Anniston, AL – The city of Anniston has held its regular work session and the city council meeting on the 19th of December 2023.

  • 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
  • Approval/reading of Minutes of the previous meeting –

    Unanimously approved (Jenkins abstained)

    • 5 December 2023
    • The 14th of December, 2023, Called Meeting
  • Agenda Additions/Deletions – None
  • Adoption of Agenda unanimously approved
  • Recognition

    • Dr. Barbara Boyd

      • State Representative State Representative Dr. Barbara Bigsby Boyd made a donation of $10,000 for community-based initiatives. Dr. Boyd’s substantial contribution plays vitally in the development of initiatives like The Good Choices program, providing jobs in the summer for our young people and spreading joy with Christmas presents in the Christmas season. Her dedication to making an impact on the community is in line with our ideal of an enlightened and caring community.
    • La’Ray William

      • The Alabama Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA) District IV has proudly awarded La’Ray Williams the 2023 Gene Cornett Merit in Recreation Award. This prestigious award, thought to be one of ARPA’s top awards, is conferred each year to an individual who has shown outstanding dedication to and achievements in the realm of recreation and parks. La’Ray is an outstanding team player, has proved to be an outstanding resource to our community. His journey began in 2014 when he was an instructor for the Norwood Hodges Community Center, and with determination and perseverance the teen grew to become director at the Carver Community Center and later Director of the Aquatic & Fitness Center. Most importantly, La’Ray played a pivotal part in the establishment of Anniston’s first semi-professional basketball team called the Anniston Model City BC, winning the league championship during the first season. We all extend our sincere congratulations to La’Ray Williams for the deserved honor. His work has unquestionably helped make our city more welcoming for all and we extend our deepest gratitude to him for his exceptional efforts.
  • Board Confirmation

    • Summer Phelps – Highland Health Systems Board

      • Mrs. Phelps thanked the Council for their nomination.
  • Public Hearing

    • Public comments are invited on the Special Retail more than 30 days Liquor Licence to Anniston Events LLC d/b/a The Kress Grant Ballroom located at 1108 Noble Street inside the city boundaries.

      • A representative expressed enthusiasm at the opening of the venue and looked ahead to future events and business, and was hopeful that they could draw more people into the downtown area and to Anniston.
    • Comment on public concerns about the Lounge Retail Liquor Class I license for 202 Lounge which is situated in 2300 Old Birmingham Highway in the police jurisdiction.

      • A representative thanked the city for their consideration and being able to allow the facility to be used.
  • Unfinished Business Unfinished Business None
  • Consent Agenda –

    Unanimously approved

    • Resolution authorizing reimbursements for the city’s officials in lieu of expenses incurred when travelling away from the city
    • Resolution for the appointment of a member to Highland Health Systems Board. Highland Health Systems Board
    • Resolution declaring equipment to be surplus and allowing the sale of surplus equipment
    • Motion to grant the Special Retail more than 30 Days Liquor License in the name of Anniston Events LLC d/b/a The Kress Grant Ballroom located at 1108 Noble Street inside the city boundaries.
    • Motion to grant a Lounge Retail Liquor Class I Licence for the 202 Lounge in 2300 Old Birmingham Highway in the police area of jurisdiction.
    • Motion to revoke the rule that requires City Council to meet on January 1, 2024. City Council to meet on the first Tuesday in January 2024.
  • Resolutions Resolutions

    Unanimously approved

    • Resolution for amending the FY2023 Budget for the General Operating Fund

      • The two changes involved two of them: the Anniston Museum along with the Gardens Budget as well as the Fire Fund.
  • Additional or other matters that may be brought before the Council The Council may also be asked to consider other matters. None
  • Public Comments

    • Bernard as well as Debora Nobles 1326 Primrose Place, Anniston, AL

    • Shirley Carter – 1420 Woodstock Avenue, Anniston, AL Shirley Carter – 1420 Woodstock Avenue, Anniston, Alabama Not present
    • Ralph Bradford – Anniston, AL – Not At Present
  • Council Comments

    • Councilwoman Harris stated that she can’t imagine anything more devastating that what Nobles endured she thanked the Nobles for creating something positive from their loss. Also, she wished all a happy Christmas.
    • Councilwoman Smith and thanked the Nobles for their remarks.
    • Councilman Jenkins expressed his gratitude to Councilman Jenkins thanked Dr. Boyd for her donation and also thanked his fellow council members at the Kress for their support towards the City. He also praised all city employees and 1st responders for their dedication to the city.
    • Councilman Roberts appealed to everyone to be mindful of the significance of the day.
    • Mayor Draper would like to thank Mayor Draper wanted to thank. Boyd for her leadership and generous donation. He also expressed his heart is with Nobles for their loss. Also, he wished all a happy Christmas.
  • Adjournment Ajournment Unanimously approved