Justin D. Edwards

The meeting addressed several key items under old business, including approving change order offer number one and offer number three for the pickleball court expansion totaling $540,625, and the purchase of an arena drag for $9,400. Council granted permission to purchase a 2026 skid steer loader and brush cutter for $133,595, and authorized the fire department to purchase two new fire vehicles for $127,366.32. New business began with a public hearing concerning retail beer and wine licenses for Grove Station LLC, which were subsequently approved. The council also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Elmore County Board of Education regarding the use of a sports facility. Furthermore, a resolution to exempt certain items from municipal sales tax during the third full weekend of July was passed. Finally, permission was granted for the First Baptist Church of Wetumpka to host a community Easter egg hunt at the farmers market on April 1, 2026.

The City Council meeting addressed several agenda items involving both old and new business. Old business included seeking permission for the police department to purchase five vehicles at a cost of $289,717.89, approving repairs for fire apparatus engines 101 and 102 to address diesel exhaust issues costing $8,000, and approving tree removal from the Kentucky Municipal Airport for $11,500. New business included approving a spillage easement with HSC We LLC in Rivertown John, which clarifies existing stormwater easement provisions concerning drainage into a city pond. Other items carried over to the next meeting included approving a change of order for pickleball court expansion totaling $540,625, approving the purchase of an Arena Drag for $9,400, and purchasing a 2026 brush cutter for $133,595. The council also approved permission to surplus and sell public works equipment at auction. The fire department's request to purchase two new fire vehicles for $127,366.32 was discussed but carried over.

The session included a segment honoring FFA members, during which a proclamation designating National FFA Week (February 21st through 28th, 2026) was read, followed by presentations from FFA students regarding their show team successes and advocacy efforts for FFA education. The council meeting addressed several public hearings concerning business licenses, specifically approving an economic development agreement for Grove Station Restaurant and Bakery, and granting retail liquor and wine licenses for Full Mon LLC (Cuser River Craft House) and Piggly Wiggly Food for Less. Several items were carried over to the next meeting, including permission to purchase five police vehicles, repairs for fire apparatus engines to address diesel exhaust issues, tree removal at the municipal airport, and permission to replace the turbo on a grapple truck, which was approved after suspending the rules.

The document details a promotion ceremony for the Wetumpka Police Department (WPD). The event included an invocation delivered by a local pastor. Remarks were made by the Chief of Police, emphasizing that promotions are earned through consistent performance, sound judgment, and commitment to core values such as integrity and leadership. The Mayor and City Council congratulated the honorees. The ceremony recognized the promotions of several officers, including Lieutenant Matthew Calhoun, who subsequently introduced the corporals being promoted: Shelton Davis, Tyler Lamar, Madison Sters, Jory Way, Steven McGelpin, William Reed, Brent Overton, and William Smith (who was absent due to training). The Chief acknowledged the importance of family support in law enforcement careers.

The City Council meeting addressed several agenda items, including Old Business items which were carried over from the previous agenda. These included voting on an ordinance granting Central Alabama Electric Cooperative a non-exclusive franchise agreement, and granting permission to replace two Riverwalk bridges in Gold Star Park. New business involved the approval to surplus and donate field equipment, specifically two Smith Co. Superstar infield diamond groomers and two and a half tons of field drying agent and conditioner, with a note that the equipment might be donated to the high school or hospital. The Council also proceeded to approve the job description for the Communications and Tourism Director, and approved reoccurring costs for LED lighting for the Woodbridge subdivision phase one. Purchases for fire truck headsets and new police department firearms were tabled to the next agenda. The Mayor also provided comments recognizing staff and volunteers for their work on the recent Christmas parade, despite a serious traffic accident handled by the police department.