Anniston, AL – The city of Anniston was home to the regular meeting of the city council and work session meeting on the 18th of July.


City Council Meeting

  • Invocation
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Call To Place Order
  • Roll Call

    • The mayor Jack Draper – Present
    • Ward 1 Councilman Jay Jenkins – Present
    • Ward 2 Councilman Demetric D. Roberts – Present
    • Ward 3 Councilwoman Ciara Smith Ciara Smith, Ward 3 Councilwoman Present
    • Ward 4 Councilwoman Millie Harris – Present
  • Reading/Approval of Minutes From Previous Meeting

    Unanimously approved

    • May 20, 2023. Meeting
    • June 10, 2023. Called meeting
  • Changes or additions to the Agenda – unanimously approved without modifications
  • Adoption of Agenda – Unanimously Appropriated
  • Board Confirmation Hearing Board Confirmation Hearing

    • Curtis McCants – Highland Health Systems Board

      • Mayor Roberts presented McCants. McCants has served at the police department and was recognized as an employee of the public and a coach who is very committed to the community. The mayor. Curtis McCants thanked the council for considering him for the job in the city .
  • Public Hearing Public Hearing None
  • Unfinished Business Unfinished Business None
  • Consent Agenda –

    Unanimously approved

    • Resolution to appoint members to Highland Health Systems Board. Highland Health Systems Board
    • Resolution declaring a reported nuisance as a public nuisance – G/D/V Resolution 2023-03 to accept the bid for the cutting of grass and cleaning up for 18 lots Wendy Thornton in the amount of $4,850.00
    • Motion to accept the bid proposal for demolition of non-standard structures with CDBG funds for Emtek in exchange for the demolition of 4 (4) properties worth $42,800.00 as well as the bid to T&D Stump Grinding for ten (10) properties in the amount of $62,500.00
    • Motion to accept the bid for purchasing one (1) 2023 3/4 ton Crew Cab Pickup for the Fire Department in the amount of $50,550.00
    • Motion to accept an amendment to the City of Anniston’s Policies and Procedures Manual, with the addition of an Essential Information Section on Policies which will include “Pregnant workers fairness act” PWFA after Family and Medical Leave:
  • Additional or other matters that may be brought before Council Additional or Other Matters that may be brought before Council None
  • Public Comments

    • Glen Ray – Addressed the council on how important mental health is. He wished to ensure the entire community was united and behaved as one.
    • Shawana Hill – Wasn’t present.
    • Jayda Bettes was not present.
    • Richard Jackson – Addressed the council on his own experience. His mother went to RMC in 2012 to undergo an concenascopy but was never able to return home. He also mentioned a different patient who was in similar circumstances. The patient was at the clinic for 4 hours but never returned home. He then told a story of lengthy waits. He wanted the hospital board as well as those chosen to be aware of these issues and “errors” which are happening. He was determined to not make profits, but rather giving medical care. He is concerned that many do not make it home from hospital because of the lack of treatment.
  • Council Comments

    • Councilwoman Harris Councilwoman Harris There are no remarks
    • Councilwoman Smith met with Ms. Jackson and Ray and they agreed to a more focused concentration on health care and mental health. She also noted that she is unable to talk about the operational aspect that the institution provides. She also mentioned that she’s had similar experiences and was of the opinion that it should be looked into and addressed.
    • Councilman Roberts acknowledged everyone’s attendance. He agreed with Councilwoman Smith remarks about the hospital and viewed the hospital as an opportunity to make improvements. He also appealed to residents’ parents on the incidents and crimes that are taking place. He believes that the community has to take responsibility for their actions too. He also asked if there was a need for the National Guard should be called out. He urged parents to be aware of what was happening and not blame officers for not reacting fast enough. He also said that everyone always says that police are profiling however, they must react to what they observe. He also talked about the brand semi-pro basketball team that just played the first time playing. It was an enjoyable experience.
    • Councilmember Jenkins acknowledges that he is a member in the board of the hospital. He said that the problem is an issue of staff shortage and that it is a nation-wide issue. He also said that COVID caused some damage in the nursing workforce, causing a nationwide shortage. Many have made the decision that they’d prefer to go home and not be in the business for any longer. There were 108 nurse employees from the agency in the last month being payed at a rate that was quadruple of what a regular nurse is paid. This is due to the fact that they couldn’t obtain regular nurses. The number has dropped to 48 while regular nurses have had their salaries up. There are a lot of beds empty with no nursing staff, however it affects how people are cared for. He assured everyone that his goal is to provide the highest quality treatment for all the patients affected want the same treatment.
    • Mayor Draper – No Comments
  • Motion – Motion to call an executive session for discussion of the kind of considerations the Council will offer in the event of a purchase or exchange of property, the sale lease, or the actual value for real estate – unanimously approved
  • Adjournment to Executive Session – Unanimously approved