Anniston, AL – History was made at Anniston City Hall as Ciara Smith was sworn in as the city’s youngest, first African American, and only the second female mayor. Her installation as mayor headlined a packed day that began with a detailed City Council work session and concluded with a formal council meeting later that evening.
Work Session
Prior to the ceremonial proceedings, the City Council held a comprehensive work session at 4:30 p.m., focusing on matters ranging from economic development and public safety to housing concerns and municipal regulations.
1. Surplus Airport Mower
The session opened with the declaration of an airport mower as surplus property, a routine action ensuring efficient resource management at the city’s airport facilities.
2. Grass Cutting and Lot Clean-Up Bids
Council members reviewed bids submitted on April 30 for grass cutting and clean-up services covering 31 lots, reinforcing efforts to maintain neighborhood standards and property upkeep.
3. Grace Episcopal Church Special Events License
The Council considered a request for a Special Events Retail Liquor License for Grace Episcopal Church’s Jambalaya and Jazz event. A public hearing was scheduled, and the item added to the consent agenda.
4. MDA Board Appointments
Members discussed replacing MDA board members Tim Garner and Chris Collins. Emphasis was placed on the transparency and timing of new appointments.
5. National Tire Retail Dealership
The Council gave preliminary approval to a national tire retail project proposed for Lot 2 of the Summerall Subdivision, aligning with economic development goals.
6. Curbside Alcohol Sales
Following the State of Alabama’s authorization of curbside alcohol sales, council members weighed the option of adopting similar regulations in Anniston, with praise for the finance director’s research on the matter.
7. Anniston SRT Federal Grant
The Special Response Team is pursuing a no-match $70,000 federal grant through the State of Alabama to acquire ballistic vests, gas masks, and breaching kits to enhance officer safety and preparedness.
8. ADEM Open Burning Regulations
The Council examined recent issues involving outdoor burning, concluding that amendments to current burning ordinances are necessary to prevent future damage.
9. Parking on Noble Street
Parking limits on Noble Street—currently capped at two hours—sparked concerns about enforcement and signage. The Council proposed solutions including educational outreach and improved clarity to support downtown businesses.
10. Supporting Unhoused Community Members
Led by Council Member Downing, the Council initiated discussions on long-term support for the city’s unhoused population, including collaborative planning with mental health and housing organizations.
11. City Manager Updates
The City Manager expressed gratitude for the Council’s support and stressed the importance of transparent communication as the city undergoes administrative transitions.
A Groundbreaking Swearing-In Ceremony
Ciara Smith’s inauguration drew attention not just for its historic nature, but for its heartfelt tone and symbolic choices. Surrounded by her family—mother Christina, husband Jamel, son Jackson, nephew Josiah, and aunt Deborah Foster—Smith’s words resonated with gratitude and determination. The oath of office was administered by Ms. Gloria Floyd, Calhoun County’s first African-American female attorney, adding to the significance of the moment.
Mayor Smith affirmed her dedication to public service, stating that qualifications for leadership should never be defined by age, gender, or race. A Forbes 30 Under 30 Fellowship recipient, she began her political journey at just 16 years old and now assumes leadership at a pivotal time in Anniston’s growth.
City Council Meeting Highlights: May 6, 2025
The regular council meeting convened at 6:59 p.m. and concluded by 7:18 p.m., covering vital items on the consent agenda and public input.
Agenda Adjustments and Mayor’s Resignation
The Council unanimously approved changes to the agenda, replacing an executive session on real estate matters with one focusing on trade and commerce negotiations. The resignation letter of outgoing Mayor Jack Draper was formally acknowledged.
Public Hearing on Grace Episcopal Church Event
A public hearing for the church’s liquor license saw no opposition and was closed without comment.
Consent Agenda Approvals Included:
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National tire retail dealership project approval
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Purchase of 44 golf carts and 2 gas utility vehicles
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Approval of Grace Episcopal’s event liquor license
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Grass cutting and clean-up contract awards
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Authorization for SRT’s $70,000 grant application
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Declaration of surplus property for disposal
Joseph Giri spoke passionately about the environmental and health dangers posed by the continued use of Roundup, a known carcinogen produced by Monsanto. He recalled how bug splatters on windshields were once common but have nearly disappeared due to environmental degradation. Living near Tyler Park in Anniston, Giri regularly observes city crews spraying Roundup and has personally witnessed the deaths of pollinators like bumblebees afterward.
He pointed to Anniston’s troubled history, including the Freedom Riders attack and Monsanto’s toxic legacy, which led to a $700 million settlement and lasting pollution in westside communities. Giri emphasized that Monsanto is currently paying out $11 billion in cancer-related claims nationwide, yet Roundup is still sold and used in Anniston.
Drawing on his past work in helping create the Freedom Riders murals, Giri argued that confronting and acknowledging painful histories can lead to positive change and national recognition. He proposed that Anniston take a bold step by publicly encouraging residents and businesses to go Roundup Free, using this stance as a powerful public relations tool to redefine the city as environmentally conscious and forward-thinking. He urged the community to stop tolerating harm from powerful corporations and instead become a model of environmental responsibility in the Southeast.
Council members recognized the transition underway in city leadership and urged community patience and engagement. Mayor Smith thanked the public for their support and reiterated her commitment to leading Anniston with transparency and unity.
The Council entered an executive session to discuss competitive trade and commerce negotiations, with no actions taken afterward. The meeting was adjourned shortly thereafter.
Anniston begins a new chapter under Mayor Ciara Smith, as city leaders continue shaping a more inclusive, responsive, and forward-focused municipal government.
