Anniston Council Deliberates Crucial Upgrades and Community Engagement: A Recap of the July 16th Meeting

Anniston, AL – The city of Anniston held the regular scheduled work session and city council meeting on July 16th, 2024.

Work Session

• Amtrak ADA Stations Program (ADASP)
  • Consent Letter for ADA improvements at the Anniston Rail Station
    • City Manager Folks discussed the Amtrak ADA Stations Program (ADASP) and the need for a consent letter to facilitate ADA improvements at the Anniston Rail Station. The program aims to ensure that the station is fully accessible to all passengers, meeting the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The consent letter is a necessary step to begin these crucial upgrades, demonstrating the city’s support and cooperation in enhancing accessibility at the station.
• Anniston City Hall Exterior Renovation Recommendation
  • Change order request #4 regarding additional exterior repointing recommended by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. (WJE)
    • City Manager Folks discussed Change Order Request #4, which involves additional exterior repointing for the Anniston City Hall renovation, recommended by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. (WJE). The change order addresses missed areas that need sealing, and the work is essential to avoid future issues. Despite previous thorough reviews of the facility, the design team overlooked these specific needs. The City Manager expressed some frustration with the design team’s oversight but acknowledged that the change is necessary. He noted that the subcontractor is performing the additional work at the same unit price as originally bid, which minimizes additional costs. Ultimately, the recommendation is to proceed with the change order to ensure the project is completed correctly.
• City Manager Updates
  • Discuss dates for Christmas Parade 2024
    • City Manager Folks addressed the dates for the 2024 Christmas Parade, starting by mentioning discussions from the previous year about possibly holding the parade on a Friday or Saturday night. A survey of 225 people, the results of which showed a slight preference for Saturday over Friday. Based on these results, the recommendation is to hold the parade on Saturday, December 7, 2024.The idea is to make it an all-day event with a Christmas Village and other activities, culminating in the parade in the evening. There was a mention of aligning this event with the football Championship, which occurs on the same day, to potentially attract more people downtown. This approach aims to create a festive atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening, integrating local restaurants and entertainment. There was also a brief discussion about how the parade date might coincide with other local events, such as high school basketball, to ensure everything is well-coordinated and promoted as a major event in the entertainment district.
  • Discuss HOME Program Appropriations
    • City Manager Folks discussed the anticipated decline in HOME Program appropriations for 2024, emphasizing that funding for this program is expected to decrease annually. While this trend may not impact the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, it will significantly affect the HOME Program. Folks highlighted the importance of being aware of this issue and proactively addressing it.He urged the council to prioritize the expenditure of these federal funds to ensure continued allocations in the future. If the funds are not spent, the city may receive less funding in subsequent years. The allocation of HOME funds is based on an algorithm, and it’s essential to use the funds effectively to avoid reductions.Additionally, Folks mentioned the need to engage with federal legislative teams and the National League of Cities to advocate for the program and possibly reverse the declining trend. He also noted the importance of keeping track of ongoing projects and ensuring that all plans are executed efficiently.

      The discussion included a reminder about improving the green spaces around the city, ensuring that any new projects do not hinder future developments or necessary parking spaces. Safety and aesthetic improvements, such as addressing exposed rebar and adding color to certain areas, were also mentioned to enhance the overall look and usability of these spaces.

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 Of Previous Meeting July 2, 2024 – Unanimously Approved
• Additions/deletions to the agenda – None
• Adoption of agenda – Unanimously Approved
• Public Hearing – None
• Unfinished Business – None
• Consent Agenda – Unanimously Approved
  • Motion to authorize the City Manager to execute the consent of owner letter for Amtrak ADA Improvements at the Anniston Rail Station
  • Motion to approve bids for the demolition of 14 CDBG substandard structures.
  • Resolution Over-ruling Objections to the Abatement of Identified Nuisances- Group 2024-02 Grass, Debris, Vehicles, Burnt Structures
• Motions
  • Motion to approve Change Order No. 4 for the Anniston City Hall Renovation, in the total amount of $57,991.40. – Unanimously Approved (Jenkins Abstained)
  • Motion for InTech to be awarded the bid for seven of the highlighted properties totaling $30,480 Bell should be awarded the bid for three valid properties totaling $18,800 and TMD Stumping 90 should be awarded the bid for $4 properties totalling $44,700. – Unanimously Approved
• Additional or other matters that may come before council – None
• Public comments
  • Justin Overton- 102 B Croft Street
    • Justinn Overton, Executive Director of Coosa Valley Riverkeepers, addressed the council to highlight the importance of protecting the Coosa River and Choccolocco Creek. She shared a personal connection, mentioning that her family lives in the area and her experiences as a child, being warned not to play in contaminated ditches, motivated her career in river protection. Overton emphasized the river’s significance to the community for sustenance and recreation.She informed the council about the EPA’s proposed remediation plan currently open for public comment until the end of the month and offered the assistance of Coosa Riverkeeper in preparing technical comments. The organization has engaged experts, including geologists and former EPA staff, to aid in this effort. Overton stressed the necessity of municipal and county government involvement in the remediation process due to the long-standing nature of the contamination issue.

      Overton also mentioned her efforts to engage various local governments, including the Oxford City Council and the Calhoun County Commission, and plans to speak in St. Clair County. She highlighted the importance of public participation and empowerment through town hall meetings to ensure community members can effectively contribute to the EPA’s comment process. Overton concluded by expressing her pride in addressing the council, noting her grandfather’s service as a councilman in Anniston in the 1970s.

  • Ralph Bradford-825 Quail Dr. – Not Present
• Council comments
  • Councilwoman Harris
    • Councilwoman Harris addressed Justinn Overton, asking if Coosa Valley Riverkeepers could provide concrete information on where to send comment letters regarding the EPA’s proposed remediation plan. Overton responded that they have already drafted a comment letter that can be customized and will provide the necessary email addresses for sending comments to the EPA. She mentioned that the comments can be simple and offered to assist with any level of scientific detail or digital submission.
  • Councilwoman Smith
    • Councilwoman Smith announced two upcoming block partie s hosted by the Alabama and South Coalition. The first event will be on July 20th from 2 to 6 pm in Constantine Park, and the second on July 27th in Norwood Park. These events, themed as County Unity Block Parties, are open to the public and will feature surprises, games, and opportunities for community fun. Smith noted that she would be unable to attend the first event due to a family funeral. She expressed appreciation to the organizers for providing this platform for community engagement.
  • Councilman Roberts
    • Councilman Robert expressed gratitude to the city staff and constituents for their support, acknowledging that their efforts make serving on the council easier. He then reflected on a recent tragic event in U.S. history involving the assassination attempt on a former president, highlighting the gravity of such incidents regardless of personal opinions about the individual. Robert emphasized the senselessness of the violence, noting that a young man lost his life due to systemic failures. He urged everyone to be mindful of the shared responsibilities and the importance of addressing these issues collectively.
  • Councilman Jenkins
    • Councilman Jenkins echoed sentiments of condolence and appreciation. He expressed sorrow for the tragic event and praised the deceased individual for his heroic actions. Jenkins thanked Justin for his presence and comments, anticipating information from Mr. Folks to assist in addressing community concerns. Additionally, he acknowledged and appreciated the hard work of city staff, emphasizing their contributions to the city’s overall excellence.
  • Mayor Draper – No Comments
• Adjournment – Unanimously Approved

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