JACKSONVILLE, AL – The Jacksonville City Council addressed multiple public safety enhancements, infrastructure updates, and administrative matters during its June 23, 2025 regular meeting, with all agenda items receiving unanimous approval.
$200,000 Federal Grant Application for Street Safety Study
The council approved Resolution R-2253-25, authorizing the submission of a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Corey Sosebee of Williams-Caywood presented the $200,000 planning grant opportunity, which requires a 20% local match of $40,000 from the city.
The grant would fund a comprehensive safety action plan using data-driven analysis to identify high-risk intersections and roadways throughout Jacksonville. Sosebee explained the study would break down traffic patterns by time of day, travel mode, and other factors to create a “high injury network” for the city.
“We have the data but they break it down a little bit better in terms of time of day,” Mayor Johnny Smith explained, noting the analysis would support future grant applications for actual road improvements.
Councilman Terry Wilson questioned the long-term viability of federal funding, but Sosebee confirmed the 2025 allocation had already been secured. The application deadline was set for the following Thursday.
AI-Powered School Security System Approved
Council members authorized a three-year contract with ZeroEyes for an AI weapon detection system at Jacksonville City Schools. The technology monitors existing security cameras to identify firearms and other weapons, immediately alerting designated personnel.
Police Chief Marcus Wood said the system, funded initially through an Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADEC) grant, would enhance campus safety. The city must fund the third year at $33,120, while Jacksonville City Schools committed to cost-sharing.
“It’s pretty extraordinary what it can do and what it can pick up,” said Council President Tony K. Taylor, who attended the system demonstration.
The city is pursuing additional school violence prevention grants to potentially fund years four and five of the contract.
Police Camera Partnership with Oxford
The council approved a memorandum of understanding with Oxford Police Department for video surveillance equipment. Oxford will provide and maintain cameras while Jacksonville supplies internet connectivity through data cards.
Chief Wood described the arrangement as beneficial, expanding surveillance capabilities with minimal city investment.
Infrastructure Project Completions and Updates
$500,000 Sewer Rehabilitation Finished
Jillian Farmer of the East Alabama Commission reported successful completion of a Community Development Block Grant sewer project. The $500,000 federal grant, combined with $285,615 in city matching funds, rehabilitated sanitary sewer lines on five Southeast Jacksonville streets:
- Church Avenue Southeast
- Tarver Street Southeast
- Green Avenue Southeast
- Hatcher Avenue Southeast
- Hollingsworth Street Southeast
The project addressed sewer overflows, infiltration issues, and a collapsed line on Church Street, benefiting 149 residents with 75% qualifying as low-to-moderate income.
Property Demolition Lien Formalized
The council approved Resolution R-2252-25, placing an $8,437.80 lien on property at 307 Alexandria Road Southwest following city-ordered demolition of an unsafe structure. The assessment covers administrative time, title search, and demolition costs.
Public Safety Complex Pavilion Bids Rejected
All proposals for the Public Safety Complex Pond Pavilion project were rejected following evaluation by consultants Goodwyn Mills Cawood and Police Chief Wood. Two bids were received:
- Anthony Brown Construction: $126,884 (rejected due to lack of Alabama General Construction License and missing bid bond)
- Hurst Construction: $545,000 (rejected as significantly over budget)
The city will pursue negotiations through informal bidding processes.
Personnel Changes Approved
The council approved several staffing actions:
New Appointments:
- Dylan Collins, Parks and Recreation Laborer
- Joseph Cole Painter, Police Officer
Police Promotions (effective June 25, 2025):
- Jordan Michael Latham to Police Sergeant
- Dalton Thomas Fitch to Police Corporal
- Clifton Dontell Edwards to Police Corporal
Fire Department Reclassifications:
- Austin Shaneyfelt to Firefighter/Paramedic (effective May 28, 2025)
- Skyler McLeod to Firefighter/Paramedic (effective June 25, 2025)
Both firefighters completed year-long paramedic training programs.
Resignations Accepted:
- Jesse McKnight, Part-time Utility Equipment Operator
- Kerry Parker, Part-time Firefighter/Paramedic
- Joshua A. Kitchens, Part-time Firefighter/EMT
Termination:
- Jessica Slaughter, Senior Center Laborer (during probationary period)
Rick Bragg Historical Marker Update
Jacksonville State University historian Wesley Bishop provided updates on the Rick Bragg Historical Marker project. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author requested the marker not be placed at the community center due to family considerations regarding his late brother, who worked for Parks and Recreation.
Bishop reported finalizing marker language with Bragg and suggested the library as an alternative location, which Mayor Smith and Council President Taylor supported after visiting potential sites.
Business License Actions
The council rescinded business licenses for two establishments:
- Heirloom Group, Inc. (111 Ladiga Street SE): Liquor Drinking Places license rescinded due to restaurant closure notification
- Basheer Muflehi LLC (1050 Pelham Road SE): Retail Beer and Wine Off-Premises licenses rescinded after business vacated without notification
Budget Amendments and Expenditures
Several budget adjustments received approval:
Equipment and Repairs:
- $9,830.66 for police vehicle hail damage insurance reimbursement and restitution
- $73,525.70 for Takeuchi Skid Steer purchase
- $400 for Little Free Library replacement at Pocket Park
Conference Attendance (over $1,000 each):
- $1,516.82 for Alabama Water & Pollution Control Association Conference
- $1,370.00 for AAPPA Annual Conference
- $1,760.00 for AACOP Summer Conference (Jason Oden)
- $1,689.56 for AACOP Summer Conference (Jason Campbell)
- $1,689.56 for AACOP Summer Conference (Matt Johnston)
Election Preparations
City Clerk Brenda Long was appointed Statutory Absentee Election Manager for the August 26, 2025 municipal election. A runoff election, if necessary, is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
The meeting concluded with council scheduling an executive session to discuss potential economic development matters under Alabama Code provisions for real property transactions.
The Jacksonville City Council meets monthly on the fourth Monday. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Jacksonville City Hall, 320 Church Avenue SE.
