The health care services agreement with BBH-ANN was described during the work session as related to the 340B program, which provides discounted medications in connection with services for low-income populations.
The council also approved declaring a 2004 Pierce Lance vehicle used by the Anniston Fire Department as surplus.
Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation Sponsorship
Council members discussed the $5,000 sponsorship for the Alabama Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation before leaving the item on the consent agenda.
During the work session, officials said the contribution was for fiscal year 2026 and described the foundation’s activities during Police Appreciation Week, including meals and recognition for officers throughout the county as well as assistance when law enforcement officers experience emergencies. Officials indicated Anniston has supported the organization in previous years.
Zoning Board Appointments
The agenda was amended to include two reappointments and one new appointment to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Gene Hollingsworth and Chip Howell were reappointed, while Jim Campbell was appointed to the board. The appointments were added to and approved as part of the consent agenda.
Public Comments
Several residents and representatives addressed the council during the public-comment portion of the meeting.
Wendy Miller raised concerns regarding a stormwater drainage pipe running through her Jefferson Avenue property. Miller said the pipe became exposed in July and asserted that no easement or other documentation had been located establishing the city’s rights to the pipe. She said she has filed a tort claim with the city and asked that the issue and her concerns be entered into the public record. Miller also noted that the city has been constructing a new drainage system in the alley behind the property.
John Squires spoke about transparency and accountability and criticized the city’s $8.50 bulk-trash pickup charge. He questioned why households that do not use the service are required to pay the charge unless exempt. Squires also raised questions about the city attorney’s compensation and work performed for the city.
Rani Welch spoke during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and advocated for additional domestic-violence training within the family court system, including education about warning signs and cyberstalking.
Abby Brown, director of community engagement for Coosa Riverkeeper, introduced the organization’s work in the area. Brown said the organization plans several Anniston-area cleanups and is working with Auburn University on a three-year initiative that includes installation of trash traps along Chocolate Creek. She also discussed a litter-prevention workshop, a River Reels conservation-film event, drinking-water education and the organization’s participation in local environmental advisory efforts.
Council Comments and Executive Session
Tolson thanked residents who attended and spoke during the meeting and encouraged continued community involvement. She also thanked the city’s police, fire and other employees for their work. Downing, Harrington and Moss offered no additional substantive comments, and Smith-Roston thanked those in attendance.
The council then voted to enter executive session to discuss matters involving real property and preliminary negotiations involving trade or commerce. Smith-Roston stated that the council would not return afterward to deliberate or take action on matters discussed during the executive session.
