Decatur City Council approves package of resolutions, including $700,000 commitment for Calhoun Community College sports complex

Decatur City Council approved a series of resolutions on a consent-heavy agenda and voted to increase the city’s funding commitment for a Calhoun Community College sports complex that requires moving a utility line.

The meeting, led through routine motions and roll calls by the clerk, culminated in votes on infrastructure, procurement and donations. Council approved archaeological work required for the Dinsmore Slough Trail, multiple bid awards for pest control and aggregates, and several donations and appointments. The council rejected an agreement with GovWell for planning software after concerns about integration with the city’s payment system.

Most items were moved by “Mister McMasters” and seconded by council colleagues (motions recorded by the clerk). Highlights include:

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 26182 — Approve Tennessee Valley Archaeological Research for an archaeological survey for the Dinsmore Slough Trail Project. Motion carried; clerk recorded approval 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26183 — Accept change order #1 for Whistle Bend Park to address unsuitable fill and install a resident-requested fence; total change order $35,001.97 funded from contract contingency. Approved; vote recorded as 3 to 0 with 1 abstention.

- Resolution 26184 — Authorize mayor to sign agreement with GovWell for planning and zoning software. Council voted to disapprove the agreement; clerk recorded the resolution as failing (vote recorded in transcript as 0 yes, 4 no).

- Resolution 26185 — Accept donation from Daikin America of sonar equipment and bilge heaters for Decatur Fire and Rescue’s vessel. Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26186 — Authorize use of funds from the Alabama Fire College to replace AV equipment at the public safety training center auditorium. Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26187 — Award bid #2619 (Pest Control Services) to Defense Pest Solutions following procurement recommendation. Approved (roll call 'Aye').

- Resolution 26188 — Award bids for sand and fine aggregates to Terry Equipment Company and Vulcan Materials (split award by line item). Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26189 — Declare obsolete City Hall intercom system surplus; staff discussed donation options to the fire college or department. Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26190 — Approve Decatur Historic District sign replacements by McComb Group. Approved; clerk recorded 3 to 0 with 1 abstention.

- Resolution 26191 — Approve Wilson Morgan Park access improvements (right-turn lane and frontage modifications). Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26192 — Approve Decatur’s 2026 street conditions (AI-driven pavement management survey); staff said vendor expects to start within ~6 weeks and finish surveys in ~60 days. Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26193 — Approve increased funding commitment for Calhoun Community College sports complex (public references in the meeting placed the increase at roughly $700,000 to move a sewer/utility line). Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26194 — Donate out-of-compliance PPE (69 coats, 62 pants, 62 SCBA masks) to Archangel Group International for use by a Zambian fire department. Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26195 — Approve MCEMA agreement regarding TVA Browns Ferry. Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26196 — Relocate District 3 Voting Center (Precinct 43) to Pointe Motte Event Center, 2901 Pointe Motte Circle SE. Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26197 — Approve conditional commitment regarding sanitary sewer with BCS Decatur Partners LLC; staff estimated a property-tax payback of roughly 4.8 to 7 years and potential sales-tax revenue when developed. Approved 4 to 0.

- Resolution 26198 — Approve contract documents for Decatur Youth Services’ new facility. Approved 4 to 0.

Council also confirmed a series of board and committee appointments and reappointments, including Tom Counts to the municipal utility board and David Lively to the Decatur Downtown Redevelopment Authority; those motions were recorded and approved as part of the agenda.

What failed and why

The only item the council rejected was the proposed GovWell agreement (Resolution 26184). Staff and council members raised concerns that the vendor’s software did not integrate with the city’s current financial/payment system; the council voted to delay or disapprove pending further exploration of integration and funding.

What’s next

Most items were routine approvals; where staff noted follow-up (for example the AI street survey’s start window and the archaeological survey requirement tied to a grant award), the relevant departments will proceed under the approved motions. The council adjourned at the end of the agenda.