Anniston, AL – On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the city of Anniston held a significant event marking the official dedication of the new City Hall, located at 1129 Noble Street. The ceremony began at 4:30 PM and included remarks from the Mayor and City Council, celebrating this milestone for the community.
Following the dedication, the first City Council meeting in the new Council Chambers on the 2nd floor commenced at 5:00 PM. This transition to a modern space aims to enhance civic engagement and accessibility for community members.
Dedication Ceremony Highlights
• Time: 4:30 PM CT
• Location: New City Hall, 1129 Noble Street
• Keynote Speakers: Mayor and City Council members
• Activities: Short tours of the 1st and 2nd floors were offered, with refreshments available prior to the ceremony at 4:20 PM.
The dedication ceremony was not only a formal occasion but also an opportunity for the community to come together and acknowledge the progress made in the city’s infrastructure.
Work Session Agenda
The work session included several key items:
1. Registration of Vacant Property
• Amending the Code of Ordinances regarding exemptions for vacant properties.
2. Cost Abatement
• Resolution to confirm a cost report on the abatement of a public nuisance at 21 W 15th St.
3. Cash Reimbursement
• Approval of a reimbursement of $232.98 to Justin Hartley for attending Leadership Training.
4. Surplus Equipment
• Discussion on the sale of a 2004 Pierce Lance Heavy Rescue vehicle.
5. Community Development Block Grant
• Proposed amendments to several annual action plans regarding CDBG funding.
6. Main Street Development
• Adoption of new territorial boundaries for the Anniston Main Street District.
7. City Manager Updates
• Updates on various city projects and initiatives.
City Council Meeting Highlights
Special Recognition
One of the highlights of the meeting was the special recognition of Cameron Williams, a member of the Wiggins Community Center’s A-Town Runners Track Team. He was honored for his outstanding achievements, including ranking as the #2 overall athlete in his age group at the TFCUSA competitions. His dedication to both athletics and academics, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, was celebrated by council members, who praised his hard work and commitment to excellence.
Agenda Items Discussed
• Registration of Vacant Property
This item involved amending local ordinances related to the registration of vacant properties, aiming to streamline processes and encourage property upkeep.
• Cost Abatement
A resolution was approved to confirm a cost report regarding the abatement of a public nuisance located at 21 W 15th St, signifying the council’s commitment to maintaining community standards.
• Cash Reimbursement
The council approved a reimbursement of $232.98 to Police Officer Justin Hartley for expenses incurred during a leadership training program.
• Surplus Equipment
The council discussed the surplus and sale of a 2004 Pierce Lance Heavy Rescue vehicle, which will benefit the fire department by allowing for updated equipment acquisitions.
• Community Development Block Grant
The council reviewed proposed amendments to previous Annual Action Plans, focusing on reallocating funding to maximize community development efforts.
• Main Street Development
A significant proposal was put forward to establish the territorial boundaries of the Anniston Main Street District, aimed at fostering local businesses and enhancing community engagement.
Public Comments
Community involvement was evident during the public comment portion of the meeting. Residents Walt Frazier and David Baker addressed the council, voicing their concerns and suggestions regarding local issues. This engagement highlighted the importance of citizen participation in governance, encouraging transparency and dialogue between the council and the community.
Council Remarks
As the meeting concluded, council members expressed their gratitude to the public for their participation and encouraged ongoing community involvement in future meetings. The council’s commitment to serving the constituents was reaffirmed, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for the betterment of Anniston.
This City Council meeting not only marked a new beginning in a new space but also underscored the city’s dedication to addressing community needs and fostering active civic engagement.
