Jacksonville, AL – On the evening of April 14, 2025, the Jacksonville City Council convened for its regular meeting at 6:00 PM, with members present including Andy Green, Marquis Green, Sherry Laster, and Mayor Smith. Absent from the session were Tony Taylor and Terry Wilson. The meeting commenced with an invocation led by Pastor Eddie Gooch from New Beginnings Global Methodist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The session opened with the acceptance of prior meeting minutes. Following this procedural formality, the council moved into a series of agenda items that would shape the future of Jacksonville. Notably absent were any proclamations for the evening.
Work Session Highlights
One of the most significant items discussed was Resolution No. R-2243-25, proposed by Brenda Long, which expressed the council’s opposition to Alabama Senate Bills 12 and 29. The discussion surrounding this resolution highlighted concerns from council members regarding potential implications for local governance and community autonomy. It was articulated that these bills could undermine local authority, particularly in zoning and land use decisions, which are crucial for the city’s development and planning strategies.
Council members engaged in a robust dialogue, sharing insights and asking pointed questions about the ramifications of these legislative proposals. The resolution ultimately received unanimous support from the council, reflecting a strong consensus on the importance of maintaining local control over community matters.
Following the resolution discussion, Chief Marcus Wood provided an overview of recent grants awarded to the city through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). He emphasized the significance of these funds in enhancing local law enforcement capabilities, which included the procurement of new radios and other essential equipment.
Wood noted that the grants required upfront expenditure, with reimbursement processes in place, which necessitated careful financial planning by the city. The council expressed support for this initiative, recognizing its importance in ensuring public safety and effective communication among emergency services.
Janis Burns presented a set of guidelines for locker rentals at the Jacksonville Community Center, a matter that had prompted recent community concerns. The guidelines emphasized the necessity for current membership to rent lockers, alongside prohibitions against storing food, illegal substances, and other hazardous items. Burns detailed the rationale behind these regulations, aiming to ensure a safe and functional environment for community members. The council acknowledged the importance of these guidelines in promoting responsible use of city facilities.
City Council
The council then proceeded to adopt the meeting agenda, with no amendments proposed. Public comments were welcomed concerning the agenda items, although no residents chose to speak at this time.
As part of the meeting, the council received a report from the Planning Commission regarding amendments to the zoning ordinance. A motion was made to schedule a public hearing for April 28, 2025, to further discuss proposed changes, particularly concerning murals in public spaces, which have sparked interest and debate among residents.
The council considered additional resolutions, including Resolution No. R-2244-25 related to the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Program, which was also passed unanimously. This resolution indicated the council’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance with regulatory standards.
Further discussions included the termination of automatic aid agreements with various fire departments, which the council deemed necessary to streamline emergency response protocols and ensure equitable resource allocation across departments.
As the meeting drew to a close, council member remarks focused on community engagement and upcoming events, including the much-anticipated farmers market, which saw a substantial turnout recently. Mayor Smith highlighted the importance of community participation in local events, urging residents to stay involved and informed about city initiatives.
