Anniston, AL – The city of Anniston held its regular meeting and council meeting on November 21 2023.

  • Invocation
  • Pledge of Allegiance
  • Call to place an order
  • Roll Call

    • The Mayor Jack Draper – Present
    • Ward 1 Councilman Jay Jenkins – Present
    • Ward 2 Councilman Demetric D. Roberts – Present
    • Ward 3 City Councilwoman Ciara Smith Present Present
    • Ward 4 Councilwoman Millie Harris – Present
  • Reading/Approval of Minutes from the The previous meeting

    Unanimously approved

    • 7 November 2023
  • Adoption of Agenda Adoption of Agenda

    Unanimously approved

    • Changes to Agenda – No changes
  • Public Hearing Unfinished Business None
  • Motions

    • Motion to be approved for the retail Beer (Off premises only) as well as the retail of Table Wine (Onsite Premises Only) for Circle K Stores Inc. and d/b/a Circle K Store 2709324 located at 1443 Lenlock Lane within the police jurisdiction. Unanimously approved
    • Motion to deny the bid began on the 13th of November 2023, and sought competing bids for concrete unit price.

      Unanimously approved

      • A bid that was opened on the morning of Monday, November. 13, for city’s concrete supplies. While the city had called for bids that were competitive from all prospective suppliers however, there was only one proposal submitted. After the bid opened several suppliers contacted to the city to explain the reasons for internal confusion that resulted in them not being able to participate in this bid-opening. They expressed their desire for an opportunity to submit bids. Therefore, the city has scheduled an additional bid opening to accommodate their demands.
    • Motion to deny the proposal of Anniston Fire Station #4 reroofing to find alternative funding sources and also address any rules that are required for those sources

      Unanimously approved

      • A proposal was rejected to re-roof the roof on Anniston Fire Station No. 4. They will also look into different avenues to fund.
    • Motion to accept the bid for the renovation of Anniston Historic Courthouse (new City Hall) to Bradshaw and Pitts in the amount of $6,131,000.00 –

      Unanimously approved

      • The council voted in unanimity to award the contract for remodeling in favor of Bradshaw and Pitts totalling $6,131,000. Prior to that, in august, Bradshaw along with Pitts secured the contract for selective demolition of $627,200 to prep the historic structure for the reconfiguration of its interior areas. In a work session prior to the meeting, David Arnett, the public works director for Anniston pointed out the fact that Bradshaw and Pitts in their capacity as the demolition contractor have a thorough knowledge of the 117-year-old structure. Arnett stated that the planned date for completion of the project is October 2024, however possible changes could occur because of unforeseeable factors that relate to the building’s historical designation.
  • Ordinances

    • Ordinance declaring real property as surplus and allowing the conveyance of same to a third party Unanimously approved
  • Additional or other matters that may be brought before Council
  • Public Comments

    • Glen Ray 3514 Dale Hollow Road, Anniston, AL – Not In a hurry
    • Richard Jackson – 2317 Noble Street, Anniston, AL Anniston, AL not present
    • Bryan Newell – 4104 Melanie Drive, Moody, AL

      • Bryan Newell has announced his intent to run against Mike Rogers, R-Saks, to be his nomination for Republican candidate for the party’s nomination during the coming election next year. Speaking to the audience, Newell emphasized the importance of having a viable option for the district of 3rd Congress in Alabama in the Republican primary. Newell stated that there are only a handful of alternatives over the past two decades, and specifically three options. In a statement, he expressed his concern. Newell criticised the continued presence of the same politicians through the years, citing the lack of teamwork, leadership and work-related skills that transcend politics. As a former Army combat veteran, who was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan Newell highlighted the urgent issues that confront the nation, which include an escalating inflation rate, a rising deficit, reckless spending by the government and what he called excessively overrated and inflated Congressional allocations. According to Newell’s perspective, he pointed out Congress as the cause of the problems, stating, “Congress is the problem.”
  • Council Comments

    • Councilman Jenkins He congratulated Bradshaw as well as Pitts for winning the City Hall contract. He also pointed out that the cost included all subcontractors that came from Anniston. He was elated to have used local workers and knew that the money could be reinvested back into Anniston. He also expressed his gratitude to Public Works for thier work on this project. He also said an enjoyable Thanksgiving.
    • Councilman Roberts offered his time to Linda Peters to speak about the Calhoun County Veterans Parade. The city was thanked for their efforts and dedication to support the parade. The city also thanked Mr. Folks for being the Grand Marshall for the parade.
    • Councilwoman Harris has wished everyone an Wonder Thanksgiving.
    • Councilwoman Smith has wished everyone the family a Happy Thanksgiving.
    • Mayor Draper was thrilled about the awarding of the City Hall contract. He also stressed the importance of training downtown to work for City Hall. He also offered the people a happy Thanksgiving.
  • Adjournment of the meeting Unanimously voted for