ANNISTON, AL — The Anniston City Council held a work session and regular meeting on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, addressing a wide array of municipal priorities, including departmental staffing, trail safety regulations, community development projects, and public health awareness.
Work Session
The Anniston City Council convened for a work session on June 17, 2025, addressing key municipal issues ranging from departmental restructuring to recreational trail safety and citizen board appointments.
Planning Department Gets Strategic Overhaul
The council reviewed a significant restructuring of the city’s planning operations, proposing to add a dedicated “City Planner” position at pay grade 13. The move represents a shift away from the current Planning and Economic Development Director role, which was established in 2022.
According to discussion during the session, the current structure has left the planning function without adequate staffing support, prompting officials to consider a more focused approach with a dedicated city planner position.
“This makes the most sense to have a city planner’s position to initially do what it was intended to do,” officials noted during the meeting, emphasizing that the change provides a more practical path forward while keeping options open for future departmental expansion.
Chief Ladiga Trail Safety Measures Advance
The council examined new safety regulations for the popular Chief Ladiga Trail, reviewing an ordinance that would prohibit motorized vehicles on the recreational pathway. The proposed measure is currently in its first reading phase.
The ordinance aims to address safety concerns by giving local police the authority to cite individuals who operate motorized vehicles on the trail, bringing enforcement capabilities that previously may have been limited.
Officials indicated the measure aligns with existing trail management standards and addresses ongoing community concerns about mixed-use conflicts on the pathway.
Property Annexation Request Under Review
A unique annexation case involving property at 100 Church Street drew council attention. The request involves a split parcel where the rear portion with a mobile home falls under Austin City jurisdiction, while the front portion containing the 100 Church Street address remains within Anniston city limits.
The property owner has requested to de-annex the front portion to unify the entire parcel under Austin City governance. City staff worked with project management to ensure proper legal descriptions were prepared before bringing the matter to council.
Board Positions Draw Strong Interest
The council addressed significant interest in local board service, particularly for the Main Street Board, which has six vacancies distributed across the city’s ward system. Officials received eight applications for the positions, which are allocated as one mayoral appointment, one from Ward 1, two from Ward 2, one from Ward 3, and one from Ward 4.
Additionally, the Police and Fire Pension Board needs a new council-appointed member. This five-member board, which includes finance directors, police and fire representatives, and retiree representatives, meets quarterly and typically seeks members with banking or finance experience.
Council members requested that all applications be included in their next meeting materials for thorough review before making formal appointments.
City Council
The Anniston City Council held its regular meeting on Tuesday evening, June 17, 2025, addressing several key initiatives including a proclamation recognizing Tourette Syndrome awareness and new restrictions for the popular Chief Ladiga Trail.
Tourette Syndrome Awareness Proclamation
In a significant move to raise public awareness, the council unanimously approved a proclamation designating June 2025 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month. The initiative was brought forward by Luke McVeigh, president of the city’s Youth Council, who has Tourette Syndrome himself.
Mayor Smith read the proclamation, noting that Tourette Syndrome is “an inherited neurological disorder characterized by involuntary physical and vocal tics” that affects 1 in 50 children. The proclamation emphasized the need for better understanding and professional support for those living with the condition, which is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood.
“What a great initiative that he’s brought forward to the City of Anniston and increasing our awareness,” Mayor Smith said. McVeigh was scheduled to receive the official proclamation at City Hall the following day.
Chief Ladiga Trail Vehicle Ban
The council passed an ordinance on first reading prohibiting motorized vehicles on the Chief Ladiga Trail, a popular recreational pathway. After discussion during the work session, council members opted to take immediate action rather than waiting for the typical second reading.
The ordinance passed unanimously after the council voted for immediate consideration, reflecting the body’s commitment to maintaining the trail as a safe space for pedestrians and non-motorized recreation.
CDBG Housing Initiative Moves Forward
As part of the consent agenda, the council approved awarding contracts for the demolition of ten substandard structures through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The $49,400 total project was divided among four contractors:
- Bell It Out: Four properties totaling $11,900
- Hurst Construction: One property for $21,000
- Emtek: One property (amount not specified in meeting minutes)
- G. Washington: Four properties totaling $16,500
Staffing and Board Appointments
The council approved adding a City Planner position to the pay and classification plan at pay grade 13, indicating the city’s continued focus on development and planning initiatives.
Members of the Main Street Board were also reappointed, with Council Member Harris praising their work and noting that Anniston’s Main Street program has received state and national recognition under director Karla Eden’s leadership.
Remembering Chief Waldrep
Council members took time to remember Chief Waldrep, who recently passed away. Council Member Downing particularly praised the coordinated effort between city departments and the City of Oxford to honor the chief’s homecoming celebration.
“From Anniston Police Department to the Fire Department to Public Relations to PARD to Public Works to HR, you guys really showed what kind of family we really are,” Downing said, emphasizing how the collaboration demonstrated that public service extends beyond municipal boundaries.
Looking Ahead
Council members encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Heritage Festival on Saturday, June 21, which is expected to draw visitors from South Carolina, Mississippi, and Georgia. Mayor Smith emphasized the event would feature “safe family fun all day.”
The meeting also saw Council Member Harrington’s first official meeting, as he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Anniston’s citizens.
All agenda items passed unanimously, with Mayor Smith, Council Members Downing, Roberts, Harrington, and Harris present for the session.
