ANNISTON, AL — The Anniston City Council held its regularly scheduled work session on April 7, 2026, prior to convening its formal council meeting, addressing a range of operational, policy, and agenda-setting items before taking official action later in the evening.
Work Session Overview
During the 5:00 p.m. work session, council members reviewed several items that were later reflected in the council meeting agenda. Topics included reimbursement, policy discussions, licensing, and administrative updates.
Among the items discussed:
- Cash Reimbursement: A request for reimbursement to an Anniston Fire Department employee for attending the Congressional Fire Services Institute conference in March was reviewed, including questions regarding reimbursement processes and budget considerations.
- Examination Services Agreement: Council discussed a proposed agreement with River Tree Systems, Inc., an Alabama-based firm providing municipal tax examination and compliance services. Questions were raised regarding hourly rates, contract limits, and the scope of services, including how far back audits would extend.
- Alcohol License Request: A retail beer and wine license application for Yume and Hayashi LLC, doing business as Ono Grill, located on McClellan Boulevard, was reviewed. Discussion included clarification on on-premises and off-premises sales.
- Donation Request: The Calhoun County Department of Human Resources requested a waiver of fees for use of the Anniston Meeting Center for an upcoming job fair scheduled for August 26, 2026.
- Paid Parental Leave Policy Amendment: Human Resources presented concerns regarding the current policy, with discussion centered on staffing impacts, overtime considerations, and the need for further review before any revisions.
- Additional Items: Council also noted items that would appear on the consent agenda, including exceptions to an existing moratorium and the removal of a planned executive session.
City Council Meeting
The Anniston City Council meeting began at 5:30 p.m. with invocation, pledge of allegiance, roll call, and approval of the March 24, 2026 meeting minutes.
A public hearing was held regarding the overruling of objections tied to nuisance abatements involving grass, debris, vehicles, and structures across multiple properties in the city. Residents addressed concerns related to property conditions, enforcement notices, and compliance timelines.
The council approved the consent agenda, which included:
- Approval of the Ono Grill alcohol license
- An exception to a previously adopted moratorium for certain businesses
- Authorization for travel reimbursements for city officials
- Resolution overruling nuisance abatement objections
The council considered and approved an ordinance on first reading authorizing an asset purchase agreement involving the transfer of healthcare assets from the city’s healthcare authority to an entity affiliated with Orlando Health.
The agreement allows for the transfer of substantially all healthcare authority assets, including facilities, with the city becoming a third-party beneficiary for certain obligations tied to the transaction.
This item represents a significant development for the city. For a full breakdown of the agreement between Regional Medical Center and Orlando Health, see the detailed article.
During the public comment portion, a local educator requested financial assistance to support a student trip, noting ongoing fundraising efforts and remaining financial needs.
Council members provided remarks reflecting on the significance of the healthcare agreement and other community matters. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.
