Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Council Business Roundup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jasper council proclaims Child Abuse Awareness Month, approves event permits and contracts, and approves lease ordinance by unanimous consent
Summary
Council adopted a proclamation for Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, approved several event permits and contract awards (including grounds maintenance and animal services), introduced a $125,000 budget amendment request for the Children's Advocacy Center, and approved an ordinance authorizing a residential lease by unanimous consent after Attorney Robertson cited state code requirements.
The Jasper City Council opened with a proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and urging residents to report suspected abuse and support prevention programs.
Johnny Sudbury, executive director of the Walker County Children's Advocacy Center, read the proclamation on behalf of the center, which was recognized in the text for its advocacy and support services. Mayor Josh Gates said the city supports awareness activities including blue ribbons and community events.
Staff presented multiple event permit requests that the council approved by voice vote: the Walk in Love Jonathan Bowie Memorial Walk (April 11 at Gamble Park), Warehouse Sunday Dog Days (Sundays Apr 12–Jun 28), an Autism Awareness Walk (April 25 at Gamble Park), and a Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving Day that requested a street blockage along a courthouse-square route. Kelly said police, fire and street departments had approved the proposed events.
Jessica recommended awarding several contracts to the lowest responsible bidders, including grounds maintenance at parks and cemeteries, animal adoption and pound services with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, exclusive non-alcoholic beverage rights with Coca-Cola United Bottling Company, and surplus-auction awards (she reported nearly $45,000 in bids). The council approved Jessica’s recommendations by voice vote.
Kathy introduced budget amendment 2025202609 at the mayor’s request to provide $125,000 to the Walker County Children's Advocacy Center, proposing the funds come from opioid-settlement proceeds; she also said staff will later bring a purchase proposal for property around Memorial Park funded from park-improvement funds. That budget amendment was introduced for future consideration and no final action was taken at this meeting.
Attorney Robertson addressed a nuisance-abatement resolution concerning inoperable vehicles and pointed out that Code of Alabama §11-47-21 requires an ordinance to approve the proposed residential lease of city property. The council suspended the rules by unanimous consent for immediate consideration, then voted to finally approve the ordinance by voice vote.
Chief JC Poe and Chamber Executive Director Linda Lewis announced the second annual Hometown Heroes Fund Run set for April 18, described sponsorships and volunteer medical support from Walker Hospital Baptist, and left run diagrams and shirts for council members.
The meeting closed after councilmember comments about distributing junior council applications to high school students and confirmation that E-911 routing has been coordinated for areas affected by the Blackwell Dairy Road closure. No members of the public spoke during public comment and the council adjourned by voice vote.
What’s next: staff will return with the introduced budget amendment for formal consideration, proceed with contracting and project implementation for approved items, and report back to council on follow-up actions.
