Council honors retiring public-safety staff and highlights Oktoberfest, youth sports and airport lease renewals

Councilors used part of the meeting for ceremonial remarks and department reports, recognizing upcoming retirements in the police department and thanking employees across city departments for their service.

Councilor Eric Brown, representing the public safety committee, noted that the police chief and deputy chief are retiring and congratulated Captain Durrell Alford, Lieutenant William Grant, evidence custodian Libby McCollum and supply coordinator Nancy McClanahan on their upcoming retirements. "Thank you for all the time that you have spent helping keep this city safe and moving," he said.

Parks and Recreation report

Chris Graham, parks and recreation president and pro tem, reported a large turnout for the annual Oktoberfest held on the 11th, calling it one of the largest festivals in recent years and thanking parks staff and public-works, power, police, fire and EMS personnel for their support. Graham said registration for Christmas in the Park vendor slots opens Dec. 13 via the rec desk and encouraged vendors to register. He also reported that youth tackle football will host Sylacauga at the Sportsplex on Thursday and that Cooper Recreation's youth volleyball team will play districts at Sylacauga the following Saturday.

Golf and nutrition center

Golf-course revenue: Graham reported the golf course is one month into the season and is $8,700 ahead of last year for a total of $51,000 so far; he cited an average daily figure that was unclear in the raw transcript. The nutrition center will host a Halloween costume contest and staff were thanked for organizing the event.

Utilities and airport

A councilor praised the utilities department for responsiveness and service. The mayor and staff reported that the airport lease renewals for calendar year 2026 will be sent out in the coming week and that current leases will be extended for 2026.

Mayor and council remarks

Mayor Baird and outgoing councilors delivered farewell remarks thanking staff and citizens. The mayor praised city employees for their work over the past five years and urged the incoming elected officials to continue maintaining city operations. Several departing councilors thanked staff by name and encouraged the new council and mayor to put Alexander City first.

Next meeting and closing

The council recorded the next meeting date as Monday, Nov. 3, which will include an organizational meeting and the regular council meeting that evening. The meeting closed with a brief prayer and a motion to adjourn offered in honor of departing members and the mayor's service.