ANNISTON, AL – The Anniston City Council conducted its work session and formal meeting on October 21, 2025, addressing property maintenance contracts, budget amendments, and honoring a longtime city employee.
Property Maintenance and Code Enforcement
The council evaluated bids for grass cutting and lot cleanup on 47 properties throughout the city. Council members raised questions about the pricing structure and long-term maintenance strategy for these properties.
Code Enforcement explained that bid prices vary based on the number of properties included in each contractor’s package, allowing for reduced costs on individual lots. Burned structures require less cleanup, which also affects pricing.
Vice Mayor Roberts questioned whether properties that had been previously cleaned were appearing on the list again. City staff confirmed that some properties do require repeated abatement after going through the complete enforcement process from the beginning.
Council Member Harris expressed concern about allowing properties in residential neighborhoods to return to their “natural habitat” after cleanup, citing community complaints about pests and overgrown lots between maintained properties. He recommended the city consider bidding out ongoing maintenance of non-city-owned properties to small business owners with proper licensing and insurance.
Staff clarified that the city is not required to continuously maintain privately-owned properties and that current policy addresses properties based on complaint-driven priorities rather than maintaining a standing list of 600 properties as was done in the past.
The council approved the bids for the 47 properties while rejecting a separate bid for annual grass and vegetation maintenance for the Chief Ladiga Trail.
Budget Amendment Approved
The council held a public hearing and approved an amendment to the FY 2025 budget to allocate $10,000 for the Main Street America Pitch Contest Grant.
During the public hearing, one citizen highlighted three areas of the budget deserving attention: public safety staffing challenges, capital project execution with rising construction costs, and maintaining fund balance flexibility if revenue projections fall short.
City Finance Director Leonard explained that Main Street received the $10,000 grant, but the council needed to approve the budget amendment to add the revenue and authorize its expenditure for the specific grant purpose.
Reimbursement and Zoning Matters
The council approved reimbursement of $1,089.05 to David Arnett of the Public Works Department for expenses incurred while attending the Aviation Council of Alabama 2025 Conference in Florence, Alabama, from September 28-30, 2025.
A zoning adjustment discussion addressed property PPIN #88792, proposed to be rezoned from Natural/Open Space to Suburban Neighborhood 2 (SN2) to match its previous residential use. Council members indicated the change appeared straightforward and aligned with surrounding land uses.
Ordinances Receive Second Reading
The council conducted second readings for two ordinances:
- An amendment to Section 15.50(h) of the Code of Ordinances removing the 10th Street Elementary School Zone
- An ordinance regulating access and connection to the Chief Ladiga Trail
Both ordinances passed after public hearings with no public comment.
Toby Bennington Honored for 18 Years of Service
The council presented a proclamation honoring Toby Bennington for 18 years of service to the city as he enters retirement.
The proclamation recognized Bennington’s role in numerous significant projects, including:
- Planning, development, and completion of the Chief Ladiga Trail
- Creating and launching the Planning and Development Services Department
- Establishing the city’s Main Street program
- Coordinating the One City, One Beach strategic planning process
- Overseeing development of the city’s comprehensive plan
- Establishing a partnership with the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission for GIS mapping
- Working with federal and state aviation authorities to create Anniston Regional Airport’s first master plan
- Planning and developing a retail marketplace center in North Anniston
Council members expressed gratitude for Bennington’s vision and dedication, noting his contributions will benefit future generations.
Council Transitions
The meeting marked one of the final sessions for outgoing council members. Vice Mayor Roberts and Council Member Harris both offered remarks thanking city staff and reflecting on their service.
Harris, who served 21 years total as a city councilman, praised city staff as “subject matter experts” who make the council’s work easier. He advised incoming council members Julie Broadway and another new member to be mindful that the position represents a lifestyle change.
Council Member Downey thanked both departing members for their leadership and friendship, with Roberts specifically recognized for his stewardship of Ward II and service to the entire city.
New City Manager Free provided a brief update, noting he had spent his first five days meeting with department directors and assessing opportunities to improve customer service.
The council adjourned with all consent agenda items and ordinances approved.
