Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville City Council held its regular meeting on December 8, 2025, addressing routine business items while hearing a detailed proposal for energy-efficient infrastructure improvements and celebrating Jacksonville State University’s upcoming bowl game appearance.
Whoop Troy Day Proclamation
Mayor Mark Jones opened the meeting by proclaiming Tuesday, December 16, 2025, as “Whoop Troy Day” in Jacksonville, Alabama. The proclamation honors Jacksonville State University’s appearance in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, where the Gamecocks will face longtime rival Troy University.
“Jacksonville State University has proudly earned a bowl game appearance for the third consecutive season, and is only the second program in NCAA Football Championship Subdivision history to reach bowl games in each of its first three years at that level,” Jones read from the proclamation.
The mayor noted that the contest marks the 64th meeting between the two schools, with Jacksonville State leading the all-time series 32-29-2. This will be the first meeting between the programs since their last game in 2001.
“Spirited traditions such as Whoop Troy and Blow Southerners embody the enthusiasm, loyalty, and pride of the Gamecock Nation, strengthening community bonds and energizing the team for victory,” Jones said, encouraging all citizens, students, alumni, and supporters to wear red and white proudly and cheer on the Gamecocks.
Jacksonville State University Vice President for Athletics Greg Seitz accepted the proclamation on behalf of the university.
Resident Proposes LED Lighting Upgrade
In the evening’s most substantial public comment, resident Richard Shipman presented a comprehensive proposal to replace the city’s existing 400-watt metal halide lights at the public safety complex with energy-efficient LED fixtures.
Shipman, who worked for Alabama Power for 41 years with 10 years dedicated to lighting systems, provided detailed cost analysis based on information from an Alabama Power engineer. He explained that the city currently pays 17.5 cents per kilowatt hour, resulting in annual electricity costs of $9,855 for the 30 lights at the complex.
“One 400 metal halide fixture costs 7.5 cents per hour burn. 7.5 cents times 12 hours costs 90 cents per day for one light. 30 lights cost $27 a day. Multiply that by 365 days, the city is paying $9,855 just in electricity for those lights,” Shipman explained.
He proposed two LED options: 150-watt fixtures that would cost $3,695.62 annually in electricity, saving $6,159.38 per year, or 200-watt fixtures that would be one-third brighter while still saving approximately $5,000 annually ($4,927.50 to be exact).
Shipman emphasized that LED fixtures require virtually no maintenance compared to metal halide lights, which have multiple components that frequently fail including bulbs, transformers, starters, capacitors, and glass lenses that collect water and dust.
“An LED fixture has no parts that go bad,” Shipman said. “The cost of maintenance is very time-consuming” with the current system.
He provided specific pricing from his research: a two-pack of 200-watt LED lights costs $214 on Amazon. Installing 30 lights with L-brackets would cost approximately $3,990 plus tax. The new fixtures would also include photo sensors that automatically turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn, eliminating the need for the current timer system.
“The timer is off. Today it got dark, the lights are not on,” Shipman observed, noting that the existing system wastes money when malfunctioning or burning during daylight hours.
Mayor Jones calculated the return on investment: “Even if we invest the $3,900 to put them in, you’re still clearing $3,000 the first year.”
Shipman offered to volunteer his expertise and use a bucket truck from Hillcrest Baptist Church to assist with installation at no cost to the city. “I personally won’t charge you money for me because I’m not interested in making money. I’m interested in the city saving money,” he said, estimating the changeover would take two or three days.
Mayor Jones clarified that the savings Shipman calculated were only for the public safety complex. “So if we went throughout the city, this would be huge,” Jones said.
Shipman agreed, noting that Alabama Power has already converted city streetlights to LED for similar reasons. “They’re saving two-thirds the power of what the old lights used to. And they don’t have to have the maintenance on whatsoever for years. So it’s a win-win for them,” he explained.
He also addressed the city’s consideration of lighting for the trail near the train station, advising against solar-powered lights due to limited sunlight during winter months and short battery life. Instead, he recommended hardwired LED lights mounted on poles with arms extending over the trail.
“Solar lights only last about a year and then the solar part gets opaque and you just have to change the lights out again. A hardwired LED, you’ll have many, many years of no maintenance,” Shipman said.
Council Member Marques Green expressed support for the proposal: “I think that’s a great idea, especially with the cost savings and then brightening up the city. It’d be definitely something to take a look at.”
Council President Terry Wilson thanked Shipman for the information, and council members agreed to pursue the proposal.
Recreation Position Upgraded
The council unanimously approved amendments to the job description for Recreation and Athletics Coordinator, upgrading the position from Range 15 to Range 17. The changes include adding a high school diploma requirement and specifying a minimum of three years of experience in recreation programming, athletics, and supervision of staff and/or volunteers.
City Administrator Albertha Grant explained the modifications during the work session, noting that Joy Seijo from Human Resources had requested the changes but was unable to attend the meeting. Janis, the supervisor for the position, was present to answer questions.
“It did not have high school diploma on it before, it simply had bachelor’s degree preferred. So she wanted to add that back, and then it only had experience in recreation programming. She wanted to add a minimum of three years to make sure that the person who do apply for this position is someone with experience,” Grant said.
Mayor Jones reviewed and supported the changes.
Janis explained the reasoning behind the upgrades: “I think that our quality of candidates will increase, which is what I’m hoping because it’s not a job for an entry-level, it’s definitely not an entry-level position.”
She noted that many parents mistakenly believe the position is simple, particularly when it comes to scheduling multiple teams and programs. “It’s amazing how many moms and dads that I have had to meet say, ‘oh I think I’m gonna apply because that’s an easy job, I can do that,'” Janis said. “When it comes to scheduling, if obviously they’ve never done scheduling, but they think that’s easy.”
She emphasized that the position involves complex responsibilities including managing people and emotions. “There’s some big shoes to fill,” she said, noting that the previous employee recently retired.
Council President Wilson asked if the upgraded qualifications would attract candidates from outside Jacksonville. Janis responded that while she wasn’t sure where candidates would come from, “the range increase and the qualifications will actually bring more qualified candidates hopefully to the picture to choose from.”
Matthew 25 Project Discussion
During the work session, Council President Wilson addressed the Matthew 25 Project, which had previously requested $5,000 in city funding for homeless services. Wilson proposed an alternative approach rather than allocating unbudgeted funds mid-year.
“Our budget’s set and that would be a considerable amount of money to have to get Scott Calhoun [Finance Director] to try to find out where we can have another $5,000,” Wilson said. “I would suggest that they come and visit us when we have the opportunity when we do our next budget and then we can entertain that as far as the list of what we’re doing for other different parts of the community.”
The council indicated support for providing the safety complex facility as a warming center for homeless individuals during cold weather. Wilson noted the facility is “big and warm, and they’ll be well taken care of.”
Council Member Marques Green agreed with the proposal and emphasized the need to ensure the facility is accessible. “We just need to make sure that that’s available, and people know. I know she said it’s like maybe four or five homeless individuals in the city, but we just need to make sure it’s available, that they can go to the public center,” Green said.
Wilson indicated that the police chief and his staff would help spread the word about the available shelter.
Council Member Sherry Laster also mentioned that hotel rooms are available through another program as an additional resource.
Routine Business
The council approved several standard items on the consent agenda including:
- Cowbell Cyber Insurance Policy authorization for the mayor to sign
- Travelers Companies liability insurance policy authorization
- Lease agreement with the Alabama Forestry Commission
- Budget amendment of $109.86 for police department restitution
- Purchase of $104,718.31 to Southeast Connections for Highway 21 high-pressure gas main repairs (to be reimbursed by ALDOT)
- Disposition of surplus library equipment: three Dell Optiplex 3070 desktop computer towers for scrap
- Four appointments to the Jacksonville Arts Council: Linda Fudge (term expires October 2028), Susan Rhoads (term expires October 2027), Inez Ragland (term expires October 2028), and Beverley Graham (term expires October 2027)
The council also scheduled public hearings for January 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. regarding vacation of rights-of-way at Chestnut Drive and Dogwood Drive for Timothy and Carol Shadrick, and a zoning amendment concerning short-term rentals. The Planning Commission had recommended approval of both vacation requests and the zoning amendment with unanimous 5-0 votes at their November 20, 2025 meeting.
One agenda item was deleted: the resignation of Avery Dawson Foshee, Assistant Building Inspector, originally scheduled to be effective December 14, 2025.
Project Updates
Wilson provided updates on two ongoing city projects during the work session. He confirmed that the safe room project is moving forward, with contractor meetings scheduled to review what’s needed. The city sent bid information to at least eight contractors who expressed interest.
“As long as we can have more than one bid, that would really help a whole lot,” Wilson said.
He also updated the council on the Wakefield property purchase, stating that it has been advertised and is awaiting final court approval. “It will be ready to go to the judge for the judge to stamp it and it’ll be over with. So that should be within the next week or so, according to the attorney,” Wilson said.
Community Events and Recognition
Pastor Eddie Gooch of New Beginnings Fellowship Church, who delivered the meeting’s invocation, thanked the council for supporting the recent Christmas parade. “We had a wonderful time. We do apologize for litter in the city, because we threw out a lot of candy, and we know Terry shared with me the crew the next morning had to get up early to clean,” Gooch said. “But for whatever expense that y’all had, thank you for letting us have a Christmas parade.”
A Jacksonville State University student representative thanked the council for hosting the conference championship weekend. “We may have lost, but we get to play Troy, so I think that’s worth it in the end. Very appreciative of Whoop Troy Day,” the student said. “I’m glad we get to live out that rivalry, because us as students, we still live it out against Troy in our debate competitions.”
The student noted that graduation is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, with students returning January 5 and classes resuming January 7. “Thank y’all so much, and I hope y’all have a Merry Christmas,” the student said.
Wilson complimented the student’s positive presence at games: “It’s nice to walk in the end hall during the ball games, and you’re standing there. You’re always smiling.”
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Jones praised multiple recent city events and recognized various departments and community members for their contributions.
He highlighted Rita Edwards’ leadership of the Christmas parade: “If you ever have any doubt who’s in charge of the Christmas Parade, you meet Rita and there are no more doubts about it. And all of our departments did a great job with that.”
Jones noted that the street department thoroughly cleaned the parade route the following morning. “I drove through town early and there was no candy anywhere on the street, so our street department did a great job of cleaning that up if there was any left. Those kids were fighting for what was out there, so I doubt there was any left anyway,” he said.
The mayor also praised the lighting ceremony on the square, which was relocated to the Roost venue. “The PARD and all our departments did a great job, especially changing that over to the Roost. And we’ve got to thank Devin Soderman again for allowing us to use that venue,” Jones said. “That turned out to be a really good thing, and we’ll probably just do that in the future and have events in there and then just walk across.”
He noted that police did an excellent job managing safety and helping attendees cross the street during the event.
Jones provided an update on the Ladiga Trail Lights event, Hosted by the jacksonville Arts Councl, which runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through December 23. “It had some hiccups earlier, but I think we got everything worked out and it’s going good now,” he said.
The mayor encouraged residents to attend the Salute to Veterans Bowl in Montgomery on December 16 and mentioned that Jacksonville High School has an in-school basketball game scheduled for December 9 at 1:30 p.m. versus Asheville. “Those in-school games, the kids are there. It’s a great atmosphere,” Jones said.
Council Member Remarks
Council Member Laster invited the community to visit the Ladiga Trail Lights event. “We did have a few hiccups, but it’s working out now, and it’s really a lot of fun. A lot of people coming from everywhere. They’re excited, they want to make it a tradition for their family. They really love it because they have something to do in Jacksonville now,” she said.
Laster mentioned that free photos with “surprise Santa Clauses” are available at the event.
Council Member Green echoed praise for city departments: “I’m always amazed at how we have a big event like the parade and the next day it’s like nothing happened. So kudos to everybody involved, keeping us safe and also keeping the streets clean.”
Council President Wilson closed the meeting by praising first responders. “I have a lot to sometimes be with both chiefs and assistant chiefs and hear about some of the things they do in their runs they make. And once again, we don’t know how lucky we are as far as our EMTs, our police, what they do day in, day out. I can’t say that enough, but thank y’all for what you do because it’s a thankless job and you need all the attention you can get,” Wilson said.
Wilson also reflected on the upcoming bowl game rivalry: “Most of you are too young to remember what Troy Week was like. I remember it well. So get ready. They need to bring some of those old timers in here.”
The meeting concluded with the presentation of hats to council members, prompting expressions of gratitude from attendees.
The next regularly scheduled city council meeting is expected to take place in January 2026, with public hearings scheduled for January 12, 2026.
