Council confirms beautification board appointments; downtown events and planters to be funded by Sunset Sips proceeds

The council adopted a resolution appointing Danny Carlisle, Kyle Chambers and Judy Swafford and reappointing Danisia Gitau and Tom Banks to the Gadsden Beautification Board, with terms ending July 31, 2028. Council members used the item to encourage residents to apply for board service and to note upcoming community events. Councilman Avery and other members described the board’s annual 9/11 remembrance, to be held this Thursday at the Wall Street/Broad Street area, with former Mayor Steve Means listed as keynote speaker and participation from the fire department honor guard and local choirs. Council members described the ceremony as a longstanding community event. Council members also described a Sunset Sips fundraiser scheduled Oct. 21 on the Memorial Bridge; Councilmember comments said funds raised through Sunset Sips help pay for downtown flags, building outline lighting and other downtown improvements managed by Downtown Gadsden, Inc. Mayor Ford and council members noted the beautification board had begun a planter-painting and flower project on Alabama City Wall Street following a challenge from a former mayoral staffer; parks and recreation staff will add flowers to planters. The council approved the appointments and adopted the related resolution by voice vote.