Council Meeting Minutes 11-12-2025

 CITY OF SOUTHSIDE

COUNTY OF ETOWAH

STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside convened in a regular meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. 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 Councilwoman Jennifer McGriff leading the prayer.

The following were present: 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 then asked the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes for the regular council meeting held on October 28, 2025, and if not, was there a motion to suspend the reading of the minutes and vote to approve them. Keith Clay motioned to approve the minutes, and Danny Garnett seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The motion carried

Mayor Statum then asked the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes for the Organizational meeting held on November 3, 2025, and if not, was there a motion to suspend the reading of the minutes and vote to approve them. Keith Clay motioned to approve the minutes, and Joseph Hutchins seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The motion carried

The council then entered its work session at 5:04.

The first item was department reports for the Police and Fire Departments. The mayor stated that each month, the Police Chief and Fire Chief will be giving reports on statistics and activities of their departments.

Police Chief Jarret Williams started out by thanking all the businesses and individuals who had sponsored and given their time to the fall fest.  He then went over the Police Department statistics for the month of October.

Fire Chief Wade Buckner went over the Fire Department statistics, pointing out a much-improved response time for the department of 3 minutes and 51 seconds. He attributed this largely to full-time staffing and changes in dispatching. He stated that the newly approved brush truck has been ordered, and he thanked Rainbow City for providing their electrician to wire the new building at the landing that houses the rescue boat.

Next, Mayor Statum stated that even though his goal was not to vote on work session items on the same night they were first presented, there would be 3 items on this agenda that would possibly be added to the agenda for consideration tonight.

The first item was a Resolution regarding the SSUT tax, which the majority of municipalities are trying to pass for Representative Mark Gidley to present collectively in Montgomery tomorrow. The mayor explained that SSUT tax is a state tax levied on all items ordered online. This tax is collected from the entire state, then distributed by population, based on the most recent census. He stated that the City of Southside is receiving around $850,000. /Year.  He stated that 16% of the tax collected in the State of Alabama is SSUT tax. The City of Southside is right at 10%, and growing. He explained that five municipalities in the state, particularly Tuscaloosa, are suing the state, seeking a higher percentage of SSUT tax. This is due largely to a transient population of students living in their cities temporarily, who are never counted toward their populations. They do not think the distribution of the tax is fair. All the other municipalities are presenting the Resolutions as a combined effort to continue the distribution as is. The mayor asked the council to discuss and add this item to the new business for tonight, so the Resolution can be sent to Montgomery with the others. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add this item to the agenda. Shane Hamm provided a second. Mayor Statum asked for any discussion. There was none. He then stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The Resolution will be added to the agenda.

The next discussion was an item from the November 3 Organizational meeting. The mayor stated that he and the council had just attended the Alabama League of Municipalities Orientation in Huntsville, where they discovered that all administrative officer appointees should be confirmed by a roll call vote of the council, which they had not done. The mayor stated that these appointments should be on tonight’s agenda to reaffirm through a roll-call vote individually. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add the reaffirmations to the agenda. Keith Clay seconded. Mayor Statum asked for any more discussion, but there was none. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The roll call votes will be added to the agenda.

Discussion of Police Vehicles. The mayor stated that the United States is facing a chip shortage for automobile manufacturers again, which would most likely lead to difficulty getting new vehicles. He then pointed out that the Council budgeted 2 new Police Pursuit Vehicles for the fiscal year, which were planned to be purchased after the first of the calendar year off the State Bid List. He explained that this past week, one of these vehicles became immediately available; however, the mayor was unable to give immediate confirmation that the city would purchase the vehicle at this time, so another agency was able to purchase the vehicle. He is requesting council permission to purchase the vehicles as they become available through the state bid, should this situation arise again. He stated that the vehicles scheduled to be replaced are approaching 100,000 miles each, and if the city waits, it could potentially be a year or more before replacements are available. He is requesting council approval to purchase the vehicles if they become immediately available again. He would like to discuss this and get a motion to add this to the agenda as well. Joseph Hutchens made a motion to add this to the agenda, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The mayor asked for any discussion, but there was none. The mayor stated All in favor, say aye. All ayes. The Item was added to the agenda.

An easement was presented from Alabama Power for an updated easement on the Burtons’ property for the movement of the power supply on the property. This is the second easement requested by the power company, reflecting a small change in the language of the document. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the mayor to sign the easement, and Keith Clay seconded. Mayor Statum asked if there was more discussion; there was none. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. Permission to execute the easement was approved.

Next for Discussion was the use of BMF for outfitting lights on a police vehicle, and some service work for the city. The mayor stated that because the shop’s owner, Baylon Fry, is a city employee, he and the staff had done their due diligence to ensure exactly what work can be done without violations of the state ethics laws. Mayor Statum then read an excerpt from the Code of Alabama 1975 § 11-43-12.1, dealing with employees in class 8 municipalities providing services to the municipality, which allows for employees to provide services up to $3000.00 annually to the municipality, if they are the only domiciled provider of said services in the municipality. Any services above that amount are subject to a competitive bid process. The mayor stated that the service they wish to use BMF for is to put lights on the former administrative vehicle, now driven by Thomas Hunt, and that the city can purchase the lights and have BMF install them at $100.00/ hour versus the state bid price of over $7000.00. The mayor stated that eventually the City would like to do a competitive bid for a service contract for vehicle maintenance. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add this item to the agenda, and Danny Garnett provided a second. Mayor Statum asked for additional discussion, but there was none. He then stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. This item will be added to the agenda.

Mayor Statum then discussed the City of Southside App, provided through OCV, which was created during the COVID-19 shutdown to help facilitate getting information to residents. The mayor stated that only 250 people had used the app in the past 90 days, and it costs the city $5,000 yearly. He would like the council to consider permitting him to cancel the app.  The council members were all in favor of cancelling the app.

The mayor explained to the council and constituents that his intent is to open up the door going into the hallway that contains the mayor’s office. His goal is to have a reception area for visitors to be greeted and directed to where they need to be from there. He plans to move the scan pad to the door that goes directly into the Finance Director’s and City Clerk’s offices. He stated that he was just letting everyone know his intent. This is a building maintenance project. He stated that there would be no additional charge for another scan pad, because they are moving one from another place in the building. He asked for comments, but there were none.

The mayor stated that the council needs to consider advertising in the county basketball tournament magazine, similar to a media guide. He stated that the tournament is actually hosted by Southside this year, and the city has bought this ad before. The cost is $995 with Wheeles Marketing Group. He would like this to be on the next agenda for a council vote. The council discussed, and all were in favor.

The mayor stated that the council needs to consider a sponsorship for the Dec 7 Christmas Boat Parade. This is a partnership with Rainbow City, Southside, and the Neely Henry Lake Association. This is a $200.00 sponsorship. This will be on the next agenda for a vote.

He then asked if there was further discussion; there was none.

The work session ended at 5:35, and the council proceeded to the Regular Agenda

The first item on the council agenda was to re-affirm Cindy Beshears as the City Clerk. The mayor explained that a roll-call vote was needed for all administrative appointments from the November 3, 2025, Organizational Meeting. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the appointment; Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The appointment was reaffirmed.

After the clerk was reaffirmed, she took over the reaffirming of the following appointments:

Nickie Pylant as City Treasurer. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve; Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES the appointment was approved.

Jarrett Williams as Police Chief. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

Wade Buckner as Fire Chief. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

Shelnutt and Varner as City Attorneys. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

The Honorable Kristi Hammonds Owens as Municipal Judge. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

Jacob Millican as Municipal Prosecutor as. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

Shelnutt and Varner as Municipal Prosecutors. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

Crystal Franklin as Municipal Court Clerk. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

MDA Professional Group P.C. as Municipal Auditors. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Shane Hamm provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

A Resolution was added from the work session, allowing the Mayor to purchase up to 2 Tahoes from McSweeney Automotive off the state bid list for the Police Department. The current state bid price for a Tahoe is $49,643.75. Councilman Hutchins expressed concern about the increasing price and turnaround time to amend the resolution being a potential problem. The council discussed the issue and asked the Clerk to amend the Resolution to reflect a cost of up to $55,000.00 per vehicle. Keith Clay made a motion to approve the mayor to buy the vehicle, and Joseph Hutchins provided a second. The mayor asked for a discussion. There was none. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was added from the work session authorizing the Mayor to execute the second easements with Alabama Power on the Johnson’s building. Danny Garnett made a motion; Joseph Hutchins made a second. The mayor asked for any further discussion. There was none. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was added from the work session opposing a change in the way the State of Alabama distributes SSUT taxes. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution; Jennifer McGriff provided a second. The mayor asked for any further discussion. There was none. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The Resolution was approved.

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins to approve the use of BMF Service for the outfitting of a police vehicle. Keith Clay made the second. The mayor asked for any further discussion. There was none. The mayor then stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mayor Statum then asked for public comments: There were none.

The mayor then made the following announcements:

• There will be a “Breakfast with Joey” for Small Businesses on November 14, 2025, at the City of Southside Community Center from 7:30 A.M. until 8:30 A.M.
• The bid packet for the lighting upgrade for the Softball Fields will be available on Friday from the City Clerk
• There will be the Christmas Village at the Community Center on Saturday morning from 9 am to 3 pm. It is indoor and outdoor.
• There will be a “Town Hall Meeting” on November 17, 2025, at the City of Southside Community Center from 5:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M.
• There will be a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 5:00 P.M.
• The City Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade will be on December 8. Parade line-up is at 5, Parade starts at 6.
• The City Employee Annual Safety Luncheon is on December 23 at noon. City Offices will be closing at Noon.
• There will be an executive session to discuss economic development opportunities after council comments. The meeting will not reconvene.
• The City Council Meeting Scheduled for December 23 will be changed to December 22 due to Christmas Holidays

Mayor Statum then asked the council individually if anyone had anything to add:

Keith Clay had nothing

Jennifer McGriff had nothing

Joseph Hutchins congratulated the Southside Panther Youth C and A teams for winning their league championships this year. The C team went undefeated, and the A team was 11-1. He praised players, cheerleaders, and parents of the group.

Shane Hamm invited all first responders and City Council members to 1^st United Methodist Church of Rainbow City for First Responder Sunday.

Danny Garnett appreciated the Veterans Breakfast and stated it was a great success. He also stated that the SSUT tax resolution was expected after prior conversations had in Montgomery.

The mayor thanked everyone for being present

He then stated he would now entertain a motion to go into executive session. Joseph Hutchins made a motion, and Danny Garnett gave a Second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The mayor stated that there would be a 5-minute recess before the executive session.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:55

                                                                                    SIGNED:

                                                                                    ___________________________________

                                                                                     Joey Statum, Mayor

ATTEST:

__________________________________

Cindy Beshears, City Clerk

 CITY OF SOUTHSIDE

COUNTY OF ETOWAH

STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside convened in a regular meeting in Council Chambers at City Hall on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. 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 Councilwoman Jennifer McGriff leading the prayer.

The following were present: 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 then asked the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes for the regular council meeting held on October 28, 2025, and if not, was there a motion to suspend the reading of the minutes and vote to approve them. Keith Clay motioned to approve the minutes, and Danny Garnett seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The motion carried

Mayor Statum then asked the council if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes for the Organizational meeting held on November 3, 2025, and if not, was there a motion to suspend the reading of the minutes and vote to approve them. Keith Clay motioned to approve the minutes, and Joseph Hutchins seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The motion carried

The council then entered its work session at 5:04.

The first item was department reports for the Police and Fire Departments. The mayor stated that each month, the Police Chief and Fire Chief will be giving reports on statistics and activities of their departments.

Police Chief Jarret Williams started out by thanking all the businesses and individuals who had sponsored and given their time to the fall fest.  He then went over the Police Department statistics for the month of October.

Fire Chief Wade Buckner went over the Fire Department statistics, pointing out a much-improved response time for the department of 3 minutes and 51 seconds. He attributed this largely to full-time staffing and changes in dispatching. He stated that the newly approved brush truck has been ordered, and he thanked Rainbow City for providing their electrician to wire the new building at the landing that houses the rescue boat.

Next, Mayor Statum stated that even though his goal was not to vote on work session items on the same night they were first presented, there would be 3 items on this agenda that would possibly be added to the agenda for consideration tonight.

The first item was a Resolution regarding the SSUT tax, which the majority of municipalities are trying to pass for Representative Mark Gidley to present collectively in Montgomery tomorrow. The mayor explained that SSUT tax is a state tax levied on all items ordered online. This tax is collected from the entire state, then distributed by population, based on the most recent census. He stated that the City of Southside is receiving around $850,000. /Year.  He stated that 16% of the tax collected in the State of Alabama is SSUT tax. The City of Southside is right at 10%, and growing. He explained that five municipalities in the state, particularly Tuscaloosa, are suing the state, seeking a higher percentage of SSUT tax. This is due largely to a transient population of students living in their cities temporarily, who are never counted toward their populations. They do not think the distribution of the tax is fair. All the other municipalities are presenting the Resolutions as a combined effort to continue the distribution as is. The mayor asked the council to discuss and add this item to the new business for tonight, so the Resolution can be sent to Montgomery with the others. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add this item to the agenda. Shane Hamm provided a second. Mayor Statum asked for any discussion. There was none. He then stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The Resolution will be added to the agenda.

The next discussion was an item from the November 3 Organizational meeting. The mayor stated that he and the council had just attended the Alabama League of Municipalities Orientation in Huntsville, where they discovered that all administrative officer appointees should be confirmed by a roll call vote of the council, which they had not done. The mayor stated that these appointments should be on tonight’s agenda to reaffirm through a roll-call vote individually. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add the reaffirmations to the agenda. Keith Clay seconded. Mayor Statum asked for any more discussion, but there was none. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The roll call votes will be added to the agenda.

Discussion of Police Vehicles. The mayor stated that the United States is facing a chip shortage for automobile manufacturers again, which would most likely lead to difficulty getting new vehicles. He then pointed out that the Council budgeted 2 new Police Pursuit Vehicles for the fiscal year, which were planned to be purchased after the first of the calendar year off the State Bid List. He explained that this past week, one of these vehicles became immediately available; however, the mayor was unable to give immediate confirmation that the city would purchase the vehicle at this time, so another agency was able to purchase the vehicle. He is requesting council permission to purchase the vehicles as they become available through the state bid, should this situation arise again. He stated that the vehicles scheduled to be replaced are approaching 100,000 miles each, and if the city waits, it could potentially be a year or more before replacements are available. He is requesting council approval to purchase the vehicles if they become immediately available again. He would like to discuss this and get a motion to add this to the agenda as well. Joseph Hutchens made a motion to add this to the agenda, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The mayor asked for any discussion, but there was none. The mayor stated All in favor, say aye. All ayes. The Item was added to the agenda.

An easement was presented from Alabama Power for an updated easement on the Burtons’ property for the movement of the power supply on the property. This is the second easement requested by the power company, reflecting a small change in the language of the document. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the mayor to sign the easement, and Keith Clay seconded. Mayor Statum asked if there was more discussion; there was none. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. Permission to execute the easement was approved.

Next for Discussion was the use of BMF for outfitting lights on a police vehicle, and some service work for the city. The mayor stated that because the shop’s owner, Baylon Fry, is a city employee, he and the staff had done their due diligence to ensure exactly what work can be done without violations of the state ethics laws. Mayor Statum then read an excerpt from the Code of Alabama 1975 § 11-43-12.1, dealing with employees in class 8 municipalities providing services to the municipality, which allows for employees to provide services up to $3000.00 annually to the municipality, if they are the only domiciled provider of said services in the municipality. Any services above that amount are subject to a competitive bid process. The mayor stated that the service they wish to use BMF for is to put lights on the former administrative vehicle, now driven by Thomas Hunt, and that the city can purchase the lights and have BMF install them at $100.00/ hour versus the state bid price of over $7000.00. The mayor stated that eventually the City would like to do a competitive bid for a service contract for vehicle maintenance. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add this item to the agenda, and Danny Garnett provided a second. Mayor Statum asked for additional discussion, but there was none. He then stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. This item will be added to the agenda.

Mayor Statum then discussed the City of Southside App, provided through OCV, which was created during the COVID-19 shutdown to help facilitate getting information to residents. The mayor stated that only 250 people had used the app in the past 90 days, and it costs the city $5,000 yearly. He would like the council to consider permitting him to cancel the app.  The council members were all in favor of cancelling the app.

The mayor explained to the council and constituents that his intent is to open up the door going into the hallway that contains the mayor’s office. His goal is to have a reception area for visitors to be greeted and directed to where they need to be from there. He plans to move the scan pad to the door that goes directly into the Finance Director’s and City Clerk’s offices. He stated that he was just letting everyone know his intent. This is a building maintenance project. He stated that there would be no additional charge for another scan pad, because they are moving one from another place in the building. He asked for comments, but there were none.

The mayor stated that the council needs to consider advertising in the county basketball tournament magazine, similar to a media guide. He stated that the tournament is actually hosted by Southside this year, and the city has bought this ad before. The cost is $995 with Wheeles Marketing Group. He would like this to be on the next agenda for a council vote. The council discussed, and all were in favor.

The mayor stated that the council needs to consider a sponsorship for the Dec 7 Christmas Boat Parade. This is a partnership with Rainbow City, Southside, and the Neely Henry Lake Association. This is a $200.00 sponsorship. This will be on the next agenda for a vote.

He then asked if there was further discussion; there was none.

The work session ended at 5:35, and the council proceeded to the Regular Agenda

The first item on the council agenda was to re-affirm Cindy Beshears as the City Clerk. The mayor explained that a roll-call vote was needed for all administrative appointments from the November 3, 2025, Organizational Meeting. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the appointment; Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The appointment was reaffirmed.

After the clerk was reaffirmed, she took over the reaffirming of the following appointments:

Nickie Pylant as City Treasurer. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve; Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES the appointment was approved.

Jarrett Williams as Police Chief. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

Wade Buckner as Fire Chief. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

Shelnutt and Varner as City Attorneys. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

The Honorable Kristi Hammonds Owens as Municipal Judge. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

Jacob Millican as Municipal Prosecutor as. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

Shelnutt and Varner as Municipal Prosecutors. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Keith Clay provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

Crystal Franklin as Municipal Court Clerk. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Danny Garnett provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

MDA Professional Group P.C. as Municipal Auditors. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve, and Shane Hamm provided a second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES, the appointment was approved.

A Resolution was added from the work session, allowing the Mayor to purchase up to 2 Tahoes from McSweeney Automotive off the state bid list for the Police Department. The current state bid price for a Tahoe is $49,643.75. Councilman Hutchins expressed concern about the increasing price and turnaround time to amend the resolution being a potential problem. The council discussed the issue and asked the Clerk to amend the Resolution to reflect a cost of up to $55,000.00 per vehicle. Keith Clay made a motion to approve the mayor to buy the vehicle, and Joseph Hutchins provided a second. The mayor asked for a discussion. There was none. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was added from the work session authorizing the Mayor to execute the second easements with Alabama Power on the Johnson’s building. Danny Garnett made a motion; Joseph Hutchins made a second. The mayor asked for any further discussion. There was none. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The Resolution was approved.

A Resolution was added from the work session opposing a change in the way the State of Alabama distributes SSUT taxes. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution; Jennifer McGriff provided a second. The mayor asked for any further discussion. There was none. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The Resolution was approved.

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins to approve the use of BMF Service for the outfitting of a police vehicle. Keith Clay made the second. The mayor asked for any further discussion. There was none. The mayor then stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The motion carried.

Mayor Statum then asked for public comments: There were none.

The mayor then made the following announcements:

• There will be a “Breakfast with Joey” for Small Businesses on November 14, 2025, at the City of Southside Community Center from 7:30 A.M. until 8:30 A.M.
• The bid packet for the lighting upgrade for the Softball Fields will be available on Friday from the City Clerk
• There will be the Christmas Village at the Community Center on Saturday morning from 9 am to 3 pm. It is indoor and outdoor.
• There will be a “Town Hall Meeting” on November 17, 2025, at the City of Southside Community Center from 5:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M.
• There will be a Regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 5:00 P.M.
• The City Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade will be on December 8. Parade line-up is at 5, Parade starts at 6.
• The City Employee Annual Safety Luncheon is on December 23 at noon. City Offices will be closing at Noon.
• There will be an executive session to discuss economic development opportunities after council comments. The meeting will not reconvene.
• The City Council Meeting Scheduled for December 23 will be changed to December 22 due to Christmas Holidays

Mayor Statum then asked the council individually if anyone had anything to add:

Keith Clay had nothing

Jennifer McGriff had nothing

Joseph Hutchins congratulated the Southside Panther Youth C and A teams for winning their league championships this year. The C team went undefeated, and the A team was 11-1. He praised players, cheerleaders, and parents of the group.

Shane Hamm invited all first responders and City Council members to 1^st United Methodist Church of Rainbow City for First Responder Sunday.

Danny Garnett appreciated the Veterans Breakfast and stated it was a great success. He also stated that the SSUT tax resolution was expected after prior conversations had in Montgomery.

The mayor thanked everyone for being present

He then stated he would now entertain a motion to go into executive session. Joseph Hutchins made a motion, and Danny Garnett gave a Second. The Roll Call Vote was ALL AYES. The mayor stated that there would be a 5-minute recess before the executive session.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:55

                                                                                    SIGNED:

                                                                                    ___________________________________

                                                                                     Joey Statum, Mayor

ATTEST:

__________________________________

Cindy Beshears, City Clerk