July 15, 2026

Council Minutes 06-23-2026

Agenda

TENTATIVE COUNCIL AGENDA June 23, 2026

Call to Order
Prayer
Pledge
Roll Call
Approval of Minutes

June 9, 2026 Regular Council Meeting

Proclamations: None
Recognition: None
Public Comments (PER REQUEST TO BE ON AGENDA)
COUNCIL WORK SESSION:

Discussion: ARSEA One-Time longevity bonus for Retirees
Discussion: Resolution: Approval to enter an agreement for fixed-asset software from LGC
Discussion: Resolution: Updated Police Body Camera proposal (for immediate consideration)

OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS:

Resolution: Updated Body Camera Proposal

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

Southside Farmers Market will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. here at City Hall. Still need more vendors!
Dinner and a movie, previously scheduled for June 19, is rescheduled for July 2 at Southside Landing. The movie is “Shark Tale”
July 3, “Stars and Stripes Spectacular” Fireworks Show at SS Landing, provided by: Alabama Grading & Excavation, Paving Pros, Drill Works, and Epic Escapes
Taste of the Town Food Truck Festival is Thursday, July 9, 5-8 p.m. at City Hall
The next Planning Commission Meeting is July 13, at 5:30 in Council Chambers
The next Regular Council Meeting is July 14, at 5:00 in Council Chambers
Feed the Hungry Donations are still being collected at Southside Baptist Church, Rainbow City, and Southside Public Libraries. Etowah Baptist Missions will distribute donations.

Minutes

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
COUNTY OF ETOWAH
STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside, Alabama, met in regular session on June 23, 2026, at the Southside City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Joey Statum called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Mayor Joey Statum 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 9, 2026, Council Meeting. Councilman Clay moved to suspend the reading of the minutes and approve them as presented. Councilman Garnett seconded the motion. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The minutes were approved.
There were no Proclamations, Recognitions or Public Comments per request to be on the agenda.
The work session began at 5:02 p.m.
 The first work session item was a discussion of the Retiree Longevity Bonus proposed by the Alabama Retired State Employees Association.
Mayor Statum presented information from the Alabama Retired State Employees Association regarding a proposed longevity bonus for retired municipal employees. The estimated cost to the city would be approximately $4,600. The matter was discussed and will be placed on the next regular meeting agenda for formal consideration. Retired City Clerk Cynthia Osborne spoke in favor of the proposal and thanked the Council for its consideration.

 Discussion of proposed LGC Software Fixed Asset Module
The Council discussed a resolution authorizing the Mayor and Finance Director to execute an agreement for an additional module within the City’s existing LGC software system. The module will improve tracking of fixed assets, including vehicle maintenance and mileage records. The estimated annual cost is approximately $6,300. The item will be placed on the next meeting agenda for formal approval.

 Discussion of a Police Body Camera Upgrade
Public Safety Director Thomas Hunt presented information regarding an upgraded police body camera system. The Council discussed the cost benefits of upgrading immediately rather than waiting until the end of the current contract, noting that delaying would increase the total cost by approximately $38,000. The new agreement will include two additional body cameras, bringing the total to twenty. The contract is funded through court revenues. Due to a July 1 deadline, immediate action was requested.
There was no OLD BUSINESS for consideration
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution – Police Body Camera Upgrade
A motion was made by Keith Clay to approve the resolution authorizing the updated police body camera contract. The motion received a second from Danny Garnett. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. ” The motion passed unanimously.
Council Member Comments
Mayor Statum called for comments from the Council. No additional comments were made by Councilmembers.
Mayor’s Report / Announcements
• The Southside Farmers Market held its first market day and was reported as very successful. Future markets will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Dinner and a Movie, originally scheduled for June 19, was rescheduled for July 2 at Southside Landing, featuring Shark Tale.
• Taste of the Town will be held July 9 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• The next Planning Commission meeting will be held on July 13.
• The next regular Council meeting will be held on July 14.
• The City continues collecting donations for the “Feeding the Hungry” program.
• Construction activity for Waffle House is expected to begin with equipment delivery in the coming week.
• Mayor Statum announced a privately sponsored “Stars and Stripes Spectacular” fireworks show at Southside Landing on July 3 at 9:00 p.m., fully funded by local business partners and coordinated with public safety officials.
Additional Comments
Mayor Statum shared positive feedback from new businesses locating in Southside and thanked the Council for their continued work and cooperation. Discussion also included an update on a local restaurant opening, which is awaiting kitchen equipment installation.
Adjournment
There being no further business, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The meeting adjourned.