City Council

APPROVED AS PRESENTED TO COUNCIL 10/07/25 WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES September 15, 2025 The members of the City Council of the City of Phenix City, Alabama met at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time for the regularly scheduled Work Session on Tuesday, September 15, 2025, in the Council Chambers located within the Public Safety Building at 1111 Broad Street, Phenix City, Alabama 36867. Upon roll call, the following members were present: Councilmember Arthur L. Day, Jr., Councilmember Vickey Carter Green, Councilmember R. Griff Gordy, and Mayor Eddie N. Lowe. Councilmember Bailey was not present. Also present were City Manager Wallace Hunter, Assistant City Manager Chan Gamble, City Clerk Shannon Davis, and City Attorney Jimmy Graham. Department Heads in attendance: Chief Building Official Ray Rogers, Economic Development Manager Shaun Culligan, Engineering/Public Works Director Angel Moore, Finance Director Labrita King Copeland, Fire Chief Kris Kennedy, IT Director Mike Bauer, Library Director Tammy Henry, Municipal Court Clerk Ruby White, Parks and Recreation Director Todd Hughes, Police Chief George Staudinger and Utilities Director John Spraggins. City Professionals in attendance: Licensed Engineer Chris Casey and Assistant Police Chief Joseph Weierick. Upon a quorum being established, Mayor Lowe called the meeting to order. Councilmember Day led the invocation. Mayor Lowe called upon James Thomas to address Council, as listed on the agenda. Mr. Thomas stated the Citizens would like to know what the City’s plan is for getting rid of the used tires throughout the City. Mayor Lowe called upon City Manager Wallace Hunter to discuss the plan for the tires that have been thrown out in the City. Mr. Hunter called upon Engineering/Public Works Director Angel Moore to go over the plan. Ms. Moore stated that they received a grant from ADEM, which allows them to pick up and dispose tires at the landfill. Ms. Moore encouraged Citizens if they see someone dumping, take their tag number and report them. Ms. Moore further stated that year to date the City has dumped 1,796 tires in the landfill with 594 in September alone. Ms. Moore further stated that the City has plans to place cameras at the dumpsite to oversee and make sure Citizens are not just dumping trash and tires out there. Councilmember Day stated that the Columbus residence maybe dumping tires in Phenix City too. Councilmember Day also stated that the Citizens keep putting tires right in front of Mother Mary Mission School. Mayor Lowe inquired if we can ask Tire shop businesses owners, to help with not dumping the tires out through the City. Mayor Lowe also stated that they were not blaming the business owners. City Manager Wallace Hunter stated that they are doing an investigation on who is dumping the tires. Mr. Thomas inquired if there is a possibility that the Citizens can get charged for picking up the used tires if needed. Mr. Hunter stated that is not something the City can do, tire shop owners have to pay a fee for the tires to get disposed of to whoever there selling the tires to. Councilmember Green stated that in District two, dumping sites are normally where a structure has been demolished and making it more of an eyesore. Mr. Hunter stated that once the property is demolished it belongs to the state. Mr. Hunter also stated that the City is planning to block off the backside of 8th Avenue. Councilmember Gordy inquired if they can post on social media, stating that we need help with keeping our dumpsites clean. Mr. Hunter stated that the City is planning on posting pictures on social media. Mr. Hunter also stated that they promised that they are doing something to fix the problem. Mayor Lowe Thanked Mr. Thomas for coming to address Council. Mayor Lowe called up Director of Engineering/Public Works Angel Moore, to discuss to actions taken by the Planning Commission at their September 9, 2025 meeting.  Mayor Lowe called upon City Clerk Shannon Davis who discussed the following with Mayor and Council: 1. Advised Council of a regular scheduled Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the 5th Street South Youth Center. 2. Advised Council that the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals will meet on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. 3. Advised Council that the Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. 4. Informed Council that the Fall Municipal Law Conference will be held Thursday, October 25, 2025 through Sunday October 28, 2025. 5. Advised Council of a regular scheduled Work Session to be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Building. 6. Advised Council of a regular scheduled Council Meeting to be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the Public Safety Building. 7. Advised Council that the Phenix City and Russell County Library Board will meet on Friday, October 10, 2025. 8. Informed Council that the City offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025 in observance of the Columbus Day Holiday. 9. Advised Council that the Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. 10. Advised Council that the Downtown Redevelopment Authority will meet on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. 11. Advised Council that the Board of Zoning Adjustments and Appeals will meet on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. 12. Advised Council of a regular scheduled Work Session to be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. 13. Advised Council of a regular scheduled Council Meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at the Public Safety Building. 14. Informed Council that the South Girard High School Class of 1965 will have their 60th Class Reunion to be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Hampton Inn by Hilton in Phenix City. 15. Advised Council that the Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 5:15 p.m. 16. Informed Council that Parks and Recreation will hold the 3rd Annual Sensory Friendly Truck or Treat on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Garrett- Harrison Stadium. 17. Reviewed upcoming Board Appointments. Mayor Lowe went over the agenda items. City Manager Wallace Hunter called upon Chief of Police George Staudinger to speak up on the tragic news the City received. Mr. Staudinger stated that Officer Lucas Bailey passed away, and ask everyone to keep his family in prayers. Mayor Lowe stated that there being no further business to address, the meeting thus adjourned until October 6, 2025.