City Council

CITY OF TRUSSVILLE MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2026 AGENDA WORKSHOP The City Council met in an agenda workshop on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 5:30 pm to review the proposed agenda for its next regular session. Council President Jaime Melton Anderson presided over the meeting and Dan Weinrib served as recording secretary. Those members present were as follows: Council President Jaime Melton Anderson Councilor Kimberly Farr Councilor Ben Horton Councilor Brian Jackson Councilor Jim Miller Others present in their official capacity: Mayor Ben Short City Attorney Rick Stotser City Clerk Dan Weinrib The City Council determined the order of consideration. They mutually agreed to set aside time at the start of the regular meeting to recognize three Fire Department promotions. After reviewing the rest of the proposals, they discussed the idea of setting term limits on volunteer boards & committees serving the city. Each councilor, as well as Mayor Short, had an opportunity to weigh in with his or her thoughts. By the end of discussion, each was to submit feedback directly to Mayor Short so that he could tweak his proposal for a future resolution. With no further items to discuss, President Anderson adjourned workshop at 5:52 pm. FEBRUARY 10, 2026 REGULAR SESSION The City Council of the City of Trussville met in regular session on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 5:56 pm at the City Hall Annex, with Council President Jaime Melton Anderson presiding and Dan Weinrib serving as recording secretary. President Anderson called the meeting to order. Councilor Horton led the prayer; Councilor Jackson led the pledge. Those members present were as follows: Council President Jaime Melton Anderson Councilor Kimberly Farr Councilor Ben Horton Councilor Brian Jackson Councilor Jim Miller Others present in their official capacity: Mayor Ben Short City Attorney Rick Stotser City Clerk Dan Weinrib They reviewed the minutes from the February 10 agenda workshop & regular session. Councilor Miller moved & Councilor Jackson seconded the motion to approve the submitted minutes. UNANIMOUS President Anderson then introduced the four-item consent agenda, as well as the regular agenda. Designated Historical Board appointee Mark Turner was in the audience, acknowledged by Councilor Miller & Mayor Short. Councilor Horton moved & Councilor Miller seconded the motion to approve the consent agenda. UNANIMOUS Councilor Jackson moved & Councilor Farr seconded the motion to approve the regular agenda. UNANIMOUS Fire Chief Tim Shotts approached the podium to announce the promotions of Brandon Jones, David “Andy” Griffith & Evan Massey to Captain. All three had been lieutenants. Two of the three were in attendance. They received warm applause & appreciation from the entire room. After a brief recess, President Anderson resumed the meeting. During public comments, Michael Kidd approached the podium. Kidd & other family members are suing former Police Chief Eric Rush, Trussville, school board & others in federal court. He asked that Mayor Short & the City retain the old cell phones, instead of declaring them surplus. Mayor Short told him more than once that all communications must occur between his attorney and the City’s. Richard Epstein (4742 Boulder Drive) wanted all council meetings to resume starting at 6 pm, instead of after workshop; obtain a backup generator for the Civic Center; and get a county grant for streetlights along Valley Road. As a point of order, Mayor Short asked the city clerk about the city council meeting public notices; Weinrib answered his questions. Under the regular agenda, Councilor Jackson introduced a proposed proclamation declaring February 22-28 as FBLA Week. A 1993-94 member of Future Business Leaders of America, Councilor Jackson moved & Councilor Farr seconded the motion for approval. UNANIMOUS Proclamation No. 2026-07 After a brief recess for group pictures, President Anderson resumed the meeting. Councilor Horton then introduced a proposed proclamation honoring Dr. Jeff Shelley for his lengthy service on the Board of Zoning Adjustment. He moved & three councilors jointly seconded the motion for approval. UNANIMOUS Proclamation No. 2026-08 Dr. Shelley & his wife are moving to Wetumpka to live closer to family, including grandchildren. After a brief recess for group pictures, President Anderson resumed the meeting. Councilor Farr then introduced a proposed proclamation honoring David Fuller for his service on the Industrial Development Authority. She moved & Councilor Miller seconded the motion for approval. UNANIMOUS Proclamation No. 2026-09 Even though Fuller was not at the council meeting, both Mayor Short & Councilor Farr gave praise. Mayor Short said he would read the proclamation at the IDA luncheon honoring Fuller on Thursday. Councilor Farr then introduced a proposed ordinance to amend the order of procedures for city council meetings. She moved for unanimous consent for immediate consideration. Councilor Miller seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, UNANIMOUS. She moved & Councilor Horton seconded the motion to approve the amending ordinance. Upon roll call vote, UNANIMOUS Ordinance No. 2026-002-ADM Prior to introducing the next proposed ordinance, the city council recognized Rice Advisory Managing Director Chris Williams. He explained that the proposed Series 2026 school warrants would refund the Series 2015 school warrants & free up over $920,000 for the school system to replace its track surface & build related improvements. The entire project will cost approximately $1.2 million. The city would continue making the same payments at a 3.38% interest rate, instead of 4.2%, over the remaining length of time on the original 2015 terms. During question time, Councilor Miller asked whether the cost savings belonged to the city or schools. Bond counsel Rod Kanter of Bradley Arant law firm answered that the savings belong to the city, which in turn grants it to the school board. The sale closing was scheduled for Thursday, February 26. Kanter further explained the purpose behind the authorizing ordinance and asked the city council to approve it. Kanter complimented Finance Director Joseph Calvert, consultant Brian Barksdale, City Attorney Rick Stotser & City Clerk Dan Weinrib for their assistance in helping Kanter draft all underwriting documents. Because the city has solid governance & a strong credit rating, it had no problems attracting interested investors for the February 26 sale. Kanter requested unanimous consent for immediate consideration, explaining that the closing is two days away. The bond market cannot wait for the ordinance to carry over to the March 10 regular meeting. Upon getting recognized, City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Patrick Martin, pointed out that this project is part of the board’s capital plan. The 12-year-old track was designed for 10 years of use. In addition to the middle & high school teams, the junior track club & Special Olympics also use the facilities. The track also hosts the Husky Invitational & the annual 4A-7A sectional tournament. Upon Dr. Martin’s prompt, the city council also recognized HTHS track coach Jimmy Johnson, whose indoor track team just won the 7A indoor track championship. Coach Johnson also asked the council for approval. He pointed out that the long jump competitors now run on concrete, which is unsafe. Runners are developing shin splints, in part, due to the beaten-up track surface. The track team has more athletes than any other school support. The Husky Invitational hosts 48 teams from Alabama, Tennessee & Georgia. Also, the state high school association will soon rotate the track finals to a new location. It is currently held in Huntsville. A new track will help the city make its case for hosting. Kanter took to the podium, to remind the council & public that the debt is payable out of the city’s seven-mill education millage, previously approved by voters, so the financing is already secure. Councilor Miller posed a public usage question for Dr. Martin. He first prefaced it by stating that he had been coming here for 10 years, his in-laws live about a mile away from the track & that his first exposure to it was when he had to do a two-mile fitness test run for the army. He was going to ask for access, only to be advised by his then-fiancée - now wife - that the track was not open to the public. He wanted the superintendent to answer whether the track could be open to the public when it is not school hours, since the school system is using the public’s money. Dr. Martin indicated they are already doing that now, allowing the Fire Department & the junior track team. He indicated he was open to conversation about that topic with Mayor Short & Parks & Recreation Director Chris Mills. President Anderson reminded Councilor Miller that the public already has access to the track next to Cahaba Elementary. She also pointed out that giving the public more access to a competitive track shortens its lifespan due to higher usage & related wear-&-tear. Dr. Martin indicated his willingness to support families whose members are going into the armed forces; he was open to having that conversation. Councilor Miller responded to President Anderson. He wanted to support the schools’ efforts yet felt he must protect the public’s money. He stated that the public was promised access 12 years ago, when it was first built then was later told they weren’t going to be able to use it. He indicated he was feeling conflicted about approving this ordinance & letting the schools spend over $900,000 in public funds of the public cannot subsequently access that track during the summer when school is closed. He acknowledged the other track, then stated it would not cost the city $900,000 to repave that track. Councilor Jackson then introduced a proposed ordinance to issue Series 2026 General Obligation School Warrants and made the motion for unanimous consent to suspend the rules to bring the ordinance up for immediate consideration. Councilor Farr seconded the motion. Before recognizing Councilor Horton, President Anderson told Councilor Miller she would not recognize Councilor Miller again on this topic since he had already spoken twice, per Section (h) of the Order of Procedure ordinance. Councilor Horton asked about the proposed borrowing terms & the impact on the City’s bond rating. Williams re-stated that the borrowing terms (payment amounts & date of maturity) would remain the same & that there is no impact on the City’s rating. Mayor Short added that he had participated in the bond rating phone call, when the City was informed its rating remained unchanged yet received plenty of positive feedback from investment firms, based on management of its own finances. Councilor Horton then asked how the public would be informed of the project’s timeline. Dr. Martin answered that the schools had bid out the project earlier. It came out to $1.2 million. Once the track has hosted its last meet in April, the general contractor will start performing its work with the intent to finish by July, which is the month prior to the opening of high school football season. If the project exceeds costs, Dr. Martin answered, the school board is responsible for the difference. Councilor Miller tried twice to bring up a point of order, only to have President Anderson tell him twice he would not be recognized since he had already spoken twice. Upon roll call vote, all other councilors voted YES for unanimous consent; Miller’s NO vote defeated the motion, thus forcing delay in consideration. Upon getting recognized by President Anderson, Mayor Short asked that the council announce a special-called meeting for the next evening to take up the proposed ordinance. As Kanter returned to the public podium, President Anderson asked the city clerk whether this complies action with the Order of Procedure ordinance or can the council proceed with a super majority. The city clerk answered that the city can do a 24-hour public notice and that he would work with bond counsel on that; the only other alternative would be for Councilor Miller to make a motion for reconsideration during this meeting. If passed, then the council could perform a do-over on the unanimous consent motion. Upon Mayor Short’s request, Council President Anderson then recognized attorney Kanter regarding next steps. Kanter asked the council to grant unanimous consent for transparency reasons. A special called meeting attracts a smaller – even minimal – audience, which is less desirable for achieving transparency. Also, if the city cannot meet the closing date two days later, it can have a very negative effect on the city’s credit & ability to access capital markets, particularly the public bond market. The financial institutions have already lined up interested investors who are ready to buy these warrants. With unanimous consent, any elected official can then vote to oppose the actual ordinance. For all parties’ sake, Kanter asked for an immediate up-or-down vote. If an elected official still had questions about the issuance, he explained, make it known tonight in front of a bigger audience. After asking the city clerk the current time, Kanter explained that a special-called meeting would have to start either at 7:15 pm or 7:30 pm the following evening, because of the 24-hour statutory requirement. Council President Anderson then invited Councilor Miller to make a motion for reconsideration if he desired to. For eight seconds, Miller stared straight ahead and remained silent. Councilor Anderson then directed the city clerk to post a 24-hour public notice for a special council meeting. Kanter left the front row & podium area; the city clerk invited Kanter to use his office to draft the public notice. Kanter wound up going to his car to retrieve his laptop. President Anderson then proceeded to the next agenda item. She recognized Councilor Jackson to introduce an annexation ordinance. Councilor Jackson gave an introductory first reading then indicated the council would delay consideration until March as the petitioner continues to clean up the property and bring it up to compliance with code. Property owner & Pinson resident Rex Norris introduced himself. He stated that it no longer made sense for him to pay annual fire dues to the Center Point Fire District when Station No. 4 is next door.  At that point, after looking at his phone and making notes during the annexation matter, Councilor Miller asked for recognition; upon getting it, he then made a motion to reconsider the unanimous consent vote. Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. Per Robert’s Rules of Order, the motion to reconsider a previous vote is a privileged motion, meaning that the governing body suspends its place in proceedings to take up that motion. By that point, bond counsel Kanter returned to council chambers. Upon roll call vote, UNANIMOUS. Councilor Jackson then moved for unanimous consent to suspend the rules and consider the ordinance immediately. Councilor Farr seconded the motion. UNANIMOUS. Councilor Jackson then moved to approve the proposed ordinance. Councilor Horton seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, UNANIMOUS Ordinance No. 2026- 003-ADM Councilor Miller then introduced a proposed ordinance resolution to amend the Historical Board ordinance to expand its size to nine members from seven. He moved for unanimous consent to suspend the rules and consider the ordinance immediately. Councilor Jackson seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, UNANIMOUS. Councilor Miller then made the motion to approve the ordinance. Councilor Horton seconded the motion. Upon roll call vote, UNANIMOUS Ordinance No. 2026- 004-ADM. City Clerk’s notation – Because the council delayed consideration of the annexation ordinance, this ordinance became #004, instead of 005 Councilor Miller then introduced a proposed resolution to declare various IT Department assets – all mobile phones – as surplus. He moved & Councilor Jackson seconded the motion for approval. UNANIMOUS Resolution No. 2026-17 Councilor Horton then introduced a proposed resolution to authorize an agreement with Emergency Equipment Professionals to acquire over $48,000 in fire rescue tools & equipment. No competitive bidding is required for two independent reasons: EEP is a member of the H-GAC purchasing cooperative & this involves public safety of persons, structures, facilities or infrastructure. He moved & Councilor Farr seconded the motion for approval. UNANIMOUS Resolution No. 2026-18 Next, Finance Director Joseph Calvert gave the council & public a summary of city finances through January. The City’s year-to-date net operating income is $8.3 million, well ahead of $3.8 million a year ago; revenues from sales taxes, business licensing, permits, ad valorem & other sources are ahead of FY2026 budget’s projections; most notably, sales taxes are 2.4% ahead. He also mentioned that the FY2025 audit is in its final stages. During committee reports, Councilor Horton yielded some of his time to Tree Commission chairman Raph Mitchell, who promoted its annual Arbor Day event on February 28 at The Mall. Councilor Horton thanked the library for displaying Arbor Day artwork by local students. Also, on behalf of Utilities, Councilor Horton explained to the public that wholesale prices on natural gas went up, thus triggering subsequent increases in customers’ bills. It should be temporary. Also, he thanked Emily McDaniel for agreeing to serve as co-chair of Design Review. He also expressed his excitement about Raising Canes & a new hotel coming to Trussville. Councilor Jackson announced that Active Transportation is working with the Regional Planning Commission to develop the new greenways comprehensive plan. The members got to see the plan’s first phase. Also, the Planning & Zoning Commission will have an internal discussion about a possible overlay district for the Cahaba Project historic neighborhood at its March 9 meeting, with a public involvement hearing in either April or May. Councilor Miller reported that ACTA remains busy with its theater schedule. Wizard of Oz is opening this upcoming weekend and runs for two weekends; also, the 9 to 5 cast is having rehearsals, prior to its April 23rd opening; 1776 opens in July. ACTA is hosting Modern Magic featuring Alec Dixon on March 13, as well as Murder at Mardi Gras on March 14. Eight performances of Big Fish sold out. A state grant for audio system upgrades remains pending. Also, the Senior Center Advisory Board recommends appointing Susan Wood. More than 105 members attended the Senior Center’s Mardi Gras luncheon. Councilor Farr promoted the library’s annual Gees Bend Quilting workshop. Tickets become available on March 1 for the April 9-11 event. Also, the library bookmobile will be operating during the Arbor Day event at The Mall. Opening Day for Parks & Recreation baseball on February 28 will feature a parade and first-pitch ceremony. Also, she praised Public Works, Ace Tree & Park Maintenance Superintendent Evan McCleskey for their roles in re-planting the city Christmas tree. Also, Saturday is Opening Day for baseball season in the Sports Complex. Also, the IDA will have its luncheon on Thursday, when it will honor David Fuller. Also, the Chamber of Commerce is offering college scholarships to eligible students, through its website. The deadline is April 1st. She also added her congratulations to the national champion Recreation cheerleading squad.  Councilor Anderson reported, with some assistance from Dr. Martin, that the school board recognized its 7A state champion indoor track team and various individuals for their accomplishments, the national champion cheerleading team, 8th grade metro basketball champions & two National Commended Scholars. Also, Paine Elementary students raised $70,000 during its Jump Rope for Heart event, the most by any school statewide & fourth nationally. Also, Leadership Trussville had its board meeting. In a few months, they will take applications for their fifth class. They are always looking for new sponsors. Also, the Beautification Board will take nominations during April before judging on June 1st. Also, the Cemetery Authority welcomed its new members. She also mentioned Opening Day at Roberts Stadium. The Lady Huskies won their home opener. Fans had a great stadium experience. Mayor Short encouraged families to carpool for Opening Day Saturday at the Sports Complex. There were no audience comments. Councilor Jackson moved & Councilor Farr seconded the motion to go into executive session to discuss matters involving trade & commerce. UNANIMOUS It was 7:09 pm when they recessed then moved over to the conference room. They re-convened until 8 pm, then returned to regular session. With no further business left to consider, President Anderson promptly adjourned the meeting. Respectfully submitted, DJW City Clerk Dan Weinrib MMC