The Huntsville City Council hosted its first meeting in its new chambers on May 23, covering only a few business items.

Unfinished Business Items

The council reviewed an ordinance amending ordinance number 8979, which pertains to the city’s classification and Salary Plan ordinance. Another ordinance discussed aimed to amend budget ordinance number 23762, modifying the authorized strength of various city departments.

New business items for consideration or action

Twelve new business items were consolidated and approved in one motion as no city council member requested any be considered separately:

Resolution authorizing travel expenses
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute Change Order No. 2 and FINAL between the City of Huntsville and Pearce Construction Company, Inc., for the Von Braun Center North Hall and Playhouse Renovations
Ordinance approving appropriations, goods, or services for District 1 Council Improvement Funds
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute Modification No. 1 to Agreement between the City of Huntsville and McCord Construction, Inc., for Periodic Bid for Sanitary Sewer Jack and Bore Items-2023, Project No. 71-23-SP18
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute Modification No. 1 to the Agreement between the City of Huntsville and McCord Construction, Inc., for Periodic Bid for Sanitary Sewer Directional Drilling Items-2023, Project No. 71-23-SP19.
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Fixed Price Agreement between the City of Huntsville and Chorba Contracting Corporation for the construction of the Martin Road Recreation Center
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Fixed Price Agreement between the City of Huntsville and Dunlap Contracting Inc., for the construction services of the John Hunt Park Public Restrooms
Resolution authorizing the City Clerk to invoke CB&S Bank Letter of Credit No. 555882 for the Preserve at Limestone Creek Phase 3 Subdivision.
Resolution authorizing the City Clerk to invoke Merit Bank Letter of Credit No. 1555 for Knoll at Hampton Cove Subdivision.
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Special Employee Agreement between the City of Huntsville and Terry Cagle
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Special Employee Agreement between the City of Huntsville and Andrew Gollop.
Resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Special Employee Agreement between the City of Huntsville and Ronald Finley

New business items for introduction

Several new ordinances were introduced, including one declaring certain equipment as surplus and no longer needed for municipal use. Another ordinance proposed declaring approximately 0.23 acres of real property on Pearl Avenue as surplus, allowing the mayor to enter into a lease agreement with JP Three Properties LLC.

Additionally, an ordinance dedicated a sanitary sewer easement for the Pulaski Pike sewer improvements project, and another declared certain equipment surplus for recycling for monetary value.

Special Recognitions

Barry Oxley was honored for his work with the Huntsville Madison County Builders Association, particularly the Homebuilders Academy’s role in supporting the city’s housing needs.

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women of Greater Huntsville Chapter presented their community involvement, highlighting a significant feminine hygiene drive.

Public Roster Comments

Though the business portion of the meeting was brief, a significant turnout of 11 Huntsville residents signed up for second roster public comments. With the ability to speak to issues outside of the council’s agenda, attendees covered a wide range of topics, including the importance of sex education in libraries, criticisms of U.S. involvement in the Israel-Palestine conflict, and concerns for a loss of library funds.

To tune into the next meeting, please visit www.huntsvilleal.gov/government/city-council.