Call us today
(256) 442-9775December 12, 2025
Council Meeting Minutes 11-25-2025
Agenda
CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
COUNTY OF ETOWAH
STATE OF ALABAMA
The City Council of the City of Southside convened in a regular meeting at Southside Community Center on Tuesday, November 25, 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 Councilman Joseph Hutchins 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.
The mayor then stated that he had 2 proclamations to present: One to the Panther Youth Association Football “C” team and Cheerleaders, and one to the Panther Youth Association Football “A” team and Cheerleaders. The mayor asked that the “C” team players, cheerleaders, and coaches in attendance come to the front to be recognized. He then read the proclamation recognizing the team’s successful season and had pictures made with the mayor and council. Mayor Statum then called the “A” team players, cheerleaders, and coaches who were in attendance to the front to be recognized. He read the proclamation recognizing the “A” team’s success as well, and had pictures made with the team, cheerleaders, coaches, and council.
The mayor recognized Jared Kirby and Kimberly Adams from AlabamaOne Credit Union, which is expected to open in the old bank building at the corner of Cedar Bend Rd and Hwy 77 in the first quarter of 2026. Mr. Kirby addressed the audience and thanked the mayor and council for their recognition. He stated that AlabamaOne is excited to be bringing its products to Southside.
The council then entered its work session at 5:15.
The mayor stated that he expects to receive an MOU from the DOT regarding the rights of way and retention pond along Highway 77 in Southside. The mayor said that the expected MOU should reflect a conversation he had with DOT, agreeing that they would clear the rights of way and retention pond areas twice yearly, and the city street department would help to maintain in between. He stated that he would let the council know the specifics when he received the MOU.
Mayor Statum stated that there is a vacancy on the City’s Water Board, created when the council representative to the Water Board, John Hatley, did not run for re-election. The mayor stated that he would like the council to approve the appointment of Danny Garnett as the council’s representative to the water board. Councilman Garnett has experience on the board and would be able to adjust quickly. He opened the meeting for discussion on the matter. Councilman Garnett addressed the council and audience and stated that it would be his honor to serve on the water board again. He said it is a great group to work with. Councilman Hutchins motioned to add the appointment to the agenda. Councilman Hamm provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor, say aye. All ayes. The appointment will be added to the agenda.
The mayor stated that he is working on a list for the spring paving project. He said he already has a list from Public Works and other departments, and he is asking the council members to send him emails of areas they have concerns about. He asked audience members and livestream viewers to contact council members with their concerns. He stated that he is just compiling information at this time.
The mayor informed the council that the library would be applying for the LSTA grant from the State. It is a $10,000 grant with no match from the city. He stated that the library has historically always applied for this grant with success, until last year, when funds were frozen by the federal government. He stated that he just wanted to make the council aware of the application.
The mayor then brought up the annual employee safety incentive, which is a one-time raise. $300.00 for full-time and $150.00 for part-time. He stated that this is an item that was left out of the budget, but there would be an amendment prepared to facilitate it. He stated that this would need to be added to tonight’s agenda if the council wished to do it, and opened the floor for discussion. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add this to the agenda, and Danny Garnett provided a second. This item will be added to tonight’s agenda.
The mayor reminded the council of their prior discussion regarding the two budgeted patrol vehicles for the police department, which involved vehicles from McSweeney Automotive Group, which holds the state bid contract. The mayor stated that McSweeny still has none of the desired vehicles available, but Donohoo Chevrolet in Fort Payne does have availability. He stated that this would require council permission to allow the clerk to let out bids and see if a satisfactory bid is received. He would like to add this item to tonight’s agenda. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add the item, and Jennifer McGriff provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The item will be added to the agenda.
The mayor informed the council that the current copier/printer contract for City Hall has expired. He stated that he is in negotiations with 2 different companies for a contract to provide equipment and service. He is asking for council permission to sign a contract with whichever is deemed the best choice, and would like to add this to tonight’s agenda as well. Shane Hamm made a motion to add the item, and Danny Garnett seconded. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The item will be added.
Mayor Statum gave an update on the Powell Street property, which the city recently purchased to eliminate a long-suffering drainage issue. He stated that he has a contractor and engineer looking at the house, and they think they have figured out a way to mitigate the water issue at the house, so the city can repair the issue and get the house sold, and try to recoup some of the cost. He stated that he does not have a dollar amount or final plans as of yet, but he is just passing information. He stated that he will relay the information once he gets it.
Mayor Statum then recognized councilman Joseph Hutchins to speak on a potential city project to develop a tennis/pickleball court area on property currently owned by the Etowah County Board of Education. The councilman said that he, Councilman Clay, and Mayor Statum had met with a designer to get a good idea of the scope of the project for potential tennis and pickleball courts behind the competition gym. He stated that during that meeting, he believes they were able to formulate a plan for a good starting point, and the actual multiple-phase plan was sent to him last night from Goodwyn, Mills, Cawood. They had asked GMC for an overall cost assessment for the project, then a phase 1, phase 2 of the necessities, and then the cost of the additional “wants” to complete the project. He stated that before there could be any forward movement on this project, there had to be engineering done. He told the council that in the information provided to them from GMC, there is a contract covering construction documentation, site analysis, design and development, bidding, construction administration, topographic survey, geotechnical boring, and environmental stream for the fee of $155,500. This covers the entirety of these things for the project from start to finish. He stated he would like to discuss this tonight, and then the council will have 2 weeks to look over the information. He would like to see it on the December 9 meeting agenda for a vote. The mayor asked if there was any discussion. The mayor stated that he had talked to Dr. Alan Cosby, Etowah County Superintendent, about the property, which belongs to the Board of Education, and informed him of the discussion to be held tonight involving the property. Dr. Cosby stated that this would require a vote of the board; however, he feels like there is 100% support for this project, and he thinks the board will be willing to donate the property to the city. He told Mayor Statum that once the council had discussed the project, he would present it to the board. Mayor Statum said that he will not “get the cart before the horse” on this project, and he will not spend any money on the property if the city does not own it. He said the council feels like this is something that the citizens want and that the school actually needs, so they can stop renting tennis courts to practice and play. He asked if the public had any problems with the project, to please get in touch with him or a council member before the next meeting.
The council work session ended at 5:34.
Old Business:
The first item was a second Resolution regarding the SSUT tax, which the majority of municipalities are trying to pass to present collectively in Montgomery. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. 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 was approved.
The $200.00 sponsorship of the Christmas Boat Parade for the Neely Henry Lake Association was presented for approval. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the sponsorship. Shane Hamm provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor, say aye. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The approval to appoint Danny Garnett to the water board vacancy was added from the work session. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the appointment, and Keith Clay provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes, the motion carried.
The approval of the Employees’ one-time annual safety incentive was added from the work session. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the incentive. Danny Garnett provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes, the motion carried.
A Resolution was added from the work session to approve the clerk to let out bids on a 2026 Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle for the Police Department. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. Jennifer McGriff made a second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Approval for the mayor to execute a contract for copiers/printers in City Hall was added from the work session. Keith Clay made a motion to approve. Shane Hamm provided the second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The Finance Director, Nickie Pylant, was recognized and asked permission for the library to apply for a Pizza Hut grant of $2000.00. The deadline to apply is November 30, so there is a need for immediate consideration. There is no match from the city. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add to the agenda, and Jennifer McGriff provided the second. The mayor stated all in favor, say aye. All ayes. The item was added to the agenda. Joseph Hutchins then made a motion to approve the grant application. Danny Garnett provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The mayor then opened the floor for Public Comments.
He recognized Southside Resident, former mayor Dana Snyder, who asked if the engineer looking at the Powell Street property would be looking at the effects downstream of any remedy that is devised on the property. Mayor Statum responded that he had not seen any final assessment, but that the entire situation would be evaluated, and that he is sure that the issue with the retention pond will have to be addressed to ultimately solve the problem.
He then asked for reports from the Chiefs of Police and Fire
Police Chief Jarrett Williams thanked the council for the opportunity to bid out the vehicle. He stated there would be a lengthy update at the December 9 council meeting.
Fire Chief Wade Buckner stated that the Annual Fire Dept Road Block will be this coming Saturday. The roadblock benefits their Christmas for kids program and the firefighter benevolence fund.
Mayor Statum then asked the council individually if anyone had anything to add:
Keith Clay had nothing
Jennifer McGriff had nothing
Joseph Hutchins thanked the Panther Youth Parents for bringing their children to the meeting to be recognized. He thanked the mayor and council for the recognition. He stated that all the all-star teams had won their games this past Saturday, and emphasized what great representation for the city that these young people are.
Shane Hamm thanked the representatives from AlabamaOne Credit Union for being in attendance and thanked them for investing in Southside.
Danny Garnett had nothing
The mayor then made the following announcements:
- The bid packet for the lighting upgrade for the Softball Fields will be available from the City Clerk. The bid opening will be on December 2 at 11:00 A.M. at City Hall
- The Neely Henry Boat Parade is December 7 at 6:00 P.M. at Southside Landing and Rainbow Landing.
- The City Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade will be on December 8. Parade line-up is at 5, Parade starts at 6.
- The next Regular Council Meeting is December 9, back at City Hall at 5:00 P.M.
- The City Employee Annual Safety Luncheon is on December 23 at noon. City Offices will be closing at Noon.
- The City Council Meeting Scheduled for December 23 will be changed to December 22 due to the Christmas Holidays
- All Thursday trash pick-up will be on Wednesday this week (one day early)
The mayor wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and then expressed how glad everyone is that Councilman Hutchins has fared well after being involved in a life-threatening work-related incident.
The mayor thanked everyone for being present
Joseph Hutchins made a motion to adjourn. Shane Hamm provided a second.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45
SIGNED:
___________________________________
Joey Statum, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Cindy Beshears, City Clerk
Minutes
CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
COUNTY OF ETOWAH
STATE OF ALABAMA
The City Council of the City of Southside convened in a regular meeting at Southside Community Center on Tuesday, November 25, 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 Councilman Joseph Hutchins 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.
The mayor then stated that he had 2 proclamations to present: One to the Panther Youth Association Football “C” team and Cheerleaders, and one to the Panther Youth Association Football “A” team and Cheerleaders. The mayor asked that the “C” team players, cheerleaders, and coaches in attendance come to the front to be recognized. He then read the proclamation recognizing the team’s successful season and had pictures made with the mayor and council. Mayor Statum then called the “A” team players, cheerleaders, and coaches who were in attendance to the front to be recognized. He read the proclamation recognizing the “A” team’s success as well, and had pictures made with the team, cheerleaders, coaches, and council.
The mayor recognized Jared Kirby and Kimberly Adams from AlabamaOne Credit Union, which is expected to open in the old bank building at the corner of Cedar Bend Rd and Hwy 77 in the first quarter of 2026. Mr. Kirby addressed the audience and thanked the mayor and council for their recognition. He stated that AlabamaOne is excited to be bringing its products to Southside.
The council then entered its work session at 5:15.
The mayor stated that he expects to receive an MOU from the DOT regarding the rights of way and retention pond along Highway 77 in Southside. The mayor said that the expected MOU should reflect a conversation he had with DOT, agreeing that they would clear the rights of way and retention pond areas twice yearly, and the city street department would help to maintain in between. He stated that he would let the council know the specifics when he received the MOU.
Mayor Statum stated that there is a vacancy on the City’s Water Board, created when the council representative to the Water Board, John Hatley, did not run for re-election. The mayor stated that he would like the council to approve the appointment of Danny Garnett as the council’s representative to the water board. Councilman Garnett has experience on the board and would be able to adjust quickly. He opened the meeting for discussion on the matter. Councilman Garnett addressed the council and audience and stated that it would be his honor to serve on the water board again. He said it is a great group to work with. Councilman Hutchins motioned to add the appointment to the agenda. Councilman Hamm provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor, say aye. All ayes. The appointment will be added to the agenda.
The mayor stated that he is working on a list for the spring paving project. He said he already has a list from Public Works and other departments, and he is asking the council members to send him emails of areas they have concerns about. He asked audience members and livestream viewers to contact council members with their concerns. He stated that he is just compiling information at this time.
The mayor informed the council that the library would be applying for the LSTA grant from the State. It is a $10,000 grant with no match from the city. He stated that the library has historically always applied for this grant with success, until last year, when funds were frozen by the federal government. He stated that he just wanted to make the council aware of the application.
The mayor then brought up the annual employee safety incentive, which is a one-time raise. $300.00 for full-time and $150.00 for part-time. He stated that this is an item that was left out of the budget, but there would be an amendment prepared to facilitate it. He stated that this would need to be added to tonight’s agenda if the council wished to do it, and opened the floor for discussion. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add this to the agenda, and Danny Garnett provided a second. This item will be added to tonight’s agenda.
The mayor reminded the council of their prior discussion regarding the two budgeted patrol vehicles for the police department, which involved vehicles from McSweeney Automotive Group, which holds the state bid contract. The mayor stated that McSweeny still has none of the desired vehicles available, but Donohoo Chevrolet in Fort Payne does have availability. He stated that this would require council permission to allow the clerk to let out bids and see if a satisfactory bid is received. He would like to add this item to tonight’s agenda. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add the item, and Jennifer McGriff provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All ayes. The item will be added to the agenda.
The mayor informed the council that the current copier/printer contract for City Hall has expired. He stated that he is in negotiations with 2 different companies for a contract to provide equipment and service. He is asking for council permission to sign a contract with whichever is deemed the best choice, and would like to add this to tonight’s agenda as well. Shane Hamm made a motion to add the item, and Danny Garnett seconded. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The item will be added.
Mayor Statum gave an update on the Powell Street property, which the city recently purchased to eliminate a long-suffering drainage issue. He stated that he has a contractor and engineer looking at the house, and they think they have figured out a way to mitigate the water issue at the house, so the city can repair the issue and get the house sold, and try to recoup some of the cost. He stated that he does not have a dollar amount or final plans as of yet, but he is just passing information. He stated that he will relay the information once he gets it.
Mayor Statum then recognized councilman Joseph Hutchins to speak on a potential city project to develop a tennis/pickleball court area on property currently owned by the Etowah County Board of Education. The councilman said that he, Councilman Clay, and Mayor Statum had met with a designer to get a good idea of the scope of the project for potential tennis and pickleball courts behind the competition gym. He stated that during that meeting, he believes they were able to formulate a plan for a good starting point, and the actual multiple-phase plan was sent to him last night from Goodwyn, Mills, Cawood. They had asked GMC for an overall cost assessment for the project, then a phase 1, phase 2 of the necessities, and then the cost of the additional “wants” to complete the project. He stated that before there could be any forward movement on this project, there had to be engineering done. He told the council that in the information provided to them from GMC, there is a contract covering construction documentation, site analysis, design and development, bidding, construction administration, topographic survey, geotechnical boring, and environmental stream for the fee of $155,500. This covers the entirety of these things for the project from start to finish. He stated he would like to discuss this tonight, and then the council will have 2 weeks to look over the information. He would like to see it on the December 9 meeting agenda for a vote. The mayor asked if there was any discussion. The mayor stated that he had talked to Dr. Alan Cosby, Etowah County Superintendent, about the property, which belongs to the Board of Education, and informed him of the discussion to be held tonight involving the property. Dr. Cosby stated that this would require a vote of the board; however, he feels like there is 100% support for this project, and he thinks the board will be willing to donate the property to the city. He told Mayor Statum that once the council had discussed the project, he would present it to the board. Mayor Statum said that he will not “get the cart before the horse” on this project, and he will not spend any money on the property if the city does not own it. He said the council feels like this is something that the citizens want and that the school actually needs, so they can stop renting tennis courts to practice and play. He asked if the public had any problems with the project, to please get in touch with him or a council member before the next meeting.
The council work session ended at 5:34.
Old Business:
The first item was a second Resolution regarding the SSUT tax, which the majority of municipalities are trying to pass to present collectively in Montgomery. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. 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 was approved.
The $200.00 sponsorship of the Christmas Boat Parade for the Neely Henry Lake Association was presented for approval. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the sponsorship. Shane Hamm provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor, say aye. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The approval to appoint Danny Garnett to the water board vacancy was added from the work session. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the appointment, and Keith Clay provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes, the motion carried.
The approval of the Employees’ one-time annual safety incentive was added from the work session. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the incentive. Danny Garnett provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes, the motion carried.
A Resolution was added from the work session to approve the clerk to let out bids on a 2026 Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle for the Police Department. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution. Jennifer McGriff made a second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The motion carried.
Approval for the mayor to execute a contract for copiers/printers in City Hall was added from the work session. Keith Clay made a motion to approve. Shane Hamm provided the second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The Finance Director, Nickie Pylant, was recognized and asked permission for the library to apply for a Pizza Hut grant of $2000.00. The deadline to apply is November 30, so there is a need for immediate consideration. There is no match from the city. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to add to the agenda, and Jennifer McGriff provided the second. The mayor stated all in favor, say aye. All ayes. The item was added to the agenda. Joseph Hutchins then made a motion to approve the grant application. Danny Garnett provided a second. The mayor stated All in favor say aye. All Ayes. The motion carried.
The mayor then opened the floor for Public Comments.
He recognized Southside Resident, former mayor Dana Snyder, who asked if the engineer looking at the Powell Street property would be looking at the effects downstream of any remedy that is devised on the property. Mayor Statum responded that he had not seen any final assessment, but that the entire situation would be evaluated, and that he is sure that the issue with the retention pond will have to be addressed to ultimately solve the problem.
He then asked for reports from the Chiefs of Police and Fire
Police Chief Jarrett Williams thanked the council for the opportunity to bid out the vehicle. He stated there would be a lengthy update at the December 9 council meeting.
Fire Chief Wade Buckner stated that the Annual Fire Dept Road Block will be this coming Saturday. The roadblock benefits their Christmas for kids program and the firefighter benevolence fund.
Mayor Statum then asked the council individually if anyone had anything to add:
Keith Clay had nothing
Jennifer McGriff had nothing
Joseph Hutchins thanked the Panther Youth Parents for bringing their children to the meeting to be recognized. He thanked the mayor and council for the recognition. He stated that all the all-star teams had won their games this past Saturday, and emphasized what great representation for the city that these young people are.
Shane Hamm thanked the representatives from AlabamaOne Credit Union for being in attendance and thanked them for investing in Southside.
Danny Garnett had nothing
The mayor then made the following announcements:
- The bid packet for the lighting upgrade for the Softball Fields will be available from the City Clerk. The bid opening will be on December 2 at 11:00 A.M. at City Hall
- The Neely Henry Boat Parade is December 7 at 6:00 P.M. at Southside Landing and Rainbow Landing.
- The City Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade will be on December 8. Parade line-up is at 5, Parade starts at 6.
- The next Regular Council Meeting is December 9, back at City Hall at 5:00 P.M.
- The City Employee Annual Safety Luncheon is on December 23 at noon. City Offices will be closing at Noon.
- The City Council Meeting Scheduled for December 23 will be changed to December 22 due to the Christmas Holidays
- All Thursday trash pick-up will be on Wednesday this week (one day early)
The mayor wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and then expressed how glad everyone is that Councilman Hutchins has fared well after being involved in a life-threatening work-related incident.
The mayor thanked everyone for being present
Joseph Hutchins made a motion to adjourn. Shane Hamm provided a second.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:45
SIGNED:
___________________________________
Joey Statum, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Cindy Beshears, City Clerk
