City of Auburn

The meeting included action on the appointment of Sherry Tenured to the Cemetery Advisory Board, succeeding Gwen Reid. Discussions also covered the upcoming annual Polar Plunge event to benefit the Lee County Special Olympics. Updates from Auburn University communications detailed the completion of the student government youth patio project, the initiation of spring semester election campaigns, lobbying efforts for increased higher education funding, and the selection of a new executive leadership team for student recruiters. During the public comment period, a resident requested careful consideration regarding amendments to the code defining multiuse pads, advocating for continued access for cyclists downtown while ensuring pedestrian safety.

The meeting began with the Committee of the Whole portion, which included the approval of the minutes from the December 16, 2025 meeting. Key business involved nominations for three vacancies on the Board of Zoning Adjustment, resulting in the confirmation of Mary Boyd for a second term, the nomination of Malcolm Daily as a supernumerary member, and the nomination of Leticia Smith for a second full term. Following the committee session, the main City Council meeting recognized Aziza Hurt as the January Employee of the Month for her dedication in engineering services and honored the 2025 Auburn High School varsity girls cross country team for securing the Class 7A state championship. Announcements included the ribbon cutting for the Community Market and the opening of the East Alabama Mental Health Center. Council members also noted the winding down of operations for the Philly Connection restaurant. Under city manager communications, information was provided regarding a vacancy on the Cemetery Advisory Board and a report on the Rebuild Alabama Act expenditures for fiscal year 2025, which were applied to resurfacing projects. During the consent agenda review, Item 85 concerning utility easements for the Racetrack LLC development was pulled for discussion, focusing on the shared jurisdiction between Auburn and Opelika and the status of the temporary chain link fencing buffer versus the required permanent fencing.

The meeting commenced with the committee of the whole addressing a correction to the previous meeting's minutes. Key discussions and actions included the reappointment of Shannon Walden to the Cemetery Advisory Board, the opening of the position for Gwen Reed, and the appointment of Jay Lockheart to the Waterworks Board. The council also thanked public safety teams for their work on a toy drive. Major agenda items covered the approval of a contract with Boddine's Landscape Services for Veterans Memorial Park Landscape Renovations and a discussion concerning the resurfacing and maintenance of the Charlotte and Curtis Ward bike trail via a reimbursement agreement with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. An ordinance regarding the pre-zoning of property near Cox Road to development district housing, which required unanimous consent due to the Planning Commission's negative recommendation, was also opened for a public hearing.

The meeting included discussions regarding information related to budgeted items, which will be further addressed in subsequent meetings. The Mayor thanked public safety personnel for their work at the Auburn-Opalika game and during Thanksgiving weekend and the Iron Bowl. The council welcomed Auburn's new football coach, Coach Alex Golish. The council also mentioned upcoming Christmas activities and a parade.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as the recognition of Michelle as employee of the month, the reappointment of AJ Harris and the appointment of Mary Mills to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Announcements covered the Sugar Bowl, the final downtown trick-or-treat event, and congratulations to Eddie Smith on becoming the new mayor of Opaikica. The Auburn High FFA's achievements at the National Convention were acknowledged, and there was a report from the Auburn University SGA regarding the Wire Road sidewalk construction and student housing on West Glenn. The council also discussed the purchase of vehicles, AR-15s, trash collection fees, and maintenance of the Right Street parking deck.