Dan Ballard

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the previous Committee of the Whole session held on February 3rd. Key discussions included authorizing the City Manager to sign the voting delegate authorization form for the Alabama League of Municipalities convention. Mayor announcements covered appreciation for the Presbyterian Community Ministry, positive remarks on East Alabama Health's State of the Hospital event, promotion of the 'Fight Against Suicide' event, and congratulations to David Dorton on his upcoming retirement. Council members also noted the successful Black History program and the newly installed turn lane signal at Webster and Wire. A significant concern raised was the poor condition of Longleaf Drive, prompting discussion regarding necessary subsurface repairs and future design and bidding timelines for a comprehensive rebuild. City Manager communications included the introduction of the new City Engineer and Engineering Services Director, Michael Griffin, alongside recognition for interim staff. Announcements detailed current board vacancies for the Auburn Public Library Board, Tree Commission, and Board of Education, with intentions discussed regarding the reappointment of a current Board of Education member. The consent agenda involved the council removing Item 8D (support for the sale of a manufacturing facility at 2201 Riley Street to Project Dym, involving a $21 million investment and creation of 72 jobs) and Item 8E for individual consideration.

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 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 included the approval of minutes from the January 20th Committee of the Whole session. The Mayor proposed scheduling time during the first meeting in March to discuss the Chamber of Commerce's new building development capital plan and a potential municipal pledge. Updates were provided on various ongoing studies related to the temporary moratorium on multiple unit and private dormitory development in specific zoning districts. Specifically, status updates covered the wastewater collection system master plan, storm water modeling and analysis, the comprehensive citywide traffic analysis, and the evaluation and update of the comprehensive zoning ordinance. The meeting also featured recognition for the February Employee of the Month, Melissa Shaver, and acknowledgments for the retired Police Chief, Cedric Anderson, and other community service efforts.

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.