The Talladega City Council on the evening's agenda approved multiple routine measures, took several administrative actions and directed staff to draft an ordinance allowing children 14 and younger citywide free access to recreation centers and the public pool.

In roll-call votes the council approved invoices and expenditures of $391,917.44, minutes from the call canvass on Sept. 2 and the regular meeting on Sept. 8, the fiscal-year 2026 holiday schedule, travel requests listed in resolutions 6388–6390 and 6423, and contract extensions listed as resolutions 6391–6396. The council also approved a resolution (64-16) authorizing a demolition action described in the agenda and approved water department invoices totaling $14,009.

The meeting included several nonagenda items and community presentations. Donnie Miller of the Chamber of Commerce briefed the council on a NextSite site-analysis effort the chamber contracted for and described upcoming Chamber events including an inaugural golf tournament to raise scholarship funds, a breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6, a parade float question for the city, and a business and home holiday-decorating contest. City officials and the chamber agreed to coordinate Halloween “truck-or-treat” plans in the Chamber parking lot and discuss street closures.

The council filled a vacancy on the library board by nominating and swearing in Leanne Scarver, described in the meeting as minister at First Presbyterian Church. The nomination was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

Representatives of College City Temple asked the council for support of their annual breast cancer awareness event scheduled for Oct. 4 at Veterans Park. The council approved monetary contributions from discretionary and council-member funds that totaled $800. The motion to donate funds passed by roll call.

Councilman Deeny (Ward 1) raised a public-safety concern about a recent shooting into unoccupied vehicles at Duncan Pinkston Park involving teenage females and urged community leaders and parents to help address youth violence; he said an investigation is ongoing.

Councilman Shane (Ward unknown) asked the council to authorize drafting an ordinance to make recreation centers and the public pool free for all city-resident children 14 and younger. The council voted to direct the city attorney to draft that ordinance for future consideration; council members and staff said the finance director will be consulted about budget implications prior to final adoption.

Council member Bradley requested council direction to proceed with the bid process for resurfacing/repair of Whitson Road. The council voted to start the formal bid process so that properly advertised bids can be received and evaluated.

City Manager Derek Swanson told the council the city had been notified it received a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant covering approximately 80% of an eligible project to add pedestrian/bicycle facilities from downtown toward the Walmart; the city will be responsible for the remaining 20% and staff will bring the precise match amount to the council when the grant letter is finalized. Swanson also said the city has completed a master pavement project plan, master sidewalk plan and an ADA transition plan that will help in pursuing future grants.

The council also approved amending the employment agreement with City Manager Derek Swanson to correct how retirement-system contributions are handled, noting that contributions must go to a city-established account rather than a personal account. The amendment was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

Other business included monthly department reports, Red Cross volunteer recruitment (the city is seeking volunteers for an emergency response team), and announcements about local events. Several items of routine procurement and annual contracts were tabled to the council’s next meeting (listed by resolution numbers on the agenda) so members could review contract language and ensure all documentation was in order.

Votes at a glance

- Invoices and expenditures: $391,917.44 — approved (roll call: Dickerson Aye; Denny Aye; Spratling Aye; Sims Aye; Hall Aye).
- Minutes (Sept. 2 call canvass and Sept. 8 regular meeting) — approved (roll call: unanimous Aye).
- Library board appointment: Leanne Scarver — approved (roll call: unanimous Aye).
- Donation to College City Temple (breast cancer awareness event): $800 total approved (roll call: unanimous Aye).
- Holiday schedule FY2026 — approved (roll call: unanimous Aye).
- Homecoming parade (Oct. 10) — approved (roll call: unanimous Aye).
- Travel requests (Res. 6388–6390, 6423) — approved (roll call: unanimous Yes votes recorded in transcript).
- Contract extensions (Res. 6391–6396) — approved (roll call: unanimous Yes votes recorded in transcript).
- Annual contracts (Res. 6397–6417 etc.) — tabled to next meeting for review.
- Resolution 64-16 (demolition authorization) — approved (roll call: unanimous Aye).
- Water department invoices: $14,009 — approved (roll call: unanimous Aye).
- Employment agreement amendment (city manager) — approved (roll call: unanimous Aye).
- Whitson Road: authorize formal bid process — approved (roll call: unanimous Aye).

The council set several items for further review at the next meeting and directed staff and the city attorney to draft documents for future votes, including the ordinance on youth access to city recreational facilities.