The City Council of the City of Southside, Alabama, met in regular session on August 11, 2026, at the Southside City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Joey Statum called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Council Member Joseph Hutchins delivered the invocation and 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.

Ø  The first item on the agenda was the approval of the minutes of the July 28, 2026, Council Meeting. Joseph Hutchins moved to suspend the reading of the minutes and approve them as presented. Keith Clay seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor, say aye—all ayes. The minutes were approved.

• There were no proclamations, recognitions, or individuals signed in to address the Council at this time.
• The Work Session began at 5:12 p.m.

Mayor Statum opened the Council Work Session and proceeded with departmental reports.

Ø  POLICE DEPARTMENT:

Public Safety Director Thomas Hunt presented the Police Department report for July 2026. The department reported 400 calls for service, 44 animal control calls, 422 traffic stops, 46 reports, four accidents, 181 citations, 241 written warnings, 15 arrests, and no drug cases.

The Council thanked the Police Department for its continued service to the City.

Ø  FIRE DEPARTMENT:

Assistant Fire Chief Nick Anderson presented the Fire Department report for July 2026. The department responded to 109 calls for service, including 77 medical calls, one structure fire, two outdoor fires, one vehicle fire, 11 citizen assists, three alarm calls, one water rescue, eight hazardous situations, and nine additional calls for service.

• The Council thanked Assistant Chief Anderson and the Fire Department for their service to the City.

Discussion – RESOLUTION TO SURPLUS 2005 LAYTON CAMPER

Mayor Statum presented a proposed resolution to surplus a 2005 Layton camper currently owned by the City and previously used by the Fire Department. The camper is no longer needed by the City. The item was discussed and was on the agenda for immediate consideration.

Discussion –  RESOLUTION: ALDOT MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT – TAP PROJECT

Mayor Statum presented a proposed resolution authorizing him to execute a maintenance agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) relating to the City’s TAP project. (Pedestrian Safety on School Drive) Mayor Statum explained that the agreement identifies responsibility for maintenance of the completed project and that GMC would be responsible for the maintenance.

The matter was on the agenda for immediate consideration.

Discussion – RESOLUTION: REBUILD ALABAMA TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Mayor Statum explained that the City is required to adopt its annual Rebuild Alabama transportation plan to continue receiving applicable Rebuild Alabama funds. The annual authorization is due by August 31, 2026.

The matter was on the agenda for immediate consideration.

Discussion – CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT

Mayor Statum discussed three Certificates of Deposit held by the City that are used to assist with scheduled debt payments throughout the year. He explained that the three CDs, consisting of one approximately $800,000 CD and two approximately $300,000 CDs, were coming due.

The proposal was to renew two of the CDs and cash in one $300,000 CD to provide funds for the City’s portion of the debt associated with the Fire Station and the General Obligation Series 2019 debt. Mayor Statum explained that the City would continue to place excess funds into CDs as appropriate in order to earn interest rather than leaving the funds in lower-interest accounts.

The matter was on the agenda for immediate consideration.

Discussion – MESSENGER FOOTBALL PREVIEW ADVERTISEMENT

Mayor Statum presented information regarding the annual Messenger high school football preview. The advertising packages ranged from $50 to $700. Mayor Statum stated that the City had historically purchased either a half-page or full-page advertisement and recommended consideration of a full-page advertisement.

The Council agreed to purchase a full-page advertisement for $700. The matter was on the agenda for immediate consideration.

Discussion – OSPREY NEST SUPPORT – SOUTHSIDE SPORTS COMPLEX

Mayor Statum discussed the osprey nest located on a light pole at the Southside Sports Complex. He explained that the ospreys return to the area each year and that a nest had been located on one of the light poles affected by the City’s LED lighting project.

The existing nest was estimated to weigh approximately 400 pounds. Because of the lighting improvements and the electrical components associated with the former lighting system, the affected light pole had been disconnected to protect the nest and birds.

Mayor Statum explained that the lighting contractor had obtained the necessary permits and was working with a USDA wildlife specialist. The contractor proposed disassembling the existing nest, installing an aluminum mesh platform with approximately 10-inch walls on the light pole, and then reconstructing the nest on the new platform. The purpose of the project would be to allow the ospreys to continue returning to the same location while protecting the birds and the City’s new lighting equipment.

The total cost of the proposed work, including permits, was $13,250, with one-half due as a deposit and the remaining $6,625 due upon completion. Mayor Statum also explained that the City had previously withheld $50,000 from the lighting contractor pending completion of the work associated with the nest.

After discussion, the Council expressed support for maintaining the osprey nest while protecting the new lighting equipment. The matter was on the agenda for immediate consideration.

Discussion – PAVING PROJECT CHANGE ORDER – ACES, LLC

Mayor Statum discussed a proposed change order from ACES, LLC, relating to the City’s paving project, including the widening of Cedar Bend Road North. He explained that although the item was being presented as a change order, the overall project cost would remain below the amount originally approved.

The original projected cost for the paving work, including the Cedar Bend Road North widening and striping, was $1,791,003.89. With the additional striping package and the change order, the projected total cost is $1,580,230.66, resulting in a savings of $211,001.58 from the originally approved amount.

Mayor Statum requested authorization to execute the change order on behalf of the City.

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Jennifer McGriff to add the paving change order to the agenda for immediate consideration. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The motion carried, and the item was added to the agenda for immediate consideration.

Ø OLD BUSINESS

There was no Old Business on the agenda for consideration

Ø  NEW BUSINESS

·         RESOLUTION TO SURPLUS 2005 LAYTON CAMPER

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Shane Hamm to approve the resolution to surplus the 2005 Layton camper. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The resolution was approved.

·         ALDOT MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT – TAP PROJECT

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins, and seconded by Jennifer McGriff to authorize Mayor Statum to execute the ALDOT maintenance agreement relating to the TAP project. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The motion carried.

·         ANNUAL REBUILD ALABAMA TRANSPORTATION PLAN

A motion was made by Keith Clay and seconded by Danny Garnett to approve the annual Rebuild Alabama transportation plan and authorize the Mayor to execute the necessary documents. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The motion carried.

·         CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Shane Hamm to authorize the closing of the $300,000 Certificate of Deposit for payment of upcoming City debt obligations, with the remaining CDs to be renewed as discussed. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The motion carried.

·         MESSENGER FOOTBALL PREVIEW ADVERTISEMENT

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins, and seconded by Keith Clay, to approve the purchase of a full-page advertisement in the Messenger football preview for $700. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The motion carried.

·         OSPREY NEST SUPPORT – SOUTHSIDE SPORTS COMPLEX

A motion was made by Keith Clay and seconded by Joseph Hutchins to approve the proposed construction and support of the osprey nest at the Southside Sports Complex in accordance with USDA/APHIS requirements. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The motion carried.

·         PAVING PROJECT CHANGE ORDER – ACES, LLC

A motion was made by Kerith Clay and seconded by Jennifer McGriff to authorize Mayor Statum to execute the paving project change order with ACES, LLC. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The motion carried.

Ø  PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mayor Statum asked if there were any public comments. There were none.

Ø  STATEMENTS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL

Keith Clay requested that the Council consider directing additional funds toward drainage improvements within the City. He stated that the City continues to receive drainage concerns and that the Council should consider beginning to address some of the identified drainage needs.

Jennifer McGriff had no additional comments.

Joseph Hutchins had no additional comments.

Shane Hamm extended well wishes to the teachers, administrators, and students as they begin the new school year and wished everyone a successful year.

Danny Garnett had no additional comments.

Mayor Statum thanked the Council and those in attendance for their participation. He explained that the Council would recess into Executive Session to discuss an economic development matter. Mayor Statum stated that the Council anticipated reconvening following the Executive Session and that it was possible the Council would consider one item of business upon reconvening.

Ø  ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Statum announced the following upcoming events and information:

• Southside Farmers Market – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Taste of the Town Food Truck Festival – Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.
• City of Southside Health Fair – Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Southside Community Center.
• Next Regular Council Meeting – Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
• Planning Commission Meeting – Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
• Feed the Hungry Donations – Donations continue to be collected at Southside Baptist Church, Rainbow City Library, and Southside Library and are distributed through Etowah Baptist Missions.

Mayor Statum also publicly thanked Southside Baptist Church for providing an appreciation luncheon for City employees and staff.

Ø  EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Statum stated that the Mayor and Council would recess into Executive Session to discuss an economic development matter. City Attorney James Shellnut certified that the matter was appropriate for discussion in Executive Session.

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Danny Garnett for the Council to recess into Executive Session. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The motion carried.

The Council recessed into Executive Session at approximately 5:24 p.m.

Ø  RECONVENED COUNCIL MEETING

The Council reconvened from Executive Session at approximately 6:02 p.m.

Mayor Statum stated that, following the Executive Session and discussion, the Council would consider adding to the agenda authorization for the Mayor to execute a non-binding letter of intent concerning further discussions with a third party regarding potential retail development in the City of Southside.

A motion was made by Shane Hamm and seconded by Joseph Hutchins to add the matter to the agenda. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The motion carried.

Ø  LETTER OF INTENT – POTENTIAL RETAIL DEVELOPMENT

Mayor Statum presented the proposed letter of intent. City Attorney James Shellnut clarified that the document was not a contract, but rather a non-binding letter of intent to continue discussions with the third party concerning potential retail development in Southside.

A motion was made by Jennifer McGriff and seconded by Keith Clayt to authorize Mayor Statum to execute the non-binding letter of intent for the purpose of continuing discussions regarding the potential development. Mayor Statum stated, “All in favor, say aye—all ayes.” The motion carried.

There being no further business, a motion was made by Keith Clay and seconded by Danny Garnett to adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:03 p.m.

 

 

 

______________________________

Joey Statum, Mayor

 

 

 

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Cindy Beshears, City Clerk