August 12, 2026

Council Meeting Minutes 07-28-2026

Agenda

Minutes

The City Council of the City of Southside, Alabama, met in regular session on July 28, 2026, at the Southside City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Joey Statum called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Council Member Jennifer McGriff 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.
 The first item on the agenda was the approval of the minutes of the June 23, 2026, Council Meeting. Joseph Hutchins moved to suspend the reading of the minutes and approve them as presented. Shane Hamm seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor, say aye—all ayes. The minutes were approved.
 RECOGNITION
Proclamation Honoring Phyllis Owens
City Clerk Cindy Beshears read a proclamation recognizing Phyllis Owens for twenty-three (23) years of dedicated service on the Southside Planning Commission.
The proclamation noted that Mrs. Owens was originally appointed on November 24, 2003, and faithfully served the citizens of Southside through her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to responsible community development. The proclamation further recognized her contributions to the review of development proposals, zoning matters, subdivision plats, and long-range planning initiatives that have helped shape the City’s growth over the past two decades.
The proclamation acknowledged Mrs. Owens’ resignation from the Planning Commission effective July 13, 2026, and expressed the City’s sincere appreciation for her years of volunteer public service and lasting contributions to the City of Southside.
Following the reading of the proclamation, Mayor Statum invited Mrs. Owens to the front of the Council Chambers, where she was presented with a commemorative plaque and recognized by the Mayor and City Council. The Mayor thanked Mrs. Owens for her twenty-three years of faithful service and wished her continued success in her future endeavors. Council Members joined the Mayor in expressing their appreciation for her dedication to the community. Mrs. Owens made photographs with the Mayor and Council
 PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Statum opened the duly advertised Public Hearing regarding proposed Ordinance No. 006-2026, amending portions of the City’s Zoning Ordinance.
The Mayor advised that the Planning Commission had previously reviewed and recommended approval of the amendment following its own public hearing, during which one favorable public comment had been received. The Mayor summarized the proposed amendments, explaining that the ordinance contained two changes applicable only to future residential construction:
• Increasing the minimum dwelling size from 1,400 square feet to 1,600 square feet; and
• Increasing the minimum roof pitch requirement from 4:12 to 6:12.
He emphasized that the proposed amendments would not affect existing homes, homes currently under construction, or projects with active building permits, but would apply only to future building permits issued after the ordinance became effective.
Before opening the floor for comments, the Mayor reviewed the procedures governing the public hearing. Citizens wishing to address the Council were instructed to state their name and address for the record and were limited to three (3) minutes. He further advised that comments were to be limited to the proposed ordinance and that the hearing was not intended to serve as a question-and-answer session or debate.
The Mayor called for public comments on three separate occasions.
No citizens appeared to speak.
The Mayor then requested comments from the City Council.
No comments were offered.
There being no further business before the Public Hearing, Mayor Statum declared the Public Hearing closed and thanked those in attendance for their participation. He further expressed his appreciation to the Council and City staff for their continued dedication to serving the citizens of Southside.
 The Work Session began at 5:12 p.m.
 Discussion – 2027 LRSI Grant Application
South Valley Road Safety Improvements
Mayor Statum opened the Work Session by advising the Council that several items required immediate consideration due to application deadlines and project schedules.
The first item discussed was the City’s proposed application for the 2027 Local Road Safety Initiative (LRSI) Grant for improvements along South Valley Road.
The Mayor explained that the project was selected by the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission and that the roadway had been identified as a strong candidate due to its narrow travel lanes, limited shoulders, roadside ditches, and documented accident history.
The proposed project would include roadway safety improvements designed to reduce lane-departure accidents and improve overall roadway safety.
The Mayor advised that the estimated total project cost was $301,308.84, with the grant providing 90 percent funding and the City’s required local match totaling approximately $30,130.89.
Because the grant application deadline was July 31, the Mayor requested immediate consideration authorizing submission of the application.
Council Member Danny Garnett stated that, as a resident of the South Valley Road area, he strongly supported the project, noting that the roadway is narrow, carries school bus traffic, contains dangerous curves and bridge approaches, and has experienced numerous accidents over the years. He stated that the proposed improvements would significantly enhance public safety.
Council Member Joseph Hutchins inquired whether the City’s matching funds would be budgeted during the current fiscal year or the upcoming budget cycle. Finance Director/Treasurer Nickie Pylant advised that the project would likely occur during the next fiscal year. It explained that, as with previous grant projects, the City would initially incur project costs before receiving reimbursement through the grant program.
Mayor Statum noted that, because the project is part of the 2027 grant cycle, the City’s matching funds would be included in the next budget year.
Following discussion, the Mayor advised that the item would be placed on the agenda later in the meeting for immediate consideration and formal action by the Council.
 Discussion – Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Police Vehicle
Mayor Statum presented a proposed resolution for discussion authorizing the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado for the Police Department.
The Mayor reviewed the financial details of the purchase, noting that the total purchase price of the vehicle was $57,759.35. The City would receive a $32,800.00 trade-in allowance for a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado, leaving a remaining balance of $17,975.85 to be paid from Special Police Funds. In addition, the emergency lighting and equipment upfit totaled $9,717.26, resulting in a total expenditure of $27,693.11 after application of the trade-in allowance.
The Mayor reminded the Council that the vehicle being replaced had accumulated approximately 95,000 miles and had experienced several mechanical issues requiring multiple repairs during the previous six months. The proposed purchase would improve the reliability of the Police Department fleet while utilizing Special Police Funds for the remaining purchase cost.
Following discussion, the Mayor advised that the resolution would be presented later in the meeting for immediate consideration.
 Discussion – Police Department Fall Fest Funding
Mayor Statum next discussed a proposed resolution authorizing the Police Department to purchase supplies for the City’s annual Fall Fest event using Special Police Funds, with the intention of reimbursing those funds through sponsorship donations.
The Mayor reported that several businesses and individuals had already committed financial support for the event, including an additional $2,000.00 in sponsorships recently pledged. He stated that approximately $6,000.00 would be needed initially to purchase candy, event supplies, promotional items, and T-shirts for the event.
The Mayor expressed confidence that the sponsorship campaign would fully reimburse the Special Police Funds while allowing the Police Department to begin purchasing supplies in advance of the event.
Council Members expressed their support for the annual Fall Fest and the Police Department’s continued efforts to expand the event for the community.
The item was placed on the agenda for immediate consideration.

 Discussion – TAP Grant Project Bid
Mayor Statum presented the results of the bid opening for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) School Drive Safety Improvement Project.
The Mayor reminded the Council that authorization had previously been granted to bid the project and explained that immediate consideration was necessary in order to authorize him to notify the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) of the City’s acceptance of the lowest responsive bidder.
Council reviewed the bid tabulation prepared by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC), which recommended award of the project to Temple J Electric for $457,411.37. The Mayor advised that GMC had reviewed the contractor’s qualifications and confirmed that the company was fully capable of completing the project. Although Temple J Electric would subcontract portions of the concrete work, GMC recommended award of the contract.
Council Member Shane Ham commented that the bid represented a significant savings when compared to earlier project estimates developed during the COVID-19 construction market. He stated that obtaining bids well below previous estimates would greatly benefit the City’s taxpayers while allowing the project to move forward.
Council Member Joseph Hutchins likewise expressed appreciation for the reduced project cost, noting that earlier estimates had exceeded $1 million before being refined to approximately $600,000, and that the accepted bid of $457,411.37 represented substantial savings. He further observed that the City’s local contribution would be approximately twenty percent of the project cost, with the remaining funding provided through the grant.
Mayor Statum agreed that the bid results represented excellent news for the City and stated that the project would provide significant pedestrian safety improvements in the school area while reducing the City’s financial obligation.
The item was placed on the agenda for immediate consideration.
 Discussion – Fire Department Personnel Actions
Fire Chief Wade Buckner addressed the Council regarding three personnel recommendations for immediate consideration.
The first recommendation was the promotion of Chris McCarver to the position of Captain.
Chief Buckner advised that Mr. McCarver had served as the department’s Training Officer for approximately two years and had performed exceptionally well in coordinating volunteer firefighter training and department-wide educational programs.
Chief Buckner further reported that the Fire Department’s recent improvement in its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating was attributable in large part to Mr. McCarver’s leadership in expanding training opportunities and maintaining required documentation. The proposed promotion included placement at Range 11, Step 11 of the City’s pay plan.
No objections were raised by the Council, and the item was scheduled for immediate consideration.
Chief Buckner next recommended the reclassification of Sean Nelson to the rank of Lieutenant.
Chief Buckner explained that Mr. Nelson had previously served in that position before voluntarily stepping away from those responsibilities during departmental restructuring. The recommendation would restore him to his previous supervisory rank based upon his current duties and responsibilities.
Council expressed no opposition, and the recommendation was placed on the agenda for immediate consideration.
Chief Buckner then recommended the reclassification of Tucker McGlaughn to Firefighter/Paramedic following his successful completion of paramedic certification.
Chief Buckner explained that the City maintains incentive pay classifications for Emergency Medical Technicians based upon certification level. Mr. McGlaughn had previously served as a Basic EMT and had now achieved full paramedic certification, qualifying him for advancement within the City’s established compensation plan.
The Council expressed its appreciation for the continued professional development of Fire Department personnel, and the recommendation was scheduled for immediate consideration.
 Discussion – Donation of Right-of-Way for ALDOT Bridge Project
Mayor Statum advised the Council that correspondence had been received from the Alabama Department of Transportation requesting that the City donate approximately 0.40 acres of City-owned property needed for the Highway 77 bridge replacement project.
The Mayor explained that the City had the option of requesting an appraisal and compensation for the property or voluntarily donating the required right-of-way in order to prevent delays in the project. He further advised that ALDOT anticipated advertising the bridge project for construction as early as September if all necessary right-of-way acquisitions were completed.
Council Member Shane Hamm stated that he supported donating the property to keep the project moving forward.
Council Member Danny Garnett advised that the Southside Water Works Board had taken similar action during its recent meeting by approving donation of the property under its ownership.
Council Member Joseph Hutchins recalled that the City had originally acquired the property with the expectation that it would eventually be needed for the bridge replacement project and stated that donating the right-of-way was consistent with the City’s original intent.
Following discussion, the Council reached a consensus supporting donation of the required right-of-way, and the matter was placed on the agenda for immediate consideration during New Business.
 OLD BUSINESS
• Ordinance No. 006-2026, Amending Zoning Ordinance No. 0-231-2004
Mayor Statum brought before the Council for consideration Ordinance No. 006-2026, amending portions of the City’s Zoning Ordinance as previously discussed during the Public Hearing.
The Mayor reminded the Council that the ordinance had been reviewed and recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and that the required public hearing had been conducted immediately before the Council meeting. No public comments had been received during the hearing.
A motion was made by Council Member Shane Hamm to adopt Ordinance No. 006-2026.
The motion was seconded by Council Member Danny Garnett.
Required Roll Call Vote :
• Keith Clay – Yes
• Jennifer McGriff – Yes
• Joseph Hutchins – Yes
• Shane Ham – Yes
• Danny Garnett – Yes
• Mayor Joey Statum – Yes
Motion carried unanimously (6-0). Ordinance No. 006-2026 was declared adopted.
 NEW BUSINESS
• Resolution Authorizing Application for the 2027 LRSI Grant
Mayor Statum presented the resolution authorizing submission of the City’s application for the 2027 Local Road Safety Initiative (LRSI) Grant for safety improvements on South Valley Road.
Following discussion during the Work Session, a motion was made by Danny Garnett and seconded by Joseph Hutchins to approve the resolution and authorize the Mayor to execute all necessary application documents. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion passed unanimously.
• Resolution Authorizing Purchase of Police Vehicle
The Council considered the resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado for the Police Department, together with the associated lighting and equipment upfit, utilizing the approved trade-in allowance and Special Police Funds as outlined during the Work Session.
A motion was made by Keith Clay to approve the Resolution and seconded by Shane Hamm. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion passed unanimously.
• Resolution Authorizing Fall Fest Purchases
The Council next considered the resolution authorizing the Police Department to purchase supplies for the City’s annual Fall Fest utilizing Special Police Funds, with reimbursement to occur through sponsorship donations received for the event.
A motion was made by Shane Hamm and seconded by Danny Garnett to approve the Resolution. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion passed unanimously.
• Acceptance of Bid – School Drive Safety Improvement Project
Mayor Statum presented the recommendation to accept the lowest responsible bid submitted by Temple J Electric for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) School Drive Safety Improvement Project.
The proposed action also authorized the Mayor to execute the necessary acceptance documents and notify the Alabama Department of Transportation so the project could proceed.
A motion was made by Danny Garnett to accept the bid and authorize the Mayor to execute the required documents. Following a second by Keith Clay, Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion passed unanimously.
• Fire Department Personnel Actions
The Council considered the recommendation to promote Chris McCarver to the position of Captain.
A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Jennifer McGriff. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion passed unanimously.
• Reclassification – Shawn Nelson
The Council considered the recommendation to reclassify Shawn Nelson to the rank of Lieutenant.
A motion was made by Keith Clay and seconded by Shane Hamm to reclassify firefighter Nelson.
Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion passed unanimously.
• Reclassification – Tucker McGlaughn
The Council next considered the recommendation to reclassify Tucker McGlaughn to the position of Firefighter/Paramedic following completion of his paramedic certification.
A motion was made for approval by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Shane Hamm. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion passed unanimously.
• Donation of Right-of-Way for ALDOT Bridge Project
Mayor Statum presented the request from the Alabama Department of Transportation seeking donation of approximately 0.40 acres of City-owned property needed for the Highway 77 bridge replacement project.
Following discussion during the Work Session, a motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Shane Hamm. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion passed unanimously, authorizing donation of the required right-of-way and execution of the necessary documents.

 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Statum called for public comments.
No one requested to address the Council.
• COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
• Council Member Clay had no comments
• Council Member McGriff had no comments
• Council Member Hutchins expressed appreciation to everyone involved in bringing the School Drive Safety Improvement Project to fruition. He noted that the City had been able to significantly reduce the anticipated cost of the project while maintaining the scope of work and stated that the improvements would greatly enhance pedestrian safety for students and families utilizing the school campus.
• Council Member Hamm commented that the City was experiencing significant growth and progress, referencing continued commercial development along Highway 77, the School Drive Safety Improvement Project, ongoing construction activity, and improvements associated with Johnson’s Giant Foods and Southside Pharmacy. He also expressed appreciation for the Council’s support of the Police Department’s Fall Fest activities, noting that the annual event continues to attract visitors from throughout Etowah County and has become one of the City’s signature community events.
• Council Member Garnett stated that the School Drive Safety Improvement Project would become an important component of the City’s long-range recreational and athletic complex, complementing future improvements including the tennis courts and providing safe pedestrian crossings, improved lighting, and enhanced access throughout the area.
 MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Statum expressed his appreciation to the City Council, City employees, and department heads for their continued dedication and stated that numerous positive projects were underway throughout the City.
The Mayor announced the following upcoming events and meetings:
• Coosa Riverkeeper ribbon cutting at the Southside Landing.
• Planning Commission Meeting.
• Regular City Council Meeting.
• Taste of the Town Food Truck Festival.
• Continued collection of donations for Feed the Hungry.
• Weekly Farmers Market at City Hall.
Council Member Jennifer McGriff also encouraged consideration of supporting the New Life for Women fundraising banquet, explaining that the organization has positively impacted many individuals and families throughout the region through substance abuse recovery services.
Mayor Statum further announced that Southside Baptist Church had invited all City employees, elected officials, police officers, firefighters, library staff, Parks and Recreation employees, and other City personnel to an employee appreciation luncheon.
To allow employees the opportunity to attend together, Mayor Statum announced that City Hall would be temporarily closed from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, after which normal business operations would resume. He thanked the church and its members for their continued support and appreciation of City employees.
 ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, a motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Danny Garnett to adjourn.
Mayor Statum stated All in favor, say aye—all ayes. The motion passed unanimously.
Mayor Statum declared the meeting adjourned.