Jacksonville City Council Discusses Key Proclamations, Community Safety, and Economic Growth at March 25, 2025 Meeting

City Council Special Called Meeting and Regular Work Session

• Call to order.
• Invocation: Pastor Velma Thomas – Jesus People on the Move
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Roll call. – All Present
• Proclamation:
  • American Red Cross Month – March 2025.
    • Mayor Johnny L. Smith of Jacksonville, Alabama, has proclaimed March 2025 as American Red Cross Month in recognition of the organization’s humanitarian efforts locally and globally. The proclamation highlights the long-standing contributions of the Calhoun County Red Cross since 1917, emphasizing its role in disaster relief, emergency preparedness, and community support. It acknowledges the city’s partnership in providing a Red Cross Disaster Service Center, aiding families in crisis. The mayor encourages citizens to support the Red Cross through volunteerism, donations, and blood donations to ensure its continued service and resilience in times of need.
  • Arbor Day – April 25, 2025.
    • Mayor Johnny L. Smith of Jacksonville, Alabama, has proclaimed April 25, 2025, as Arbor Day, encouraging the community to celebrate the importance of trees. The proclamation recognizes the origins of Arbor Day in 1872 and its nationwide observance, highlighting the many benefits trees provide, including reducing erosion, improving air quality, conserving energy, and enhancing property values. Citizens, students, and faculty are urged to support tree preservation efforts and plant trees to enrich the environment for future generations.
• Work Session:
  • Acceptance of Minutes. – No Comments
  • Eastwood Community Saferoom – Albertha Grant.

    • The Eastwood Community Saferoom has been in development for nearly seven years, with funding challenges and bureaucratic delays impacting progress. The total project cost is $393,680.65, with FEMA covering 75% ($295,260.49) and the city responsible for 25% ($98,420.16). The funding approval process took about five years, requiring an additional $62,112.17 due to increased construction costs.

      Initially, the project’s performance period was set to end in October 2024, but an extension request, submitted in July 2024, was only approved in February 2025, extending the deadline to December 23, 2026. Construction design is expected by April 1, 2025, followed by reviews and approvals, with bidding expected to open by May 30, 2025. The estimated construction start date is March 2026, with completion projected for late 2026.

      Concerns remain over potential cost overruns, as additional FEMA funding is unlikely. The city is exploring cost-saving measures, including in-kind contributions and local support. Any donated work must be arranged before bidding to comply with federal funding requirements. The project highlights the complexity of securing and utilizing federal funds for community safety initiative

  • Communications – Ben Nunnally.

    • Ben Nunnally discussed the current push notification app, noting difficulties in measuring its effectiveness despite 2,000 installations. The app costs $4,000–$6,000 annually but offers limited user insights. Two alternative services were considered:

      1. TextMyGov – Sends messages via text but has a cap on messages. It estimates reaching 6,000 phone numbers without requiring sign-ups. However, it may not be ideal for marketing due to message limitations.

      2. Civic Plus – Requires users to opt in but offers unlimited messaging. It can send targeted alerts (e.g., water outages in specific areas) and supports multiple communication formats (texts, emails, calls).

      Civic Plus was noted for its high website redesign costs, raising concerns about affordability. Both services cost around $6,000 annually, with TextMyGov’s pricing increasing based on usage. Other cities, such as Pell City, use TextMyGov.

      Concerns included potential notification fatigue, accessibility for non-smartphone users, and the need for public education to improve engagement. Both services offer training, and upcoming conferences could provide additional vendor options.

  • Request to use unimproved ROW – Mayor Smith.
    • The city council discussed a request for permission to use an unimproved right-of-way at the end of 7th Avenue, known as Redwood Lane Northeast. The request was made to allow access to a property that has no other entry points. This approval would not permit development, only access. If the owner wished to expand usage, such as for a drive-thru or street fair, further approval would be required. The right-of-way remains city property, and only a minimal 10-foot-wide driveway would be permitted. The council debated the implications, ensuring legal coverage, and decided to gather more information before adding the request to a future agenda.
  • Any other business.

    • The audit presentation covered financial statements for both the City of Jacksonville and the Waterworks, Gas, and Sewer Board for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

      For the city, the audit provided an unqualified opinion, meaning the financial statements were found to be materially accurate. Key financial highlights included:

      • Total assets and deferred outflows: $52.15 million.

      • Total liabilities and deferred inflows: $38.46 million.

      • Net position (equity): $13.69 million.

      • Total expenses: $23.51 million.

      • General revenues: $18.74 million.

      • A positive net position change of $767,169.

      The audit found no material weaknesses in internal controls or compliance issues, with a previously reported issue regarding subrecipient monitoring successfully corrected.

      For the Waterworks, Gas, and Sewer Board, the audit also received an unqualified opinion. Financial highlights included:

      • Total assets and deferred outflows: $27.5 million.

      • Total current assets remained steady at approximately $3.8 million.

      • Restricted assets decreased from $4 million to $2.2 million due to infrastructure upgrades.

      • Operating revenues increased from $5.4 million to $6 million, mainly due to a prior rate increase.

      • Operating expenses rose from $4.5 million to $4.9 million, primarily in administrative costs.

      Overall, both audits were positive, with no significant issues reported.

    • The discussion focused on addressing an unsafe structure at 307 Alexandria Road Southwest, which was damaged by fire. The property was posted for cleanup in January, but the owner is unable to take action, leaving the city responsible. Concerns were raised about safety, particularly for children. Various demolition and cleanup options were considered, including a contractor’s $8,500 quote and potential work by the city’s own public works department.

      There was debate over whether city crews could handle part or all of the cleanup to reduce costs. Environmental concerns, such as asbestos, were mentioned but deemed unlikely for a single-family structure. Council members discussed the timing, with one contractor estimating a two-week start time. Bids ranged from $8,000 to $11,100.

      Ultimately, the council leaned toward approving the cleanup as a nuisance property while exploring whether city crews could handle it efficiently. If not, the lowest quote would be used. A final decision on contracting work may be addressed in the next meeting.

    • Council Member Andy Green recognized Chief Marcus Wood for his achievement in becoming a Certified Law Enforcement Executive, the highest designation awarded through the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police and the Alabama Peace Officers Training Standards Commission. Chief Wood completed over 240 hours of training to earn this certification, receiving two certificates—one from the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police in partnership with universities, including Jacksonville State, and another from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

      Green highlighted the significance of having both a chief and assistant chief, Jason Oden, holding this certification, noting it is a rare accomplishment. He commended Wood’s dedication, acknowledging the time and effort required, especially with family commitments. Green also mentioned the potential for insurance premium reductions due to the advanced training levels within the department. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the leadership of the city’s public safety officials and their ongoing service.

• Adoption of minutes. – Unanimously Approved
• Adoption of agenda. Unanimously Approved with noted changes
  • Public Hearing to hear the objections to the finding that the following property constitutes a public nuisance:  307 Alexandria Road, SW, Jacksonville, AL  36265.
  • Consideration of Resolution No.  Declaring the Structure Located at 307 Alexandria Road, SW, Jacksonville, Alabama, 36265, Tax Parcel #12-06-14-2-002-019.000, to be Unsafe to the Extent of being a Public Nuisance and Ordering the Structure to be Demolished.
  • Consider action to accept the FY2024 General Fund Audit, as presented by Edgar & Associates.
  • Consider action to accept the FY2024 Water Works, Gas and Sewer Board Audit, as presented by Edgar & Associates.
• Public comments concerning agenda items.
  • Caroline Wellesley, along with her daughter Elise Savage, expressed concerns regarding the development of property bought by the Baptist Church adjacent to their farm. While they understand the church’s plans are primarily in the county and their land is mostly in the city, they are seeking clarification about how future developments, particularly road access, might affect their property. They are specifically interested in the number of crossing points on the road and whether the road plan includes one or two entrances/exits. Caroline emphasized their desire to be good neighbors and work things out but requested more information about the project. She noted the importance of understanding potential impacts on their access to their land.
• Public Hearing to hear the objections to the finding that the following property constitutes a public nuisance:  307 Alexandria Road, SW, Jacksonville, AL  36265. – No comments
• Consideration of Resolution No.  Declaring the Structure Located at 307 Alexandria Road, SW, Jacksonville, Alabama, 36265, Tax Parcel #12-06-14-2-002-019.000, to be Unsafe to the Extent of being a Public Nuisance and Ordering the Structure to be Demolished. – Unanimously Approved
• Consideration of Ordinance No. O-666-25 amending Chapter 9, Election Section 9-9, Compensation for Municipal Poll Officials of the City Code of Jacksonville, Alabama. (1st Reading) – No Action Required
• Consideration of Resolution R-2241-25 Granting Permission to the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville to Build a Driveway across a Portion of The Chief Ladiga Trail at 1510 Alabama Highway 21, N, Jacksonville, AL 36265, for Access to the Proposed Site of the New First Baptist Church of Jacksonville at the Location. – Unanimously Approved
  • Council Member Tony Taylor explained that the city’s role is limited to providing access to the section of the trail that they manage and maintain. He clarified that the city is not involved in the planning, architectural decisions, or specific conditions related to the project, as those are managed by others. He also mentioned that the county owns the trail, while the city is responsible for maintaining a portion of it. Regarding questions about access points or distance requirements, Council Member Taylor recommended directing those to the county. He referenced a diagram showing the proposed access location and invited attendees to view it on the monitor.
• Consider action to approve JPWP No. 25-134 Construction of Pole Barn at Public Safety Complex. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to Terminate the MOU for Automatic Aid Agreement between the City of Jacksonville and the City of Weaver, effective May 31, 2025. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to accept the FY2024 General Fund Audit, as presented by Edgar & Associates. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to accept the FY2024 Water Works, Gas and Sewer Board Audit, as presented by Edgar & Associates. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to approve Council President Tony Taylor as Voting Delegate for the Alabama League of Municipalities Business Meeting on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Council Member Sherry Laster as 1st Alternate and Council Member Andrew Green as 2nd Alternate. – Unanimously Approved
• Consider action to accept the resignation of the following: – Unanimously Approved
  • Charles Campbell, Utility Equipment Operator, effective March 14, 2025.
  • Madelyn Lovell, Part-Time Police Communications Officer, effective March 10, 2025.
• Consent Agenda – Unanimously Approved
  • Budget Amendments.
  • Purchases over $7,500.00.
  • Requests to Attend Conference/Training Sessions with Costs Exceeding $1,000.00.
  • Boards/Committees.
• Public comments for general items. – No comments
• Council Member Remarks.
  • Councilmember Andy Green expressed pride in the city’s economic growth, particularly highlighting Jacksonville’s progress as featured in the economic update from Jacksonville State University. He emphasized the city’s growth mindset, forward-thinking approach, and proactive efforts despite challenges like bureaucracy and red tape. Green credited Mayor Smith’s leadership and the collaboration of the council and department heads for the city’s success. He also welcomed the contributions of Marcus Green and acknowledged the collective efforts of those who came before him. Green expressed gratitude for being part of Jacksonville, which he described as an economic engine in the region.
  • Councilmember Sherry Laster announced the second annual career fair at the Calhoun County Career Academy. She encouraged local departments, including fire and police, to participate and help connect students with job opportunities. The event, which is open to the public, will take place all day on Friday at the Career Academy.
• Mayor’s report.
  • The Mayor made several announcements, including the upcoming “Paws in the Park” event on April 12 at 1 PM at Germaina’s Springs, which is a great opportunity for dog lovers.
  • He also reminded everyone about “Take Pride in Jacksonville Day” on Saturday, April 19, encouraging people to clean up and take advantage of the free landfill day.
  • Additionally, the Mayor urged residents to be mindful of garbage pickup times and to place cans out the night before to avoid missed collections.
• Any Other Business. – No other comments
• Consider action to adjourn into an Executive Session under the Provisions of the Code of Alabama, Section 36-25A-7(a)(3)(a) to discuss with the attorney the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation. – Unanimously Approved