City of Anniston Received $10,000 Donation and Recognizes a Leader

Anniston, AL – The city of Anniston held the regular scheduled work session and city council meeting on December 19th, 2023

• Invocation
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Call To Order
• Roll Call
  • Mayor Jack Draper – Present
  • Ward 1 Councilman Jay Jenkins – Present
  • Ward 2 Councilman Demetric D. Roberts – Present 
  • Ward 3 Councilwoman Ciara Smith – Present
  • Ward 4 Councilwoman Millie Harris – Present
• Reading/Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting – Unanimously  Approved (Jenkins Abstained)
  • December 5, 2023
  •  December 14, 2023 Called Meeting
• Additions/Deletions to the Agenda – None
• Adoption of Agenda – Unanimously  Approved
• Recognitions
  • Dr. Barbara Boyd
    • State Representative Dr. Barbara Bigsby Boyd made a $10,000 donation supporting community programs. Dr. Boyd’s significant contribution plays a crucial role in fueling initiatives such as the Good Choices program, providing summer employment opportunities for our youth and spreading joy through Christmas presents during the holidays. Her commitment to making a positive impact resonates with our vision for a thriving and compassionate community.

• • La’Ray William
    • The Alabama Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA) District IV proudly honored La’Ray Williams with the 2023 Gene Cornett Merit in Recreation Award. This prestigious accolade, considered one of ARPA’s highest honors, is bestowed annually upon an individual who has displayed exceptional service and accomplishments in the field of parks and recreation. La’Ray, a true team player, has proven to be an invaluable asset to our community. His journey began in 2014 as a recreation leader at the Norwood Hodges Community Center, and through hard work and dedication, he advanced to become the Director of the Carver Community Center and later the Director of our Aquatic & Fitness Center. Notably, La’Ray played a pivotal role in establishing Anniston’s first-ever semi-professional basketball team, the Anniston Model City BC, achieving the league championship in their inaugural season. The entire community extends heartfelt congratulations to La’Ray Williams for this well-deserved recognition. His contributions have undeniably made our city a better place for everyone, and we express our sincere gratitude for his outstanding efforts.

• Board Confirmation
  • Summer Phelps – Highland Health Systems Board
    • Ms. Phelps thanked the Council for their nomination.
• Public Hearing
  • Receive public comments regarding a Special Retail More than 30 days Liquor License for Anniston Events LLC d/b/a The Kress Grant Ballroom located at 1108 Noble Street inside the city limits
    • A representative expressed their excitement at opening the venue and looks forward to more business and events and hoped they were drawing more people into downtown and into Anniston.
  • Receive public comments regarding a Lounge Retail Liquor – Class I License for 202 Lounge located at 2300 Old Birmingham Highway in the police jurisdiction
    • A representative spoke thanking the city for consideration and for being able to open up the facility.
• Unfinished Business – None
• Consent Agenda – Unanimously  Approved
  •  Resolution authorizing reimbursements to city officials for expenses incurred while traveling away from the city
  • Resolution appointing a member to the Highland Health Systems Board
  • Resolution declaring equipment as surplus and authorizing their sale
  • Motion to approve a Special Retail More than 30 days Liquor License for Anniston Events LLC d/b/a The Kress Grant Ballroom located at 1108 Noble Street inside the city limits
  • Motion to approve a Lounge Retail Liquor – Class I License for 202 Lounge located at 2300 Old Birmingham Highway in the police jurisdiction
  • Motion to suspend the rule requiring the City Council to meet on the first Tuesday of January 2024
•  Resolutions – Unanimously  Approved
  • Resolution to amend the FY2023 Budget for the General Operating Fund
    • The two changes were the Anniston Museum and Gardens Budget and the Fire Fund.
• Additional or Other Matters That May Come Before the Council – None
• Public Comments
  • Bernard and Debora Nobles – 1326 Primrose Place, Anniston, AL
    • Was here to talk about the National Organization of Murdered Children that was recently founded in Calhoun County. The complete story can be read at the link.
  • Shirley Carter – 1420 Woodstock Avenue, Anniston, AL – Not Present
  • Ralph Bradford – Anniston, AL – Not Present
• Council Comments
  • Councilwoman Harris said she cannot imagine anything worse than what the Nobles have gone through and thanked them for making something positive out of their loss. She also wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
  • Councilwoman Smith also thanked the Nobles for speaking.
  • Councilman Jenkins thanked Dr. Boyd for her donation and thanked the Kress for their contribution to the city. He also thanked all city staff and 1st responders for all they do for the city.
  • Councilman Roberts pleaded with all to remember the meaning of the holiday.
  • Mayor Draper wanted to thank Dr. Boyd for her leadership and donation. He also said his heart does out to the Nobles for their loss. He also wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
• Adjournment – Unanimously  Approved