Jacksonville, AL — The Jacksonville City Council convened for its regular meeting Monday evening, moving efficiently through a full agenda that included a right-of-way easement for Alabama Power Company, a fireworks display contract for the upcoming Fourth of July celebration, personnel changes across several city departments, and updates from community presenters.
Alabama Power Easement Approved
The council unanimously adopted Resolution No. R-2292-26, authorizing the grant of a non-exclusive right-of-way easement to Alabama Power Company across city-owned property. The easement, recorded in deed books 3179 and 3180 in the Calhoun County Office of Probate, will support new electrical service to the new Fire Station No. 2. The mayor was authorized to execute all related documents on behalf of the city.
Fireworks Display Contract Signed for July 3
The council approved a fireworks display agreement with Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc., for a show scheduled for July 3, 2026, at the Public Safety Complex on 911 Public Safety Drive. The contract totals $10,350 (including a $100 permit fee), with a deposit of $5,175 due by March 5, 2026. The display is set to begin at 9:00 p.m.
Mayor Authorized to Sign Contracts
The council authorized the mayor to independently sign contracts valued up to $7,500, reducing the need for full council approval on smaller routine agreements.
Fourth of July Holiday Shifted
The council voted to move the city’s observed Fourth of July holiday from Friday, July 3, 2026, to Monday, July 6, 2026.
League of Municipalities Voting Delegate Named
Council Member Sherry Laster was appointed as the city’s voting delegate for the Alabama League of Municipalities Annual Business Meeting on April 30, 2026. Mayor Mark Jones was designated as first alternate and Council President Terry Wilson as second alternate.
Personnel Actions
The council accepted resignations from five employees: Logan Wade Horne, William Staggs, and Michael Demiani-Pinto, all police officers; Kayla Smith, a part-time library assistant; and Dawson Foshee, assistant building inspector. The termination of Dylan Collins, a PARD laborer in his probationary period, was also approved. Jason Hawkins was promoted to police sergeant, effective February 25, 2026.
Beer and Wine License Approved
The council approved a retail off-premise beer and wine application for SEAL LLC, doing business as Express Mark No. 2, located at 1528 Pelham Road South.
HVAC Repairs Authorized
Two service agreements with Train Technologies for repairs to blower motors at the Public Safety Complex were approved.
Community Presentations
During the work session, a representative from the Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention presented the “Barbers Against Bullets / Ballers Against Bullets” (BAB) initiative, which uses a child-friendly comic book series to address gun violence and substance misuse among youth. Families across Alabama are invited to participate in the BAB Family Challenge for a chance to win a trip to Disney World.
A local resident and avid cyclist shared a personal account of a serious bicycle accident on the Chief Ladiga Trail in Cleburne County, which resulted in a craniotomy. She urged the council and city engineers to inspect and repair root bumps along Jacksonville’s section of the trail ahead of the annual Cheaha Challenge biking event planned for May 16–17.
The superintendent of Jacksonville City Schools updated the council on improvements underway at Oak Henry Farm baseball complex, including new safety netting, a repaired concession stand roof, and a renovated locker room, in anticipation of the first home game on March 5, 2026.
Executive Session
The meeting closed with the council adjourning into executive session to discuss matters of economic development under Alabama Code Section 36-25A-7(a)(7).
