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Helena City Council approves boards ordinance, annexation and appointments; 3–1 vote on Planning & Zoning appointment
Summary
The Helena City Council on Feb. 23 approved Ordinance 1037 (Boards & Committees), an annexation ordinance, a festival property‑use agreement and two appointments. The appointment of Keith Martin to the Planning & Zoning Commission passed 3–1 after a council member raised residency concerns.
HELENA, Ala. — The Helena City Council approved a package of ordinances and appointments Monday night, adopting a boards-and‑committees ordinance, approving an annexation and confirming multiple appointments, while a contested Planning & Zoning appointment drew a 3–1 vote.
Andy Healy moved and Jeff McDaniels seconded approval of Ordinance 1037‑2026, a reorganization of boards and committees; the motion carried with all four council members present voting AYE. The council then approved Ordinance 1038‑2026A, annexing property at 819 Hwy 1 for Mark and Brittnie Moore, after a motion by Cathy Hammann and second by Jeff McDaniels; that motion also passed unanimously.
A separate appointment of Keith Martin as the City Administrative Official to the Planning & Zoning Commission drew council debate. "I have a concern; this member does not live in our community," Councilor Cathy Hammann said before the vote. Andy Healy moved to appoint Martin, Jeff McDaniels seconded, and the motion passed 3–1 (AYE: Healy, Brooke Dodson, McDaniels; NAY: Hammann). City Attorney Brian Hayes told the council that Alabama Code §11‑52‑3 does not require the administrative official to meet specific residency or qualification requirements for that role.
Other actions approved included a property‑use agreement with the Buck Creek Festival (motion by Hammann, second by Healy) and the appointment of Dennis O'Brien to the Personnel Board (motion by McDaniels, second by Hammann). The council also approved prior meeting minutes and the bill payment register earlier in the meeting.
Council President Brooke Dodson asked for additional information about how future residential annexations would affect public‑works workload and the city's economics; Councilmember Jeff McDaniels requested staff provide more detail on impacts for future annexation requests.
The meeting was held at the Helena Municipal Building. The council confirmed its next work session for March 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
