Anniston City Council proclaims January 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness Month; adopts minutes, consent agenda and moves to executive session

The Anniston City Council on the evening of Jan. 7 adopted a proclamation declaring January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, unanimously approved the council minutes from Jan. 7 and the consent agenda, and voted to convene an executive session to discuss preliminary negotiations and personnel matters.

The proclamation, read during the meeting, called human trafficking “a public health issue and crimes that harms the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.” It cited the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and said the global impact includes “an estimated 27,600,000,000 people” referenced in the proclamation text. The proclamation affirms the city’s commitment to trauma-informed services, community partnerships and expanded education and outreach for those affected by trafficking.

United Way staffers attended and spoke after the proclamation was read. The United Way director of community engagement described the organization’s local outreach work and education efforts and introduced Pam Stack, identified as an outreach coordinator for Health United. The director said the organization is available to provide education and intervention and, as noted in the record, “would love to come educate anybody.”

On routine business, the council moved to approve minutes from the Jan. 7 meeting. The roll call recorded votes as Yes from Council member Downing (recorded elsewhere in the transcript also as Downey), Council member Roberts, Council member Smith, Council member Harris and Mayor Drake; the motion carried and the minutes were approved.

The council then adopted the agenda as amended and approved the consent agenda as previously amended. The clerk called the roll for the consent-agenda vote, and the record shows Yes votes from the same council members and Mayor Drake; the consent agenda was adopted.

Before adjourning to closed session, Council member Gannon used council comments to urge residents to check on elderly neighbors and vulnerable people during cold weather and to take steps to protect pets. Other council members praised city staff for their work.

Later in the meeting the council moved, seconded and voted to convene an executive session to discuss “general verification and character, physical condition, professional competence or mental health of individuals” and preliminary negotiations involving matters of trade or commerce in which the city competes with private individuals or entities. The clerk recorded Yes votes from council members and the mayor; the council entered executive session.

No public commenters were listed for the meeting record, and the city clerk, Miss Brooks, stated there were no public comments. The proclamation text and the council’s votes are recorded in the meeting minutes.