Hueytown council approves 3% employee pay increase, nuisance resolutions and new Fire/EMS records software

The Hueytown City Council met March 24, 2026, and approved a package of routine measures, including a three percent cost-of-living adjustment for city employees, adoption of Ordinance 26-0310-01, multiple public-nuisance declarations and a services agreement for Fire and EMS records-management software.

Council Member Zinnerman presented a bills list totaling $751,286.99 for payment; Council Member Randall seconded, and a roll call vote recorded Council President Hurliman and Council Members Zinnerman, Randall and Wright in favor. That same roll-call pattern — with unanimous outcomes reported for each item — was recorded for most motions during the meeting.

The council adopted Resolution 7378 to authorize a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for city employees and Resolution 7380 to contract with Locality Media, LLC (doing business as First Due) to provide Fire/EMS records-management (RMS) software and amend the fiscal year 2026 budget to reflect the agreement. The council also adopted Resolution 7376, Resolution 7377 (amending the employee handbook section on medical and dental benefits), Resolution 7379 (granting an alcohol license to BP Grocery and Deli at 817 Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive, Suite A) and Resolutions 7381 and 7382, each declaring specific properties a public nuisance for weeds, trash and/or inoperable vehicles. Ordinance 26-0310-01 was adopted by unanimous roll call as recorded.

Mayor Stephen M. Ware gave brief updates, saying the contractor has completed approximately 4.5 miles of trails at the Nature Park, urging residents to follow the Friends of West Rock Preserve Facebook page for project updates and noting construction at the new Chick-fil-A continues as planned. He also noted that Jeff Smith, former Hueytown High School coach and athletic director, was recognized at the Alabama Football Hall of Fame event.

During the public-comment period, several Hueytown residents raised local concerns. Mary Meyer said she read a letter to the Fire Department about safety issues in school classrooms. Sheryl Maneice asked the city to install signage at the City Park reminding pet owners to clean up after animals, to add directional signs to the dog park and to provide more serviceable trash receptacles. An attendee identified as Ms. Ogletree requested reimbursement from the city for costs she said she incurred abating a declared public nuisance. Ellen Dolan asked Public Works to address visibility problems at the intersection near 215 Hart Avenue and said that property is a nuisance. William Spencer requested vegetation be cut on a hill behind his property and assistance ensuring vacant properties are maintained. Tammy Earnest, a District Two Beautification Board member, reported abandoned vehicles in an alley near 105 and 107 Hart Avenue, trash accumulation along Hart Avenue and said the property at 220 Hart Avenue "has eleven dogs." Ron Marshall announced his candidacy for re-election as Jefferson County Tax Collector, Bessemer Division.

The meeting record shows roll-call votes recorded as unanimous for each item where votes were called. The minutes also state that Council Member Jacks was absent at roll call; however, several individual roll-call entries in the minutes later record Jacks as voting in favor on specific resolutions. That inconsistency appears in the meeting record and is reflected here rather than reconciled.

With no further business, Council Member Zinnerman moved to adjourn; the meeting ended at 6:36 P.M.