City of Calera

The work session began with reports, during which the planned executive session was removed from the agenda. The Mayor reported on recent municipal activities, including the demolition and cleanup of properties at Rolling Hills and the Octica building (related to the old motel site), thanking the street department and county partners for their efforts, with hopes for a future senior/rec center. The Mayor also discussed efforts to combat littering and mentioned new dumpster pad construction downtown on Main Street. Council members provided updates on the fire department's January statistics, the free smoke detector program (including options for the hearing impaired), and the recent successful hosting of a U.S. Firefighter/Explorer Cadet competition. Other discussions covered upcoming youth spring sports registration deadlines, support for varsity basketball playoffs, the city's new Main Street designation signage, focus on securing downtown restaurants and improving ADA walkability, plans to install dog bag stations in parks, and updates from the IT department regarding a new online business license renewal system and fiber connection at Public Works. A significant topic was the discussion of establishing a 'Baby Box' program for newborns, detailing its functionality and budget implications for the fire station.

The work session agenda included reports from the City Attorney and the Mayor. The Mayor reported on the completion of new pickleball courts at Eagle Park and ongoing construction of tennis courts, retaining walls, and parking, thanking the council for the funding. Council members discussed an ordinance regarding false alarms for fire department systems, detailing a proposed structure involving warnings for the first three occurrences within a 12-month period, followed by escalating fines starting at $50 for subsequent alarms, noting this applies citywide to both residential and commercial properties. Updates were provided on managing a blighted property, with options being explored through state law for resolution. The Police Chief presented a comprehensive statistical report for 2025, noting the addition of three key personnel positions, an increase in calls for service from 2024 to 2025, and high-resolution statistics enabled by new software, including details on accident hotspots and Crisis Response Team activations. The Chief also strongly recommended the establishment of a dedicated traffic unit due to high call volumes concerning traffic incidents. Finally, the year-to-date December 2025 financials were presented, separated into governmental and priority funds for clarity.

The meeting involved a report from the Mayor highlighting significant accomplishments, including the demolition and removal of an old motel at Rolling Hills, and progress on the downtown dumpster area construction, which is nearing completion. Council members discussed several pressing issues, including the safety concerns related to a lack of a second emergency exit at the Mil Point subdivision and the legal complexities surrounding the enforcement of firearm bans at council meetings, which require specific state law compliance, signage, and security screening equipment. Additionally, the Fire Chief reported substantial in-kind donations totaling over $28,000 from local industries for thermal imaging cameras and fire equipment. The council also discussed potential city ordinances to regulate hemp and vape shops in response to state legislation (House Bill 445) and growing concerns over highly addictive substances like Cabba found in some products, which has been linked to severe community hardship and suicides.

The meeting involved a detailed review of ongoing construction projects and plat approvals. Key discussions included the status of Comfort Inn, a convenience store on 42 and 70 (which requires a turn lane for final approval), Central Tech Bank, King's Crossing, a storage facility on 31, and Dollar General on Highway 25. The commission addressed residential development progress across multiple phases in Canon Park, Rouge, Z Creek, Osland, and Aberdine, including an extension granted for Aberdine's phase 2 plat. Significant time was dedicated to the road conditions in Timberline, specifically discussing maintenance responsibilities for roads within the development, particularly sections in red status that are not yet accepted by the city. The board also reviewed preliminary and final plat approvals for Milp Point (Phase 2 preliminary plat for tonight) and discussed the amenity area plans for Milp Point Phase 2, which will include green space, planting, and potentially pickleball courts/a small playground.

Key discussions during the meeting included construction updates for various commercial developments such as a store at 42 and 70, Central State Bank's new office, Grace Auto opening, and the status of Kings Crossing. Updates were provided on storage facilities and Dollar General 25. Development progress for housing subdivisions was reviewed, including Cabinet Park (with final plat approval expected), Emer Ridge, Shallow Creek, Thousand Farms, Timberline, Milp Point (where the preliminary plat for phase two is under review), and Georgia Parkway. The commission discussed the process for reviewing and potentially tweaking zoning regulations, specifically concerning material requirements (like vinyl siding versus brick and wood) and lot size rules that might necessitate variances through the Board of Adjustments. The final agenda item involved the approval of the Cabinet Park phase six final plat, which passed following commission review and member abstention.