ANNISTON, AL – The Anniston City Council held its work session and regular meeting on November 18, 2025, addressing economic development initiatives, board appointments, and community service matters.
Foundry District Initiative Unveiled
Main Street Director Karla Eden introduced “The Foundry,” an ambitious micro-retail incubator project designed to support emerging businesses in downtown Anniston. Presented by Matt Phillips and Ryan Collins of Plot Studio, the proposal centers on creating flexible retail spaces along the Chief Ladiga Trail between Grove Street and Moore Avenue.
The project builds on Main Street Anniston’s GitUp Anniston program, which has graduated 40 participants since January 2025, with 14 businesses already opened. The Foundry would feature modular retail bays ranging from 15×15 to 20×20 feet, allowing new entrepreneurs to occupy one or multiple spaces with reduced financial risk.
“We want to see nodes of recreation and leisure expanding along the trail,” Eden explained, noting the project aligns with the city’s five-year strategic plan focusing on outdoor sports, recreation, and entrepreneurship.
The development would include public restrooms, angled parking, new sidewalks, and a park-like atmosphere adjacent to the federal courthouse. Eden presented sponsorship tiers and reported early interest from potential donors. A Paul Broom Historic Revitalization Grant has been secured to support the initiative.
Traffic Control Device Ordinance Advances
A proposed amendment to Article VII of the Code of Ordinances governing traffic control devices received its first reading. The ordinance expands beyond speed humps to address multiple traffic calming options including LED signage, rumble strips, and other devices.
Public Works officials emphasized the importance of balancing community safety concerns with emergency vehicle response times, which affect the city’s ISO rating. The fire chief noted that speed calming devices can impact response times and cause wear on emergency vehicles.
The ordinance includes a 12-month waiting period if a traffic device request is denied by council, preventing repeated requests for the same location. Council retains final authority on all traffic control device installations.
St. Michael’s Facility Expansion Discussion
A proposal was presented for St. Michael’s to lease the entire Central Learning Center in Glen Addie for medical service expansion. The facility currently operates a learning center serving an average of two to three visitors daily on a four-day schedule, primarily for accessing snacks rather than educational services.
St. Michael’s would fund the expansion at no cost to the city. Officials discussed relocating learning center computers to other community centers, including the Barber Center, where they would be more accessible. The city possesses additional laptops obtained through HUD funding during COVID-19 that remain largely unused.
Council members suggested splitting learning center services between multiple locations to improve accessibility for residents in different areas of the city. Two options were discussed: extending St. Michael’s current lease to cover the entire building or donating the facility to the organization.
Municipal Judge Compensation Considered
The matter of Municipal Judge Stansky’s compensation was raised, noting he has served since 2013 and last received a raise in 2020. Currently paid $3,000 monthly, Judge Stansky handles 4,230 cases annually—significantly more than comparable municipalities including Jacksonville (2,000s) and Gadsden (3,000s). The judge has requested an increase to $4,000 monthly. Council indicated willingness to consider the adjustment alongside reappointment for another two-year term.
Council Meeting Actions
During the formal meeting, the council approved several consent agenda items:
- Waived rental fees for the Anniston Board of Education’s annual teacher of the year celebration at the Anniston Meeting Center on December 16, 2025
- Declared personal property as surplus and authorized disposal
- Approved $143.22 reimbursement to Council Member Julie Moss for attending Alabama League of Municipalities Regional Orientation Training in Huntsville on November 4-6, 2025
- Waived fees for First Missionary Baptist Church to use Carver Community Center as a contingency location for serving meals to the homeless at Zinn Park on November 23, 2025
- Appointed Jared Snider to the Downtown Development Authority as the Ward 4 representative
Snider, a resident at 320 Crispy Road in Ward 4, thanked the council during the confirmation hearing, expressing excitement about contributing to ongoing downtown development efforts.
Council Comments
Council members shared reflections on recent training and community concerns. Council Member Tolson noted valuable knowledge gained from the Alabama League of Municipalities orientation training, which state law requires elected officials to complete—at least 40 hours within their term.
Council Member Harrington addressed housing affordability concerns, noting residents working multiple jobs who struggle to secure stable housing. “The strong must bear the infirmities of the weak,” Harrington stated, emphasizing the importance of living wages and community support.
Council Member Moss reminded residents that Friday is Pink Friday, encouraging support for local boutiques and small businesses. She also urged kindness during the holiday season and asked residents to check on neighbors who may be alone during Thanksgiving.
Mayor Smith congratulated the Anniston High School football team on advancing to the third round of playoffs, announcing the team will face Deshler High School on Friday. The mayor also reminded residents of the Christmas parade scheduled for December 6 at 6:30 p.m. on Noble Street and the Anniston Police Department’s toy drive running through December 23.
The council adjourned into executive session to discuss preliminary negotiations involving matters of trade or commerce.
