Council Minutes 05/12/2026

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
COUNTY OF ETOWAH
STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside, Alabama, met in regular session on May 12, 2026, at the Southside City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Joey Statum called the meeting to order at approximately 5:00 p.m.
Councilman Danny Garnett delivered the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The following were in attendance: Mayor Joey Statum, and Council Members: Keith Clay, Jennifer Mc Griff, Joseph Hutchins, and Danny Garnett. The mayor stated Councilman Shane Hamm was absent due to a family commitment.
A quorum was declared present.
The first item on the agenda was the approval of the minutes of the April 27, 2026 Council Meeting. Councilman Hutchins made a motion to suspend the reading of the minutes and approve the minutes as presented. Councilman Garnett seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The minutes were approved.
Mayor Statum recognized Mr. Larry Fenton, candidate for Alabama House District 30, who addressed the Council regarding his candidacy and petition efforts.
The following were on the agenda per a request to address the council:
• Mr. Richard Rybka addressed the Council regarding the Coosa River Swim Guide Program. Mr. Rybka thanked the city for the prior donation of a rescue boat and discussed the organization’s monitoring of water quality at 44 public swimming and boating access sites during the summer season. Mr. Rybka requested continued sponsorship assistance from the city.
• Ms. Michelle Sanders addressed the Council regarding the Southside High School Quiz Bowl Team qualifying for the National Championship competition in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduled for May 22-24, 2026. Ms. Sanders requested financial assistance to help cover entry fees, lodging, and related expenses.
• Ms. Lynn Walker, Assistant Director of the Southside Public Library, addressed the Council regarding the 2026 Summer Reading Program and other library activities. Ms. Walker discussed the success of prior programs and invited Council members to attend upcoming summer events.
The Work Session Began at 5:19 P.M.
The Mayor recognized Fire Chief Buckner, who presented the April 2026 Fire Department Report. Chief Buckner reported:
• 90 total calls for service
• 60 medical calls
• 4 mutual aid responses provided
• 4 mutual aid responses received
• 1 structure fire response
Chief Buckner also reported firefighters are continuing hydrant and business inspections.
Mayor Statum Recognized Police Chief Jarrett Williams, who presented the April 2026 Police Department Report. Chief Williams reported:
• 327 calls for service
• 30 animal control calls
• 518 traffic stops
• 217 citations issued
• 264 warnings issued
• 68 reports completed
• 10 motor vehicle accidents investigated
• 28 arrests made
• 4 drug-related arrests
• 1 DUI arrest
Mayor Statum publicly thanked Chief Williams for his service to the city and announced Chief Williams’ final day would be May 15, 2026. The mayor stated that Chief Williams would be moving back to his home of Montgomery to be closer to family.
The mayor then outlined the process and timeline for selecting the next Chief of Police, including acceptance of applications from June 1 through June 19, 2026, review by a four-member panel, and anticipated appointment consideration by September 2026.
• The next agenda item was Finance Director/Treasurer Nikki Pylant, requested approval to close three Certificates of Deposit to provide funding for scheduled debt payments and paving expenses. Ms. Pylant reviewed the balances and purposes for each account.
• Director Pylant presented the first reading of the mid-year FY 2026 Budget Amendments. Amendments included adjustments to revenues and expenditures within multiple departments.
• Mayor Statum discussed declaring two garbage trucks as surplus property.
• Mayor Statum and the council discussed the purchase of two replacement garbage trucks through financing.
• The mayor opened Discussion regarding authorizing the letting of bids for routine City vehicle maintenance services.
• The Mayor and Council held discussion regarding sponsorship participation for the Coosa River Swim Guide Program.
• Discussion was held regarding sponsorship assistance for the Southside High School Quiz Bowl Team.
• Discussion was held regarding the purchase and outfitting of a 2025 Chevrolet Trail Boss vehicle for the Police Department through the East Alabama Cooperative Purchasing Association.
• Mayor Statum discussed the City’s receipt of one of Alabama’s 67 Liberty Trees in recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Discussion was held regarding planting the tree at the Landing and constructing a monument with plaque.
• Mayor Statum discussed entering into an agreement with Darden Rehabilitation Foundation for summer labor placement assistance within various City departments.
OLD BUSINESS
Councilman Hutchins made a motion to approve the previously discussed Police Department vehicle purchase through the East Alabama Cooperative Purchasing Association. Councilman Garnett seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes.
NEW BUSINESS
 Resolution – Approval to Close Certificates of Deposit
Councilman Hutchins made a motion to approve closing the Certificates of Deposit as presented by the Finance Director. Councilman Garnett seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.
 Resolution – Surplus Garbage Trucks
Councilwoman McGriff made a motion to declare two garbage trucks as surplus property. Councilman Clay seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.
 Resolution – Purchase of Two Garbage Trucks
Councilman Garnett made a motion to approve the purchase of two 2026 model garbage trucks. Councilman Hutchins seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.
 Financing Through Metro Bank
Councilman Hutchins made a motion to approve financing for the garbage trucks through Metro Bank at the previously quoted rate. Councilwoman McGriff seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion was approved
 Resolution – Authorization to Bid Routine Vehicle Maintenance
Councilman Hutchins made a motion to authorize the Clerk to let out bids for routine vehicle maintenance services. Councilman Clay seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.
 Coosa River Swim Guide Sponsorship
Councilman Hutchins made a motion to approve a $250 sponsorship for one Swim Guide site. Councilwoman McGriff seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The sponsorship was approved
 Southside High School Quiz Bowl Sponsorship
Councilman Garnett made a motion to approve a $1,000 sponsorship for the Southside High School Quiz Bowl Team. Councilman Clay seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The sponsorship was approved
 Resolution – Purchase of 2025 Chevrolet Trail Boss
Councilman Hutchins made a motion to approve the purchase and outfitting of a 2025 Chevrolet Trail Boss vehicle for the Police Department through the East Alabama Cooperative Purchasing Association. Councilman Garnett seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved
 Liberty Tree Monument and Planting
Councilman Clay made a motion to approve a budget not to exceed $1,500 for planting the Liberty Tree and constructing the monument area. Councilman Garnett seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The expense was approved
 Resolution – Darden Rehabilitation Foundation Agreement
Councilman Garnett made a motion to approve a Resolution to authorize the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Darden Rehabilitation Foundation for summer labor placement assistance. Councilman Hutchins seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated all in favor say aye—all ayes. The Resolution was approved.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments were received regarding the Swim Guide sponsorship amount and the location of the Liberty Tree.
Mayor Statum stated the Liberty Tree would be located at the Landing.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council members offered congratulations and well wishes to the Southside High School Quiz Bowl Team and thanked Chief Jarrett Williams for his service to the City.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Statum announced the following upcoming events:
• Taste of Town Food Truck Event – May 14, 2026
• Dinner and a Movie on the Lawn featuring “Zootopia” – May 15, 2026
• Cruising for a Cure Car Show – May 23, 2026
• Next Regular Council Meeting – May 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
• Business Owners Breakfast – May 27, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
• City Fun Day / Summer Reading Kickoff – June 2, 2026
• Planning Commission Meeting – June 8, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
• United Way Day of Action – June 12, 2026
EXECUTIVE SESSION
City Attorney James Shellnut certified the need for Executive Session regarding economic development matters.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Councilman Hutchins made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Garnett seconded the motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:56 P.M.

Joey Statum, Mayor
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Cindy Beshears, City Clerk
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