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 21, 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 21, 2026 5:00 PM 1. Meeting Called to Order 2. Invocation Councilmember Chapel King gave the Invocation 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Roll Call 5. Approval of Agenda Prior to reviewing the agenda, President Simmons noted that the City Council decided at it's earlier work session to remove Item 11N from the 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 6. Message from the Mayor Mayor Tyler was not in attendance for the meeting. Council President Simmons recognized Scout Troup 284 in attendance at the meeting. 7. Reports of Department Heads 8. Reports of Standing Committees The Utilities Committee met on April 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. and Councilmember King 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 (a) Public Hearing-Request for Rezoning 0.20 +/- acres at the corner of Mobile Street and Cherry Street by Shoals Commercial, LLC from B-3 (Central Business) to PUD (Planned Unit Development) Tyler Brannon-412 East Tombigbee Street-Spoke about public hearing (a) for the rezoning at Mobile and Cherry Street. I wanted to speak about the development at Mobile and Cherry Street. Recently there were several townhomes built at Mobile and Poplar. I’m pro- development, but I am also pro-sidewalk. Those townhomes have taken up the sidewalk with cars parked there. I’m hoping that this new development does not eat into the sidewalk. I hope we keep developing, but I hope we keep the sidewalks where people can use them. Ms. Bailey stated that the blocked sidewalks that Mr. Brannon referred to would be a code violation with either the Building department or a Criminal violation with the Police department. She recommended Mr. Brannon report those to either Building or Police to hopefully solve that issue (b) Public Hearing to approve the rezoning of 6.80 +/- acres at 125 Fairground Road by Proscape Outdoors, LLC from B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to B-2/CO (General Business with Conditional Overlay) Susan Perry-147 Fairground Road-Spoke about public hearing (b) for the rezoning at 125 Fairground Road. I just want to know what will be going there and what will I be living next to? Ms. Bailey stated that this will be a continuation of the current landscaping business. 10. Business from the floor pertaining to items on the consent and regular agenda (5-minute time limit). 11. 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 (a) Approval of minutes from the April 7, 2026, Council Meeting. (b) Confirm payment of bills by the City Treasurer. (c) Resolution - Alabama Council on the Arts Grant Purchase and install a permanent sound system for the Coliseum from Sweet Tree Productions $ 49,900.00 from funds 1147-44410 (d) Contract with the University of South Alabama Archaeology Museum to provide assistance with Junior Archaeology Camp at Pope's Tavern Museum, to be paid from an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant, in the amount of $6800.00 (e) Contract - Paige Stephens Art camp lessons with varying amounts depending on type of class, length and supplies from funds 256-44410 (f) Resolution - NW Alabama RC&D Grant application Florence Beautification Board -Wildflower project -$5,000 NW Alabama RC&D Grant application (g) Contract- Republic Services Large container disposal for solid waste $638.00 per container (h) Invoice- Baler & Compactor Services Diagnose and repaired issues with Marathon Baler Asset #10812 $1091.00 from Budgeted Funds, Account #151-260-43125 (i) Contract- Keeton Electric Company Installation of a 26 KW Generator at 1251 Terrace Street for the new GFA Fueling Station. $12,478.00 from Budgeted Funds, Account #110-939-43120 (j) Contract - Skip's Handy Services Removal and repairs to pond decking, pier and handrails at Deibert Park $28,000.00 from funds 939-44725 (30 day completion) (k) Contract - Craig Shields Tennis Instructor 80/20 split with various amounts from funds 256-44410 (l) Invoice - Crouch & Sons Plumbing Leak detection under concrete at Royal Ave $400.00 from funds 260-44410 (m) Memorandum of Understanding-Florence City Schools & City of Florence, AL Facilities usage agreement (n) Contract - Ford Concrete Construction, Inc Paving driveway and new parking area at Deibert Park Central Office $ 30,000.00 from funds 199-939-44410 (o) Contract - Cooled Cubes Tennessee Valley Lineman Rodeo Rental of Refrigeration Container to use at McFarland Park $1016.00 from Budgeted Funds, Account #923.00 (p) Contract - Titan Utility Services Hotline Tools Testing Price List Attached from Budgeted Funds, Account 923.00 (q) Contract - Geo-Source - The scope of work can be completed within 60 days of notice to proceed. Prepare a vegetation and hydrology management plan to ensure compliance with the Department of the Army Permit at Blackberry Trail Golf Course $4,750.00 from funds 256-44730 (r) Invoice - Muscle Shoals Fire Extinguishers, Inc Annual Extinguisher Inspection at FED Substations, Buildings, Equipment $17,828.50 from Budgeted Funds, Account #923.00 (s) Contract - Thompson Tractor Co., Inc. FED Campus Service and Emergency Services on our Backup Generators Quote Attached from Budgeted Funds, Account #923.00 (t) Contract - United Rentals DBA Reliable Onsite Services Portable Restrooms for TVLR at McFarland Park Price List Attached from Budgeted Funds, Account #923.00 (u) Contract - Sparkle Cleaning Service City of Florence Health and Wellness Clinic (v) Premise Bi-Annual Contract Renewal Employee Health and Wellness Clinic (w) Resolution to approve City of Florence Workers Compensation Renewal (x) Resolution - Nationwide 457b Deferred Compensation Plan Restatement Voluntary retirement saving plan for General Fund employees (y) Resolution-Nationwide 457b Deferred Compensation Plan Restatement Voluntary retirement saving plan for Gas Department employees (z) Resolution-Nationwide 457b Deferred Compensation Plan Restatement Voluntary retirement saving plan for Water Department employees (aa) Resolution-Nationwide 457b Deferred Compensation Plan Restatement Voluntary retirement saving plan for Electricity Department employees (ab) Resolution to approve an invoice with Maintenance Plus Emergency repair to AC at the employee health and wellness clinic (ac) Letter of Recommendation- Engineers of the South EDA Grant Requirement (ad) Resolution-Grant Application-Florence Fire Department NW Alabama RC&D Grant Application-$10,000 No match grant (ae) Resolution authorizing the setting of a public hearing on July 7, 2026, regarding the adoption of new building codes (af) Resolution to reappoint Ralph Holt to the Civil Service Board (ag) Resolution to appoint Michael Curtis to the Housing and Construction Codes Appeals Board (ah) Resolution to appoint William Rowell to the Housing and Construction Codes Appeals Board (ai) Resolution to appoint Phillip Williams to the Housing and Construction Codes Appeals Board (aj) Resolution to appoint Ben Alexander to the Housing and Construction Codes Appeals Board (ak) Resolution to appoint Colton Scott to the Housing and Construction Codes Appeals Board (al) Resolution to approve travel vouchers (am) Satisfaction of Mortgage and Release of Lien executed by Marie Darlene Jordan to the City of Florence, Alabama, a Municipal Corporation, as recorded in Book 2004, Page 52916 in the Probate Office of Lauderdale County, Alabama. 12. Regular Agenda (a) Agreement - Shoals Entrepreneurial Center, Inc. d/b/a Shoals Business Incubator Appropriation Funding. This item did not receive immediate consideration at the February 17, 2026 City Council meeting. A motion for adoption is all that is needed at this time. $10,000 from Budgeted Funds, Account #110-02127-51705 Discussion: Councilmember Bowling: I would like to bring up the fact that this was not included in the original budget. My biggest issue is that when we reworked the original budget to add a cost of living raise, this was added to that. I just don't feel comfortable with that. Councilmember King: Councilmember Dickson and I went and took a tour so that we would be more informed. I feel like this is a very minimal amount compared to the things they do for our community. I was so impressed with what they do and I do believe in supporting small business. Councilmember King moved Councilmember Dickson seconded the motion. A vote was taken on the motion resulted as follows: Motion Passed. Ayes: Jackie Hendrix Alisa Dickson Thomas Spence Chapel King Noes: Kaytrina Simmons Josh Bowling (b) Contract- BLD Services, LLC Concrete and Clay Sewer Replacement Phase 2 $913,500 from remaining SRF Funds Councilmember Hendrix moved Councilmember Hendrix moved for immediate consideration of the foregoing Ordinance/Resolution 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 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 (c) Ordinance to approve the rezoning of 6.80 +/- acres at 125 Fairground Road by Proscape Outdoors, LLC from B-1 (Neighborhood Business) to B-2/CO (General Business with Conditional Overlay) Councilmember Spence moved Councilmember Spence moved for immediate consideration of the foregoing Ordinance/Resolution 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) Ordinance to approve request for rezoning 0.20 +/- acres at the corner of Mobile Street and Cherry Street by Shoals Commercial, LLC from B-3 (Central Business) to PUD (Planned Unit Development) Councilmember Hendrix moved Councilmember Hendrix moved for the immediate consideration of the foregoing Ordinance/Resolution 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 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 (e) Ordinance to approve the annexation of property near Gresham Road and Middle Road as requested by the Krieger family and others. Discussion: Councilmember King thanked everyone for being here in support of this. I appreciate all the work Ms. Bailey has put into this. I'm so glad to get this done for these families. Councilmember King moved Councilmember King moved for immediate consideration of the foregoing Ordinance/Resolution 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 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 declaring that the City of Florence is committed to leading with civility, dignity and respect to meet the needs of its citizens Discussion: Council President Simmons stated civility is not just about being polite, it's about treating our fellow residents and leaders with dignity. Especially when we disagree. By adopting this resolution, we are ensuring that our disagreements focus on solving issues. As government leaders it is our responsibility to model the respectful, constructive communication we wish  to see in our community. This pledge strengthens our ability to collaborate not just amongst ourselves, but with the residents that we serve. We all love Florence and this resolution is a declaration of our shared commitment to the common good and well-being of every resident. We not only respect each other's opinions, but more importantly, we respect each other's integrity. Councilmember Spence moved Councilmember Spence moved for immediate consideration of the foregoing Ordinance/Resolution Councilmember Simmons 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 (g) Alcohol Application - 020 Restaurant Retail Liquor Taco Spot Co LLC DBA Taco Spot 1202 Florence Blvd, Florence, AL 35630 Councilmember Bowling moved Councilmember Bowling moved for immediate consideration of the foregoing Ordinance/Resolution 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 Simmons 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 (2 Alternates Vacancies); Industrial Development (2 Reappointments); Historical Preservation (2 Reappointments) Corey Richardson and Carla Weaver were appointed to the Industrial Development Board Christ Stangle and Eric Foster were re-appointed to the Historical Preservation Board 14. Business from the Public (5-Minute Time Limit) Melissa Bailey- Director of Planning and Community Development- I just want to take a moment to thank you all for the passage of the annexation ordinance and congratulate the families that are within this annexed property. There are generations that started this process that are no longer with us being represented by their children and grandchildren. I think it speaks to their perseverance. I appreciate their willingness to go through the process and stick with it. Greg Sichmanian-1200 County Road 46-Today is a special day for the Krieger family and my wife and I. For years, we have worked with many City of Florence employees to realize our goal of joining the City of Florence. It was a long journey that required a tremendous amount of patience. We were determined to accomplish our goal. Now that you have approved the  annexation of our properties, it feels great to finally meet this goal. As comedian Jackie Gleason used to say, how sweet it is. Our sincere thanks to Senator Tim Melson, Mayor Betterton, Mayor Tyler, The planning department, and the City Council. I’m uncertain if we could have accomplished this without the support of Director Melissa Bailey and her staff. We sincerely appreciate Melissa’s support. Chapel King continues to be supportive, providing outstanding two- way communication. Thank you to our neighbors, Kelly, Brenda, and Freeman Krieger for all their help and encouragement. 15. Council Members Reports and/or Comments (5-Minute Time Limit) Councilmember Bowling: Thanks to everyone for being here tonight. I want to speak about my vote on the Shoals Incubators agenda item. I also support small businesses. My vote was merely because it was added late to a budget that we were already trying to cut. As a part of the finance committee, it’s my responsibility to look at that and truly analyze whether that should be there. I am pro small business; I work for a small business. I want to see them thrive, but in a lot of cases it’s not the city’s responsibility for a small business to thrive. There are other ways. My vote was not against the small businesses. It was simply because it was added late to a budget we were already trying to slash. In DC we did speak a lot about civility, dignity, and respect. I’m glad to see that we were able to bring that and pass that as a council. We want to hear from you. Mr. Leyde, I have not worked with you very long, but you have been a true asset to this city. We appreciate what you have done for our city, but enjoy your retirement, enjoy your family, and we’ll see you somewhere down the road. Councilmember Spence: Thanks to everyone for being here tonight. I’d like to thank our city employees for their hard work. District 5 community meeting is this Thursday April 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at Forrest Hills Baptist Church. I take my responsibility seriously. I’d like to echo Council President Simmons comments on civility and what we’ve learned about that; it is a respect from both parties. Mr. Leyde, he is very humorous. I’ve learned in our short 6 months that he has some humor to him and we appreciate him. We wish you nothing but God’s blessings in the future. Enjoy your time with your wife and grandkids. Councilmember King: Thanks to everyone for being here tonight. Welcome Krieger and Sichmanian families to District 6. Feel free to call me if you need anything. I encourage everyone to go back and watch the Work Session. Please watch the part about the water. I want you to bring any questions you have about that before those decisions are made. Thanks, River, for coming tonight. I have some handouts on the wildflower project, if anyone would like one. The Caring Place is having a murder mystery fundraiser on May 7th at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at thecaringplaceshoals.org. We do not take decisions lightly. We must keep our city moving forward and progressive. We must keep up with maintenance and operations needed. Mr. Leyde, we will miss you. We are thankful for your hard work and wish you well in retirement. Councilmember Hendrix: Thanks, President Simmons, for putting the civility pledge on the agenda. I want to congratulate our appointees that are here tonight. Thanks to the Water  Department for their hard work. We’ve had a lot of historical tours this week. I attended the Forks of Cypress tour this past weekend. I want to thank Harry Wallace and Chris Flowers for doing that. This Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Billy Warren will be leading a historical tour at UNA. The final tour will be a week from Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and will be North Court Street and Seminary Street. Bob, I have a job opening if you want to get with me next week. If we don’t have a city clerk to show up for the next meeting, we’d love to see you come back and fill in for us. Thank you Ms. Kollfefrath for inviting me into your home last week. I left with a bag of cheese straws. Thank you for always being so welcoming to me. Councilmember Dickson: Mr. Leyde, you were the first face that I saw when I came to submit my papers to run for city council. You were very friendly, respectful, and you were there to answer my questions and have continued to be there. I appreciate your kindness and willingness to work with each of us. I wish you the best in retirement. Thanks to the boy scouts for being here tonight. Thanks, Ms. Kollefrath, for meeting with me and asking questions. I get phone calls about speeding on Veterans Drive, please slow down. I would love to see some wildflowers at Veterans Memorial Park. We just had a pickleball tournament for One Place of the Shoals at Veterans Memorial Park. It was very successful. We had someone come from Hawaii to participate. It is great to see that court being used for tournaments and bringing people into our community. I also want to speak about water rates. It’s going to need to happen. Go back and watch the work session regarding water rates. Council President Simmons: Mr. Leyde, we’ve been together a long time, and you’ve helped me so much along the way. You have guided me, we’ve travelled together, and I appreciate you for all that you’ve done and shown me since 2015. I wish you all the blessings and enjoy your family and grandbabies. Hidden Treasures of our Youth was a successful event. We had 61 registered and 50 kids in attendance. Thank you to everyone who made that event happen. The Pickleball fundraiser tournament for One Place of the Shoals was outstanding. We had about 150 in attendance. Also, I want to talk about the small business vote. My vote reflected. Small businesses are the backbone of our community. Welcome again to our scout troops that are here. District 1 community meetings will be May 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Handy Recreation Center and May 11th at 6:00 p.m. at Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ. We’ve had lots of conversations about water rates. I know it must be done, but I know there will be some burdens and hardships. We will try to help find resources for assistance. I get calls every month from community members needing assistance. Everyone cut your grass. Also, let the building department know of any issues with violations. May 1st will start First Friday’s. We will all be there during this season, so come see us. Call me anytime at 256-349-3879. Don’t wait until the community meeting. If you have a problem, call anytime. 16. Motion to Adjourn Councilmember Spence led the closing prayer.