Anniston, AL – On April 15, 2025, the Anniston City Council held a Work Session prior to the formal council meeting. This session provided an opportunity for council members to discuss various agenda items in depth, addressing community needs and governance issues. Below is a detailed account of the discussions that took place during this session.
Work Session
Reimbursement to City Officials
The session commenced with a discussion regarding the reimbursement of $35.00 to LaKea Bailey of the Human Resources Department. This reimbursement pertains to expenses incurred while attending the Public Sector Human Resources NC Conference in Wilmington, North Carolina, from March 15 to 18, 2025. Council Member Harris presided over the meeting in the mayor’s absence and stated, “It is essential that we support our officials attending such vital conferences for professional development.” The council acknowledged the importance of attending these events for enhancing the skills of city officials and facilitating better service to the community.
Special Events Liquor License
The council proceeded to discuss the request for a Special Events Liquor License for the Anniston Calhoun Junior League Designer Handbag Bingo event, which is set to take place on April 25, 2025, at 920 Museum Drive. This event aims to raise funds for local community projects. A council member remarked, “Community events like these not only foster engagement but also support charitable causes that benefit our residents.” The license request was presented on the consent agenda, highlighting its importance and the council’s support for local initiatives.
Bids for Road Resurfacing
A significant item on the agenda was the recommendation to award the resurfacing of Hanna Avenue (Project No. 2025-002P) to APAC – Alabama for $73,650.00. The discussion highlighted the necessity of maintaining city infrastructure. Council Member Roberts noted, “Resurfacing roads is crucial for ensuring safety and accessibility for our residents. We must prioritize our infrastructure needs.” The council unanimously agreed on the importance of this project, emphasizing its positive impact on transportation within the city.
Surplus Property Disposal
The council addressed the disposal of surplus property, which includes gym equipment from the Police Department and golf carts from the Parks and Recreation Department. The discussion centered on the efficient management of city resources. A council member stated, “It is our responsibility to ensure that surplus items are appropriately handled, either by repurposing them for other departments or finding suitable buyers.” This initiative is seen as a means to optimize city resources and generate potential revenue.
Appointment to Parks and Recreation Beautification Board
The appointment of Kevin Qualls to the Parks and Recreation Beautification Board was another topic of discussion. Council Member Harris expressed confidence in Mr. Qualls’ abilities, stating, “His experience in landscaping and community involvement will be invaluable to our efforts in enhancing public spaces.” The council members discussed the significance of having engaged community members on boards that directly impact local recreational facilities and beautification efforts.
Pay and Classification Plan Addition
An important agenda item was the addition of an Engineering Projects Manager to the city’s pay and classification plan. This proposal aims to recognize the contributions of current city employees who have been performing duties beyond their original job descriptions. Council Member Smith remarked, “Acknowledging the hard work of our staff is essential for maintaining morale and motivation. This addition will ensure that we adequately compensate those taking on increased responsibilities.” The council recognized the need to adapt the pay structure to reflect the evolving demands of city management.
Taxi Cab Application Renewal
The renewal application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity submitted by James Pritchett for his taxicab business was discussed next. The council acknowledged the importance of providing transportation options for residents. One council member noted, “As our city grows, we must ensure that we have adequate transportation services in place, particularly for those who may not have access to personal vehicles.” The council is exploring the potential for rideshare services to complement existing taxi services, showing a commitment to modernizing transportation in Anniston.
Updates from the City Manager
The interim city manager provided valuable updates on ongoing projects, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to transparency and community engagement. During this segment, the city manager highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving public services. Council Member Downing commented, “It is vital that we keep the community informed about the progress of our projects. Transparency builds trust and encourages public participation.” The council discussed strategies for enhancing communication with residents, including newsletters and community forums.
City Council Meeting
A public hearing was held regarding the Special Events Retail Liquor License for the Anniston Calhoun Junior Service League. Community members were invited to share their opinions, and no objections were raised during this segment.
The council addressed unfinished business related to an alcohol license for Noble Tobacco and Package LLC. A motion was made to approve the application, which is set to be finalized at the next council meeting.
The consent agenda included several resolutions:
- Authorizing reimbursements to city officials for travel expenses.
- Declaring personal property as surplus and authorizing disposal.
- Appointing Kevin Qualls to the Parks and Recreation Beautification Board.
- Awarding the resurfacing bid to APAC – Alabama.
- Approving the Special Events Retail Liquor License for the Designer Handbag Bingo.
- Adding an Engineering Projects Manager to the pay and classification plan.
- Approving the application for the taxicab business renewal.
All items on the consent agenda were adopted unanimously.
Community member Ricky E. Bryant raised concerns regarding safety issues related to traffic in his neighborhood and the condition of the fence bordering Morris Brown Park. The council assured Mr. Bryant that they would follow up on these concerns to enhance community safety.
Council members expressed their appreciation for public participation and encouraged residents to engage with local governance. They highlighted upcoming community events, including an Easter Egg Hunt and a STEM camp aimed at encouraging youth involvement in science and technology fields.
