May 13, 2026

Council Meeting Minutes 04-27-2026

Agenda

Minutes

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
COUNTY OF ETOWAH
STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of Southside, Alabama, met in regular session at City Hall. The following were in attendance: Mayor Joey Statum and council members Keith Clay, Jennifer McGriff, Shane Hamm, and Danny Garnett. Absent: Joseph Hutchins (arrived after roll call), with a quorum present, the meeting was called to order at 4:00. An invocation was given by Councilman Shane Hamm, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The first item was the approval of the minutes from the April 10 special-called Council Meeting. A motion was made by Councilmember Clay and seconded by Councilmember Hamm to suspend the reading and approve the minutes of the previous special-called meeting. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The minutes were approved.

The next item was the approval of the minutes from the regular council meeting held on April 14. A motion was made by Councilmember Garnett and seconded by Councilmember McGriff to suspend the reading and approve the minutes of the April 14 council meeting. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The minutes were approved.

RECOGNITION
Chief Jarrett Williams recognized Officer Zane Pruitt as the Officer of the Quarter for the 1st Quarter of 2026 for his outstanding performance and dedication to duty.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PER REQUEST TO BE ON THE AGENDA
There were no public comments.
The Council entered its work session at 4:05

Discussion: approval for the mayor to enter an agreement with Ms. Donna Ramsey, who already owns MarketPlace South, to lease the building at Southside Landing. Mayor Statum explained that Ms. Ramsey would have snacks, bait, ice, and drinks to start her business. The mayor said the lease would be month-to-month until there was a definite plan for the construction of the new bridge. The mayor told the council that this Resolution was on the agenda tonight for a vote and asked if the council had any questions or comments. They were all in favor of the business in the building.

Discussion: Purchase of a John Deere 5105M for Public Works, partially funded through gas tax funds. The mayor stated that the Public Works Dept. will be selling their old Grapple Truck, which Public Works Director Mark Owen feels will bring at least $60,000 to offset its cost, and it is eligible to be purchased from gas tax revenue, since it will be used for use on public rights of way. Mayor Statum explained that Public Works is essentially asking the city to front them the amount of the purchase so they can order it now before the quoted price, which is discounted by $25,000, expires. The mayor asked for council comments and said this item is on the Agenda as New Business. All council members were good with the purchase.

Discussion: Appointment of Amanda Jones to a vacant seat appointed by the City of Southside to the Northeast Alabama MR/DD Authority Board. Mayor Statum explained that the Director had contacted him, requesting that Ms. Jones be appointed, and that she had agreed to serve. The mayor asked for council comments and said this item is on the Agenda as New Business. All council members were good with the appointment.

The mayor then asked the council if there was anything else for discussion. Councilman Shane Hamm stated that members of the Southside Track Team qualified for State finals, and they are asking for a $300.00 sponsorship to represent the city at State. The mayor asked for council comments and said this item is on the Agenda as New Business. All council members were good with the sponsorship

The Work Session concluded at 4:15

OLD BUSINESS
A motion was made by Councilmember Hamm and seconded by Councilmember Clay to adopt the amended nuisance ordinance, including expanded definitions, repeat offender provisions, and abandoned vehicle regulations. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. Motion carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS
A motion was made by Councilmember Garnett and seconded by Councilmember McGriff to approve a month-to-month lease agreement with Donna Ramsey for the building at Southside Landing, formerly Blackstone Baitshack, and authorize the mayor to execute the agreement. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The lease was approved.

A motion was made by Councilmember Clay and seconded by Councilmember Hamm to approve the purchase of a John Deere 5105M for Public Works, partially funded through gas tax funds. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. Motion carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Councilmember McGriff and seconded by Councilmember Garnett to appoint Amanda Jones to the Northeast Alabama MR/DD Authority Board. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. Motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Councilmember Hamm and seconded by Councilmember Clay to approve a $300 donation to the Southside track team for the state competition. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. Motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Statum then asked if anyone in attendance had any public comments; there were none

The Mayor asked the Council if any of them had any comments; there were none.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

• The Next Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, 2026, in Council Chambers at 5:30.
• The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Council Chambers at 5:00.
• The next Dinner and a Movie on the lawn: “Madagascar” will be Friday, May 8, 2026, at Southside Landing
• Taste of the Town Food Truck Event – May 14th – Southside City Hall – 5 pm-8 pm
• Dinner & A Movie on the Lawn – May 15th – Zootopia – Southside Landing – 6 pm – Movie at Dark
• Cruising For a Cure – Car Show – May 23rd – Southside Field House Parking Lot – 8 am-2 pm
• Food Donations for Feed the Hungry “School’s Out” Food Collection Drive are being accepted at Southside Baptist Church, Rainbow City Public Library, and Southside Public Library. All donations are taken to the Etowah Baptist Mission Center for Distribution.
• He asked the community to remember former Mayor Burns in their thoughts and prayers, and gave a summary of Mayor Burns’ illness.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, a motion was made by Councilmember Garnett and seconded by Councilmember McGriff to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 4:21.