Gadsden City Council approves two rezoning ordinances, hires-policy change, museum repairs and other measures

The Gadsden City Council on Nov. 4 adopted a set of ordinances and resolutions affecting zoning, personnel policy, capital projects and accounting rules.

The council voted to adopt an ordinance rezoning property at 1002 Ewing Avenue from R-2 multifamily residential to B-1 neighborhood business to permit a real-estate office. The planning commission recommended approval and the council approved the ordinance by voice vote.

The council also adopted an ordinance rezoning 3616 West Macon Boulevard from R-1 single-family residential to B-2 general business to allow expansion of a tax-accounting business; that ordinance was adopted by voice vote after the planning commission's recommendation.

Council members adopted a resolution amending the city's substance-abuse policy (last amended in 2021) to shorten the period before an employee who violated the policy may be rehired to 45 days. The motion carried by voice vote.

Under new business the council suspended the rules to immediately award bid number 36133 for structural subfloor repairs at the Gadsden Museum of Art. Council members said the estimated project cost is $81,000 and approved the resolution authorizing the award.

The council also authorized application for an ALDOT ATRIP grant to fund improvements at the intersection of US Highway 431 and College Parkway. City staff reported a total project cost of approximately $2,161,341.63 and a city match of about $342,572; the council approved the resolution to apply.

Finally, the council adopted a resolution to amend the city's capital-asset policy, raising the capitalization threshold from $1,000 to $5,000 so small purchases will be expensed rather than capitalized and depreciated. Council members said the change aligns with common municipal practice and will reduce administrative burden.

The meeting also included a first reading of an ordinance that would add a fee for replacement of garbage cans damaged intentionally: a $58 replacement cost plus a $25 delivery/return fee. That item was presented for first reading; the council will vote on it at a subsequent meeting.

All items shown as adopted passed on voice votes; the transcript records "aye" calls and "motion carries" but no roll-call tallies were recorded in the meeting minutes presented at the session.

A separate council resolution authorized the use of discretionary funds to assist the Edgewell County Food Bank in response to WIC and SNAP gaps; the resolution was adopted but the meeting transcript did not specify a dollar amount.