Gadsden City Council adopts package of student-presented ordinances including public Wi‑Fi, business supports and park cameras

Gadsden City Council on April 22 voted to adopt a package of locally focused ordinances presented during a student engagement meeting, passing measures on small‑business promotion, citywide Wi‑Fi, trade‑school apprenticeships, homelessness study partnerships, a non‑emergency response line for older residents, mosquito abatements, a community arts activation program, public‑space camera installations and a public‑smoking ban. A proposal to restore curbside recycling was carried over for further work; a student proposal to convert Gaston/Gadsden City High School to a four‑day week was defeated.

The student presenters framed the items as local solutions. Council member Callaway argued the small‑business measure would “create more opportunities for small businesses to succeed,” and the council approved that ordinance by voice vote. Council members also voted to back an initiative to expand free public Wi‑Fi in parks, community centers and downtown areas; some members raised cybersecurity questions during discussion. “That’s why I think we need to discuss it… our technology department can help,” Council member Walker said during the Wi‑Fi discussion.

Nut graf: Taken together, the measures prioritize local economic development, digital access and public‑safety tools while leaving several items — notably recycling — open for additional policy work. Several proposals were pitched as partnerships with state or federal agencies (the homelessness proposal referenced seeking grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) or as programs to be run by city…