[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6090046,"mediaKeyId","2869699-71125faf96f71be30de20bb0f1ece404","parentId",2869699,"title","Votes at a glance: Huntsville council approves spending, annexations, appointments and housing-contract changes","audioSeconds",351,"startMs",3780580,"endMs",4132495,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869699-71125faf96f71be30de20bb0f1ece404&start=3780&end=4132","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869699-71125faf96f71be30de20bb0f1ece404/thumbnail_3780580.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6090046/Huntsville/Madison-County/Alabama/Votes-at-a-glance-Huntsville-council-approves-spending-annexations-appointments-and-housing-contract-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090046-0f51a2a33a6f67112d88685218bc1adb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186417&Signature=SiWKl54dGe4O8kDo0bcY0T-TOqK4juaDgemFbaZfUUc9S-Ho8~lvdzYB4lx7NoEt19pFk475TRhQvsNsNAnl0v0zBkxNqFH-dbhAr7R8304H4n9AkGnxM5Sl3n7krcKgBe2ZBJ~J3z~E~~8bipVwHaNg4yE-i1qyOiXnebN-c1DU0hWDTRBvKRUQ3xT2wHaWHWJscJ1f5uG36loR5XQqtJZLvers5fkeUsMYoP9EbB0UEQW-s4IB5PEBSjjz85qXhjzY4u1-dbA9WhPt3S~w~7wl32BSCGYFc-z~lxfIVT3tCts4Ks9Wi-oVfZKTU2UFt1L~teaDM~fEK899-Dq1qA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Huntsville city, AL","date","2025-03-27T00:00:00Z","article","The Huntsville City Council on March 27 approved a range of routine and substantive items including a large expenditure resolution, two annexations, multiple board appointments and contract modifications tied to affordable housing projects.

Key outcomes:
- Expenditures: The council approved a resolution authorizing expenditures in the amount of $27,341,378.12 (motion introduced by Council member Michelle Watkins; motion carried by voice vote).
- District 5 appropriations: Council approved appropriations from District 5 funds including $7,000 to Downtown Rescue Mission for meal-preparation supplies and $21,000 to Oakwood University for educational resources (motion by Mr. Kling; approved).
- Annexations: The council approved ordinances to annex 20.8 acres north of Merrill Lane (Hampton Cove area) and 91.69 acres north of Bibb Garrett Road west of Mooresville Road; staff said the likely future zoning would follow surrounding uses (motions by Dr. Robinson; ordinances approved).
- Appointments and nominations: The council voted to appoint and reappoint multiple members to boards and commissions, including reappointments and appointments to the Community Development Citizens Advisory Council, the Huntsville Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau board, the Solid Waste Disposal Authority and a range of other advisory bodies. Several nominations (16a–16i) were announced and consolidated as nominations for council confirmation.
- ESG grant agreement: Council authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with Hands Across Decatur Inc. using Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). Scott Irwin said the city serves as the Continuum of Care lead for Madison, Limestone and Morgan counties and passes ESG funding to eligible subrecipients.
- HOME program contract modifications: The council approved two contract modifications with Family Services Center Inc. under the Home Investment Partnerships program to complete affordable housing projects at 6211 Hollow Road NW and 2460 Mount Vernon Road NW. Staff said higher-than-expected excavation and inflation-driven construction costs increased total project costs; both homes have sale contracts (6211 Hollow Road appraised/sold for $205,000; 2460 Mount Vernon Road appraised/sold for $195,000, per staff comments).

The council consolidated and approved many other routine legal and administrative items by voice vote. Several items were withdrawn or held as noted in the meeting minutes.

Ending: Council members repeatedly thanked staff for following up on long-standing neighborhood concerns and for coordinating interdepartmental work on code enforcement and housing projects.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Huntsville City Council Meeting – March 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its March 27 meeting the Huntsville City Council approved a $27.34 million expenditure resolution, two annexations, multiple board appointments, consolidated legal items and contract modifications for HOME program projects; ESG and other grant agreements were approved as well.","taxTitle","Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama","taxId",2540,"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},6090052,"Huntsville CVB unveils new brand 'Gravitate Here' to promote tourism, conventions",547,495920,1043390,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869699-71125faf96f71be30de20bb0f1ece404&start=495&end=1043","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869699-71125faf96f71be30de20bb0f1ece404/thumbnail_495920.jpg","/articles/6090052/Huntsville/Madison-County/Alabama/Huntsville-CVB-unveils-new-brand-Gravitate-Here-to-promote-tourism-conventions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090052-5123c944963c55055ec87b98592b5043/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186417&Signature=MWtBYYMXrkwRTUgS2jOf77GfqrJQfn-zzHf~UVruyxUuT8RODC8czUlHOb8Bv5QhXF7XW4o9y6PdKSdoblVItmTlQjzVtUT7fNZm8cL7MTWuk69D7WP9bqusa06FV3eyJmR0NKZwfFCKOrJ46knBqDWpgvq0X0tayZAphIrT06M3xTzHQYXM5K5pCpV-8BUg-QHafRw9TknLlyrhAkrLebQYpHC7OtjobnyINQH5K0utKiE2riMqYOJrb-d-wiCVskQlN-Oh0g6it~EGYgCOvd4ai5wqCxuik8k15c4Dy~ni3W8jcv2wma275IVYUootn0nn0-nODradQH-LJIXWsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Huntsville Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau unveiled a new brand identity on March 27 aimed at better reflecting the city's mix of high-tech industry and outdoor amenities and boosting tourism and convention business.

Jennifer Moore, president and CEO of the Huntsville Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the CVB completed a rebrand that includes a new logo package, tagline and color palette. “We wanted our new brand to reflect the growth and progress of our city, including icons and imagery that would help us convey the many facets of Huntsville that visitors can experience,” Moore said.

The CVB contracted Bold Agency for the creative work. Lauren Goins, founder and CEO of Bold Agency, described the new tagline, Gravitate Here, and the logo elements: a sun symbol for energy and optimism, a silhouette nod to the rocket iconography tied to the city’s space-industry profile, and design references to rolling hills and agricultural roots. “The new brand plays both an homage to Huntsville's history while also embracing the future,” Goins said.

Madden Media explained a data-driven marketing approach that will use the new brand to target specific traveler personas and to help fill new hotel inventory and support conventions and sports tourism. Daryl Whitworth of Madden Media said the agency will first run an interim campaign using existing assets while the CVB gathers new creative material.

Council members praised the presentation. Dr. Robinson asked about the CVB’s “personas”; agency staff described a “business and leisure” or “bleisure” segment that combines business and leisure travel behaviors.

Ending: The CVB said the marketing work began in October of the previous year and will proceed to interim campaigns while the CVB collects additional assets to deploy the new identity more broadly.","The Huntsville Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau presented a full rebrand — new logo, tagline 'Gravitate Here' and a marketing plan developed with Bold Agency and Madden Media to grow conventions, hotel occupancy and inbound flights.",{"_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},6090056,"Huntsville council approves ordinance limiting access, recording inside some city facilities",683,2816335,3499845,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869699-71125faf96f71be30de20bb0f1ece404&start=2816&end=3499","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869699-71125faf96f71be30de20bb0f1ece404/thumbnail_2816335.jpg","/articles/6090056/Huntsville/Madison-County/Alabama/Huntsville-council-approves-ordinance-limiting-access-recording-inside-some-city-facilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090056-9d16d9de2b62a94ce964ad18822bbc99/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186417&Signature=IQjLe1heeCmtr~pIdXh0uDyYEmxLAdSe2NuISgWI1FfLFMny4ygqBI26tVwbAbVM1UkgUQM9IXw2sb6RRz1wmag2ofMaQ9lx8c7IpGw5csvaU8GdltD6QiJHc5gXLvtjSJRUme2Xt0am-0I9sDoISuxjy1Kla1xV2DE7RDHjq6zmgW3TM-uqu9hz3AKm5SRh2Zpa9GH-WvgnQ8E0Gtknq2KcEFhACNebZop2tYdoaXlvH4Hs58KWu5w2A5qOcvvuCLf9gKGV6iAIGU9MfvM5JQGSi0iIq90eTu1h7l-s9QHHz6SwmLSVNSVkCoXA7JeTAwQISPWCVs0SuqtLSFs7Vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Huntsville City Council approved an ordinance on March 27 amending the city code to add controls over access to certain city-owned and leased premises and to set limits on recording and photography in some parts of public buildings.

A staff presenter described the measure as intended to protect employees and visitors and to give security staff tools to manage disruptive incidents. “This ordinance is designed to control physical access to many of the city's public buildings and facilities,” a staff member explained at the meeting, adding it covers “the ability to photograph and video record” in certain areas.

Council members discussed the ordinance’s scope and the need to avoid impeding legitimate public access or constitutionally protected activity. A council member asked whether the rules would apply only to City Hall; staff replied the ordinance is written to allow facility-specific rules and could be tailored for locations such as utility or solid-waste facilities. Staff also said recreational facilities and playing fields were not intended to be covered by the same restrictions.

Council members asked whether the public would be informed about restricted areas. A staff member said additional signage would be installed and that security desk staff would assist visitors in finding the correct department or arranging escorted access.

On penalties, staff referred to municipal-court penalties but did not provide a firm dollar amount at the meeting. The council approved the ordinance after a motion by Dr. Robinson; members voted “aye” and the motion carried.

Ending: City staff said the ordinance was drafted with constitutional concerns in mind and that facility-specific rules will be developed and posted to clarify where recording or other restrictions apply.","Council approved an ordinance adding rules about physical access and recording at city-owned and leased premises; staff said the measure aims to protect employee and visitor privacy and give security staff enforcement tools.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6090060,"Huntsville officials outline timetable for renovated Derrick Street sanctioned camp; advocates urge no forced evictions",2991,1339860,4331420,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2869699-71125faf96f71be30de20bb0f1ece404&start=1339&end=4331","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2869699-71125faf96f71be30de20bb0f1ece404/thumbnail_1339860.jpg","/articles/6090060/Huntsville/Madison-County/Alabama/Huntsville-officials-outline-timetable-for-renovated-Derrick-Street-sanctioned-camp-advocates-urge-no-forced-evictions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6090060-e529319f031dbdb37f912c9d3b40bbf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186417&Signature=I1l3Xeo~l8RPyuGkeUZNcPEriz8uiHrgk1EFFdJeLWqX1wIAShoJisEXaKGN~0y5IvvCLrPipZrkXPN90Ey-NArumtF00INV1KG~vmHLw9bW9d5eMNU4O5rQYiCj9pgjcvUXmUpGY-pcv0GzRNnr3g5OBbxnOVaRI8e-IjKomO2FHGUU6byqK~t6N1rVjvbngI5V~g5WpVpapNS5Jhw9~YQy9cHK~t-3oQAoAc50JM7Bc2R0KVAFSOeac4qu2rRETMyFV0E5rZmflfJZNgES7Zp04oyi~V~NZgHk3MapDSU-eYM3HSHw4NXngnlzKOg0MwjQ400TMRYX0vNC7ofcsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Huntsville officials told the City Council on March 27 that work on a renovated sanctioned encampment at Derrick Street is nearing completion and that individuals who lived at the previous site will be offered the option to return or receive help to move to emergency shelter.

At a council meeting, Scott Irwin of the Community Development Department said the site has been cleared, a hard-surface pad installed, and that fencing and tents have been ordered pending installation. “The renovated site now contains a new hard surface pad that will soon be equipped with a metal privacy fence as well as new entryways for emergency vehicle access,” Irwin said. He said the site would provide designated areas for residents’ belongings and “assistance to transition to an emergency shelter” for those who choose that option.

The city described a short timeline: tents and fencing are on order and city staff expect to finish final site work in the coming weeks before allowing occupants to return. Irwin said the city conducted listening sessions with people experiencing homelessness and has asked individuals to indicate whether they intend to return so the city can tailor assistance.

In public comment, David Snyder, who identified himself as a Huntsville resident and advocate, urged the city not to use the reopening as a reason to evict people from their current locations. “When you run a program like this, you need to allow people where they're currently living to have their own self determination and their own volition to decide to participate,” Snyder said, adding that some residents previously were evicted after earlier site clearances.

Mayor Battle and staff declined to announce a firm reoccupation date at the meeting but said the city will coordinate with local Continuum of Care providers for services on site. Scott Irwin said tents and fencing deliveries were pending and that staff had collected individuals’ stated intentions to return.

The council took no formal vote on the camp at this meeting; the presentation was informational and intended to update council members and the public on the work completed and next steps.

City staff and advocates will continue outreach in coming days to inform residents of the plan and available assistance.

Ending: Council members who spoke during the update thanked staff for the outreach work; members of the public who addressed the council asked officials to preserve residents’ ability to choose whether to return to the site or to accept other emergency housing supports.","City staff described progress on a renovated sanctioned camp at Derrick Street and said fencing and tents are ordered; public commenters and advocates urged the city not to evict current occupants and to preserve resident choice.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Huntsville council approves spending, annexations, appointments and housing-contract changes

Huntsville CVB unveils new brand 'Gravitate Here' to promote tourism, conventions

Huntsville council approves ordinance limiting access, recording inside some city facilities

Huntsville officials outline timetable for renovated Derrick Street sanctioned camp; advocates urge no forced evictions