Anniston, AL – The city of Anniston held the regular scheduled work session and city council meeting on November 21st, 2023.
- Invocation
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Call to Order
- Roll Call
- Mayor Jack Draper – Present
- Ward 1 Councilman Jay Jenkins – Present
- Ward 2 Councilman Demetric D. Roberts – Present
- Ward 3 Councilwoman Ciara Smith – Present
- Ward 4 Councilwoman Millie Harris – Present
- Reading/Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting – Unanimously Approved
- November 7, 2023
- Adoption of Agenda – Unanimously Approved
- Additions/Deletions to the Agenda – No Changes
- Public Hearing Unfinished Business – None
- Motions
- Motion to approve a Retail Beer (Off Premises Only) and Retail Table Wine (Onsite Premises Only) for Circle K Stores Inc., d/b/a Circle K Store 2709324 located at 1443 Lenlock Lane within the police jurisdiction – Unanimously Approved
- Motion to reject the bid opened on Monday, November 13, 2023, seeking competitive bids for Unit Price Concrete Supplier – Unanimously Approved
- Dismissed a bid opened on Monday, Nov. 13, for the municipal concrete supply. Although the city had called for competitive bids from all potential suppliers, only one bid was received. Following the bid opening, additional suppliers reached out to the city, explaining that internal miscommunication led to them missing the bid opening. They expressed a desire for a chance to submit bids. Consequently, the city has scheduled an extra bid opening to accommodate their requests.
- Motion to reject the bid for Anniston Fire Station #4 reroofing to seek alternate funding sources and address any guidelines required for those sources – Unanimously Approved
- Rejected a proposal for the re-roofing project at Anniston Fire Station No. 4 and will explore alternative avenues for funding.
- Motion to approve the bid for the remodel of the Anniston Historic Courthouse (new City Hall) to Bradshaw and Pitts in the amount of $6,131,000.00 – Unanimously Approved
- The council unanimously voted to grant the remodeling contract to Bradshaw and Pitts, amounting to $6,131,000. Previously, in August, Bradshaw and Pitts secured the selective demolition contract for $627,200 to prepare the historic structure for its reconfigured interior spaces. In a pre-meeting work session, David Arnett, the public works director of Anniston, highlighted that Bradshaw and Pitts, having served as the demolition contractor, have developed a comprehensive understanding of the 117-year-old building. Arnett mentioned that the anticipated project completion date is October 2024, but potential adjustments may arise due to unforeseen factors related to the building’s historic designation.
- Ordinances
- Ordinance declaring surplus real property and authorizing conveyance of the same – Unanimously Approved
- Additional or Other Matters that May Come Before Council
- Public Comments
- Glen Ray – 3514 Dale Hollow Road, Anniston, AL – Not Present
- Richard Jackson – 2317 Noble Street, Anniston, AL – Not Present
- Bryan Newell – 4104 Melanie Drive, Moody, AL
- Bryan Newell has announced his intention to challenge Mike Rogers, R-Saks, for the Republican party’s nomination in the upcoming contest next year. Addressing the audience, Newell emphasized the importance of having a viable choice in the 3rd congressional district of Alabama during the Republican primary. He asserted that there have been limited options over the past two decades, specifically three choices. Highlighting his concerns, Newell criticized the persistent presence of the same career politicians over the years, citing a lack of leadership, teamwork, and practical work skills beyond politics. As a retired Army combat veteran deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, he emphasized the urgent challenges facing the nation, including soaring inflation, a mounting deficit, careless government spending, and what he described as overrated and overinflated Congressional earmarks. In Newell’s view, he pointed to Congress as the root of the issues, declaring, “Congress is the problem.”
- Council Comments
- Councilman Jenkins congratulated Bradshaw and Pitts for the City Hall contract. He also noted the pricing included all the subcontractors from Anniston. He was proud of using local workers and knowing that money would be reinvested in Anniston. He also thanked Public Works for thier work in this project. He also wished all a Happy Thanksgiving.
- Councilman Roberts gave his time to Linda Peters to speak about the Calhoun County Veterans Parade. She thanked the city for their work and dedication in supporting this parade. They also thanked Mr. Folks for being the Grand Marshall for the parade.
- Councilwoman Harris wished all a Wonder Thanksgiving.
- Councilwoman Smith wished all a Happy Thanksgiving
- Mayor Draper was excited about the awarding of the of City Hall contract. He stressed the importance of retraining to downtown for City Hall. He also wished all a Happy Thanksgiving.
- Adjournment – Unanimously Approved
