Anniston, AL – The Anniston City Council convened for a brief work session on Tuesday evening, June 3, tackling a range of municipal issues from rejected bids to infrastructure improvements and personnel appointments.
The council faced disappointing news regarding several city projects as multiple bids came in significantly over budget. Most notably, two complete bids for annual termite and pest control services were rejected after both proposals exceeded the city’s budgeted amounts by substantial margins.
The demolition of ten CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) substandard structures also faced complications, with council members discussing the rejection of certain bids. A pre-bid conference had been scheduled for Thursday, May 29, with bid opening originally set for Thursday, June 5.
However, the council found better news in the Chalk Line Property Pump Track Park project, with staff recommending awarding the $299,000 contract to Flow Motion Trail Builders LLC.
The Calhoun County Department of Human Resources approached the council seeking a fee waiver or discount for using the Anniston Meeting Center for their Annual DHR Job & Resource Fair, scheduled for August 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The council revisited a familiar issue: an alcohol license application for Noble Tobacco and Package LLC, located at 1801 A Noble Street. The business is seeking both 050-Retail Beer (Off Premises Only) and 070-Retail Table Wine (Off Premises Only) licenses.
“This has already come up before us before,” noted Mayor Smith during the session. The application now includes additional requirements and will be subject to a public hearing, suggesting previous concerns may have prompted enhanced scrutiny.
A fire hydrant installation at 5201 McClellan Blvd (the Starbucks site) highlighted the complexities of municipal utility coordination. The project involves working with Anniston Water Works, which has managed the city’s water system since the 1970s, requiring careful coordination between multiple entities.
Meanwhile, council members discussed the ongoing status of paving a new fire road, a project that has garnered county support. With over 750 county employees potentially using the road, Calhoun County has agreed to split the costs with the city.
“It is in Ward 4, and one of the largest employers that we do have,” council member Harris emphasized. “I feel like we need to be business friendly, but paving is very, very expensive.”
Mayor Ciara Smith, who became Anniston’s new mayor on May 2, 2025, after serving as Ward 3 councilwoman,has been working with county officials on the project coordination, though recent rainy weather has caused some delays in the approval process.
The council addressed staffing needs by discussing the addition of a “City Planner” position to the city’s pay and classification plan at pay grade 13, reflecting the city’s growing focus on strategic development and planning initiatives.
Additionally, the appointment of a Ward 3 Council Member remained on the agenda, filling the vacancy left by Smith’s elevation to mayor.
City Council Meeting
The Anniston City Council convened for their formal meeting on June 3, 2025. The meeting addressed several key agenda items including a critical council appointment, property transfers, and ongoing concerns about community violence.
The meeting began with Council Member Roberts leading the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was present, and the minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting were approved. The agenda was amended to remove item C from the consent agenda and add a motion to waive fees for the Calhoun County Department of Human Resources annual job and resource fair scheduled for August 27th.
A public hearing was held regarding retail beer off-premises only and retail table wine off-premises only licenses for Noble Tobacco and Package LLC at 1801 Noble Street. No public comments were received, and the hearing was closed.
The most significant agenda item was filling the vacant Ward 3 council seat left by former Mayor Jack Draper’s resignation and Ciara Smith’s appointment to Mayor. The appointment process allowed each council member to make nominations requiring a majority vote to pass.
Nomination Process:
- Council Member Downing nominated Russell DeAnna, describing him as “a creative out of the box anchor” and long-time Anniston transplant. This nomination received a second but failed to achieve majority support.
- Council Member Roberts then nominated Joe Harrington (referred to as both Joe Harrison and John Harrington in the transcript).
Joe Harrington’s Appointment: On May 15, 2025, the City Council interviewed five highly qualified applicants for the Ward 3 vacancy. Each candidate brought a unique vision, strong leadership qualities, and thoughtful plans to address the needs of the Ward 3 community. After careful consideration, the Council selected Mr. Harrington, a longtime resident known for his fairness, dedication, and deep-rooted commitment to Anniston.
Harrington’s nomination successfully passed with majority support from the council. He will serve the remainder of the current term for Ward 3. The council announced that a public swearing-in ceremony will be scheduled for the new council member.
The council approved a resolution receiving and confirming cost reports on public nuisance abatements for multiple properties throughout the city, including addresses on Noble Street, Chestnut Avenue, McClellan Boulevard, and various other locations.
Two ordinances passed their second readings:
- Property Transfer to County: Declaring Fort McClellan property surplus and transferring ownership to the county for multi-purpose recreational use
- Blackwater Development Sale: Authorizing the sale of surplus property to Blackwater Development Company for a project expected to generate tax revenue and jobs
The council comments section revealed deep concerns about escalating violence in Anniston, particularly affecting young people.
Council Member Downing promoted community events including the Anniston Farmer’s Market (first Tuesday monthly from 4-7 PM and Saturdays 7-11 AM), noting 100 vendors were present that evening.
Council Member Roberts – Roberts delivered passionate remarks about recent violence:
- Referenced a shooting at a recent graduation party
- Mentioned “over 100” young people involved in concerning incidents
- Expressed frustration about ongoing violence and lack of cooperation from witnesses
- Warned that businesses seeking alcohol licenses might face scrutiny if violence occurs at their establishments
- Emphasized the need for community action beyond prayer
Council Member Harris: Congratulated new Council Member Harrington and thanked Russell DeAnna for his application
- Echoed concerns about city violence
- Praised the quality of all applicants and suggested finding other ways to utilize community volunteers
Mayor’s Comments – Call to Action
The Mayor delivered the most extensive remarks, addressing multiple issues:
Personal Experience with Youth Intervention:
- Shared her story of taking custody of her 13-year-old brother at age 21
- Described transforming a troubled youth involved in violence and drugs into a successful 17-year-old
- Emphasized that exposure to opportunity changes children’s lives
Leadership Philosophy:
- At 26 years old, credited her position as mayor to positive influences in her own life
- Stressed that prayer must be accompanied by action
- Called for community buy-in beyond elected officials
Fire Chief Health Update:
- Acknowledged Fire Chief Waldron’s recent heart attack
- Thanked community members who attended a prayer vigil
- Reported the chief is progressing and requested continued prayers for the fire department
Community Events:
- Promoted upcoming Heritage Festival and Anniston alumni event
- Encouraged community support and unity
