Stephen Hodges

The meeting included a public hearing for the rezoning of the Woolfolk Subdivision, amendments to the Natural Gas and Water and Sewer User Charge Rate Ordinances, and discussions on a Utility Meter Technology Fee Proposal and a City Maintenance Shop Proposal. The board also discussed soliciting quotes for the Shands Bottom C-Store Utility Project (water portion only). Department reports were given by the Fire Chief, Director of Operations, Parks and Recreation Director, Community Development and Tourism Director, and Interim Deputy Police Chief. The board authorized advertising for RFPs for Solid Waste Collections Services and approved the Municipal Compliance Questionnaire FYE 2025 and the Continuing Disclosure Report FYE 2024. Additionally, the board authorized the Police Department to surplus 6 Glock 45 9mm pistols, trading them in for 6 Glock 45 MOS Gen 5. An executive session was held for economic development, resulting in authorization to amend the lease with ABB for property on Shands Bottom Road.

The meeting included discussions on fluoride in drinking water, the Shands Bottom C-Store Utility Project bid, a school residency ordinance, and a grass clippings ordinance. The board also discussed the Police Department's take-home car policy and authorized recreational softball to charge a gate fee for their Halloween tournament. They approved a consent agenda that included approving minutes from previous meetings, authorizing travel and conference attendance for city officials, and personnel matters such as promotions and pay increases for firefighters and police officers. Additionally, the board addressed the transfer of a vehicle from the Police Department to the Fire Department, set a public hearing for rezoning, and discussed the condemnation of properties for the Scott Street roundabout project. The Mayor provided an update on the youth baseball league.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen convened for a special meeting, which included an executive session regarding police personnel. Hal Vanderford was appointed as the Police Chief with a set salary of $85,000 and a start date of October 13, 2025.

The meeting included discussions and authorizations related to personnel matters within the Public Works Sanitation Department. Specifically, the board addressed and approved the acceptance of a resignation from an employee and authorized the hiring of a new CDL Driver, contingent upon successful completion of physical and background screening.

The meeting included discussions on the lease with Elite Builders LLC for the Ward St Parking lot, where concerns were raised about potential impacts on the community and downtown businesses. The budget workshop addressed the need for a Judge Pro Tem, additional Prosecutor, and Public Defender for the court department. Updates were provided on Community Development and Tourism, including grant administration and the Downtown Revitalization project. The board discussed millage rates, potential tax increases, and contributions to organizations like the Library and EDF. Concerns were raised about the Animal Shelter budget and garbage fee revenues. The board also discussed the process for hiring a new Police Chief, including the formation of a committee to review applications.