Anniston, AL – On December 3, 2024, the Anniston City Council convened a work session and city council meeting to discuss various matters impacting the city. The agenda included updates on the airport, proposed changes to the fee schedule, board appointments, infrastructure improvement projects, and the appointment of a new Ward 1 Council member.
Work Session
Airport Update
The consulting firm Kimley-Horne presented an update on the Anniston airport. The report outlined proposed improvements to modernize facilities and enhance operational efficiency,
Kimley-Horn consultants provided an update on their ongoing work for the airport. They began their involvement during the FAA settlement process, addressing compliance issues and helping resolve a $1.6 million fine related to Part 139 certification violations. The team reviewed deficiencies, categorized them as either common general aviation (GA) issues or specific Part 139 problems, and ultimately recommended relinquishing the Part 139 certification based on current operations, preserving the option to reinstate it in the future.
Key Highlights:
FAA Compliance and Resolution:
Addressed critical FAA compliance concerns, such as edge lighting and navigational aids.
Helped transition the airport from Part 139 to a traditional GA airport model, allowing for smoother operations and less stringent requirements.
Master Planning:
Initiated a comprehensive master plan to outline the airport’s future vision, focusing on 5-, 10-, and 20-year development goals.
Emphasized community and stakeholder involvement in the planning process, including input from the FAA, ALDOT, local officials, and the public.
Funding and Project Preparation:
Worked to secure grant funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), beginning with the current grant supporting the master plan.
Prepared for future projects by aligning them with the master plan to meet regulatory requirements and funding eligibility.
Project Review and Timeline:
Convened a project review committee, engaging key stakeholders to ensure alignment with community priorities.
Estimated a 14- to 16-month timeline for completing the master plan, extending potentially into 2026 due to state and federal reviews.
Kimley-Horn emphasized the importance of a structured, iterative process to ensure future projects are aligned with the master plan and funding agencies’ expectations.
Proposed Fee Schedule for FY 2025
The Fee Schedule for FY 2025 was included in the consent agenda for approval. Highlights of the discussion include:
Golf Course: The course is in good condition, and there is optimism about raising fees, though it appears the fees remain unchanged.
Sports Fees: Baseball and football fees are proposed at $100 per participant. Some expressed concerns about the increases, considering past reliance on sponsorships to offset costs.
Sponsorship Challenges: While sponsors previously helped reduce costs for participants, current efforts to secure sponsorships have faced challenges, leading to higher participant costs.
Regional Comparison: Despite the increase, local fees remain higher than neighboring communities. Concerns were raised about affordability and finding sponsors to offset costs for items like football equipment.
The discussion reflects ongoing efforts to balance quality services with affordability and revenue generation.
Board Appointment
The Anniston Museum and Gardens Advisory Board Appointment was addressed as Item 3 on the consent agenda. The staff recommended Audrey Maxwell for the position. Audrey was present at the meeting, and her name appeared in the consent agenda as the proposed appointee. There were no questions or issues raised regarding her appointment.
Bid for Infrastructure Improvements
The Summerall Development Infrastructure Improvements discussion focused on the approval of an ordinance and bid process tied to a 772 agreement. Key points included:
- Three parcels of city property will be conveyed to Blackwater, the developer, as part of the agreement.
- To comply with legal requirements, the city conducted a formal bidding process, with Blackwater participating. The city will fund the bid through previously allocated 772 funds.
- Approval of the surplus ordinance is necessary to allow Blackwater to close on its loan by the upcoming deadline of December 12.
- The ordinance must be adopted immediately to meet closing requirements.
- No significant objections or questions were raised, and the motion for unanimous consent was anticipated.
This approval ensures the project’s alignment with legal and financial stipulations for timely execution.
Ward 1 Council Member Appointment
The discussion of the Ward 1 Council Member appointment outlined the procedure for selecting a replacement, adhering to the ordinance and code section 45-8823.060. Key points included:
- Nomination Process: Each council member will make a nomination in a pre-determined order, decided randomly by the mayor.
- Voting Requirements: A nomination requires a second to move to a vote. A candidate must receive three votes to be appointed.
- Deadlock Procedure: If no candidate secures three votes during this meeting (the second meeting after the vacancy), the process will continue at the next meeting on December 17.
- The mayor holds the tie-breaking vote if necessary.
- The selected appointee will be sworn in at a later date.
This structured process aims to ensure compliance with legal requirements and provide clarity for resolving potential deadlocks.
City Manager Updates
City Manager Steven Folks briefly addressed a location change from a refugee center to a student center due to issues involving COVID protocols and HIPAA compliance. The adjustment allows better control and management of the situation, ensuring adherence to relevant health and privacy standards.
City Council Meeting
The December 4, 2024, Anniston City Council meeting covered several key topics, with a focus on ordinances, council appointments, and other city business:
- Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance: The meeting began with a devotional led by Tina Thorngill, who was acknowledged for her significant contributions to the community, especially in supporting scholarships and local physicians.
- Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the November 19, 2024 meeting were approved.
- Agenda Adoption: A motion to adopt the amended agenda, which included an additional ordinance regarding the surplus property for the summer home development, was passed.
- Ordinance Readings:
- The council considered three ordinances, with the first two undergoing their first readings. The first relates to the regulation of CBD oil sales, limiting the number of locations where such products can be sold. The second ordinance concerns the designation of polling places and hours for the upcoming municipal election. Both will be revisited at the next council meeting.
- The third ordinance, related to the surplus property and conveyance for the summer home development, was moved forward for consideration.
- Nomination for Council Appointment: The meeting also included a motion to fill the Ward 1 council vacancy following the resignation of a former council member. Several candidates were nominated, with Councilor Harris nominating Justin Halls due to his dedication to the community and his work in historical preservation and downtown revitalization. However, no second motion for the nomination was obtained, and the council moved on to consider other nominees. The second nominee was Steve Thomas. A second was not received. The third nominee was Lewis Downing. Mr. Downing did receive the required votes.The Anniston City Council officially appointed Lewis N. Downing to fill the Ward 1 City Council vacancy, effective immediately. Mr. Downing will serve the remainder of the term previously held by Councilman Jay Jenkins, ending in August 2025, when he will have the option to run for re-election.
A respected business owner and community leader, Mr. Downing brings over 15 years of experience in business management and community development. As the owner of Downing & Sons, he has successfully grown the family business. Additionally, he is actively involved in several local organizations, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Anniston Downtown Development Authority, Chairman of Main Street Anniston, and a board member of the West Anniston Foundation and Spirit of Anniston.
Mayor Draper praised Mr. Downing’s business acumen and community engagement, emphasizing his ability to drive collaboration and support economic growth in Anniston. Mr. Downing is committed to enhancing the quality of life for Ward 1 residents through economic development, inclusivity, and transparent governance.
