JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council convened on January 12, 2026, for a work session and regular meeting that covered topics ranging from infrastructure challenges to honoring fallen soldiers.
Work Session Highlights
Storm Shelter Budget Concerns
City Engineer Josh presented updated bids for the Eastwood Storm Shelter project, revealing significant cost overruns. The lowest bid from Bradshaw and Pitts came in at $611,480.65 with all features included, or $505,400.93 with alternates removed. Both options exceeded the budgeted $393,680.65.
With the removal of alternates, the project sits $217,800 over budget. However, approximately $30,000 in alternates for rough grading and other essential features would need to be reinstated, bringing the total overage to approximately $131,812.30.
Mayor Mark Jones proposed discussing a potential solution at the next work session that could integrate two different projects. The council agreed to postpone the decision to allow time for further analysis.
Veterans Memorial Initiative
In a moving presentation, Commander David Hall of American Legion Post 57 announced a $2,500 donation toward erecting headstones at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Park. The initiative aims to honor two fallen soldiers: Specialist Charles Gwynne Hight, killed in Iraq on December 26, 2003, and Captain Kyle Aaron Comfort, killed in Afghanistan on May 8, 2010.
Commander Hall explained that the memorial park currently has monuments for other wars but lacks recognition for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The donation represents an initial contribution, with additional fundraising underway. Both soldiers listed Jacksonville as their home of record.
Ellen and Brooke Comfort, family members of Captain Comfort, attended the presentation. Commander Hall noted that he has been in contact with Specialist Hight’s brother in Rossville, Georgia, though Hight’s mother has returned to the Philippines.
The project aligns with the United States’ semi-quincentennial celebration in 2026, making it a fitting time to honor these service members’ sacrifices.
Long-Range Planning Discussion
The council discussed establishing a comprehensive long-range planning framework covering 3-, 5-, and 10-year goals. Mayor Jones distributed a preliminary list of ideas, which includes:
- Hiring a grant writer
- Creating an internal auditor position
- Adding maintenance positions
- Holding quarterly conversations in different community areas
- Development plans for the library, old police station, and mill
- Establishing a combined training center for police and fire departments
- Eastwood School development
- Leaf dump development
- Parks and Recreation Department improvements including ball fields and pickleball courts
- Old fire station utilization
- Empty building ordinance and fines
- Combining boards for efficiency
- Property development on 11th Street
- Working with the Chamber of Commerce on property north of Federal Mogul
Council President Terry Wilson suggested holding a special daytime work session to include department heads in the planning process. Councilmember Marques Green emphasized the importance of gathering input from those working day-to-day operations.
The council ultimately agreed to hold a special called work session at 5:30 p.m. on January 26, 2026, prior to the regular meeting to begin formulating ideas, followed by a subsequent session including department heads.
Property Discussion
The work session included discussion of the Steve Sewak property, though specific details were not elaborated in the public portion of the meeting.
Sound System Approval
Councilmember Wilson presented a proposal for an $11,042 sound system for the train depot. The council expressed agreement that the facility, which hosts various events, would benefit from a permanent, quality sound system installation.
Regular Meeting Actions
Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Councilmember Sherry Laster read a proclamation declaring January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Representatives from Hope United (United Way’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative), Trafficking Hope (Church of the Highlands), and other organizations accepted the proclamation.
The representatives emphasized their focus on education and prevention, noting they work collaboratively to combat trafficking in the community. They announced an event scheduled for February 12 at the Oxford Civic Center and encouraged community members to follow their efforts on social media.
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
The council held a public hearing on Ordinance No. O-676-26, which comprehensively updates regulations for short-term rentals in Jacksonville. The ordinance distinguishes between residential short-term rentals (STR) and non-residential short-term rentals (STNR), defining them as rentals for periods less than 30 consecutive days.
Key provisions include:
- Mandatory business licensing for each property
- Required vacation rental insurance
- 24/7 emergency contact availability with one-hour response time
- Written notification to adjoining property owners
- Maximum occupancy limits based on zoning districts
- Lodging tax collection and remittance
- Prohibition of event hosting (weddings, parties, concerts) in residential STRs
- Parking requirements and signage restrictions
- Enforcement mechanisms including warnings, suspensions, and revocation
Current and future STR operators must obtain proper licensing within 30 days of the ordinance’s effective date. The ordinance received its first reading with no public comments.
Property Rights-of-Way Vacations
Timothy and Carol Shadrick appeared before the council seeking to vacate two rights-of-way—Chestnut Drive NE and Dogwood Drive NE—at the end of 7th Avenue NE. Mr. Shadrick explained that the roads were platted approximately 20 years ago on his 26-acre property, which he purchased five years ago. He confirmed he has no plans to develop subdivisions or install roads.
The council unanimously approved both Resolution No. R-2280-26 (vacating Dogwood Drive NE) and Resolution No. R-2281-26 (vacating Chestnut Drive NE).
Traffic Signal Upgrades
The council approved Resolution No. R-2283-26, authorizing an agreement with the State of Alabama for upgrades to existing traffic signals at Alabama Highway 21 and George Douthit Drive.
Fire Station Environmental Issue
Fire Chief presented an urgent matter requiring immediate council action. During site preparation for the new Fire Station No. 2, workers discovered a 560-gallon fuel oil tank that was 80-90% full. The tank, likely from when the property was a farm or residential home, ruptured during excavation, causing soil contamination.
The council approved Amendment No. 2 to the fire station project for $16,932 to cover environmental cleanup by Terracon, including tank removal, contaminated soil removal, and proper disposal. The chief emphasized the need for quick action to avoid delaying the station’s construction timeline.
Personnel Matters
The council acknowledged the retirement of Angela Reeves, Records and Office Clerk at the Fire Department, effective January 1, 2026.
The council also concurred with the demotion of Clifton Edwards from Police Corporal (Range 20) to Police Officer (Range 18), effective immediately. No details regarding the circumstances were discussed publicly.
Routine Business
The council approved:
- Professional Services Agreement with TTL for FY2026 Groundwater Monitoring and Reporting at the landfill ($18,000 annual fee with $2,200 for regulatory support)
- Budget amendments including $5,000 insurance reimbursement for a Public Square accident and $11,042.22 for the train depot sound system
- Purchase of $128,031.41 for 2026 Worker’s Compensation Insurance
- Disposition of surplus property including a microwave, bus donation to nonprofit, and scrap metal
- Appointment of Jonathan “Woody” Woodruff to the Commercial Development Authority
Public Comments and Announcements
A Jacksonville State University representative invited the community to the Miss JSU pageant on January 30 at 6 p.m. in Leon Cole Auditorium. The preliminary competition for Miss Alabama costs $10 for community members and $5 for students.
Councilmember Newell announced a Black History program scheduled for February 22 at 3 p.m. at the community center. He also shared information about a Wood Duck Box Building Workshop on January 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Heflin Lake.
Councilmember Wilson reminded residents that the junior high girls basketball team was playing for the county championship against Oxford that evening.
Mayor Jones reminded citizens that city offices will be closed Monday, January 13, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
In closing remarks, Mayor Jones thanked police and fire personnel for their service during the holidays, acknowledging the sacrifices they and their families make to keep the community safe.
The council then entered executive session to discuss real property matters and economic development.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 26, 2026, at the Public Safety Complex, which will include a public hearing regarding the Seawalk right-of-way relocation.
