[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6339564,"mediaKeyId","2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4","parentId",2261083,"title","Residents press council for action after Green report and police conduct concerns; calls for hearings and leadership changes","audioSeconds",2702,"startMs",3611000,"endMs",6313000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4&start=3611&end=6313","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4/thumbnail_3611000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6339564/Decatur-City/Morgan-County/Alabama/Residents-press-council-for-action-after-Green-report-and-police-conduct-concerns-calls-for-hearings-and-leadership-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339564-4c6e269438709ceae5e6d7d29f7380f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773600732&Signature=IIWxgaXPBODcT2DWBeNLZQYi0fznAfyvxXeyDNXDlwC02ErC-G4sQnu-CuGNPcbJNPirJJhxMeB-HOKstrqNa7lheDCFZZ7eaXmt00F2KPbSyVmbn9UjLdIQY2v~dnHHlyfeLzPxE2w94M3ryBopYS4WJM0G~CU-b~QQsH73Ef70id1eY6HApgu8gzcjW2xAnhnPEjYBD1~-zeBdN43956cDERfGqSy4AULgpIpuPKF7HK2MPZqdCuC~UfpAgJek2pOJILxXs3gKf9naEFVdSQredU6eCMneGGyd7gTKTBejHhN1VHSpUSDxs3wo1xORaSo~WZ-1DwIrwLjsnkYwdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Decatur City, AL","date","2025-02-11T12:27:16Z","article","Several residents used the Feb. 26 public-comment period to press the Decatur City Council for action related to police conduct, a recently completed third-party review (referred to in public remarks as the Green report), and department staffing.

Speakers including Sarah French, Kristine Love, Byron Nettles, Tommy Cook and others described a pattern of alleged misconduct that they said the report confirmed, and they asked the council to hold a hearing, increase oversight or remove Police Chief Todd Pinion. \"We have the report, we see and know the issues, we need a hearing,\" said a public commenter who asked the council what immediate actions would be taken. Another speaker asked whether the police chief could be removed immediately or, if not, given daily accountability to an outside person.

Several commenters alleged problematic uses of the charge of obstructing governmental operations during public interactions and disputed characterizations of events at recent public memorials and protests. One speaker said body-camera footage had been edited or that relevant evidence had been mishandled during the events referenced in the review. \"The murder of an innocent man by rogue officers...the attempted cover up of that murder, the leaking and editing of body cam footage,\" said a public commenter, summarizing concerns raised in the external review.

Speakers also raised staffing and retention questions. One resident noted the department's officer strength had been reported at approximately 75% and linked staffing pressures to recruitment and retention challenges; council members said the city had enacted pay increases in January to address recruitment and had used referral incentives previously.

Council responses and staff comments: Council members acknowledged the report and said they were reviewing options. One council member said he had met with Chief Pinion and asked for more detail on specific investigations; the chief told the liaison the matters cited were \"thoroughly investigated,\" the council member said. Council members discussed the limits of open meetings when personnel matters are involved and noted redactions in the report that limit public disclosure of specific names and details.

Process and oversight options discussed included revamping a Citizens Advisory Board, directing a council liaison to pursue answers from departmental leadership, and scheduling a hearing. Some council members questioned the utility of a public hearing when investigative materials and personnel information are redacted. \"I just don't know that what benefit we get from a hearing when we can all read it,\" one council member said, noting redactions restrict what can be discussed in public.

Why it matters: The commentary addresses allegations of serious misconduct, the city's investigative and disciplinary processes, and public trust in the police department. Residents urged the council to use the report as a basis for transparent oversight and corrective action.

Next steps: Council members said staff are exploring options including reforming the Citizens Advisory Board, directing liaisons to collect information and potentially scheduling hearings; staff also noted some investigative or personnel information may require closed-session review or judicial action to resolve.

Ending: Public commenters urged immediate and visible action; the council promised to pursue follow-up steps and to report back on options for oversight and potential hearings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Special Called Council Meeting & Agenda Work Session 02:10:2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents at the Feb. 26 meeting urged Decatur's council to respond to a third-party review and alleged police misconduct, calling for hearings, increased oversight and possible leadership changes.","taxTitle","Decatur City, Morgan County, Alabama","taxId",5148,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6339584,"Decatur council holds first reading on higher mayor and council pay; debate over timing and oversight",3184,793000,3977000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4&start=793&end=3977","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4/thumbnail_793000.jpg","/articles/6339584/Decatur-City/Morgan-County/Alabama/Decatur-council-holds-first-reading-on-higher-mayor-and-council-pay-debate-over-timing-and-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339584-b32fce9747fc1ae6124452643695cc28/orig.mp4?Expires=1773600733&Signature=IAqOdN4d1Irn1mlHUQhNcDArmOUE3dHPwmxzyg~EduMGe5qgsHhZWKHSTgRzbK6ttCW6I1wI9~6j7p~NBKxJe0cxWwVtUi2TIb9HM2xEkjcj7MW0BetbcBsuLegd9BIt8EErnnqMDRfFOlgoayrx1N2gA6gCwDrphZKTjTKvVEy0tihUPl-FsrAu7ic6hDdKKORqa9kELxLCZTaLFrWiODDY2~xExxtXxyL~fHT49TaQf0cwy7aFn-lRTbY7nlQ6szCVpAB3rAHM~DA~~ohipDsHPcMzfBHZ2~Na1XsdU3zoZiY8hfHZjUunBqF1dcvEWKP8w2wXZfm1tswuifo8mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decatur City Council on Feb. 26 held a first reading of an ordinance that would raise the mayor's and city council's salaries for the term beginning in November 2025.

Kyle Demeester, finance director, told the council the city must complete any change within six months of the election and that Feb. 26 was the statutory deadline to act. \"The law requires that in order to change it, it has to be complete within 6 months prior to the election,\" Demeester said. He told the council the proposed increases reflect comparisons with other Alabama mayors and the scope of responsibilities the mayor holds, including oversight of a roughly $100 million general fund and more than 500 employees.

The ordinance was read for a first reading as Ordinance 2054602; no adoption vote occurred at the special-call session. Demeester repeated that salaries had not been adjusted since 2012 and that the proposed mayoral salary, including a separate car allowance, is intended to align Decatur with peer cities. \"Salaries and wages for these positions have not been adjusted since 2012,\" he said.

Why it matters: The mayor oversees city operations and a large portion of the municipal budget; the council's compensation can affect who seeks office and how members balance public service with private employment. Demeester said the proposal aims to broaden the candidate pool by making compensation competitive.

Council discussion focused on timing, the ordinance's legal constraints, and possible related measures. One council member asked whether random drug testing could be added for elected officials, saying elected officials have \"such responsibility\" that they should be \"clear headed.\" City staff and the council's legal advisor said random testing would raise legal issues because council members and the mayor are not safety-sensitive employees; the legal advisor said penalties tied to compensation could be enacted by separate ordinance but would still raise constitutional and criminal-justice questions and might require conviction to implement. \"If you're asking is there a way to justify a random drug test, answer to that is I do not believe so,\" the legal advisor said. He added that penalties that affect pay would need to be separately enacted and would have their own legal limits.

Council members and public commenters also debated whether the council should table the ordinance until additional policies on waste, fraud and abuse or other oversight mechanisms are adopted; a resident urged tabling the pay ordinance until \"further policies and procedures are developed.\" Another speaker opposed increasing the mayor's pay given recent concerns about departmental oversight and called for clearer incentives tied to performance.

Details in the ordinance: Demeester said the council president's pay would be set at 20% of the mayor's salary and council members at 17.5%, an increase from the 2012 ratio. He clarified the car allowance is listed separately on pay stubs and is taxable; it is not included when calculating the council members' percentages.

Next steps: Because this was a first reading, the ordinance will return for additional readings and potential adoption at later meetings. Demeester repeated that state law requires timing within six months of the election, and council members discussed whether to advance the ordinance on the March agenda or to postpone for additional policy work.

A number of residents urged the council to attach additional accountability measures before raising compensation; others urged competitiveness to attract qualified candidates. No final vote on adoption was recorded at the Feb. 26 meeting.

Ending: The council left the ordinance at first reading and scheduled further consideration during regular meetings; the council's next formal action on the ordinance will determine whether the proposed changes take effect for the term beginning November 2025.","The Decatur City Council on Feb. 26 held a first reading of an ordinance that would raise the mayor's and city council's salaries for the term beginning in November 2025.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6339569,"Decatur council work session previews multiple resolutions: demolition, licenses, engineering contracts and road projects",201,2632000,2833000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4&start=2632&end=2833","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4/thumbnail_2632000.jpg","/articles/6339569/Decatur-City/Morgan-County/Alabama/Decatur-council-work-session-previews-multiple-resolutions-demolition-licenses-engineering-contracts-and-road-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339569-c4ff714bb1d713549427acc3fb0f750f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773600732&Signature=OtxnRv8prluGosZgLyGwGY5MYUPH1DDF--uVGaFAoofA23Ou5My-KcvxvVvYR~CyWqiTzADxTmpgAoI481bn1J9JiRJvA~HMGXoLtcn8tTZ0Iz3oH180iCvOzsOnkVFEXM0GmjpFC7wfx7ZOAKgls9qYsb5kiMjWc0ZXQsd~A2G5LPaXgIrm7p07vmyPZZGsVGRPwQynRjacC62KPZLALhq8BPGvybg9eCItGvq~ylQQ0v~J~E1So2nWz3YYMQt9nX9ikJK9u0pa2jqq0hZ6C4nYXzRZdp-kxiVSqUuPot-fXOx15h8V~e-JnhZCXEnnEEEjGQKqt-KDWHYvV4kFAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decatur City Council discussed several routine and project-related resolutions at its Feb. 26 work session; staff presented each item and indicated most would return for formal approval at an upcoming council meeting.

Items reviewed included:
- Resolution to approve demolition of a collapsed car wash at 2612 Oldsmolton Roadwood (public hearing to be scheduled); staff said the structure had fallen in and no permits for repair had been obtained.
- Resolution 25020: request for a special-event retail liquor license for the Carnegie Visual Arts Center for the \"Carnegie Carnival\" at 133 Second Avenue NE.
- Agreement with Board A. S. Sargent for a structural report on the Carnegie Visual Arts Center as part of a grant-funded project; staff asked the council to authorize the mayor to enter the agreement.
- Right-of-way and relocation payment approval related to a DOT-funded tract on Upper River Road and Point Monarch Parkway; staff recommended payment based on state guidelines for moving expenses.
- Morrell Engineering proposal for Wilson Morgan Park access improvements based on a traffic study and design needs.
- Sixth Avenue road work: staff opened bids and reported Grayson Carter and Sons was sole low bidder; staff said the resolution would be amended before the next meeting to reflect the contractor agreement.
- Notices about planned traffic closures to accommodate an engineering firm's field work at a BeltLine turn lane.

Why it matters: The items include public-safety and public-access matters (demolition of a hazardous structure, right-of-way acquisitions, and roadwork) and routine approvals needed to implement capital projects.

Next steps: Most items were presented for approval at upcoming meetings; staff said some resolutions would be amended to reflect final contractor agreements. For the demolition item, staff requested the council set a public hearing so the city can move to abate the unsafe structure if necessary.

Ending: Council members asked clarifying questions about bidders, funding sources and scheduling; staff said they would return with finalized agreements and public-notice materials for hearings and votes.
","During a Feb. 26 work session the council reviewed a set of resolutions and agreements including a demolition hearing for a collapsed car wash, a special-event liquor license for Carnegie Visual Arts Center, a storage-structure report agreement, right-of-way relocation payments, engineering for park access and Sixth Avenue road improvements.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":90,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6339574,"Council reviews proposed Point Mallard and parks rate increases, including $5 facility fee to fund improvements",2885000,3086000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4&start=2885&end=3086","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4/thumbnail_2885000.jpg","/articles/6339574/Decatur-City/Morgan-County/Alabama/Council-reviews-proposed-Point-Mallard-and-parks-rate-increases-including-5-facility-fee-to-fund-improvements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339574-5cb07c487b28e3a9f44f57c9421d39e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773600732&Signature=KuNlE4Fm6IzgyX9bGX8Ch4ZmvQFQX2od2Z~aa-HocL3~o05ED9S8ZVlEmXvG3niiBXTRHApp49vIKdKbCpV9fHissaW8trSQllPDIG8~L~VHS2nchdRdomhE35HzN~wj1WZc-nxizHObQEUoN-dFDj5nh20tWIvFrxmNw9cOKjLwRFraNrH~pnpBq0tLpT-XxTVEDQe37P1vJaK64~f9s7ycJohklCjMJ5ib9KvBGqHpqUSBFchXtoDZsxzDZm2WxbCQ19hMgHvTDIh8WZN1SUu2xMjjAUo3uRDs7i-uhMls5pWEfrkaDxtcKsV49Ha8cBEtk1s4JgLLYJ91Swdadw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented proposed rate changes and new fees for Point Mallard and other Parks and Recreation facilities during the Feb. 26 work session.

Stephanie McLean, parks director, described resolutions to update event-center pricing and rates for the golf course, water park, city cemetery, tennis and a new indoor pickleball facility. \"These resolutions are for some of the event center pricing as well as some rate changes for, golf course, water park, city cemetery, as well as, the tennis facility and the, pickleball facility,\" McLean said. She said staff consulted players and community members as part of the rate review.

Staff proposed a $5 per-transaction facility fee for certain Point Mallard transactions to create a dedicated fund for park improvements. McLean said Coleman Waterpark currently charges a similar fee and that the proposed fee \"would be set aside to help with projects and improvements\" so the parks would not compete for the general fund for items such as water-park repairs.

Council members asked about the indoor pickleball facility and whether users would pay while other indoor courts remain available. McLean said the indoor facility offers more courts under one roof, on-site staff to manage scheduling and cleaning, youth program access and programming such as clinics and tournaments. \"We will have someone in there making sure that the, you know, time play is kept up with, everybody does get their turns on the courts,\" McLean said.

Why it matters: The proposed fee revenue would be restricted to park projects and improvements, a funding model intended to keep maintenance and capital needs from competing with core general-fund priorities.

Next steps: The council reviewed three related resolutions: Resolution 25-027 (Point Mallard rate changes), Resolution 25-028 (Point Mallard facility fee) and Resolution 25-029 (2025 park and recreation rate changes). Staff said comparative rate information had been circulated to council members the prior week; the resolutions were presented for approval at upcoming meetings.

Ending: Council members asked follow-up questions about youth access and the timeline for the indoor pickleball facility; staff said they would continue community outreach and bring final rate ordinances to the council for action.

","Parks director presented proposed rate changes for Point Mallard, golf, water park, tennis and pickleball facilities and a proposed $5 per-transaction facility fee to fund park improvements. Councilors asked about pickleball facility operations and potential impact while other facilities remain open.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6339578,"Council schedules March 6 public hearing for rezoning request at 2401 Country Club Lane",70,631000,701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4&start=631&end=701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2261083-78f6b6ae5afba33c634f06305b9692c4/thumbnail_631000.jpg","/articles/6339578/Decatur-City/Morgan-County/Alabama/Council-schedules-March-6-public-hearing-for-rezoning-request-at-2401-Country-Club-Lane","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6339578-2a265819af18d0149834a9594c189074/orig.mp4?Expires=1773600732&Signature=mTGCvlsuhxRAmGS2ANPQcX8iYJy1nDKS8N8XCHyeOO9sI9kQNLEjx07rXRMGW8xEd28uNRuaADGoSznlZq7DKoUmZMVS-fnXx0htCBHq1kyEy21shyAgS1rn0ck3bINDbHrPrrT1HncR70x80mJMOzn-grL68iEeVzDIv607JJL7QYk17E5XB9sv-8Q6jVnHsZ4~UQi70c4Bg2ARs0bto8F-Xon57rlbwMJa53Wsk0f8tMh4Mur6qRqbqA38tJDukHsrPolwxumvkIx36uxj7V2XoTHzfdjYU0dPS1cFXdVOBxTXyWpq5Fghxq-Lr6idVYvK-zE7KDij7BAik~S8lA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Decatur City Council opened a special-call meeting Feb. 26 and set a public hearing for March 6 on a rezoning application for a 9.91-acre parcel at 2401 Country Club Lane.

A staff presenter said the request would rezone the site from B-2 (general business) to RD. \"This is a rezoning for 9.91 acres at 2401 Country Club Lane from B2 to RD,\" the presenter said.

Council members discussed the timing of the special-call meeting. One member said a planning commission recommendation had been ready earlier and questioned why the council held a special call rather than waiting for the regular meeting, noting that a nearby planning commissioner had said there was no rush. Staff said the developer wanted consolidated approvals before a neighborhood meeting and that scheduling constraints prevented the item from reaching the previous meeting's agenda. \"They were needing it for a they're doing a neighborhood meeting they needed to get in for,\" a staff member said.

Why it matters: Rezoning changes can alter land use and affect neighborhoods; the council scheduled the public hearing to allow neighbors and other interested parties to comment before any final decision.

Next steps: The council set the public hearing for March 6, 2025, at 9 a.m. for Ordinance 2054601 (rezoning request 1427-25 for Country Club Road). The item will return for public comment and subsequent council consideration at or after that hearing.

Ending: The council scheduled the public hearing and flagged timeline concerns raised by one council member, who said she would abstain from actions at the special call because she believed the step could have waited until the regular meeting.

","Decatur called a special meeting to set a public hearing on a rezoning request for 9.91 acres at 2401 Country Club Lane from B-2 to RD; the council discussed timing and developers' neighborhood meeting schedule.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council for action after Green report and police conduct concerns; calls for hearings and leadership changes

Decatur council holds first reading on higher mayor and council pay; debate over timing and oversight

Decatur council work session previews multiple resolutions: demolition, licenses, engineering contracts and road projects

Council reviews proposed Point Mallard and parks rate increases, including $5 facility fee to fund improvements

Council schedules March 6 public hearing for rezoning request at 2401 Country Club Lane