Anniston honors Officer Martin; residents urge transparency on contracts and keeping bulk trash pickup

The Anniston City Council presented the 2025 Crimestoppers Officer of the Year award to Officer Martin during its May 5 meeting. Diane Thomas of Crimestoppers introduced the honor and highlighted the officer’s work in narcotics investigations and his selection by peers.

"Officer Martin has served the Anniston Police Department for three years and has consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication, professionalism, and work ethic," Diane Thomas said as she presented the award. Mayor Smith congratulated Officer Martin and said being chosen by peers speaks to his professionalism.

During public comment, John Spires of 201 Hills Road urged greater transparency from the council on recent contracts and city decisions. He questioned whether contract language in a solid‑waste agreement could create a liability if an unaccounted population were billed, saying, "2,000 people times 28.50 times 12 months will make the city pay $684,000." Spires also asked why no inspection was done on the city hall building before occupancy and urged the council to reconsider a short employment timeline for the interim city manager.

Diana Michaels (who identified herself as Dr. Michael and as a member of the Rocky Hollow Neighborhood Association) thanked police for visible enforcement in Ward 1 and asked the council to avoid removing bulk trash pickup (referred to in the meeting as vendor ‘121’). She offered neighborhood research and volunteer input to help the city sustain bulky‑item collection, saying neighborhood notices about trash can placement have improved the community’s appearance.

Council members acknowledged the comments, praised Officer Martin, and announced upcoming community events including a May 8 smoke‑detector installation with the Red Cross and a May 23 Ward 2 cleanup.