BYOB Ban, Safe Room Progress, and Community Spirit: Jacksonville Council Acts on Key Issues Ahead of Busy Event Weekend

Work Session:

• Resolution regarding Moratorium on BYOB Events/Gatherings.

  • The Jacksonville City Council is proposing a moratorium on BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage/Alcohol) events and gatherings to allow time for the city to establish clear regulations. Council members expressed concerns about public safety, liability, and lack of oversight surrounding BYOB practices, especially in venues that do not sell alcohol but allow patrons to bring their own.

    The discussion referenced surrounding cities like Anniston and Piedmont, which have already taken action or faced challenges due to unregulated BYOB events. Officials emphasized the importance of proactively creating an ordinancebefore issues arise, rather than reacting after problems occur.

    

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    The moratorium would provide the city time to:

    • Draft a comprehensive ordinance involving all necessary departments, including law enforcement.

      

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    • Establish protections for business owners who may be held liable if incidents occur at BYOB events on their property.

    • Ensure no disruption to businesses currently in the licensing process or those already complying with state alcohol regulations.

    City leaders reassured that the moratorium would not impede businesses that are following proper procedures, and it can be lifted early if a satisfactory ordinance is finalized ahead of schedule.

• 2025 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday.
  • During the discussion, city officials expressed support for participating in the 2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, noting that the city has traditionally joined the statewide initiative. Council members agreed the event is beneficial to residents and acknowledged that while it temporarily suspends sales tax on certain school-related items, the loss in city revenue is minimal. In fact, the increase in purchases during the holiday tends to offset any revenue impact, making participation a worthwhile decision for the community.
• Eastwood Community Saferoom Plans– Josh Barkley
  • Josh Barkley updated the council on the Eastwood Community Safe Room project, stating that the final drawings have been completed and approved by both the engineering team and federal reviewers. Any previous issues were addressed, and the project is nearly ready to be put out for bids, pending the council’s approval. Barkley noted that while ADA-compliant parking is required, other designated parking areas are not mandatory under federal regulations, offering potential cost-saving options. The council expressed support for moving the project forward.

City Council Meeting

• Adoption of minutes. – Unanimously Approved 
• Adoption of agenda. – Unanimously Approved 
  • Add: Consider Action to Approve Employment
  • Amend: Consider Action to Adjourn into Excutive Session to Discuss Workforce Development
  • Amend Consent Agenda
• Public comments concerning agenda items. – None
• Consider action to accept the Planning Commission Report regarding the request of Steve Sewak regarding the Vacation and Relocation of ROW located between 1612 7th Avenue, NE and 1702 7th Avenue, NE, and Schedule a Public Hearing on May 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. for same. – Passed with Yay Votes from Terry Wilson, Tony Taylor, and Marquis Green. No vote from Sherry Laster.
  • Council Member Sherry Laster raised concerns on behalf of her constituents regarding the potential impact on property values related to proposed changes on a specific street. She questioned whether the relocation of a structure on the property might affect nearby homeowners. In response, officials clarified that the only current change involves relocating a piece of property from one side to the other, with some of the land behind it being county-owned. There was also discussion about the high cost and limited effectiveness of relocating a storm drain, as it would likely not resolve the standing water issue due to the area’s topography. The council agreed to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and move forward with a public hearing.
• Public Hearing regarding Amending the Zoning Ordinance to add Section 24-612 – Murals, to Chapter 24 – Zoning, Article VIII-Supplemental Regulations. – No Comments
• Consideration of Ordinance No. O-667-25 that Adds Section 24-612 – Murals, to Chapter 24 – Zoning, Article VIII – Supplemental Regulations, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Jacksonville, Alabama. (First Reading) – No Action Required
• Consideration of Resolution No. R-2245-25 Imposing a Moratorium on Bring Your Own Beer (BYOB) and/or Brown Bag Events/Gatherings in the City of Jacksonville, Alabama. – Unanimously Approved 
• Consider action to authorize the Mayor to sign the Professional Services Agreement with TTL, Inc., for 2024 NPDES Compliance at the Landfill. – Unanimously Approved

• Consider action to approve the Parks and Recreation Department Guidelines for Locker Rentals, effective May 1, 2025. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to approve the Lake Rules for the Public Safety Complex. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to approve the Water Works, Gas and Sewer Board list of Charge Off Accounts for the period August 10, 2024-January 10, 2025. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to approve the promotion of the following: – Unanimously Approved
  • Hunter William Sparks, Utility Equipment Operator, Range 13, effective April 29, 2025.
  • Joseph Paul Hunt, Utility Equipment Operator, Range 13, effective April 29, 2025.
• Consider action to approve the employment of the following: – Unanimously Approved
  • Riley Bess Woodruff, Part-time Public Saftey Communcations Officer, Range 12 effictive upon compliance of Ordanance No. 273 do to the resignation of Madaline Lovell.
• Consider action to approve the resignation of the following: – Unanimously Approved
  • Kyle Knight, Police Officer, effective April 11, 2025.
• Consider action to approve the demotion of the following: – Unanimously Approved
  • Matthew Savage, Police Lieutenant, Range 23, to Police Officer, Range 18, effective immediately.
• Consent Agenda – Unanimously Approved
  • Purchases over $7,500.00.
  • Disposition of Surplus Property.
  • Boards/Committees.
• Public comments for general items. – No Comments
• Council Member Remarks.
  • Terry Wilson thanked Tony for a speedy meeting.
• Mayor’s report. -(Given by City Clerk in Mayor’s Absence)

  The City Clerk delivered the Mayor’s Report, highlighting several community events:

  • Jacksonville Farmers Market is held Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon at the Public Safety Complex. It’s reportedly well-attended with many vendors. A question was raised about reinstalling signage used last year to help promote the market.

  • Take Pride in Jacksonville Day was a success, with over 65 volunteers participating. Accomplishments included:

    • 4,500 pounds of paper shredded

    • 540 cans of paint and solvents collected

    • 30 cubic yards of trash removed

    • 150 pieces of electronic waste turned in

  • Upcoming Events on Saturday, May 17:

    • Fair on the Square from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jacksonville Square, featuring vendors, music, food, and community fun (free entry).

    • Gospel Fest at Jacksonville, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., benefiting Hope and Family Services, with a car show, live music, food trucks, petting zoo, and more.

• Any Other Business. – None

• Consider action to adjourn into an executive session under the provisions of the Code of Alabama, Section 36-25A-7 to discuss

  matters of economic development. – Unanimously Approved

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