TENTATIVE COUNCIL AGENDA June 09, 2026  

1. Call to Order
2. Prayer
3. Pledge
4. Roll Call
5. Approval of Minutes

May 26, 2026 Regular Council Meeting

6. Proclamations:
7. Recognition: 8 U Girls Softball All-Stars
8. Public Comments (PER REQUEST TO BE ON AGENDA)

• Sandy Melton: Senior Exercise Program/ Shut-in Nutrition
• Mayor of Rainbow City, Joe Taylor

9. COUNCIL WORK SESSION:

• Department Report: Fire Chief, Wade Buckner
• Department Report: Director of Public Safety, Thomas Hunt
• Discussion: Bid Results on Routine Maintenance of City Vehicles
• Discussion: Resolution to Surplus one Chevrolet Tahoe from the Fire Department (Immediate Consideration)
• Discussion: Resolution to trade in one Chevrolet Tahoe for one Chevrolet Silverado for the Fire Department (Immediate Consideration)
• Discussion: Denial of Business License for White Knight Pest Control

10. OLD BUSINESS:

• Discussion: City Sponsored Table at Etowah Sports Hall of Fame Banquet

11. NEW BUSINESS:

• Resolution: Surplus one Chevrolet Tahoe from the Fire Department
• Resolution to trade in one Chevrolet Tahoe for one Chevrolet Silverado for the Fire Department

12. PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA)
13. STATEMENTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL
14. ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Taste of the Town Food Truck Festival is Thursday, June 11, 5-8 p.m. at City Hall
• The United Way of Etowah County's annual Day of Action will be June 12, 2026, at 12 pm at the Cola Warehouse. There are flyers with sign-up instructions in the lobby.
• The next Planning Commission meeting is July 13, at 5:30 p.m.
• Dinner and a Movie on the Lawn is June 19. The movie is “Shark Tale”. Food Trucks open at 6, Movie starts at Dark.
• The next council meeting is June 23 at 5:00 p.m.
• Feed the Hungry Donations are still being collected at Southside Baptist Church, Rainbow City, and Southside Public Libraries. The donations are collected by Etowah Baptist Missions.

 

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE

COUNTY OF ETOWAH

STATE OF ALABAMA

 

The City Council of the City of Southside, Alabama, met in regular session on June 9, 2026, at the Southside City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Joey Statum called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Councilwoman Jennifer McGriff delivered the invocation, and Mayor Statum led the Pledge of Allegiance. The following were in attendance: Mayor Joey Statum, Council Members: Keith Clay, Jennifer McGriff, Joseph Hutchins, Shane Hamm, and Danny Garnett.

A quorum was declared present.

The first item on the agenda was the approval of the minutes of the May 26, 2026, Council Meeting. Councilman Clay moved to suspend the reading of the minutes and approve them as presented. Councilman Garnett seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The minutes were approved.

Recognition:

Southside 8U All-Star Softball Team

The Council recognized the Southside 8U All-Star Softball Team for winning the 2026 Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) State Championship in Dothan. The team completed the tournament undefeated, earning victories over Andalusia, Jacksonville, Enterprise, and Winfield to capture the state title.

The team qualified for the Braves Country Softball Championship Tournament in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduled for June 27-28, 2026, where they will represent the City of Southside and the State of Alabama.

Remarks were provided by Parks and Recreation Director Michael Weldon and team representatives, highlighting the players’ dedication, extensive practice schedule, outstanding tournament statistics, and support from coaches, parents, and volunteers. Special recognition was also given to Michael Weldon and Susie Latham for traveling to Dothan and supporting the team throughout the tournament.

Mayor Statum and Council members congratulated the players and wished them success at the upcoming championship tournament. The team, coaches, Mayor, and Council had photos taken with the championship trophy.

Public Comments (per request to be on the agenda)

• Sandy Melton – Senior Citizen Programs

Mrs. Sandy Melton addressed the Council regarding opportunities to expand senior-citizen wellness and exercise programs in Southside. Mrs. Melton shared information regarding programs offered through the Glencoe Senior Community Center, including exercise classes, walking programs, social activities, cognitive engagement activities, and meal services.

Mrs. Melton expressed concern for senior citizens who may be isolated or unable to access wellness programs and encouraged the city to continue exploring additional opportunities for seniors.

Mayor Statum thanked Mrs. Melton for her comments and explained that the city currently offers several senior-focused programs through the Community Center, including Senior Club meetings, line dancing, games, painting classes, and other activities. He further reported that Community Center staff member April is currently completing certification as a senior fitness instructor and additional exercise programs are expected to begin upon completion of that certification.

Mayor Statum then introduced Mayor Joe Taylor of Rainbow City, who addressed the Council and invited Southside residents to participate in the grand opening of Rainbow City’s new 55,000-square-foot Recreation and Aquatic Center.

Mayor Taylor highlighted amenities including:

• Olympic-sized competitive swimming pool
• Basketball courts
• Indoor walking track
• Fitness facilities
• Playground
• Splash pad
• Outdoor amphitheater

 

• Mayor Taylor explained that Southside residents are eligible for membership and emphasized the continued partnership between Rainbow City and Southside.
• Council members thanked Mayor Taylor for the invitation and for the cooperation between the two municipalities.
• Councilman Joseph Hutchins specifically thanked Rainbow City for assisting in recent storm cleanup efforts, noting that Rainbow City crews helped clear roads and storm debris within Southside following severe weather.
• Mayor Statum also expressed appreciation to Rainbow City, Etowah County, City employees, volunteers, and residents who assisted with storm recovery efforts.

Department Reports

Fire Department Report – May 2026

Fire Chief Buckner reported:

• 94 total calls for service
• 59 medical calls
• 3 outdoor fires
• 1 vehicle fire
• No structure fires

Department personnel continued business inspections and fire hydrant inspections throughout the month. The department also hosted a station tour for the Women’s Bible Study Group from Southside United Methodist Church.

 

Police Department Report – May 2026

Public Safety Director, Thomas Hunt, reported:

• 272 calls for service
• 39 animal control calls
• 523 traffic stops
• 66 incident reports
• 10 accidents investigated
• 250 citations issued
• 273 warnings issued
• 15 arrests
• 1 drug-related case
• 1 DUI arrest

The work session began at 5:35 p.m.

 

• The first agenda item was the results of the Vehicle Maintenance Bid:

Mayor Statum reported that only one qualifying bid had been received for vehicle maintenance services. After review by staff, including the Police Department and Public Safety Director Thomas Hunt, it was determined that the bid would not provide any significant cost savings to the city.

Council discussed the matter and agreed to continue utilizing the City’s current maintenance practices rather than proceeding with the bid.

• Discussion: Surplus of Fire Department Admin Vehicle/ use of the vehicle as a trade-in

Mayor Statum presented information regarding the proposed surplus and trade-in of a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe utilized by the Fire Department.

The vehicle was originally purchased for $37,064.70. A trade-in value of $39,000 had been offered toward the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado through the East Alabama Purchasing Cooperative. Following the trade-in, the net cost to the city would be $13,425.75.

Council reviewed the proposal and expressed support for the transaction.

• Discussion: White Knight Pest Control Business License

 

Mayor Statum discussed a business license application submitted by White Knight Pest Control. He advised Council that the company had previously been denied a business license in 2025 and noted numerous customer complaints, including over 560 Better Business Bureau complaints and reports of aggressive door-to-door solicitation tactics.

Council members shared personal experiences involving the company and expressed concerns regarding its business practices. Mayor Statum advised residents to verify that door-to-door solicitors possess proper City permits before conducting business.

Council indicated support for continuing the City’s current position regarding the company’s business license application.

 

OLD BUSINESS

• Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame Sponsorship

Mayor Statum presented a sponsorship request from the Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame. Three Southside representatives—Randy Ross, Rodney Long, and Brian Mintz—are scheduled to be inducted.

Shane Hamm made a motion to approve the sponsorship, and Joseph Hutchins provided a second. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The sponsorship of a table was approved for $240.00.

NEW BUSINESS

• Resolution Surplus Fire Department Vehicle

Council considered a resolution declaring a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe surplus property.

Joseph Hutchins motioned to approve the Resolution, and Shane Hamm provided a second. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.

 

Resolution Authorizing Vehicle Trade-In

Council considered a resolution authorizing the trade-in of the surplus 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe toward the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado for the Fire Department. Keith Clay made a motion to approve the Resolution; Shane Hamm provided a second. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Joseph Hutchins

Councilman Hutchins thanked Public Works employees, emergency personnel, and City staff for their efforts during storm cleanup operations and for their work supporting the Summer Reading Program and other community activities.

 

Shane Hamm

Councilman Hamm congratulated the Southside 8U All-Star Team and thanked Rainbow City and City employees for their assistance during recent storm events.

 

Danny Garnett

Councilman Garnett congratulated the softball team and discussed ongoing cooperation between Southside and Rainbow City, particularly regarding future water system collaboration and emergency support agreements.

Mayor Joey Statum

Mayor Statum congratulated the softball team and emphasized the strong partnership between Southside and Rainbow City through shared recreation programs, schools, and community initiatives.

Announcements

• Taste of the Town Festival – June 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall.
• United Way Day of Action – June 12, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Coca-Cola Warehouse.
• Dinner and a Movie on the Lawn – June 19, 2026. Food trucks begin at 6:00 p.m.; the movie Shark Tale begins at dark.
• Feed the Hungry Donations continue to be collected at Southside Baptist Church, the Southside Public Library, and the Rainbow City Public Library.
• Sponsorship opportunities remain available for the Southside 8U All-Star Team as they prepare to compete in Atlanta.

 

• Adjournment

There being no further business, a motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Shane Hamm to adjourn. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes.  The meeting was adjourned at 5:51

 

Joey Statum, Mayor

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Cindy Beshears, City Clerk

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