Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville City Council met Monday evening to address a packed agenda that included the presentation of four city scholarships to local students, a detailed discussion about creating a warming station for the homeless, and an announcement about an upcoming opportunity for potential city council candidates to introduce themselves to the community.
Scholarship Recipients Recognized
In a highlight of the evening, the council proudly recognized four Jacksonville High School students who received the 2025 City of Jacksonville Scholarships. Mayor Johnny Smith and the council presented the awards to:
- Cole Bridges, recipient of the First Generation Scholarship
- Drake Loggins, recipient of the Technical Training Scholarship
- Kylie Terrell, recipient of the Healthcare Scholarship (not present at the meeting)
- Ashley Grant, recipient of the Leadership Scholarship
Council members praised the students’ achievements and recognized the quality of the Jacksonville school system as a driving factor that attracts families to the city.
Warming Station Proposal
A significant portion of the work session featured Donna Etheredge presenting a proposal for a warming station to serve Jacksonville’s homeless population during freezing winter nights. Etheredge, along with several community members including representatives from Jacksonville First United Methodist Church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and Jacksonville Christian Outreach Center, made passionate appeals to the council.
Etheredge explained that while the city had previously attempted to provide shelter at the public safety complex, the location proved ineffective with minimal participation. She proposed repurposing the old jail building, noting it would require minimal renovation to create separate spaces for men, women, and families.
“I can’t solve the homeless problem,” Etheredge acknowledged, “but on the nights that it gets so cold outside, when you get in your bed at night and you’re warm, once you have had an encounter with someone that is homeless… you can’t not think about it.”
Community speakers shared stories about a homeless man named Randy who had recently been found deceased, emphasizing the human impact of the issue. Representatives from local churches offered their support and commitment to help organize and staff the warming station if approved.
“We don’t want any more Randys to happen,” said Robert Fowler, rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
Voting Device Ordinance
The council conducted a first reading of Ordinance No. O-668-25, which amends Chapter 9, Election Section 9-6 regarding vote counting machines in the City Code. As a first reading, no action was taken on this item.
Addressing Overgrown Property
Police Chief Marcus Wood presented an addition to Section 19-21 of the municipal ordinance regarding junk, weeds, garbage, and trash. The proposed amendment would establish a definitive 12-inch height limit for grass and weeds, providing clearer guidelines for code enforcement. Wood explained the change would help address both occupied properties and vacant lots that have become overgrown.
Upcoming Candidate Day Announced
Council Chairman Taylor proposed hosting an opportunity for potential candidates in the upcoming municipal election to introduce themselves to the community. The council agreed to invite candidates to speak briefly at the last council meeting in May and the two meetings in June, coinciding with the qualification period for the election.
Public Comments
During the public comments portion of the meeting, Marita Watson of 207 Churchill Place thanked the mayor and council for the new sidewalk installation from the safety complex to Lake Street. “It’s just amazing. It’s a beautiful sight,” Watson said, adding humorously, “We just rushed right in with that. It only took, what, five years?”
Eddie Gooch of 1013 Legacy Boulevard also addressed the council to express appreciation for their support of the National Day of Prayer on May 1st. “That’s been going on since George Washington,” Gooch noted. “It really blessed my heart.”
Council Member Remarks
Council members shared enthusiastic comments about recent school activities and community events:
Council Member Green praised Jacksonville High School’s production of “The Sound of Music,” describing the performance by 7th-9th grade students as “beyond anything I’ve ever seen” after approximately 100 hours of practice.
Council Member Taylor recounted his experience chaperoning 23 students on a field trip to Washington, D.C., commending the students’ exemplary behavior. “You can tell the livelihood of a city based on a school system,” Taylor noted, adding that Jacksonville’s education system is a primary reason people move to the city.
Several council members congratulated the newly promoted police officers and acknowledged the current Law Enforcement Appreciation Week, noting that Thursday is Peace Officer Memorial Day.
A council member also thanked the Parks and Recreation team for successfully relocating the 100 Alabama Mile Challenge event to the gym due to rain on May 3rd, ensuring the community activity remained successful despite weather challenges.
Other Business
The council also:
- Approved Ordinance No. O-667-25 adding a section on murals to the city’s zoning code
- Approved Resolution No. R-2246-25 extending the temporary closure of Second Avenue NE
- Approved Resolution No. R-2247-25 for city participation in the Alabama Sales and Use Tax Holiday
- Approved employment and promotions for city staff, including Matthew Blake Johnston as Police Lieutenant and Michael Demiani-Pinto as Police Sergeant
- Accepted resignations from two police officers
Upcoming Events
Mayor Smith announced several upcoming events:
- Cheaha Challenge bicycle race this weekend, expected to bring over 1,000 riders to town
- Fair On the Square vendor event on Saturday from 9am to 3pm
- GospelFest at the Soccer Complex this weekend
- Southland Soul Group performing Friday, May 16th outside City Hall
- F&M Revival performing June 13th
- Alabama Reign performing July 18th
The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 27th (a different day than usual due to Memorial Day).
Following public comments and council member remarks, the meeting concluded with the council voting to adjourn into an executive session to discuss legal matters and economic development.
