JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville City Council held its regularly scheduled work session and council meeting on April 13, 2026, addressing a wide range of topics including vacant property regulations, public safety infrastructure, grant participation, and multiple personnel actions across city departments.
During the work session, council members reviewed several key items ahead of formal action.
A proposed vacant property ordinance was a primary focus of discussion. The ordinance would require owners and creditors to register vacant or foreclosed properties within designated timeframes, maintain those properties, and provide updated contact information. The proposal is intended to address safety concerns, prevent neighborhood decline, and reduce the burden on city resources caused by abandoned or poorly maintained properties.
Council members also discussed the Eastwood storm shelter, including potential improvements and safety measures, as well as broader concerns related to vacant properties and their impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
Another topic included the city’s participation in the Anniston-Calhoun County HOME Consortium, which would allow Jacksonville to remain eligible for federal housing and community development funding for the 2027–2029 program cycle.
A Bearcat armored vehicle was also discussed during the work session. The item was presented for consideration only, with no formal action taken during the meeting. Discussion centered on the potential acquisition for public safety purposes, though details such as cost, funding, and timing were not finalized during this session. The inclusion of the Bearcat as a discussion item indicates the matter remains under review and may return for future council consideration.
Additional discussion included matters related to a retired city administrator, including the possibility of limited, temporary access to city systems to assist with transition and consultation needs.
Following the work session, the council moved into its regular meeting and approved several items.
The council considered and approved an ordinance amending sections of the city code related to meeting procedures, including the order of business and rules governing public participation.
Several resolutions were also approved, including authorization for regional assistance with grant applications through 2029, financing for a sewer cleaner truck to support infrastructure maintenance, temporary access to city equipment and email for a retired administrator under defined conditions, and measures related to municipal water pollution prevention reporting.
The council approved a number of operational items, including installation of a security fence at Eastwood School, authorization of a professional IT services agreement, and approval of a public awareness mailing program for utility services.
Additional approvals included a new job description for a custodial worker at the Public Safety Complex, as well as routine purchases exceeding $7,500. These purchases included training-related tuition for fire personnel, landscaping improvements at city facilities, and utility equipment associated with a proposed emergency room project.
A significant portion of the meeting involved personnel actions affecting the police, fire, and recreation departments.
New Hires:
The council approved the hiring of the following individuals:
- Dylan Avery Johnson as Police Officer, effective April 15, 2026, filling a vacancy created by a termination
- William Ray Staggs as Police Officer, effective upon compliance requirements, related to an internal promotion
- Matthew Raymond Craig as Recreation and Athletics Coordinator, filling a vacancy created by a resignation
- Porter Allen Stokes as Full-Time Firefighter, filling a vacancy within the fire department
Reclassification of Firefighter/EMT:
- Nolan Michael Johnson was reclassified from a part-time Firefighter/EMT to a full-time position, effective April 15, 2026, following a resignation within the department
Voluntary and Involuntary Reclassifications:
- Dalton T. Fitch was voluntarily reclassified from Police Corporal to Police Officer, effective April 15, 2026, due to a departmental vacancy
- Riley Woodruff was reclassified from Public Safety Communications Officer to Corrections Officer as part of departmental staffing adjustments
Resignations and Termination:
- The resignation of Kyle Seeger, Police Officer, effective April 7, 2026, was formally accepted
- A probationary termination of Kyle Knight, Police Officer, was approved effective immediately
These personnel changes reflect ongoing adjustments to staffing levels and organizational structure within the city’s public safety and recreation departments.
Other items addressed during the meeting included a minor budget amendment, approval of surplus property disposal, and an appointment to the Commercial Development Authority to fill a vacancy.
The meeting concluded with standard reports, council member remarks, and consideration of an executive session related to economic development.
