June 15, 2026

Council Minutes 05/26/2026

Agenda

TENTATIVE COUNCIL AGENDA June 09, 2026

Call to Order
Prayer
Pledge
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes

May 26, 2026 Regular Council Meeting

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

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

COUNCIL WORK SESSION:

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

OLD BUSINESS:

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

NEW BUSINESS:

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS (NON-AGENDA)
STATEMENTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL
ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Minutes

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE

COUNTY OF ETOWAH

STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside, Alabama, met in regular session on May 26, 2026, at the Southside City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Joey Statum called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Councilman Keith Clay 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.

Mayor Statum announced that the Council would enter into Executive Session at the conclusion of the meeting regarding matters of trade and commerce and stated there would be no further business following the Executive Session.

The first item on the agenda was the approval of the minutes of the May 12, 2026, Council Meeting. Councilman Clay made a motion to suspend the reading of the minutes and approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Hutchins seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The minutes were approved.

Mayor Statum then moved on to the Recognitions/Proclamations portion of the agenda and read a proclamation naming Colonel Joe Creel the inaugural recipient of the “Hometown Hero” designation, explaining that the program was created to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and leadership within the community and throughout their lifetime. Mayor Statum stated that the city planned to recognize one or two individuals annually and hoped to host a future reunion gathering honoring all recipients.

The mayor then presented the inaugural Hometown Heroes Proclamation to Colonel Joe C. Creel, United States Army (Retired). The proclamation recognized Colonel Creel’s thirty years of distinguished military service, including assignments in Vietnam, Germany, Korea, the Middle East, and throughout the continental United States. The proclamation further recognized his educational achievements, military leadership positions, numerous military decorations, and his continued civic service following retirement, including his work with Jacksonville State University ROTC and Patriot Honor Flight programs. Mayor Statum also presented Colonel Creel with a City of Southside challenge coin.

Colonel Creel addressed the Council and audience, expressing appreciation for the recognition and speaking about the pride he and his wife take in living in Southside. Colonel Creel commended the Mayor, Council, City staff, and community for the positive growth and energy within the city and encouraged continued efforts to make Southside one of the best communities in Alabama.

· The Work Session Began at 5:16 P.M.

Discussion was held regarding the surplus and disposal of obsolete Fire Department equipment. Mayor Statum explained that the listed equipment was no longer in use and would be destroyed rather than sold. A motion was made and seconded to place the item on the agenda for immediate consideration under New Business. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Discussion was then held regarding the surplus and sale of three military single-axle open trailers and a portable flood light from the Police Department. Mayor Statum explained that the equipment originated through the federal 1033 Program and would be sold through GovDeals on an “as-is” basis. No objections were raised, and the item remained on the agenda for immediate consideration.

Discussion followed regarding the surplus of a 2019 International grapple truck from the Public Works Department. Mayor Statum advised that the city had already placed a replacement truck into service and that the sale of the older truck would help offset the cost of the new equipment. The item was scheduled for immediate consideration with no additional discussion from the Council.

The Council then discussed authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement for the sale of two garbage trucks previously approved as surplus. Mayor Statum advised that the city had already approved the purchase of replacement trucks and now required authorization to finalize the sale agreement. No objections were raised.

Mayor Statum next discussed a proposed agreement with Johnson’s Giant Foods concerning the use of adjoining City-owned property for additional parking related to the Southside Pharmacy project. Mayor Statum advised the Council that construction plans had been submitted to the City and that construction was expected to begin within the coming days upon final approval. The additional parking agreement was presented for immediate consideration.

Council Member Shane Hamm then discussed sponsorship of a table for the Etowah County Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet scheduled for June 13, 2026. Council Member Hamm stated that three Southside individuals would be inducted and requested the city sponsor a table at a cost of $250. Following the discussion, it was determined that the matter could be placed on the next meeting agenda rather than acted upon immediately.

Mayor Statum then informed the Council that the City had been awarded Community Development Fund grants totaling $70,000. The grants included $25,000 for the purchase of large-diameter hose for the Fire Department, $25,000 toward replacement handheld radios for the Police Department, and $20,000 for a cutter attachment for Public Works equipment. Mayor Statum explained that the radio grant would significantly reduce the City’s anticipated costs by allowing the department to purchase refurbished radios rather than entirely new equipment. A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Shane Hamm to add the grant expenditures and contract authorizations to New Business for immediate consideration. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

Old Business

The Council considered the second reading and adoption of the FY 2025–2026 Budget Amendment Ordinance. Mayor Statum stated that the amendment increased revenues by $437,835 and adjusted expenditures accordingly, including Fire Department expenditures, postage, and transfers between funds. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the ordinance. Upon roll call vote, Council Members Keith Clay, Jennifer McGriff, Joseph Hutchins, Shane Hamm, Danny Garnett, and Mayor Joey Statum each voted “yes.” The motion carried unanimously.

New Business

The Council considered a Resolution for the surplus and disposal of obsolete Fire Department equipment. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the Resolution; Keith Clay seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.

The Council then considered the surplus and sale of the Police Department military trailers and lighting equipment. A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins, and seconded by Jennifer McGriff to approve the Resolution. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved

The Council next considered the Resolution declaring the 2019 grapple truck surplus. A motion was made by Keith Clay, and seconded by Shane Hamm to approve the resolution. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.

The Council then considered a Resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the Memorandum of Understanding for the sale of the garbage trucks. A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins, and seconded by Shane Hamm. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.

The Council next considered a Resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Johnson’s Giant Foods regarding additional parking on adjoining city property. A motion was made by Danny Garnett, and seconded by Keith Clay. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.

The Council then considered authorization for the expenditure of Community Development Fund grant proceeds for Fire Department, Police Department, and Public Works equipment purchases. This item was added form the work session. A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins, and seconded by Jennifer McGriff to approve the expenditures and authorize execution of related grant documents and reimbursement requests. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion was approved

Mayor Statum informed the Council that the city had received thank-you letters from the James M. Barrie Center for the City’s pinwheel donation, from the Southside High School Quiz Bowl team for the City’s support, and from the Wally Burns family expressing appreciation for flowers, condolences, and recognition shown by the city following the passing of former Mayor Burns.

During public comments, Brian Nunnelee provided an update regarding the recent Crusin’ For a Cure car show event, reporting that 137 vehicles had registered and that approximately $7,308 had been raised. He thanked the Mayor and Council for their support and investment in the event. Council members commented positively regarding the success of the event and the strong public participation.

During Council comments, Council Member Jennifer McGriff complimented the new Hometown Heroes program and stated it was important to recognize individuals who contribute positively to the community. Council Member Danny Garnett encouraged citizens to visit the National Memorial Day celebration display at the State Capitol and also provided an update on ongoing City paving projects, noting positive feedback from residents in the Rollingwood and Berkeley Hills subdivisions.

Mayor Statum thanked the Council, City staff, and community members for their continued support and involvement and commented positively on the momentum and enthusiasm currently taking place throughout the city.

Mayor Statum then announced several upcoming community events and meetings, including:

City Day at the Southside Public Library on June 2, 2026;
The Planning Commission meeting on June 8, 2026;
The next regular Council meeting on June 9, 2026;
Taste of the Town Food Truck Festival on June 11, 2026;
United Way Day of Action on June 12, 2026;
Dinner and a Movie on the Lawn on June 19, 2026; and
Continued summer Feed the Hungry donation collections throughout Etowah County and Southside.

Attorney Davis Varner, of Shellnut and Varner, sitting in for City Attorney, James Shellnut, certified that the Executive Session met the requirements of Alabama law for discussions involving preliminary negotiations related to matters of trade and commerce and that discussion outside Executive Session would have a detrimental effect on the City’s negotiating position.

A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins, and seconded by Danny Garnett to adjourn the regular meeting and enter into Executive Session. Upon roll call vote, Council Members Keith Clay, Jennifer McGriff, Joseph Hutchins, Shane Hamm, Danny Garnett, and Mayor Joey Statum each voted “yes.” The motion carried unanimously, and the Council entered Executive Session with no further business to follow.