Police, emergency-services reports and residents raise recycling, trash and traffic concerns

The Aliceville City Council received monthly reports from public-safety officials and heard multiple public comments about sanitation and neighborhood safety at its Feb. 12 meeting.

Officer Wesley presented the police report for January 2025, noting six arrests and an itemized list of incident types including disorderly conduct, harassment, trespass, and at least one juvenile-related arrest. Chief Jones reported emergency services statistics for the month: 40 total calls, four vehicle accidents, 28 medical calls, three grass fires, one structure fire, one gas leak and mutual-aid assists. Officials reminded the public to stay clear of roadways during emergency responses and noted open storm shelters (near Aliceville Elementary and behind City Hall at the public library), with an overflow location available if needed.

During public comment members of the audience asked about the status of curbside recycling; staff indicated the city currently lacks a local facility for processing recyclables and does not foresee immediate restoration of curbside recycling. Residents also raised concerns about a stop-sign location, trash buildup—especially along the entry from Columbus—and overgrown ditches and vegetation on a hillside; councilors and staff suggested photographing incidents and texting documentation to city staff for follow-up. The council noted its anonymous tip line has been little used and recommended using direct phone/text reporting to staff in order to expedite responses.

Council and staff pledged to follow up on the reported concerns, review property lines and consider temporary fencing and no-trespass signage at the vacant lot where the house was demolished.

No formal actions were taken in response to the public comments beyond directions to staff to investigate and return with recommendations.