Romona L. Marcus

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the proclamation of America 250, commemorating the semiquincentennial anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which was presented to the Daughters of the American Revolution. A proclamation recognizing Arbor Day in the city was also presented, highlighting the benefits of trees and noting Dothan's selection as the Tree City USA Alabama City of the Year, with an acknowledgment of honoring school bus drivers. Furthermore, a proclamation for Government Communicators Day was issued to recognize city communication staff. The Commission also acknowledged Commissioner David Crutchfield for ten years of service. Commissioners provided comments, including commendations for the Dunlin Downtown Martas parade, noting its safety and community spirit, and updates on the progress of the circle road construction project. Support was expressed for local basketball teams advancing in playoffs, and gratitude was extended to first responders for their service during recent incidents.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the recognition of human trafficking awareness month, featuring a proclamation and presentation by the Executive Director from Dare to Hope. Commissioners provided updates, acknowledging the spirit of service following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s festivities, expressing condolences for a fire fatality, and sharing gratitude for city staff's work with new commissioners. A local entrepreneur, Orin Scrugs, shared his journey utilizing the Wiregrass Innovation Center resources, focusing on artisan spoon making and community building. The Director presented the FY 2025 annual Rebuild Alabama report, noting the responsible utilization of gas tax funds on infrastructure projects, including a multi-million dollar intersection improvement.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussion points centered around official proclamations. The first proclamation recognized Black History Month, honoring the contributions of African-Americans to the nation and the City of Dothan. The second proclamation designated February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month, highlighting the rigorous and progressive nature of Dothan City Schools' CTE programs, student achievements, certifications, and upcoming competitions. The third proclamation recognized Wiregrass 211 for its essential role in connecting residents to vital resources, noting over 21,650 contacts handled in the previous year. Commissioner communications addressed the celebration of Black History Month and emphasized support for CTE programs, suggesting a CTE signing day. Another commissioner spoke passionately regarding crime, specifically mentioning the recent murder of Mr. Blake Bowen, and committed to a strong focus on proactive measures against crime. The City Manager presented the employee of the month, Daniel Lewis from the Performing Arts Department, recognizing his integral contributions and expertise in event management and systems upgrades.

The City Commission meeting agenda includes several proclamations for "America 250," "Arbor Day," and "Government Communicators Day," along with a service award presentation. Communications from the City Manager involve a retirement certificate and a Visit Dothan Update. Key resolutions and actions involve a public hearing and confirmation of costs for weed abatement, adopting an updated competitive process for CDBG allocations, applying for the Main Street Alabama Program, entering into workspace rental agreements with Grow Southeast Foundation and Gener8tor at the Wiregrass Innovation Center, designating a voting delegate for the 2026 Alabama League of Municipalities Annual Business Meeting, accepting a statement of work from CivicPlus for ADA compliance website modules, appropriating funds to the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce for economic development, accepting a proposal from Auburn University for strategic planning assistance, entering into an agreement with Poly, Inc. for Water Street Storage Tank No. 8 rehabilitation engineering services, and an MOU with the University of Montevallo for motorcycle safety training. The agenda also includes approval for January 2026 invoice payments, approval of other purchases over $30,000, and approval of advance travel requests.

The public hearing focused on new business, specifically considering a request for a Special Exception (MH-2025-0001) to permit a manufactured home on a 2.9-acre parcel zoned Agricultural-Conservation located at 0 Bruner Road. This request was approved with specified conditions. The agenda also included standard procedures such as the invocation, pledge of allegiance, and oath.