To mark national Community Planning Month, Huntsville’s Planning Department will hold a series of town halls throughout October in four of the city’s five council districts, beginning tonight. The events are part of an ongoing effort to highlight the department’s role in shaping Huntsville’s growth and development.

Mayor Tommy Battle issued a proclamation, and members of the Planning Department will make presentations at Huntsville City Council town halls throughout the month. There will also be displays at Huntsville libraries that share more about the work of planners.

“The growth and development of Huntsville is not by accident and the city’s Planning Department has played an integral role in that process,” Battle said. “As we celebrate Community Planning Month, it’s an opportunity for everyone to take a moment to appreciate the work that shapes our city both today and into the future.”

The town hall schedule:

* District 3 Town Hall: Oct. 14, 6 p.m., Sandra Moon Community Complex, 7901 Bailey Cove Road SE

* District 4 Town Hall: Oct. 20, 6 p.m., Huntsville-Madison County Downtown Public Library, 915 Monroe St.

* District 1 Town Hall: Oct. 21, 5:30 p.m., North Huntsville Public Library, 3011 Sparkman Dr. NW

* District 2 Town Hall: Oct. 22, 5 p.m., Optimist Recreation Center, 703 Oakwood Ave. NE

* There will also be sessions throughout the month at the Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc. and Huntsville City Schools.

New council president

The city council elected District 3 representative Dr. Jennie Robinson as president during last week’s regular meeting. She replaces John Meredith, who served for one year after previously holding the position.

As president, Robinson will preside over meetings and handle council administrative duties.

District 4 Council Member Bill Kling was elected President Pro Tem and will preside over meetings in the absence of the president. District 2 Council Member David Little was elected Third Presiding Officer.

Kling distributes money

Council Member Bill Kling submitted an ordinance approving appropriations, goods, or services for District 4 Council Improvement Funds. His motion costing $60,000 out of his district’s discretionary funds was approved without objection.

Distribution of the funds:

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to The Legacy Center to provide funding to support our aging community.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to Von Braun Center for building improvements and tourism promotion.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to the Community Development Department for Derrick Street Homeless Camp improvements.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to American Legion Post 237 to provide funding for homeless veterans’ assistance programs.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to Huntsville Ballet to provide funding for performances, education, and outreach programs.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to The Senior Center to purchase new exercise equipment.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to purchase new trees for Operation Green Team in consultation with Jerry Berg, President of the Friends of Trees Organization.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to The Schools Foundation to support principals, teachers, and students in Huntsville City Schools.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to Weeden House Museum to support the preservation of historical community landmarks and foster education experiences for citizens and visitors.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to The Arts Council, Inc. to provide funding for an art sculpture at Westlawn Park.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to Huntsville Botanical Garden to provide funding for greenhouse maintenance and replacement costs.

* $5,000.00 – Appropriation to Fraternal Order of Eagles Charitable Foundation, Aerie 3263 to be earmarked for HudsonAlpha Memory and Mobility Program.

Town hall attendance

District 1 Council Member Michelle Watkins urged city residents to attend the town halls to keep a finger on the pulse of the city.

She used the recurring misinformation still being brought up at council meetings regarding the city and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While some counties and communities around Alabama have partnered with the aggressive unit, Huntsville is not among them.

“I thought a couple of meetings ago that I asked the questions and I thought we made it very clear – we do not have any agreements with ICE,’’ she said. “So I want to make that clear. I want to encourage the community to come out to meetings, to come to town halls, to come to engagements. It’s so important that you are in these spaces and places because you learn about what’s going on in the city as well as you’re informed about what’s going on.’’