City Council Regular Session

The city council regular session of the city of Florence, Alabama, was held at 109 South Pine Street at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with the following members of the City Council in attendance: Kaytrina Simmons, Jackie Hendrix, Alisa Dickson, Josh Bowling, Thomas Spence, Chapel King. AMENDED AGENDA CITY OF FLORENCE, ALABAMA 109 SOUTH PINE STREET CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION MEETING April 7, 2026 5:00 PM 1. Meeting Called to Order 2. Invocation Councilmember Dickson gave the Invocation 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Roll Call City Clerk Robert Leyde called the Roll 5. Approval of Agenda Item 11V was removed from the Consent Agenda Councilmember Spence moved Councilmember Bowling seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None 6. Message from the Mayor Mayor Tyler presented four (4) Proclamations at this meeting. Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation was presented to Suzie Holden from Community Action, Kim Bevis from the Cramer Children’s Center, and Ally Lee from the Attention Homes.  These organizations work diligently to support families and encourage prevention initiatives so that Alabama’s families and children thrive in stable and resilient homes. April is proclaimed to be Child Abuse Prevention Month, and all citizens are encouraged to increase their participation and partnership with social service agencies such as the ones represented tonight. Suzie Holden from Community action reminded everyone that Friday April 10, 2026 is National Wear Blue Day in support of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention. The theme for this year is “Pinwheels with a Purpose” and we want to work with families to prevent Child Abuse. Kim Bevis from Cramer Children’s Center reminded everyone to do their part in preventing child abuse by speaking up if you see something. Ally Lee from the Attention Homes thanked the community for their support and reminded everyone to wear blue on Friday. Donna Beck from One Place of the Shoals accepted a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the City of Florence. We must educate our community about sexual violence prevention and support sexual violence survivors to speak out against violent acts. Mayor Tyler expressed his appreciation to One Place of the Shoals for their concern for victims of sexual violence, attention, and support they place on the physical and emotional care of these victims. Donna Beck addressed the City Council and thanked them for this proclamation. This affects our community. She also thanked them for the appropriations that have been given to help them continue doing this work. Donna presented the council and mayor with sexual assault pins. Mayor Tyler presented River Zurinsky and Arthur Raffield with a proclamation declaring the month of April as Autism Awareness Month. River thanked Mayor Tyler for the proclamation. River spoke about the effects of autism and how it affects everyone in different ways. River is the first person with autism to be appointed to the Florence Beautification Board. Arthur Raffield also addressed everyone about his struggles with autism and how technology has helped. Mayor Tyler presented Sue Young, Tamera Robinson, and Stephanie Flannagin from the Shoals Area Association of Realtors with a proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month. April marks the anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Sue Young spoke about the work they as realtors do to support fair housing for the community. Mayor Tyler introduced Bill Hopkins as the Superintendent of Florence City Schools. 7. Reports of Department Heads 8. Reports of Standing Committees The Finance Committee met on March 3, 2026 and Council President Simmons read them. A copy of the committee's minutes are available to be seen in the City Clerk's secretary's office. 9. Public Hearings 10. Business from the floor pertaining to items on the consent and regular agenda (5-minute time limit). River Zurinsky-419 South Cedar St.- Thanks again for the proclamation for Autism Awareness Month Proclamation. I am here to speak about item 12A on the Regular Agenda regarding the Pine Street resurfacing project. When this matter came before the previous council the budgeted amount was $234,000 and has now increased to $754,786.75. That’s roughly $500,000 more than it was 15 months ago. I understand inflation continues to increase, but that’s a lot. I would like you to consider doing the College Street bridge before the Pine Street project. This would give citizens an alternative route during the Pine Street construction. I think it makes the most sense to alleviate the traffic congestion first and have the alternative route in place. I hope that all options will be considered before voting on this project. Thank you so much. 11. Consent Agenda Councilmember Hendrix moved Councilmember Bowling seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None (a) Approval of minutes from the March 23, 2026, Council meeting. (b) Confirm payment of bills by the City Treasurer. (c) Invoices - Muscle Shoals Fire Extinguisher Annual Extinguisher Inspections, Hydro Testing, Extinguisher Recharges for 5 Fire Stations and Training Center Repairs $1,389.00 from Budgeted Funds, Account 110-260-42200 (d) Contract- Parkson Aftermarket Remove the Liquidated Damages provision from the contract that was approved by the Council March 3, 2026 $21,650.00 from budgeted funds (e) Contract- The Carpet Store Carpet installation for 2 offices at Admin Building 650 Rickwood Road $2458.83 from budgeted funds (f) Invoice - Robert Whitten Archetectural Services for Training Center Classroom $3,000.00 from Budgeted Funds, Account 199-954-42200 (g) Contract - Noble Crane Service and Rigging Transformer Shop and Garage Price List Attached from Budgeted Funds, Account #923.00 (h) Contract - Southern Testing Laboratory, Inc. Electricity Department Garage Quote Attached from Budgeted Funds, Account #923.00 (i) Contract - Renegade Fencing Replace fencing and gates with chain link at Sports Complex $4020.00 from funds 265-44725 (j) Contract - MPE Services Plumbing and water line repairs at softball pod concession stand and men's restroom at Sports Complex $3535.68 from funds 266-44725 (k) Contract - Magnolia River Services, Inc. FlowGIS Workflows for Monthly Odorant Test Point Inspection and Valve Maintenance Updates $4,750.00 from Budgeted Funds (l) Contract - Wiese USA, Inc. Equipment Service Inspection at the Electricity Department Campus Price List Attached from Budgeted Funds, Account #923.00 (m) Resolution to approve voting delegates for the Alabama League of Municipalities annual business meeting on April 30, 2026. (n) Contract - Global Fire Sprinklers, LLC Meter Lab Inspection of the Fire Sprinkler System $600.00 from Budgeted Funds, Account #923.00 (o) Contract - DJ Jammin Jeff McFarland Park Announcer for Lineman Rodeo $1500.00 from Budgeted Funds, Account #923.00 (p) Contract-Wiley's Electric LLC Remodel Admin office building at 650 Rickwood Road $9200.00 from budgeted funds (q) Agreement between the City of Florence and Singing River Media Group to advertise and promote the Spirit of Freedom Celebration at McFarland Park on July 4, 2026, in the amount of $27,500 (r) Contract - RoofClenz Prep and clean underneath and roof of pavilion at River Heritage $1850.00 from funds 266-44725 (s) Contract - TruCut LLC Grounds Maintenance for New Fire Station #2 Property N.T.E. $4,445.00 from Account # 265-42200 (t) Contract- MAV-TEC Testing Laboratories MAV-TEC will provide written ASME steel welding procedures and employee testing on these procedures. Procedures- $3466.55 Testing- $16,838.00 Total= $20,304.55 (u) Contract - Aspire Cleaning Services Office cleaning service for Senior Center Club $275.00 per week from funds 251-44410 (v) Contract-The Radio Shop, Inc. Communication Equipment Maintenance and Repair $2,073.50 for maintenance for listed departments. Damage Repair Rate $35.00/hour. Parts plus 25% overhead. Budgeted across several departments (w) Contract - Aspire Cleaning Services Office cleaning service at Sports Complex Athletics office $125.00 per week from funds 251-44410 (x) Resolution to apply for State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program funds from the Alabama Office of Information Technology with a 60% Federal/40% City funding match requirement (y) Invoice-Barnett Plumbing Plumbing repair of leaking tee in recirculating line at Animal Services $1,452.00 from 266-42110 (z) Invoice-Barnett Plumbing Replaced heat exchanger on 106 Gallon Rinnai tankless water heater at Animal Services building. $1,110.00 from funds 266-42110 (aa) Alexander Land Surveying, Inc.- Professional Services Prepare Drainage Easements at 1014 and 1016 N. Wood Avenue in the amount of $4,200 Budgeted Fund 110 Account 1071-48100  (ab) Invoice - Crouch & Sons Plumbing Run water lines for 3 compartment sink at Coliseum $790.34 from funds 266-44410 (ac) Resolution to approve travel vouchers 12. Regular Agenda (a) Pine Street Resurfacing and Striping Project, CE-1097 Rogers Group, Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, $754,786.75 Budgeted Fund 188, Account 931-48500. The only other bid submitted was from Grayson Carter Son Contracting, Inc., Athens, Alabama, $886,054.93 Councilmember Bowling moved Immediate Consideration Councilmember King seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None Councilmember Hendrix moved Councilmember Spence seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None (b) Resolution-Alcohol Beverage License Application for Esmerelda Vargas 702 Veteran's Drive-Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum 140 Special Event with Liquor Beer and Wine on premises for a graduation party taking place on June 13, 2026.  Councilmember Bowling moved Motion for Immediate Consideration Councilmember King seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None Councilmember Hendrix moved Councilmember Dickson seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None (c) Resolution-Alcohol Beverage License Application for Oliver Aparicio 702 Veteran's Drive-Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum 140 Special Event with Liquor Beer and Wine on premises for a wedding reception taking place on May 16, 2026. Councilmember Dickson moved Motion for Immediate Consideration Councilmember Bowling seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling  Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None Councilmember Spence moved Councilmember Bowling seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None (d) Alcohol Application-160 Special Retail-More Than 30 Days Chartwells DBA Compass Group USA INC 2551 Chisholm Rd Florence, AL 35630 (UNA Softball Field) Councilmember Hendrix moved Motion for Immediate Consideration Councilmember Bowling seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None Councilmember Hendrix moved Councilmember Bowling seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed.  Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None (e) Contract - Skip's Handy Service Renovate McFarland Campground bathroom $68,000.00 from 196-1053-48142 Councilmember Hendrix commended Bill Jordan for his hard work in finding the funds to complete this project. Councilmember Spence moved Motion for Immediate Consideration Councilmember King seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None Councilmember Dickson moved Councilmember Bowling seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None (f) Resolution- Adoption of the Solid Waste Transfer Station  Completion of Transfer Station Permit Application Councilmember Dickson commented on visiting the transfer station and how neat and clean it was. Councilmember Bowling moved Motion for Immediate Consideration Councilmember Dickson seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None Councilmember Spence moved Councilmember Hendrix seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Kaytrina Simmons Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Josh Bowling Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: None 13. General Business (a) Upcoming Board Vacancies and Reappointments Building & Property Maintenance Board of Appeals (5 Members, 2 Alternates Vacancies); Industrial Development (2 Reappointments); Civil Service (1 Reappointment); Historical Preservation (2 Reappointments) Ralph Holt was reappointed to the Civil Service Board. Mike Curtis, Phillip Williams, Ben Alexander, William Rowe Jr., and Colton Scott were appointed to the Building and Property Maintenance Board of Appeals 14. Business from the Public (5-Minute Time Limit) Billy Ray Simpson-755 W. Alabama St.- I want to thank the new superintendent for being here today as well as the school board members here today. I understand that there is 14 to 15 million dollars to our city school system. I think that’s good. I spend a lot of time with our cheerleaders. A lot of them don’t have parents that can take them to different places for training for the games. They’re going through financial burdens because they love for their kids to be available to cheer. They have to pay a lot of money to be the best cheerleader. I take them places sometimes. As a matter of fact, they’re calling me right now to pick them up. I want them to consider helping these kids with the money. Having these games is making money for the city and they love being cheered for. I know you all are doing a good job at putting money into the school system so they can allocate different funds to different things. It’s good to have academics to pour into, but it’s also good to be fair with the money. Not everyone is into academics. If they would look at this and consider this so our cheerleaders and their parents won’t have a financial burden. 15. Council Members Reports and/or Comments (5-Minute Time Limit) Councilmember Dixon: April is a busy month for us. I think it’s exciting that we have so many proclamations. All of them were for very great causes. I’m grateful for all that each one of them does daily to benefit our city. Thank you Mr. Hopkins and the Florence City School Board for being here today. Councilmember Bowling: Congratulations to Mr. Hopkins. I had a chance to speak with him before the meeting and he’s a great guy. Thank you to the board for being here. I think there’s a lot of great things going on between the city and the school system. It’s good to be in Florence right now. We appreciate all the work that you do for our students. Thank you to the students that are here today as well. I am the President of the Exchange Club and today was our day of giving. We had the opportunity today in the Exchange Club to give money to One Place and Attention Homes. We have about ten organizations that we support in the Exchange Club. It’s great to see all of this going on in our community. District 4 just completed a traffic study on Hermitage Drive. We’re still discussing those issues and trying to understand the regulations. Traffic safety is a big concern for our city. We’re going to see what we can do to make our city safer. Councilmember Spence: Thank you everyone that’s here tonight for the proclamations. I would like to congratulate someone in the Florence City School System, Amanda Green. She is a counselor at Harlan Elementary, and she was named Elementary Teacher of the Year for Florence City Schools. She’s also earned the honor of Elementary Teacher of the Year for District 7 joining 16 outstanding finalists from across America. Congratulations to Mr. Hopkins on becoming the superintendent and we look forward to what we are going to do. Thank you to David Koonce and the Street Department for their attentiveness in District 5. Thank you Cheryl Jones with Florence- Lauderdale Animal Services. We appreciate her, her staff, and volunteers. I encourage the students here to go help at the Florence-Lauderdale Animal Shelter. I’d like to invite everyone to our community meeting on April 23rd at 6:00 p.m. at 110 Stovall Drive.  Councilmember King: Thank you to everyone here and watching on YouTube. Thank you to the school board for being here tonight. Mr. Hopkins, we are so glad to have you support this community and we will be here to support you. Students, thank you for being here and we hope that you will come to visit us often. Thank you to all those recognized tonight with proclamations. We thank you for all your hard work. On Saturday at 10:30 a.m. we will be having a ribbon cutting at the animal shelter for the new van. We welcome all to attend. We will be having some discounts on adoptions. I want to encourage the community to come help at the animal shelter in any way that you can. My phone number is 256-956-9621. I’m here and available to serve you, especially District 6. Please contact me. Councilmember Hendrix: Thanks to everyone in attendance. It’s good to see River back and we look forward to seeing you on a regular basis. If you haven’t been to animal services, you need to go. They are doing an amazing job. I’d like to thank Cheryl Jones and all those who have stepped up to help her. I’d also like to recognize Ms. King. She has stepped up for this council. She’s secured money from the county to help and has done an amazing job. I know she’s spent countless hours at the animal shelter and thank you for what you have done. Congratulations Mr. Hopkins and thank you Florence City School Board for being here. I loved seeing that the number one importance of everyone moving forward is academics. People who want to invest in this community don’t ask how our football team did last year. They ask us how our students are doing. We look forward to working with Mr. Hopkins and hope you all will call on us if you need any assistance. Council President Simmons: All the organizations who received proclamations are doing wonderful work and we want to say thank you. River, I’m with you and will continue to advocate for the College Street Bridge. We’re still working toward that. Mr. Hopkins, congratulations and welcome. I look forward to collaborating with you. It’s an honor to have the school board with us tonight. District 1 will be having a community meeting coming up soon. I get lots of calls about potholes, traffic, and various streets. Thank you to the Street Department for the work they’ve done to fix a few of our streets. Mayor Tyler is working on a paving program to be able to fix our streets. 16. Motion to Adjourn Councilmember Spence led the closing prayer.