JACKSONVILLE, AL — The Jacksonville City Council approved a series of budget, infrastructure, personnel and administrative actions Monday, Aug. 24, following an afternoon work session that included discussions ranging from economic development and the farmers market to city finances and Christmas decorations.
The 4 p.m. work session included an executive session regarding economic development, followed by presentations or discussions involving Ward Scott Architects with Carol Coleman; proposed Cobblestone incentives with Jeremy Griesbach; a farmers market update with Summer Angel; Christmas decoration quotes with Janis Burns; the General Fund budget and outside agencies with Scott Calhoun; the Water Works, Gas and Sewer Board budget with Michael Rinker; and an amended Finance Manager job description with Dana Snyder.
Among the economic development matters reviewed was a proposed 69-room Cobblestone Mainstreet Hotel involving developer JSU Hotel Group, LLC. Proposed incentives outlined in city documents include an estimated $75,020 building permit abatement and reimbursement of an estimated $375,000 in the city’s 5% sales tax on building materials. The proposal also calls for reimbursement of 5% of the city’s lodging tax on the property during years one through five, estimated at $535,181, and 4% during years six through 10, estimated at $428,145. The combined estimated lodging-tax reimbursement is $963,326, and total incentives would be limited to no more than 20% of the project’s total cost. A public hearing on the proposed economic development project is scheduled for Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.
Christmas decorations were also part of the work session. Materials provided to the council included quotes for a roughly 20-foot panel-style Christmas tree with an ornament package and lighted topper. One quote listed a 23-foot panel tree at $17,661.21, while another proposal totaled $16,638.75 for a 22-foot natural-branch garland tree, ornament package and shipping.
Council Meeting
During the 6 p.m. meeting, the council amended its agenda to add several items, including a public hearing and vote on an alcohol license for The Roost, consideration of the Jamestown Flats development, a water-line extension along Lonely Pines Road, a letter of intent with Ricky D. Smith, two additional Jacksonville Public Works Projects and changes to the Commercial Development Authority.
The council held a public hearing on an application from Roost Events Incorporated, doing business as The Roost at 112 Clinton Street SE, for on-premises malt or brewed beverages, table wine and lounge liquor licenses. No one spoke during the public hearing, and the council subsequently approved the application unanimously. The application identifies Jared H. Curvin and Devan Scott Sonderman as owners. State and county license fees were listed at $250 each, with a $50 filing fee, and accompanying documents included a $2,500 bond.
The council also scheduled an Oct. 12 public hearing concerning the declaration of an unsafe structure, public nuisance abatement and proposed demolition of property at 2110 Finley Street SW belonging to Tiffanyella Michelle Johnson. The hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Council members unanimously accepted a Planning Commission report concerning Jamestown Flats on James Circle SW. The Planning Commission had recommended approval of the development, subject to requirements that include an approved performance bond, recording of the final plat with the county and approval of architectural drawings by the Building Department.
Brenda Long Departs as City Clerk
One of the meeting’s most significant personnel actions involved the departure of longtime City Clerk Brenda Long.
Long’s resignation is effective Aug. 26. The council unanimously approved Resolution R-2326-26 appointing Dana Snyder as Jacksonville’s new city clerk effective Aug. 26, or immediately upon the vacancy occurring. Snyder will serve for the remainder of the current mayor and council’s term and until a successor is appointed and qualified.
The council also unanimously approved Resolution R-2327-26, rescinding the previous appointment of Scott Calhoun as city treasurer and appointing Snyder as treasurer.
Later in the meeting, a council member recognized Long’s final meeting and thanked her for her service. Mayor Mark Jones said the city had held receptions for Long that demonstrated how much city employees and officials appreciated her work, and those attending the meeting gave Long a standing ovation.
Long then addressed the council during other business, describing her final meeting as city clerk as more emotional than she had expected. She thanked the mayor and council for their trust, city employees for becoming like a second family and residents for participating in their local government.
Long said serving as city clerk had given her a sense of purpose and allowed her to witness both major and everyday moments in Jacksonville’s history.
“I leave with a full heart, grateful, proud, and deeply honored to have served as your city clerk,” Long said. “No matter where life takes me next, I will always consider the city part of my story.”
Transportation and Infrastructure
The council unanimously adopted its FY2026-27 Annual Transportation Plan under the Rebuild Alabama Act. The plan anticipates $137,000 in seventh-year revenue. No specific project is currently proposed, but the funds could be used for roadway improvements including grading, drainage improvements and resurfacing.
Council members also authorized the mayor to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Calhoun County Water Authority regarding an extension of a city water line along Lonely Pines Road and approved a letter of intent with Ricky D. Smith. Both actions passed without opposition.
The council unanimously approved JPWP No. 26-156 for repairs to a critical portion of the Public Safety Complex air-conditioning system. Chief Marcus Wood is listed as project supervisor. Project documents include Trane proposals of $4,725 for repair of a leak and recharge of an outdoor unit and $3,649 for replacement of a ball valve and actuator and a wireless thermostat, for a combined estimated cost of $8,374 before applicable taxes or other excluded charges.
JPWP No. 26-157 for sludge and grit removal at the wastewater treatment plant was also unanimously approved. The project carries an estimated cost of $550,000 and is intended to obtain quotes for handling sludge and grit removal, with the expectation that competitive pricing will be lower than current costs.
The council additionally approved JPWP No. 26-159 for Parks and Recreation Department backflow replacement valves. Janis Burns is listed as project supervisor, and the project calls for labor and materials to replace two backflow valves with new ball valves at an estimated cost of $5,300.
Budgets and Personnel
The council unanimously approved both the FY2027 General Fund budget and the FY2027 Water Works, Gas and Sewer Board budget.
Council members also unanimously approved an amended Finance Manager job description and retained Scott Calhoun in that position. The revised duties include oversight of daily Finance Department operations, accounting, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, financial reporting, bank reconciliation and assistance to the city clerk/treasurer with management of city funds.
A new Crime Lab/Evidence Technician position and job description was approved unanimously.
The council approved two promotions effective Aug. 26. Mason Hill Williams will become Utility Equipment Operator following the promotion of Joseph Hunt. Williams currently serves as a Utility Maintenance Assistant. Hershel Lee Hughes will become Recreation Maintenance Foreman following the retirement of Frankie Fortenberry. Hughes currently serves as a Recreation Maintenance Operator.
Three resignations were unanimously accepted: James Ball, Recreation Maintenance Laborer, effective Aug. 15; Dalton Fitch, Police Officer, effective Aug. 21; and Joseph Cole Painter, Police Officer, effective immediately.
As part of the consent agenda, the council approved the disposition of seven Police Department vehicles as surplus property, allowing them to be sold through GovDeals or to another law enforcement agency. The vehicles include six 2023 Chevrolet Tahoes and one 2016 Ford Explorer.
The council also dismissed Jonathan “Woody” Woodruff from the Commercial Development Authority, effective immediately, due to lack of attendance and residency outside Jacksonville. Ken Grissom was appointed to fill Woodruff’s unexpired term, which runs through March 15, 2029.
Public Comments
During comments on agenda items, Patty Daigle addressed funding for the Jacksonville Farmers Market. Daigle said the current annual stipend is $3,200 and estimated that, if it were treated as compensation for the market manager’s work, it would equal approximately $3.33 per hour. She said the money instead had been spent on banners, signs and other market expenses.
Daigle said the manager works approximately 24 hours per week for about 30 weeks and also completes farm visits and certification classes. She said vendors believe the manager should receive compensation. Daigle cited total program expenses of approximately $9,565, with $266 remaining at the end of the year, and said vendors currently pay $10 per week. She asked whether the market could seek outside sponsorships if additional city funding was unavailable.
A city official responded that the Farmers Market is now considered an outside agency rather than a city-operated program and therefore may solicit sponsorships.
During general public comments, David Hall, representing American Legion Post 57, reminded residents that the formal dedication of the Global War on Terrorism monument will be held Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. at Jacksonville City Cemetery. Hall said representatives of both families being honored are expected to attend.
Weaver Mayor Clendenning invited Jacksonville officials and residents to participate in Weaver’s Sept. 11 step challenge at Weaver High School. He said participants may complete as many of the 2,900 steps as they are able, with the event continuing throughout the day.
Loida Carter, representing the Chamber of Commerce and the America 250 Calhoun County Committee, thanked Jacksonville and other municipalities for supporting America 250 activities. Carter said Anniston had agreed to participate in the planned route to Weaver for Heritage Day and said America 250 events will continue through December.
A speaker also provided details about the second annual Sept. 11 stair climb hosted by Jacksonville State University’s ROTC and University Police Department. The event is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. at the university stadium and will include an option for participants unable to climb stairs to walk on the football field. A ceremony will be held at the beginning, with bells scheduled to toll at times corresponding with events of Sept. 11, 2001.
Mayor and Council Remarks
During his report, Mayor Mark Jones highlighted cooperation among Calhoun County municipalities, Jacksonville State University, local schools and community organizations. He congratulated Council Member Sherry Laster on earning Advanced Certified Municipal Officer recognition after completing 40 credit hours. Laster is scheduled to be recognized in Mobile on Oct. 20.
Jones also noted Sept. 11 observances, including an 11 a.m. ceremony honoring Dwayne Williams, a Jacksonville resident who was killed at the Pentagon during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He congratulated Jacksonville High School and its football team and noted the school’s move from No. 66 to No. 20 in a statewide ranking. Jones also reminded residents that Jacksonville State has three Saturday home football games in September, each scheduled for 6 p.m.
During council remarks, one member praised the recent Spirit on the Mountain event and the collaboration among the city, university, community and volunteers. The council member also welcomed returning Jacksonville State students, urged motorists to watch for pedestrians and thanked city employees working outdoors during the August heat. The member said the council has a responsibility to ensure that Jacksonville’s growth provides long-term value because decisions made now will extend beyond current council terms.
Another council member reminded residents about the Sept. 12 Ride to Remember. Activities are scheduled to begin at the community center at 8:30 a.m., with riders departing at 9:11 a.m. for a symbolic 9.11-mile ride before returning for the 11 a.m. observance.
The meeting concluded following Long’s farewell remarks and a unanimous vote to adjourn.
