ANNISTON, AL — The Anniston City Council handled a range of financial, administrative and economic development matters Tuesday, Sept. 15, while also recognizing longtime State Rep. Dr. Barbara Boyd as she approaches the end of 32 years in the Alabama Legislature.
Boyd Marks End of 32 Years of Legislative Service
Boyd was the focus of a special presentation during the formal council meeting, using the occasion both to reflect on her decades of public service and to make another contribution to programs serving Anniston’s young people. The meeting agenda specifically listed a special presentation by State Rep. Dr. Barbara Boyd.
Boyd told those gathered that she is concluding 32 years of service in the Alabama House of Representatives, representing House District 32. She also reflected on a career in education spanning more than 45 years, including time teaching at Weaver High School.
During her remarks, Boyd spoke about support she has directed toward parks and recreation, museums, scholarships and youth programs during her time in office. She presented the city with what she described as her final check for Anniston Parks and Recreation youth programs, totaling $12,500.
Smith-Roston thanked Boyd on behalf of the council and city for her 32 years of service, her continued support of children and youth and her role as a mentor to the mayor and others.
Boyd told the council that Anniston is home for her and shared lessons passed down by her grandmother that she said have stayed with her throughout her life. Among them was the importance of fulfilling one’s responsibilities and remembering the people who helped along the way.
Later, during council comments, Harrington also thanked Boyd for her contributions, not only that evening but throughout her decades of public service.
Budget Amendments, Fee Waiver and Board Appointments
Earlier in the evening, council members reviewed several matters during their 5 p.m. work session before taking formal action at the 5:30 p.m. meeting. The city’s published schedule confirms the Sept. 15 work session and council meeting.
Financial items included FY2026 year-end budget transfers, a budget amendment for youth sports and an amendment for HVAC repairs at the Norwood Hodges Community Center.
The council also considered and subsequently approved a $650 fee waiver for the Calhoun County Blue Line Foundation for use of the Anniston Meeting Center for its inaugural Scoops & Sweets Dessert Competition.
A reimbursement of $80 to Seth Spray of the Division of Building and Safety Department for an Aug. 26 continuing education class in Anniston was among the work-session items.
Board appointments reviewed during the work session included Brenjetta White to the Parks and Recreation Beautification Board and David Schneider to the Historic Preservation Commission.
The council’s consent agenda also included approval of off-premises retail beer and table wine licenses for RNK Foodmart 3 LLC, doing business as Golden Springs Chevron at 3330 Henry Road, and Anniston Enterprise LLC, doing business as Anniston Chevron at 851 Lagarde Ave.
Proposed Change to Anniston Park Hours
Council members discussed a proposed amendment to the city’s ordinance governing park operating hours.
During the work session, officials explained that the change is intended to allow officers to clear parks before midnight, when officers may need to shift attention to other duties such as checking buildings and conducting general patrol work. Officials clarified that the hours would apply to general park use and would not prevent permitted events from operating beyond those hours when a park has been rented.
Council members also discussed notifying the public about the change. Officials indicated there currently are not signs displaying operating hours at the parks and said the city could use its website and other notification methods to educate residents. The discussion also indicated that officers would initially focus on educating park users about the new rules rather than immediately moving to enforcement.
The ordinance, which amends Chapter 19, Article II, Section 19.29 of the city code, received its first reading Tuesday, meaning no final action was taken on the measure at the meeting.
New Flyer Expansion and M&H Valve Amendments
Economic development matters included tax abatements involving New Flyer of America and McWane Inc., doing business as M&H Valve Co.
During the work session, officials clarified that the New Flyer matter is a new abatement rather than an amendment to an existing abatement. According to information presented to the council, New Flyer is planning an expansion of approximately 30,000 square feet, representing an investment of a little more than $8 million and an estimated 45 new jobs. The company currently employs more than 900 people locally, and the expansion is intended to increase its bus-manufacturing capacity.
The M&H Valve matters involve two previously approved projects. Officials said delays were primarily related to supply-chain issues and equipment delivery. The requested changes address the projects’ placed-in-service dates rather than establishing new abatements.
The formal meeting agenda included both the New Flyer and M&H Valve tax-abatement matters on the consent agenda.
Purchasing, Travel and Credit Card Policies
Council members also reviewed proposed updates to Anniston’s purchasing, travel and city-issued credit card policies for FY2027.
One of the primary changes discussed would require city departments to submit requisitions and receive approval before making purchases, regardless of the amount. Officials said the requirement is intended to strengthen fiscal controls and help ensure purchases are made only when funding is available. They also said the updates are intended to comply with the city’s Council-Manager Act and applicable state guidelines.
The FY2027 purchasing policy and travel and city-issued credit card policy were included on the formal meeting’s consent agenda.
New Engineering Assistants Introduced
During the city manager’s updates at the work session, two newly hired engineering assistants were introduced: Rachel McCowan and Taylor Griffin.
Officials said the city will spend the coming months determining where their respective expertise can best be utilized as the engineering operation continues handling project-management responsibilities.
Bridal Show Organizer Requests Banner Approval
During public comments, Matt Headley addressed the council regarding an upcoming bridal show. Headley said more than 40 Calhoun County vendors had registered and requested permission to display a promotional banner in the city, potentially along Quintard Avenue. He said the event is intended to encourage engaged couples to use local wedding vendors rather than taking that spending outside the area.
Headley also said 10% of event proceeds would be donated to United Way of Central Alabama for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and that he would obtain any necessary permits and remove the banner following the event. Smith-Roston asked Headley to speak with city officials after the meeting so they could better determine what he was requesting and the appropriate process.
Council Encourages Public Participation
During council comments, Downing encouraged residents to become more involved in city government, including applying to serve on municipal boards. He said board service provides residents with an opportunity to better understand how city government operates and to contribute directly to the community.
Harrington recognized city employees who had reached 20- and 30-year service milestones, noting the value of institutional knowledge among longtime employees. Moss thanked city employees and encouraged residents to attend meetings or watch them online, pointing out that work sessions provide more detailed discussion of issues before the council’s formal votes.
Smith-Roston also recognized Anniston school board members Rodney Fondren and Donald Gilley, thanking them for their work with the school system.
The council then entered an executive session to discuss matters involving real property and preliminary negotiations concerning trade or commerce. Smith-Roston stated before the session that the council would not return afterward to deliberate or vote on matters discussed in executive session.
