Voting Redistricting Discussed and $7,540,000 Authorized in General Obligation Warrants at Anniston Work Session and City Council Meeting 3/1/2022

Work Session

1. General Obligation Warrants Series 2022
   1. Discussion of General Obligation Warrants Series 2022
      1. Jason Grubbs from Frazer Lanier spoke and thanked Mr. Folks and Ms. Borrelli for their help and hard work. He also noted that the the city’s bond was sold on February 16 and closing will be on March 9. These proceeds can be used for the new city hall and the Ladiga Trail improvements. While the funds are not limited to those projects those are the two largest expenditures. The bond was sold over a  20 year term with an interest rate just under three percent.
2. City Manager Updates
   1. Census Redistricting Process update
      1. Mike Brewer with the East Alabama Planning Commission spoke regarding redistricting. The goal is make decision that are best for the residents of Anniston. This process is completed every ten years.  The important part is to make sure that each vote has the same weight. This is especially important for minority voting. No vote should be diluted. Currently Wards 1 and 4 are over the target and Wards 2 and 3 are under and will have to gain  voters. The mapping software will allow for real time numbers to adjust as ward zone lines are moved. Numbers must also meet DOJ requirements against packing or diluting majority voters.
   2. Discuss Project update on 3/15/2022 Work Session at 4:00p.m.
      1. Topics for discussion have been reviewed and information sent out prior to the meeting. These are not new topics, but there will be a detailed opportunity for discussion.

City Council

• Invocation
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Call to Order
• Roll Call
  • Mayor Jack Draper – Present
  • Ward 1 Councilman Jay Jenkins – Present
  • Ward 2 Councilman Demetric D. Roberts – Present
  • Ward 3 Councilwoman Ciara Smith – Present
  • Ward 4 Councilwoman Millie Harris – Present
• Reading/Approval of Minutes – Unanimously Approved 
• Additions/Deletions to the Agenda – None
• Adoption of Agenda – Unanimously Approved 
• Public Hearing – None
• Unfinished Business
  • Resolution to amend the FY2022 budget for the General Operating Fund – Unanimously Approved 
• Ordinances
  • Ordinance authorizing the issuance, and making provision for the payment, of $7,540,000 General Obligation Warrants, Series 2022 – Unanimously Approved 
• Additional or Other Matters that May Come Before the Council – None
• Public Comments
  • Jim Pritchett – 2116 West “C” Street, Anniston, AL
    • He was concerned that a city ordinance states that any tower on the City of Anniston must be registered with the City and he has concerns with the working. He also wanted to understand why he was removed from the rotation based on the amount of body work he was able to due. He doesn’t think the requirements are reasonable and would like it to be reviewed. He would also like the ordinances to be reconsidered.
  • Ronald Clark – 1400 Glendale Road, Anniston, AL
    • He wanted to speak about a situation. He spoke to Ms. Borrelli at a previous meeting and tried to call her and has not had his call returned. He has been exempt from garbage pickup fees for years and now is not and he doesn’t understand what has changed. Ms. Borrelli has a scheduled call for the morning to explain the income requirements for this service.
• Council Comments
  • Councilman Jenkins – No comments
  • Councilman Roberts – “Thank you for coming out.” They always appreciate the attendance. He did acknowledged the two complaints received tonight. He also noted they may not get everything right the first time, but they will work to the best of their ability to continue to work on getting it right.
  • Councilwoman Smith – No comments
  • Councilwoman Harris – She is grateful for a democratic system that people have the right to speak and voice their complaints.  She also wanted to extend her prayers to the people of the Ukraine.
  • Mayor Draper – He wanted to thank all for participating. He also noted that we are all in this together regionally and statewide.
• Adjournment – Unanimously Approved