April 15, 2026

Council Meeting Minutes 03-24-2026

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 24, 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 5:00 p.m., with Councilman Keith Clay leading the prayer and pledge of allegiance.

The following were present: Mayor Joey Statum and 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 March 10, 2026, regular council meeting and asked for 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 Danny Garnett. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried.
Recognition / Presentations
Mayor Statum recognized the Southside High School Junior Varsity Scholars Bowl Team for winning the Alabama Scholars Bowl State Championship (6A-7A Division) held on March 6, 2026, at Wallace State.
The team competed in seven preliminary rounds and two final rounds, finishing the tournament undefeated and winning the State Championship. The team will now compete at the National Tournament in Atlanta over Memorial Day weekend.
Team members recognized were Russ McGlaughn, Tyler Vincent, Landon Garrard, and Will McGlaughn. The Mayor and Council congratulated the team on their outstanding academic achievement, and a photo was taken.
The Work Session began at 5:06
Discussion – Cruising for a Cure Sponsorship
The Council discussed a sponsorship request for the “Cruising for a Cure” event. It was noted that the city contributed $1,500 in the previous year. A grant application in the amount of $2,500 has been submitted, but no award decision has been received.
After discussion, the Council agreed to table the item until the grant status is determined and revisit the request at a future meeting.
Discussion – Adoption of Financial Policies
The Council discussed the adoption of written financial policies, which had been reviewed in detail during a prior special-called work session.
Council Member Hutchins made a motion to add the Resolution adopting financial policies to New Business on tonight’s agenda. Council Member McGriff seconded the motion. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Resolution – Purchase of 2026 Mack Grapple Truck
A resolution to purchase a 2026 Mack Grapple Truck for the Public Works Department was presented.
Council Member Clay made a motion to approve the resolution. Council Member Hamm seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The resolution was approved.
Ordinance – Second Reading (Account Name Change)
Tonight was the second reading of an ordinance to amend the name of the “GO 2013 Savings Account” to the “2026 Debt Savings Account,” designating the fund for paving and also drainage projects.
Council Member Garnett made a motion to approve the Ordinance. Council Member Hutchins seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The Ordinance was adopted.
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution – Adoption of Financial Policies
A Resolution to adopt the City of Southside Financial Policies was added to the agenda by council vote during the work session.
Council Member Hutchins made a motion to approve the resolution. Council Member Garnett seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved
COUNCIL COMMENTS
• Council Members congratulated the Scholars Bowl team on their accomplishment and wished them success in the upcoming national competition in Atlanta.
• Council Member Hamm commended the Parks and Recreation Department for hosting a successful Easter Egg Hunt, noting strong attendance from surrounding communities as well as City of Southside residents.
• The Council expressed appreciation to all City departments for their continued hard work and dedication to the city.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Statum announced the following:
• Planning Commission Meeting – April 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
• Regular Council Meeting – April 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., including a public hearing regarding zoning ordinance amendments along Highway 77
• Taste of the Town – April 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall
• Dinner and a Movie at Southside Landing – April 17, 2026; movie begins at dark (Happy Feet)
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, a motion to adjourn was made by Danny Garnett and seconded by Keith Clay.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:18 p.m.
SIGNED: