[{"_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",6167716,"mediaKeyId","5410232-858417db110bd24703f24f0899fc0f80","parentId",5410232,"title","Irondale City Council fills board seats, approves consent spending for schools, nonprofits and city projects","audioSeconds",6074,"startMs",14000,"endMs",6088000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5410232-858417db110bd24703f24f0899fc0f80&start=14&end=6088","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5410232-858417db110bd24703f24f0899fc0f80/thumbnail_14000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6167716/Irondale-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Irondale-City-Council-fills-board-seats-approves-consent-spending-for-schools-nonprofits-and-city-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167716-f1d30e8305e4fa7cca0321c8d4b40ded/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206684&Signature=lgRfTzS9ZFzm1bbot9V5jJUVp-l-ro0pWMiZnyiK7XA5Shd5p5f3-fHj3v5qaoD81msqekgywfWqNINSyvKjqYhIYk3Z9Zeer8ctpfsCTvGU9w0CpGEvBEfT8K1kVu7phEbMwEM2DEEIIsRx-QeInkK6HqLTOF6IcqByshVhyO~JjRjfMGKPhigLtuJn-2yY6XwSW1VnaSSMU8rRr-PfUsz5VvPr1DIea1sN13O0fhRSfG6OsXsXpKiyA3M6HujRqaSAo4ZEfiI~EFChCP3kxFhJO-ZXMCfX9ZwRvI3mldCdrKDREDX3v2SqD1tPrFy7QMb600i~D5LIK0ry0vfXXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Irondale City, Alabama","date","2025-07-16T12:18:51Z","article","Irondale City Council on July 1 appointed residents to several local boards and approved a multi-item consent agenda that included $1,000 in discretionary support for Shades Valley High School football, a $5,000 community service agreement with United Way for senior meal programs, a $50,000 annual contribution to Freshwater Land Trust and an authority to buy new LED holiday pole decorations.

Why it matters: The appointments refill volunteer boards that help the city attract investment and consider land-use appeals, while the consent spending sustains recurring community programs and capital purchases the council has prioritized.

The council voted to appoint Tanya Dawson to the Commercial Development Authority (CDA). Applicants who interviewed for CDA and other seats included Tanya Dawson, Matt Robinson, Wendell McGee and Craig Sanderson; council members heard brief statements about applicants’ local experience and reasons for volunteering before voting.

For the Zoning Board of Adjustment the council named Robert Bruner and Craig Sanderson as supernumerary members. For the Industrial Development Board (IDB) the council appointed Vaughn Barclay and Darren Crabb; council members said the IDB appointments were intended to create synergy between the CDA and IDB as the city pursues commercial and industrial growth.

On the consent agenda the council:
- Approved a $500 allocation from Councilman Aaron Sims’s discretionary fund for Shades Valley High School’s football program; Councilman Box added $500 from his discretionary fund and the mayor added $1,000, bringing the total noted on the record to $2,000 for the program.
- Authorized a $5,000 community service agreement with United Way of Central Alabama to support senior services including Meals on Wheels for Irondale residents.
- Approved the city’s annual $50,000 community contribution to Freshwater Land Trust, which the mayor said supports work on the Cahaba River and canoe launches the city and trust jointly maintain.
- Authorized the purchase of LED Christmas pole-mount decorations from Jubilee Decor LLC in an amount not to exceed $67,900; staff said the new LED fixtures will be more energy efficient and require less ongoing maintenance than the city’s roughly 25-year-old lights.
- Approved resolution designating election officers for the 2025 municipal election and set the compensation levels for those officers.

All items on the consent agenda and the listed appointments were approved by the council during the meeting. Several council members and the mayor thanked city staff and volunteers — including election staff and senior center staff — for their work implementing programs referenced in the votes.

Votes at a glance:
- Resolution 2025-R-129 — Appoint Tanya Dawson to the Commercial Development Authority: adopted (motion and second recorded; council voiced approval on the record).
- Resolution 2025-R-130 — Appoint Robert Bruner, Zoning Board of Adjustment (supernumerary): adopted.
- Resolution 2025-R-131 — Appoint Craig Sanderson, Zoning Board of Adjustment (supernumerary): adopted.
- Resolution 2025-R-134 — Appoint Vaughn Barclay, Industrial Development Board: adopted.
- Resolution 2025-R-135 — Appoint Darren Crabb, Industrial Development Board: adopted.
- Resolution 2025-R-127 — $500 allocation (S. Valley Football) plus additional discretionary contributions: placed on consent and approved.
- Resolution 2025-R-128 — $5,000 United Way community service agreement (senior meals): placed on consent and approved.
- Resolution 2025-R-136 — $50,000 Freshwater Land Trust contribution: moved to consent and approved.
- Resolution 2025-R-137 — Purchase of Christmas decorations (not to exceed $67,900): moved to consent and approved.
- Resolution 2025-R-126 — Appointment/compensation of election officers for 2025 municipal election: placed on consent and approved.

Context and next steps: Appointed members will begin serving on their respective boards for the unexpired terms referenced in their applications; staff will implement the approved community agreements and purchases under the city’s usual procurement and program-management practices.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Council Work Session and City Council Meeting 7/15/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Irondale City Council on July 1 appointed residents to multiple civic boards and approved a consent agenda that funded a high-school football program, senior meal services, a land-trust contribution and new LED holiday decorations.","taxTitle","Irondale City, Jefferson County, Alabama","taxId",71505,"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},6167701,"Mayor Stewart outlines summer events, library soft opening and community programs in council remarks",425,2904000,3329000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5410232-858417db110bd24703f24f0899fc0f80&start=2904&end=3329","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5410232-858417db110bd24703f24f0899fc0f80/thumbnail_2904000.jpg","/articles/6167701/Irondale-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Mayor-Stewart-outlines-summer-events-library-soft-opening-and-community-programs-in-council-remarks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167701-d2e704c999207918706bc9536931513f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206684&Signature=DojRMdCidjnuemgLT7x8IeHxAhz-tRqBBRlzSZQIzkVKzHbrwMFBBh~KrCsPGJnSh3~ER3svl8Yf4LVt3q6r1riyoYXyoU9hp4D8McrP3ZjNjGcse~asQ1~KVbTVytnq9wJ5eVilUYTEHcEmejuhoHnebZ8yqtIMLHd5h3fQRbpHVV1zhR5NOJC6YStdf9f2KmUTaYvaB9aDDxsrmd3uXey0yuAdbFTWAoLyTtSNLH9giSdkF9CGPDZP0wVFpagf5-ZsS06gIQKuN7~Bgn59wRiCeDOytMa6kGdYdEQTvyguv~aF56sRtsaGjm0VFVoA4KenQDF4FN7aM4DcV1DjfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. opened the council meeting with a series of community announcements that summarized recent city events and outlined activities planned for the coming weeks.

Nut graf: The mayor’s report highlighted community engagement programs — from volunteer-led giveaways to family festivals — and provided dates and brief descriptions so residents and council members could prepare and participate.

Highlights from the mayor’s report
- Hot Dog Happy Hour at Ellert Park (July 10): The mayor said hundreds used the dog park during the event and that it was well received.
- Grocery giveaway with Church of the Highlands and city staff: The mayor said about 200–300 families received groceries during a distribution at the library site; the mayor described the giveaway as a no-questions-asked distribution.
- Dedication for Lieutenant Mark Meadows: The city dedicated a portion of Ruffner Road and unveiled an on-site memorial; the mayor pledged the city will observe a Lieutenant Mark Meadows Day going forward.
- Heroes on the Runway and other civic events: The mayor thanked participants and noted a variety of performances and fundraising activities had taken place.
- I Love Irondale Day festival and after-hours events (mid-July): The mayor previewed family activities, including free items for early attendees, kids’ zones, live music and a drone show (approximately 250 drones) scheduled to take place at City Hall around 8:45 p.m.
- Library soft opening (July 25, 5–7 p.m.): The mayor invited residents to a soft opening to preview the new library design and facility.
- Back-to-school rally (Aug. 1) and other fall events were also announced.

The mayor used his remarks to thank staff, volunteers and council members for supporting the events. He also noted municipal stewardship of funds and invited residents to see how city investments are being used in community programming.

","Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. used the council meeting to summarize recent and upcoming community events, including a hot-dog happy hour and grocery giveaway, the dedication of Lieutenant Mark Meadows Day, the I Love Irondale Day festival and a soft opening for the new library.",{"_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},6167707,"Council approves rezoning of Rex Lake parcel to agricultural to allow storage/ancillary building",413,6279000,6692000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5410232-858417db110bd24703f24f0899fc0f80&start=6279&end=6692","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5410232-858417db110bd24703f24f0899fc0f80/thumbnail_6279000.jpg","/articles/6167707/Irondale-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Council-approves-rezoning-of-Rex-Lake-parcel-to-agricultural-to-allow-storageancillary-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167707-1bb8763ab40cd71d32320c30d16a8849/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206684&Signature=F3QeuxmUuNUDZF2qqzukcbtpnCsIj7~ZxCBRqJAUhRkLok0aMIDl3HEwY9NXMdpXVefHr1xOTheQreQmnl2jlGYCfu0O0AIcC9FWWBWC6pxmJbw1h4yod9Oar~rDMTAEOr6GC7Yoz4l~BC4-1un1olre29R8nobJ7~9TbEDfaEPN5Q~x2edZUX1lm7YuGd41Vfd2yqCu8xKf13l4tuGXLAovBuO68lVeK9wylngSGsimJNyzhmFbzsH6xROeCXhd9thCLJDZf48HZ0sM4bQHOG53eWt6gfE5esPMl6bFe1ASIrCWjHLwExkO1goxxWDjl-J95x9-YjY4aOo7V58XUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Irondale City Council on July 1 adopted Ordinance 2025-11 to rezone a parcel at 1730 Rex Lake Road from R-1 (residential) to A-1 (agricultural).

Nut graf: The landowner described a long family ownership of the Rex Lake parcels, explained the near-term plan to construct a barn or storage structure and said the family plans to invest in roads, utilities and other infrastructure as they develop the property over time. The council held a public hearing; no members of the public spoke for or against the rezoning before the council closed the hearing and adopted the ordinance.

Details from the hearing
The property owner told the council the parcel has been in the family about 75 years and that the family owns adjoining acreage, including land they plan to annex into Irondale after purchase of an adjacent 15-acre parcel. The owner said some infrastructure costs for developing the property — roadwork and electric service extensions — will be substantial and mostly paid by the owner. During the review staff and council discussed restroom needs for any facility and the owner signaled willingness to address that in permit review.

Council action
After the public hearing the council voted to suspend rules to allow immediate consideration and then adopted Ordinance 2025-11. The mayor called for roll call during the final vote; council members recorded aye votes and the ordinance was adopted on the night’s agenda.

Next steps
Development of any building and utilities on the rezoned parcel will require permitting and, where applicable, annexation procedures and utility-service arrangements. The owner said he will pursue annexation of additional acreage into Irondale in conjunction with planned development.

","After a public hearing with no speakers for or against, the council adopted Ordinance 2025-11 to rezone property at 1730 Rex Lake Road from R-1 residential to A-1 agricultural; the owner told the council the intent is to construct a barn/storage building and later potentially incorporate additional acreage into the city.",{"_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},6167711,"Irondale council authorizes exploratory permit to identify additional drinking-water sources",64,3416000,3480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5410232-858417db110bd24703f24f0899fc0f80&start=3416&end=3480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5410232-858417db110bd24703f24f0899fc0f80/thumbnail_3416000.jpg","/articles/6167711/Irondale-City/Jefferson-County/Alabama/Irondale-council-authorizes-exploratory-permit-to-identify-additional-drinking-water-sources","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6167711-b13289b0bc7734cc4beced752b2d0f37/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206684&Signature=ND7hhXHeHji83Y-vlTP5Vih60ZueLmy~ZP05HE1ZVTUmFNyQi5g~sV2kLIhd18MIjhbCQroPCFJsGGB2n0kEGVa8ixUwrYbWV8XpI-Fn3VHIoAosbDKa6cB2NC3O4QBXXlqFaJG6QlN2ehntTXoDtCD~xop9u2YSVPRUVzF~Mv8x1xRGpdqciHQ41P-C3uw0VkwPNUbnb3v~N2rJ3N2YUn0wOYwHL6Vt1PtECRaapfIEKuj7oB6remgQYA4OqOQexW7szaTfFzvholKm6nenTfyfhNLlzb4s3BZUbVaJPcnYTMidvz6VBA1sioEaPy-g9wutMoQj~pgpPVAT3nAjlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Irondale City Council authorized Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. to execute an exploratory permit with WarriorMet Coal Land LLC that allows test drilling at selected sites to determine whether there is capacity to develop a new drinking-water well for the city's system.

Nut graf: Council members and the mayor framed the permit as a precautionary step after the city discussed recent concerns around PFAS and as part of efforts to secure redundant water sources. The city attorney reviewed the permit language and staff made two clarifying edits to the draft before putting it on consent.

Council discussion and permit details
Mayor Stewart said the goal is to identify additional aquifer sources the city could bring online if needed. He said the initial work is exploratory; there is no up-front cost for the city beyond liability protections spelled out in the permit. The city attorney reviewed the agreement, the mayor said, and staff confirmed two changes in the draft that were adopted during the meeting: a reference on page 1 was edited to read “drinking water exploration,” and the permit term in paragraph 7 was extended from 90 days to 180 days.

Council members asked clarifying questions about cost and liability. Staff responded that the document as amended assigns drilling expenses to the permit holder and that city review ensured it does not create open-ended financial exposure for Irondale.

Outcome
The resolution authorizing the mayor to execute the exploration permit (Resolution 2025-R-138 as described on the agenda) was moved to the consent agenda and approved by the council. Staff will coordinate next steps with the permit holder and provide updates to council as exploratory work proceeds.

","Council authorized the mayor to execute an exploration permit with WarriorMet Coal Land LLC to allow test well drilling as part of the city's effort to identify additional drinking-water sources; the permit was reviewed by the city attorney and minor term edits were made.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Irondale City Council fills board seats, approves consent spending for schools, nonprofits and city projects

Mayor Stewart outlines summer events, library soft opening and community programs in council remarks

Council approves rezoning of Rex Lake parcel to agricultural to allow storage/ancillary building

Irondale council authorizes exploratory permit to identify additional drinking-water sources