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Votes at a glance: Gadsden City Council adopts ordinances on licensing, parking, lodging tax and multiple resolutions
Summary
At its June 30 meeting the Gadsden City Council adopted an ordinance removing police review from alcoholic beverage license applications, restricted parking near the new police building, approved a restaurant license resolution for Gaga's Bar & Grill under a payment plan, implemented a 5% lodging tax to fund tourism amenities, and adopted multiple uncontested election resolutions and board appointments.
The Gadsden City Council on June 30 adopted a series of ordinances and resolutions across licensing, parking, personnel policy and tourism funding.
Licensing and local business: The council adopted an ordinance amending city code section 6-45 to remove the requirement that alcohol-license applications be reviewed by the police department and reduced public-hearing notice publication from five days to at least four days prior to a hearing. Separately, the council adopted resolution 2026-317 to bring Gaga's Bar & Grill back from the table and allow the business to operate under terms the council described as contingent on a Department of Revenue payment plan for back sales taxes; council members stated that failure to meet the payment plan could lead to license revocation.
Parking and code updates: Council adopted an ordinance amending city code section 118-19 to restrict parking on First Street and the police-building lot between Broad and Locust streets, matching rules at the previous police location.
Personnel policy: Council adopted an administrative amendment to chapter 7 of the city employee handbook to correct an oversight concerning the selling of sick leave by city employees; the council suspended rules to consider the item under new business and adopted the resolution.
Lodging tax for tourism funding: The council adopted an ordinance implementing a 5% lodging tax on hotel accommodations; councilmembers said proceeds will be earmarked for the operation and maintenance of the Gadsden Athletic Center (the "Gak"), the venue, and other tourism-promoting amenities.
Appointments and uncontested elections: The council reappointed Amy Lacount and Ruth Moffett and appointed Reginald Adams to the Gadsden Land Bank Authority. Under state law, the council also adopted a set of resolutions (617–623) declaring election of several unopposed candidates for council and school board seats.
Votes and procedure: Most items were considered under suspension of rules or as routine business and were adopted by voice vote; the public record in the transcript contains no numeric roll-call tallies for these items. For items that include conditions (for example, Gaga's Bar & Grill), council members described enforcement measures and the potential for revocation if payment-plan conditions are not met.
The council closed the meeting with citizen comments about a new kayak port and routine mayor and council reports about upcoming 250th celebration events and safety reminders.
