Anniston (AL – The Anniston City Council met on Tuesday, January 17th, at the Anniston Meeting Center.

  • Invocation
  • Pledge Of Allegiance
  • Call to Order
  • Roll Call

    • Mayor Jack Draper Present
    • Jay Jenkins, Ward 1 Councilman – Present
    • Demetric D. Roberts, Ward 2 Councilman – Present
    • Ward 3 Councilwoman Ciara SMITH – Present
    • Ward 4 Councilwoman Millie Harris Present
  • Reading/Approval of Minutes from Previous Meetings –

    Unanimously approved

    • December 20, 2022 Regular meeting
  • Additions/Deletions to the Agenda

    • The City Council removes the motion in accordance to the Council-Manager Act of 1953. It hereby confirms that Jessica Leonard has been appointed Finance Director of City of Anniston.
  • Adoption of Agenda – Unanimously Aproved
  • Recognize

    • Anniston Youth Football Champion

      • The assistant director of PARD, Mr. Hoffman, spoke. They were unbeaten at the North Alabama Youth Athletics Division.
      • Sophomore Team (ages 5 to 7)
      • Senior Team (ages 10-12)
    • Public Hearing None
    • Unfinished Business

      • Motion to withdraw motion to approve a bingo permit to 7 Springs Ministries located 33 Old Gadsden Hwy in Anniston, Alabama 36201 Unanimously rejected (Mayor Draper abstained).
    • Consent Agenda –

      • Resolution authorizing Finance Director to write off account receivables related to certain household refuse collection fees

        Motion to approve a Retail Beer (Off Premises only) and Retail Table Wines (Off Premises only) alcohol license to Radiant Food Store 1 LLC, d/b/a SAMCO 18, located at 111 Old Gadsden Hwy under the police jurisdiction
      • Motion to approve bids for grass cutting and lot cleaning of 21 lots to Wendy Thornton, in the amount $2850.00
      • Motion to approve demolition bids of 12 CDBG substandard buildings to Emtek for CDBG assets: 2430 McKleroy Ave., 1421 McDaniel. 1318 Front St.., 1600 Bancroft. 1122 Mulberry Ave., 1000 Bancroft. 2631 McCoy Ave. in the amount $49,300.00. T&D Stump Grinding and Tree Service/Cleaning LLC CDBG property: 100 East 29th St. for $11,950.00. Eagle Demolition CDBG properties of 1312 W. 15th St.
      • Motion authorizing the City Manager, to execute an agreement for the renovation of 1129 Noble Street Historic Courthouse Historic Courthouse with Chambless King Architects
    • In accordance with the Council Manager Act of 1953, the City Council affirms Jessica Leonard’s appointment as Finance Director for the City of Anniston.

      Unanimously approved

      • Ciara Smith, Councilwoman, noted that Ms. Leonard was the first African American to be appointed as finance director and a graduate from Anniston High School.
    • Additional or Other Matters that May be brought Before Council –
    • Comments from the public

      • Glen Ray – 3514 Dale Hollow Road

        • Ray believed that the city had been hurt by placing the wrong people in the right places and there are now problems in the community. “They knew years ago that parents could not whoop their children.” Ray also said that there were some “bad kids”, but that most of them weren’t. He added that the Bible tells us to spare the rod and spoil the child. He stated that children will hurt children and we will have children who are out of control. He challenged leaders and the community to help the families and children, and not to place all the responsibility on the police because they have cameras.
      • Shawana Hill – 2630 Wilmer Avenue

        • She began by congratulating those children she had recognized earlier. She thanked Councilman Ciara for his assistance in her matter. She said she is able to see the positive changes in the community and that it is appreciated. She suggested that a curfew be issued to reduce the possibility of retaliation in response to recent violence.
      • Richard Jackson – 2317 Noble Street

        • He also met Ms. Leonard to help her get her job. He said she was an example of success because she supported each other. He said that the council was only as strong and as resilient as the community, and vice versa. He also praised the hard work of the young athletes, who are still succeeding despite many challenges. He stressed the importance of working together for the advancement of the city.
    • Council Comments
    • Adjournment – Unanimously Approved