March 25, 2026

Council Meeting Minutes 03-10-2026

Agenda

Minutes

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
COUNTY OF ETOWAH
STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside convened for a regular meeting in the Council Chambers at City of Southside City Hall on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Prior notice of this meeting was given in compliance with Resolution No. 0-035-2005 of the City of Southside, Alabama, and the Alabama Open Meetings Act. Mayor Joey Statum called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m., with Waterboard Member Dan Childs leading the prayer.

The following were present: Mayor Joey Statum, Council Members: Keith Clay, Jennifer McGriff, Joseph Hutchins, Shane Hamm, and Danny Garnett. With a quorum present, the meeting was called to order for business transactions.
Mayor Statum presented the minutes of the February 24, 2026, regular council meeting and asked if there were any corrections or additions. Hearing none, Keith Clay made a motion to suspend the reading and approve the minutes as written. The motion received a second from Jennifer McGriff. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried.
Mayor Statum presented the minutes of the February 28, 2026, special-called council meeting and asked if there were any corrections or additions. The mayor pointed out one spelling error to be corrected. Danny Garnett made a motion to suspend the reading and approve the minutes as written with the spelling correction. The motion received a second from Danny Garnett. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried
Recognition / Presentations
The mayor introduced Ms. Patricia Falcon, Executive Director of the James M. Barrie Center for Children, and Ms. Robyn Phillips, Community Outreach Advocate from the Center, who addressed the Council and expressed appreciation to the City of Southside for participating in the organization’s pinwheel campaign recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Awareness. She thanked the city staff, Council, and Police Department for their support and invited Council members to tour the Barrie Center facility to see firsthand the services provided to children and families in Etowah County. She noted that approximately 5% of the children served by the Barrie Center reside in the City of Southside and shared a story from a local resident whose child had previously been assisted through the center. The resident expressed how meaningful it was to see the pinwheel displays at City Hall and local schools, as it demonstrated community support for victims and families.
The Barrie Center reported that approximately 10,000 pinwheels will be displayed across Etowah County, representing the largest such display in the State of Alabama. The Mayor thanked the Barrie Center for the important services they provide to the community and to families throughout Etowah County
Mr. Brian Nunneley addressed the Council, per his request, to be on the agenda, regarding the “Revving for a Cure” Car Show, which his church organizes. The event is scheduled for May 23, the Saturday before Memorial Day, and will be held in the stadium parking lot. Mr. Nunneley stated that the event is a 100% proceeds fundraiser benefitting two children battling cancer, Hayden Beck and Finley Edwards. He provided a brief history of the event:
• The first year, despite rain, the event raised approximately $11,400.
• The second year, severe weather shortened the event, but approximately $7,500 was still raised.
Mr. Nunneley requested that the City again consider being a sponsor for the event for $1,500 to help offset expenses. He also invited Council members to attend the event and present a “City Pick” trophy to their favorite vehicle. The Mayor stated that the request would be placed on the agenda for the next council meeting for consideration. Nunneley also thanked Parks and Recreation Director Michael Weldon and the Parks Department staff for their assistance with the event and noted that several food trucks will participate as part of the fundraiser.
The Work Session began at 5:14 p.m.
Mayor Statum recognized Chief of Police Jarrett Williams to present the month-end stats for the Police Department.
Chief Williams presented the February 2026 Police Department statistics:
• 284 calls for service
• 31 animal control calls
• 333 traffic stops
• 52 reports worked
• 8 motor vehicle accidents
• 167 citations issued
• 241 warnings issued
• 19 arrests, including 4 drug-related cases
Chief Williams also requested that the Council rescind the previously approved surplus of two light towers. After attempting to sell the units online, the department did not receive the anticipated value. The Chief stated the towers could instead be refurbished with LED lighting for under $2,000, using funds already available within the department’s equipment budget. The refurbished towers could then be used for city events and public safety operations.
The mayor then recognized Fire Chief Wade Buckner to present the month-end stats for the Fire Department:
Chief Buckner presented the February Fire Department statistics:
• 6 structure fires
• 3 truck fires
• 2 outdoor fires
• 1 vehicle fire
• 62 emergency medical calls
Chief Buckner noted that approximately 70% of the department’s calls involve EMS services. As of the meeting date, the department had responded to 220 calls for the year, which projects to approximately 1,164 calls annually, about 20 more calls than the previous year.
Chief Buckner also requested approval to purchase a Skid Unit Pump for a brush truck. Quotes had been obtained from several vendors, and one vendor had units available immediately. The cost presented was:
• $18,695 for the pump unit
• $1,250 for installation
Total Cost: $19,945
The item was noted as a budgeted purchase.
Council approved immediate consideration so the item could be added to New Business later in the meeting.
Mayor Statum recognized Finance Director/Treasurer Nickie Pylant, who discussed a proposed amendment to an Ordinance related to the former 2013 General Obligation Bond account, which has now been fully paid off.
She explained that currently:
• 60% of sales tax revenues go to the General Fund
• 30% go to the Paving Fund
• 10% go to the 2013 Bond Account
Since the bond has been retired, she recommended renaming the account to a 2026 Debt Account to support annual debt service payments of approximately $400,000.
Council also discussed modifying the ordinance language to allow the 30% allocation to be used for both paving and drainage projects, providing greater flexibility in addressing infrastructure needs.
The ordinance will be placed on the next agenda for consideration with the revised language.
The mayor then recognized Public Works Director Mark Owen, who requested approval to purchase a grapple truck, which had been budgeted at $225,000. The current quote totals $228,250, reflecting an increase of approximately $3,200.
The new truck would replace the department’s existing unit and would be used for:
• Storm debris removal
• Yard debris collection
• Large item pickup operations
Public Works stated the current truck still retains strong resale value if surplused.
Council agreed to vote on the purchase at the next council meeting, which is within the 30-day validity period of the quote.
Old Business
The mayor presented a resolution authorizing him to execute an agreement not to exceed $20,000 for drainage improvements on Powell Street.
Keith Clay made a motion to approve the Resolution, and Danny Garnett provided a second. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say AYE: all ayes.
The motion carried.
Mayor Statum presented a Resolution to surplus the following from the Public Works Department:
• 2008 Backhoe/Loader with Cab
• 2008 Backhoe Bucket
• 2005 International Dump Truck
Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution, and Jennifer McGriff provided a second. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say AYE: all ayes.
The motion carried.
New Business
The Council added consideration of a previously budgeted Skid Unit Pump purchase for $19,945 for the Fire Department brush truck to the agenda, which was presented in the work session.
Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the purchase, and Danny Garnett provided a second. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say AYE: all ayes.
The motion carried.
The Council considered rescinding the surplus declaration for two police department light towers as discussed in the work session, so they could be refurbished and placed back into service.
Joseph Hutchins made a motion to un-surplus and refurbish the light towers. Shane Hamm provided a second. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say AYE: all ayes.
The motion carried.
Mayor Statum asked the Council for Individual Comments:
The Mayor and all Council members expressed appreciation to:
• The Barrie Center for their service to abused and vulnerable children throughout Etowah County.
• Brian Nunneley and volunteers involved with the Revving for a Cure Car Show fundraiser.
Councilman Hutchins also noted the success of the City’s community cleanup day, where approximately 2,200 pounds of trash and debris were collected from city streets, with assistance from city employees and volunteers.
Councilman Hutchins also expressed appreciation for the Parks and Recreation Department for preparing the softball complex for the opening ceremonies, which hosted hundreds of youth athletes and families.
Councilman Hamm further commented on the continued growth and development occurring in the City of Southside, noting positive momentum in planning, infrastructure, and economic activity.
Mayor’s Comments
The Mayor thanked Council members, staff, and citizens for their continued support and noted the strong cooperation among city departments.
He also congratulated the Southside High School baseball team for winning the county tournament.
The Mayor recognized the Southside Youth Softball Association for donating approximately $5,000 in stainless steel equipment for the sports complex concession facilities.
Announcements
• Planning Commission Meeting: April 13 at 5:30 PM
• Next Regular Council Meeting: March 24 at 5:00 PM
• Annual Easter Egg Hunt: March 21 at the softball complex
o Easter Bunny photos begin at 10:00 AM
o Egg hunt begins at 1:00 PM
Executive Session
The Mayor announced that the Council would enter Executive Session for Economic Development discussion only, with no votes or official action to be taken afterward.
A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Shane Hamm to enter Executive Session.
Roll Call Vote:
• Keith Clay – Yes
• Jennifer McGriff – Yes
• Joseph Hutchins – Yes
• Shane Hamm – Yes
• Danny Garnett – Yes
• Mayor Statum– Yes
The City Attorney certified that the Executive Session met the legal requirements under Alabama law.
The meeting then recessed into Executive Session at 5:39 p.m.
Mayor Statum stated that the Council Meeting would not reconvene.