[0:00] have an opportunity.
[0:02] >> May I have your attention, please?
[0:04] It is now 5:15 and time for our work
[0:08] session to begin.
[0:11] And it will begin with a presentation by
[0:14] Miss Anna Cochwell.
[0:28] I want to thank um the council and mayor
[0:32] um Eddie Smith for the opportunity to
[0:35] speak with you guys tonight about one of
[0:36] my absolutely favorite things, the arts.
[0:39] Um so I'll start by saying the East
[0:41] Alabama Arts Association is what I'm
[0:44] here to talk about um this afternoon.
[0:47] East Alabama Arts Association was
[0:49] founded 61 years ago. And it evolved
[0:53] from a small painting club here in
[0:56] Opaikica into a fully professional
[0:59] presenting and arts education
[1:01] organization.
[1:04] The performance series is the
[1:05] association's signature event and it is
[1:09] celebrating its 40th year by bringing
[1:12] worldrenowned performers to Opaikica.
[1:16] This series paved the way for the
[1:18] Opaikica Center for the Performing Arts,
[1:20] which is at our high school, as well as
[1:23] a long-standing partnership with the
[1:24] Kennedy Center.
[1:27] Personally, I like to tell people um
[1:30] regularly that our funky and unique
[1:32] spirit in Opaikica today we owe a debt
[1:36] of gratitude to the East Alabama Arts
[1:38] Association for paving the way for
[1:41] artistic excellence and a variety of
[1:45] range of thought in our community.
[1:48] Um again, I'm Anna Coxwell. I'll just
[1:50] tell you a couple things about me. I
[1:52] opened my first music venue before I
[1:54] turned 16 and moved to Nashville,
[1:58] Tennessee to pursue a degree in music
[2:00] business from Belmont University. At
[2:03] Belmont, I completed a thesis on
[2:06] nonprofit music venue management. While
[2:09] I've been in Opaikica, I was a founding
[2:11] board member for Opaikica Young
[2:13] Professionals, where I led their arts
[2:15] and entertainment programming.
[2:18] I am currently the president of the
[2:20] board for the Arts Association of East
[2:22] Alabama as well as the coordinator over
[2:25] all of the venues for the Opelica
[2:27] Songwriters Festival.
[2:29] It's truly an honor for me to lead the
[2:32] arts association through thick and thin.
[2:36] Unfortunately, I need to talk about the
[2:38] thin for a minute. for the arts
[2:40] association.
[2:42] In the last six months, there have been
[2:43] serious financial and operational
[2:46] challenges and deficits due to recent
[2:49] leadership.
[2:51] The board became involved immediately
[2:53] when we were made aware of these
[2:56] deficits. We've made leadership changes
[2:59] and we've worked to move forward in a
[3:02] fiscally responsible manner. The goals
[3:06] for us moving forward have been around
[3:08] financial responsibility and
[3:10] transparency to our patrons and our
[3:12] sponsors. We have a really engaged board
[3:15] right now. We're focused on increased
[3:18] scrutiny and stop gaps to prevent any
[3:20] issues with funding through increased
[3:23] accountability.
[3:25] Um, unfortunately earlier this year, in
[3:28] order to not continue an increase to our
[3:31] deficit, we had to cancel the last three
[3:33] shows of our performance series this
[3:35] spring.
[3:37] The organization had been working in a
[3:40] rears for several years, using next
[3:43] season's funds to pay debts of previous
[3:45] season. And our request tonight is for
[3:49] funding to pay off our debts and past
[3:51] obligations.
[3:53] We're hoping to draw a line in the sand
[3:55] to be able to pivot and start a new with
[3:58] a renewed vision and focus. The total
[4:02] funding request tonight is for $75,000.
[4:05] And I'll talk about how that breaks
[4:07] down.
[4:09] Because we were unfortunately
[4:11] um brought to the point where we had to
[4:13] cancel our season, we owe refunds to our
[4:16] patrons in the amount of $20,000.
[4:20] I've been able to negotiate down um
[4:24] artist contract refunds, but we
[4:26] currently owe $30,000
[4:29] in artist refunds for the canceled
[4:31] shows. And we owe right around $25,000
[4:36] for other operating costs associated
[4:38] with the performance series, such as
[4:40] lights, technical fees, um and our
[4:44] technical help.
[4:47] What I'd really like to present you with
[4:49] is some actions and goals as we move
[4:51] forward. We're really excited about
[4:54] what's ahead for hopefully the next 60
[4:56] years plus of this organization.
[5:00] Right now, we have live a community
[5:01] feedback survey. We advertised it on
[5:05] Friday at Food Truck Friday with a tent
[5:07] and we're advertising it on social media
[5:09] to get feedback from our community about
[5:12] what the organization should be doing.
[5:14] So, what do they want to see us do?
[5:16] Where do they want to see us? And we're
[5:18] trying to make sure we reach um all over
[5:20] our community with this survey, which
[5:22] will be ongoing through the summer.
[5:25] We've worked with the state arts council
[5:27] and other entities to secure additional
[5:29] grant funding.
[5:32] We've worked with Opaikica City Schools
[5:34] and we're planning on two or three
[5:36] educational performances for students in
[5:39] the upcoming year. And we've also made a
[5:41] commitment to promote and sell tickets
[5:44] for the Opaikica High School Theater.
[5:46] Along with whatever we do as an
[5:48] organization will be promoting what they
[5:50] do.
[5:52] We are planning to add an art element to
[5:54] Main Streets on the tracks event this
[5:57] fall. We're planning to participate and
[6:00] add art vendors to Garden in the Park
[6:02] with Keep Opal like a beautiful.
[6:04] And we've been working to move art that
[6:07] is owned by the arts association into
[6:09] community locations for public view away
[6:13] from storage locations and locked
[6:15] offices.
[6:16] Our goal is to to plan a scaledown four
[6:20] show arts association performance series
[6:22] season so that we can maintain our
[6:25] patrons. We don't want to do anything
[6:28] extravagant right now, but we want to
[6:30] keep the people that are involved in our
[6:33] organization engaged and we also want to
[6:35] try out some new things. Um, again, at
[6:39] least half of these shows will have
[6:41] educational elements that we'll um
[6:43] partner with Opa City Schools for. We're
[6:47] really working hard and I'm very proud
[6:49] that we're growing our board to look
[6:50] more diverse and representative of the
[6:53] community. We've leaned on 20 under 40
[6:57] and Leadership League County for
[6:58] applicants and we've been really happy
[7:00] with the results of that.
[7:03] We are looking overall as a goal to be a
[7:06] connector between other groups to add
[7:09] arts elements to existing community
[7:13] events and to promote other artistic
[7:15] community events that we're not even a
[7:17] part of that are happening in Opalikica.
[7:20] and we want to find additional arts
[7:21] education opportunities
[7:24] that make sense for this community.
[7:27] Our goal is to rebuild bridges and
[7:29] restore trust in an important community
[7:32] organization that the East Alabama Arts
[7:35] Association is while making sure we
[7:37] stick to what's important, education,
[7:39] arts involvement, being local and
[7:41] grassroots.
[7:44] I've got a couple stats that I wanted to
[7:46] give you before I I'm done. Um, almost
[7:50] 90% of nonprofit audiences in Alabama
[7:54] agree that arts activities inspire a
[7:57] sense of pride in their community. The
[8:00] arts are important to Opaikica.
[8:03] They unify our community by helping us
[8:05] understand each other. They improve our
[8:08] well-being by lifting us up.
[8:11] They strengthen our economy and they're
[8:13] an a critical building block to what a
[8:16] desirable community looks like and they
[8:19] spark creativity, innovation, and
[8:22] academic performance for all of us that
[8:24] participate.
[8:26] So, I thank you for listening and um I'm
[8:28] happy to answer any questions that
[8:30] anyone has.
[8:34] » And tell us about the uh artwork that
[8:37] you refer to.
[8:39] >> Sure. Yeah. So, there are several pieces
[8:42] of artwork that are very large that
[8:45] we're working to place in the community.
[8:47] There are two large ceramic pieces, so
[8:49] pottery pieces um that were locked in an
[8:53] office at Southside Center. I've worked
[8:56] um a a great deal with Southern Union.
[8:59] um they're expanding their arts
[9:01] footprint here in Opaikica and so we've
[9:03] had some really good meetings and
[9:04] they're going to be showcasing our
[9:06] ceramic pieces outside their southern
[9:09] room um with a attribution to the arts
[9:12] association. We also have a very large
[9:15] Roger Brown which is worth great value
[9:19] that we're working to find a place for.
[9:21] It's a 6 by8 original painting so it's
[9:24] very large. Um, I've been working with
[9:26] Rosanna McGinness to find a home for it
[9:28] in the library that won't get any little
[9:31] hands on it. Um, it might also be
[9:34] presented at Southside Center, but um,
[9:37] we are working hard to make sure those
[9:39] art pieces get shown. It's important to
[9:43] note we always have a public gallery
[9:45] open at Southside Center. And so one of
[9:48] the things we're working is to really
[9:50] beef that up and increase the amount of
[9:52] art that is included there to do a salon
[9:56] wall, a more compact, you know, full of
[9:59] art type hallway. Um, and so we
[10:02] definitely have the art for it and we're
[10:03] excited to see where that goes as well.
[10:08] Anna, I just want to say um I appreciate
[10:12] your service and your dedication to the
[10:14] East Alabama Arts Association. um you
[10:18] know I have uh spent a lot of time with
[10:21] them during my time when I was in the
[10:22] community foundation and I know the
[10:25] impact as well as you do for our
[10:26] community what it means to uh the people
[10:29] in our city and also but also the kids
[10:31] that cultural enrichment experience that
[10:34] East Alabama Arts brings to our
[10:36] community and um I just appreciate the
[10:39] time that you have spent on this and
[10:42] working with the board and identifying
[10:44] what the obstacles are and the
[10:46] opportunities that you can going forward
[10:48] and um I'm happy to do anything I can to
[10:50] help you all out.
[10:51] >> Thank you.
[10:55] » One question.
[10:56] >> Sure.
[10:56] >> This $75,000 you're asking for, will
[10:59] that relieve you from being in the red?
[11:02] >> That would that would allow us to be
[11:05] completely out of our deficit, put us
[11:08] back to zero where we can um really
[11:11] begin to interact with our patrons
[11:13] again. One of the reasons that I feel
[11:15] like this is urgent is because we do owe
[11:18] those patrons and those agencies and I
[11:21] don't feel like I can go forward with,
[11:23] hey, fill out my survey. Hey, what do
[11:25] you want to see from us when I owe the
[11:27] community money? And so, it's really
[11:29] important that we get back to that zero
[11:31] mark so that we can work on building
[11:34] something new.
[11:36] >> Thank you.
[11:41] We appreciate your presentation.
[11:43] >> Yeah. Thank you,
[11:48] » Mr. President. I think it would be
[11:49] important to note that the um $75,000 is
[11:53] an amendment to the current contract
[11:55] that they have for services with the
[11:57] city of Opaikica. That we're not just
[11:59] giving it to them. that there is a
[12:01] contract,
[12:02] >> okay,
[12:02] >> that we currently have and we're
[12:04] amending that contract to include an
[12:06] extra amount appropriation for the
[12:08] services render.
[12:09] >> Okay. Thank you.
[12:14] resolutions
[12:18] economic development.
[12:28] » Mayor Smith, members of the council,
[12:30] appreciate your time tonight. Uh to be
[12:32] um I guess we'll I'll be here for two
[12:34] resolutions. First one is uh for an
[12:36] amendment first amendment to the project
[12:38] development agreement with MAB um
[12:41] American Management. That's the
[12:42] development group that is working on the
[12:45] uh new shopping center on 280 and
[12:47] veterans. Um most of us are really
[12:49] familiar with that site. Um so they've
[12:52] um had a a little bit of delay in the
[12:54] development of their project uh due to
[12:56] some um external development, some
[12:58] housing development that they needed to
[13:00] get lined up and that's happened now. So
[13:03] they're requesting an extra 12 months, a
[13:05] 12-month extension to the original
[13:07] project agreement so they have time to
[13:08] get that housing in place that will then
[13:10] bring the retail Any
[13:15] questions?
[13:18] » I have one question. Um, so John with
[13:21] this does and knowing that the moratorum
[13:23] does this allow them that time within
[13:25] that moratorum time frame?
[13:27] >> Yes, they've they've done everything
[13:28] they need to do with the conditional use
[13:29] approval. So that that's in place. So
[13:31] they're good.
[13:32] >> So would they be able to build during
[13:33] that time and
[13:34] >> yes and everything which we all know
[13:37] attached with that comes Publix, right?
[13:41] Publix is not part of our project
[13:43] agreement, right? Um, so we know that
[13:45] they're working to try to recruit Publix
[13:46] to the shopping center, but it's not
[13:48] part of our project agreement.
[13:49] >> Right.
[13:50] >> So, okay. I just want to make that make
[13:52] sure that's known. I've gotten several
[13:53] calls since a moratorum of people
[13:56] worried about that um housing
[13:58] development and just understanding what
[14:02] could come with it. So, I appreciate
[14:04] that.
[14:05] If I may, I would remind you that the
[14:08] project development agreement is with uh
[14:11] a commercial entity to build commercial
[14:15] property which is not part of the
[14:17] moratorum.
[14:24] » Any others?
[14:27] » All right. Move it number two. John.
[14:30] >> Okay. Uh the second resolution before
[14:31] you tonight is a second amendment to the
[14:33] project agreement with Rod Metro. Rod
[14:36] Metro is the uh development company
[14:38] behind the uh the landings at exit 58
[14:40] where you have the Quick Trip Texas
[14:42] Roadhouse
[14:44] um the new Starbucks and the u the soon
[14:47] to be started the Chasing Aces golf
[14:49] experience and um they um they've come
[14:52] back to us with a request to do we did a
[14:55] first amendment last fall and um with
[14:59] that we we um we inadvertently changed
[15:02] the commencement date of the 15-year
[15:04] clock ticking on their the 15 year time
[15:07] frame for their their incentive to to
[15:09] happen that their incentive their
[15:11] revenue sharing can't happen till they
[15:12] get an entertainment venue open which is the chasing aces and so we want to
[15:17] correct that with this second amendment
[15:20] and we're really excited to share that
[15:21] then only they they've come back to us
[15:23] with even a a bigger offering they're
[15:25] adding six acres to the development
[15:27] expanding the par three and bringing an
[15:29] outdoor music venue so we're getting a
[15:31] much better project and um so we just
[15:34] want make sure that we uh make that
[15:35] amendment to allow them time to get that
[15:37] entertainment venue open without the
[15:39] clock ticking and then we'll move
[15:41] forward as we originally planned in the
[15:42] original project agreement.
[15:45] >> Originally it was Top Golf or
[15:48] >> Originally it was golf suites.
[15:49] >> Golf suites.
[15:53] » When's it supposed to start and
[15:55] projected end time? Uh we anticipate
[15:58] dirt starting to to work move in just a
[16:00] few weeks
[16:02] >> and with a um early 2028 opening
[16:07] probably late 2027, early 2028.
[16:11] >> So John, this will also help with the
[16:13] businesses around there, right?
[16:15] >> Oh, absolutely. Yeah, it' be a big draw
[16:16] for the businesses around there, but
[16:18] also it's going to be a huge regional
[16:19] draw. The music venue will can
[16:21] accommodate group crowds of up to a
[16:23] thousand spectators which allow them to
[16:26] attract some really good acts. Some
[16:28] they're gonna they're going to contract
[16:30] with a professional entertainment group
[16:32] that'll keep that talent coming in. So
[16:34] it it'll be a really good draw for the
[16:36] city.
[16:38] >> One thing whenever you talk about an
[16:41] entertainment venue, people always worry
[16:43] about noise. Is there any special um
[16:47] things that have been done to to
[16:48] mitigate that noise? In this instance,
[16:51] >> they'll be they'll be subject to the
[16:52] city ordinances that that address noise
[16:56] like every every other business.
[16:57] >> But situationally, is it facing a
[16:59] certain way? So, it's out of the way of
[17:00] noise.
[17:00] >> It is facing away from every all
[17:02] residential and it has a established
[17:05] tree buffer behind it as well between
[17:07] that and any residential, but it is
[17:09] facing away towards it'll face towards
[17:11] the interstate.
[17:16] and others.
[17:19] >> Thank you, John.
[17:20] >> Thank you.
[17:27] » At this time, our council, if you have
[17:30] any other uh concerns about anything
[17:34] that's on our consent agenda or regular
[17:37] agenda, this would be the time to for
[17:40] that discussion.
[17:43] Mr. President, I would like to um
[17:49] talk about the bid for the North Park
[17:52] Drive um resolution number four.
[17:55] >> Okay,
[17:59] » Scott, can you enlighten us on that if
[18:01] you will, please?
[18:03] >> Absolutely. Uh thanks so much. We've
[18:04] been working with economic development.
[18:06] They had the uh a grant, a seeds grant a
[18:09] couple years ago to construct a bridge
[18:11] over the hall
[18:14] over the creek to extend into their
[18:17] northern portion of the pro of the
[18:19] property that they own. So we had a
[18:22] bridge designed. We mitigated all the
[18:24] wetlands and we advertised it for
[18:26] contract. Uh the bids came back and the
[18:29] bid is on the resolution for approval. U
[18:32] the bridge that I believe uh John can
[18:34] correct me. The grant was about $2
[18:36] million and that's about tapped out. The
[18:39] bridge came in a little under budget. I
[18:41] think we had predicted about a $4
[18:43] million bridge and roadway approach.
[18:45] Came back just over three. So real
[18:47] pleased with that. Uh all that's the
[18:50] management everything has already been
[18:51] approved in service contracts with
[18:54] engineering companies. So all that is
[18:56] all taken care of. Most of the funds
[18:58] will be paid for by the state grant that
[19:01] uh economic development has established
[19:03] already. Anything
[19:09] else?
[19:10] >> Thank you, Scott.
[19:11] >> Thank you.
[19:12] >> And others?
[19:17] If not, we will call this work session
[19:19] to an end and in 25 minutes we will
[19:22] start our regular meeting.
[44:26] May I have your attention, please?
[44:29] It is now 6:00 p.m. and I will call our
[44:34] April 21st, 2026 Opaikica City Council
[44:38] meeting to order. Call the role. Mr.
[44:41] Jones
[44:43] >> here. Mr. Wallley
[44:44] >> here. Mr. Beans
[44:45] >> here. Mr. Rout here. Mr. Allen
[44:47] >> here.
[44:50] For invocation, we're pleased to have
[44:52] Craig Hill. I'm sorry, Craig Lee from
[44:55] Oak Hill Church. And for our pledge, we
[44:59] have Ally Hill from Opaaka Middle
[45:03] School. Let us all stand, please.
[45:19] Let's pray. Father God, we just praise
[45:21] you and thank you, Lord, that we can
[45:22] come together as a town
[45:25] to be about your business. Scripture
[45:27] tells us that you raise up governments
[45:30] and you destroy governments and how
[45:32] blessed we are that you have raised up a
[45:36] town called Opalikica.
[45:38] And Father, as we go into this meeting
[45:40] tonight, let our ears be open to listen
[45:44] and not to just respond.
[45:47] And let our words be encouraging and
[45:50] uplifting as we be about your business.
[45:53] And we thank you for each one of these
[45:56] men and women that serve us faithfully.
[45:59] We ask that your hand be upon them. And
[46:02] we ask that you continue to bless the
[46:05] city of Opaikica in Jesus name. Amen.
[46:09] >> Amen.
[46:15] » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
[46:18] United States of America and to the
[46:21] republic for which it stands, one nation
[46:25] under God, indivisible, with liberty and
[46:28] justice for all.
[46:43] We'll now have the adoption of the
[46:44] agenda. Are there any items that need to
[46:47] be added to, removed from, or changed to
[46:51] the order of the presented agenda?
[46:58] Having none, is is there a motion to
[47:00] approve the agenda as presented? So move
[47:04] We have a motion and a second. Any
[47:06] discussion?
[47:10] Having none, call the role. Mr. Jones.
[47:12] >> M. Holmes.
[47:13] >> I.
[47:13] >> Mr. Wall.
[47:14] >> I.
[47:14] >> Mr. Williams.
[47:15] >> I.
[47:15] >> Mr. Rout.
[47:16] >> Hi.
[47:16] >> Mr. Allen.
[47:17] >> I.
[47:17] >> All voted out to approve the agenda.
[47:19] >> Okay. Uh, now the approval of the
[47:22] minutes. Council members, you have
[47:24] received a copy of the minutes from our
[47:26] last regular meeting of April 7, 2026.
[47:30] Are there any corrections, additions, or
[47:32] deletions?
[47:36] If not, the minutes will stand approved
[47:39] as presented.
[47:41] Mayor comments and recognition.
[47:43] >> Hold on one second.
[47:45] >> That's the way we do it.
[47:46] >> I know. I need a motion in a second.
[47:47] >> No, you don't.
[47:48] >> Need a motion and a second.
[47:51] >> I give you what you don't need.
[47:53] >> Some moved.
[47:54] >> Second.
[47:57] » All right. No.
[47:59] >> Can we do a motion?
[48:00] >> No. Read it up. We don't need it.
[48:04] >> If it's If it's already been presented,
[48:06] you don't need it.
[48:09] >> Mayor, comments and recognitions. Mr.
[48:11] Mayor.
[48:12] >> Thank you, Mr. President.
[48:13] >> Um, you all have received a copy of the
[48:15] uh city's financial summary report uh
[48:18] and also a copy of the uh monthly
[48:21] permits. And I don't know if y'all
[48:23] recognize that in the month of March, we
[48:27] had the highest March of uh since 2015
[48:32] on uh new construction. So, it's uh
[48:36] things a lot of good things are still
[48:37] happening in our community and we're
[48:39] grateful. Uh if I could get uh you, Mr.
[48:43] President, and you Mr. President Pro
[48:46] Tim, to join me down front, please.
[49:30] One of our privileges that u that we do
[49:33] um once a month is we get the
[49:35] opportunity to recognize a a citizen of
[49:39] character.
[49:40] uh in our community and we rotate that
[49:42] between the wards and ward four uh is uh
[49:48] making the recommendation and the uh
[49:51] of
[49:53] and awarding uh our recipient tonight.
[49:58] I got it now. Uh so it says here is with
[50:02] great pleasure that
[50:05] Oh, why was we going to call him up
[50:06] here? Ronnie wear would you come up here
[50:09] please and other members of the
[50:11] character
[50:27] » Chuck you got something you would like
[50:29] to read?
[50:29] >> Yeah I'm going to I appreciate the
[50:31] opportunity Mr. Mayor. Um I'm going to read the uh the letter
[50:37] that I I wrote uh to uh to the character
[50:41] council u and I think it embodies
[50:45] exactly why Ronnie was selected. It is
[50:48] my honor and privilege to nominate
[50:50] Ronnie Wear as a citizen of character
[50:53] for the month of April recognizing the
[50:55] trait of kindness.
[50:58] Ronnie wear is dedicated community
[50:59] leader and businessman known throughout
[51:01] opaikica for his warmth, generosity and
[51:04] tireless support of others. Born in
[51:07] Lefayet, Alabama to Terry and Lola,
[51:10] he moved to Opaikica at an early age
[51:14] and is a graduate of Opaikica High class
[51:17] of 1978,
[51:19] the year of the BG.
[51:24] He went on to study business at Southern
[51:26] Union State Community College and began
[51:27] his automotive career in 1983 as a sales
[51:30] associate at Village Toyota and Auburn.
[51:33] Later continuing his work at Glenn Smith
[51:36] Motor Company. In 1989, he became a
[51:39] co-owner of that business, which later
[51:41] became Gentry and Wear Motor Company,
[51:43] where he now serves as a sole
[51:45] proprietor. Throughout his career,
[51:47] Ronnie's leadership and commitment to
[51:49] serving others have always been central
[51:52] to his work. Beyond his business, Ronnie
[51:56] has been deeply involved in serving our
[51:58] community. He has contributed his time
[52:01] and leadership to numerous organizations
[52:03] across Lee County, including the Opal
[52:05] Industri Industrial Development
[52:07] Authority, where he has served the city
[52:09] of Opaikica for over 20 years. In that
[52:13] role, he has been an intricral part of
[52:15] our city's growth, always willing to
[52:17] step in and help, whether working with
[52:20] prospects,
[52:21] supporting initiatives or offering
[52:23] guidance in the boardroom.
[52:25] In addition, Ronnie has served on the
[52:28] Four Seasons Federal Credit Union Board
[52:30] of Directors, the MLK Dream Day
[52:32] Foundation board, and the Alabama
[52:34] Independent All Dealers Association, the
[52:37] Chrysler Minority Dealers Association,
[52:39] and the Boys and Girls Club of Lee
[52:42] County and the Lee County Achievement
[52:43] Center and 100 Black Men of America.
[52:47] Ronnie is also widely known for his
[52:49] generosity and his strong support of
[52:51] Opalaka High School and its student
[52:53] athletes. He consistently gives his time
[52:57] and resources to support local schools,
[52:59] community organizations, churches,
[53:02] individuals in need and individuals in
[53:04] need. Whether it is helping opal like
[53:06] high school programs, supporting
[53:08] community initiatives, or quietly
[53:10] assisting neighbors and friends, Ronnie
[53:12] has built a reputation for showing up
[53:15] when people need him most. What stands
[53:19] out most, however, is the personal way
[53:21] Ronnie demonstrates kindness.
[53:24] is approachable, encouraged, and
[53:25] genuinely invested in others. I have
[53:28] experienced this firsthand. During my
[53:31] campaign, Ronnie took time to meet with
[53:33] me, offer guidance, and provide
[53:35] encouragement. He did not have to do
[53:38] that, but that is who he is. He gives
[53:41] his time freely and helps others
[53:44] succeed. Those who know Ronnie best
[53:46] describe him as honest, an honest,
[53:49] respected businessman who has spent more
[53:51] than 30 years building not only a
[53:53] successful company, but also an
[53:55] impeccable rec reputation guided in
[53:58] integrity and the care of others.
[54:01] Ronnie, we appreciate you.
[54:20] And if you if you are here as Ronnie's
[54:22] family or supporter, if you just remain
[54:24] standing and be recognized, please.
[54:42] So, Ronnie, it is great pleasure that we
[54:44] acknowledge you for your outstanding
[54:46] character within the city of Opaikica.
[54:48] Your goodwill towards mankind in our
[54:50] city has not gone unnoticed. We hope
[54:53] that others will see your good works and
[54:55] model your actions. Please be encouraged
[54:58] to continue making a difference in the
[54:59] city of Okala and throughout the world.
[55:02] Thank you, Ron.
[55:29] Okay. Uh, can I get Major Lester to come
[55:32] up, please? And Officer Cody Bar.
[55:42] Nice.
[55:44] >> So, uh, Major Lester, uh, called and
[55:47] said that he wanted to make a special
[55:50] recogn recognition, uh, tonight and he
[55:53] has something that he's going to give to
[55:55] you. But, uh, there's you something to
[55:58] read from.
[55:59] >> Hey, my name is John Hester. Uh, I'm
[56:02] honored to award Officer Cody Bar a
[56:04] lifesaver award tonight. On December
[56:06] 24th, 2025, Officer Bar responded to a
[56:10] critical medical emergency involving a
[56:12] non-responsive three-month-old infant.
[56:14] Upon arrival, Officer Bar observed the
[56:16] infant was unable to breathe and acted
[56:18] within immediate textbook precision. Within 13 seconds, he
[56:23] successfully performed life-saving back
[56:26] blows to dislodge uh a total airway
[56:28] obstruction on the infant. Officer Bar's
[56:31] calm decisiveness coupled with his
[56:33] profound empathy for the infant's mother
[56:35] exemplifies the highest standards of the
[56:38] police profession. His refusal to seek
[56:40] recognition for this heroic act further
[56:43] reflects the humility and selfless
[56:45] character he brings to this department
[56:47] and the citizens we serve. Um, proud to
[56:50] give a lifesaver award to officer Cody
[56:52] Bar.
[57:08] Thank you, Cody.
[57:10] >> Appreciate what you do.
[57:14] >> Now, if I could ask appreciate u Brent
[57:18] uh Potit to come up, please.
[57:24] Brent is the uh uh director of Opalaka
[57:27] Power Services. He's the guy that keeps
[57:29] our lights on. Uh he and his team and uh we're very appreciative of of
[57:34] what you do, Brent. But tonight uh we
[57:38] would like to recognize some uh young
[57:40] people in uh Opaikica area that have uh
[57:44] excelled. And so, uh, Energy Southeast,
[57:47] who we partner with, as far as our
[57:50] lights are concerned, has awarded these
[57:53] four scholarships. And Brent, if they
[57:56] when they come up, would you greet them
[57:58] and give them a gift, please?
[58:00] William Grant Ble, Lee Scott Academy.
[58:11] » Come on, St. You got to get your picture
[58:13] made, you know.
[58:15] Uh, Tasia
[58:17] de Maya Maya Chambers, Opalaka High
[58:21] School.
[58:28] And y'all think I didn't work on that,
[58:30] but I did.
[58:34] Congratulations.
[58:35] >> Congratulations.
[58:40] Antoine
[58:42] Toriana Harvest, Opalaka High School.
[58:55] » Congratulations.
[58:57] >> You got your thing off your leg.
[58:59] >> Good.
[59:01] And Regginal Braden Williams, Opala High
[59:05] School.
[59:13] Congratulations to to each one of you.
[59:15] We appreciate
[59:16] >> what y'all have done at Opalica High
[59:17] School and look forward to seeing what
[59:19] y'all do in the future. So, who's taking
[59:21] this picture?
[59:23] >> Just so y'all know, the these young men
[59:25] and ladies did this all on their own.
[59:27] Neither Brent Potit at OPS or the mayor
[59:30] has any input on who receives this war.
[59:33] We got a third party board that doesn't
[59:35] live up a life that chooses them. So
[59:37] they did this all on their own.
[59:50] » Thank you, Mr. President.
[59:59] » Okay.
[1:00:17] Thank you.
[1:01:48] public hearing. Mr. Jones,
[1:01:49] >> Mr. Mr. President, first item under
[1:01:51] public hearings is a public hearing to
[1:01:53] the first for the first amendment to the
[1:01:55] project development agreement with MAB
[1:01:57] American Management LLC.
[1:01:59] >> I declare this public hearing open.
[1:02:01] Anyone wants to speak for or against
[1:02:02] this item, please come to the podium to
[1:02:05] my left. State your name and address.
[1:02:08] And remember, you have three minutes to
[1:02:09] speak.
[1:02:18] Having none, I declare this public
[1:02:19] hearing closed.
[1:02:21] >> Second item is a public hearing for the
[1:02:23] second amendment to the project
[1:02:24] development agreement with Broad Metro
[1:02:26] LLC.
[1:02:28] >> I declare this public hearing open. If
[1:02:30] anyone wants to speak for or against
[1:02:33] this item, please come to the podium to
[1:02:35] my left. State your name and address.
[1:02:37] And remember, you have three minutes to
[1:02:40] speak.
[1:02:45] Having none, I declare this public
[1:02:47] hearing o closed.
[1:02:50] >> Third item is a public hearing to amend
[1:02:51] the development plan for the Cedar Creek
[1:02:53] PU.
[1:02:55] >> I declare this public hearing open.
[1:02:57] Anyone wants to speak for against this
[1:03:00] item, please come to the podium to my
[1:03:02] left, state your name and address. And
[1:03:04] remember, you have three minutes to
[1:03:05] speak.
[1:03:11] Having none, I declare this public
[1:03:13] hearing closed.
[1:03:15] >> Fourth and final public hearing to amend
[1:03:16] the zoning ordinance and map at 1502
[1:03:18] Spring Drive. This is one and a half
[1:03:20] acres from a R5 to a C3.
[1:03:23] >> I declare this public hearing open.
[1:03:25] Anyone wants to speak for against this
[1:03:28] item, please come to the podium to my
[1:03:30] left and state your name and address.
[1:03:32] And remember, you have three minutes to
[1:03:34] speak.
[1:03:40] Having none, I declare this public
[1:03:42] hearing closed.
[1:03:45] Agenda related public comments. Mr.
[1:03:47] Jones.
[1:03:48] >> Okay. If you'd like to speak to mayor
[1:03:49] council about anything that is listed on
[1:03:51] the agend
[1:03:55] name, telephone address, email. If you
[1:03:57] do speak, please state your name and
[1:03:58] your address and please keep the three
[1:03:59] minutes for lunch.
[1:04:13] Hi, my name is Tessa T22
[1:04:16] Renfro.
[1:04:18] Um, I would like to speak to the uh, one
[1:04:21] of the things on the consent agenda
[1:04:23] number four.
[1:04:24] Um my concern about number four is that
[1:04:30] I was told a while ago if um if the city
[1:04:33] were to um move forward with any data
[1:04:37] center project in the future in order
[1:04:40] for that to happen um one of the first
[1:04:43] things that would need to be implemented
[1:04:45] would um be to build a bridge over
[1:04:49] Halawaka Creek.
[1:04:52] Um I understand the city says that um
[1:04:55] the city does not have a plan to do that
[1:04:58] at um this time as far as building a
[1:05:00] data center, but it does concern me just
[1:05:05] as it seems like it would be moving uh
[1:05:08] one impediment off the table and I am
[1:05:12] very concerned about the data center
[1:05:13] topic and have spoken about it
[1:05:15] previously. Um, so that's just something
[1:05:18] I would love to um hear from the city
[1:05:22] council that this bridge will not be
[1:05:25] used for that in the future. Not
[1:05:30] >> Yeah. will not be used for that in the
[1:05:31] future. Thank you.
[1:05:51] Okay, moving on. The adoption of the
[1:05:54] consent agenda.
[1:05:56] Does any council member wish to remove
[1:05:59] any item from the consent agenda and add
[1:06:02] it as part of our regular agenda?
[1:06:09] Having none, is there a motion to
[1:06:10] approve the consent agenda as presented?
[1:06:13] >> So move.
[1:06:15] >> Second.
[1:06:17] >> Okay. Any discussion?
[1:06:21] Having none, call the role. Mr. Jones.
[1:06:23] >> Mult.
[1:06:23] >> I.
[1:06:24] >> M. Watley.
[1:06:24] >> I.
[1:06:25] >> Mr. B.
[1:06:25] >> I.
[1:06:25] >> Mr. Rout.
[1:06:26] >> I.
[1:06:27] >> Mr. Alex.
[1:06:28] >> I.
[1:06:28] >> All voted I to approve the items on the
[1:06:30] consent agenda.
[1:06:34] » Okay. Resolutions. Mr. Trice.
[1:06:38] Thank you, Mr. President. Our first
[1:06:40] resolution is to approve the first
[1:06:41] amendment to the project development
[1:06:43] agreement with MAB American Management
[1:06:46] LLC.
[1:06:48] >> Is there a motion for approval?
[1:06:53] » So move
[1:06:54] second.
[1:06:56] >> Any discussion?
[1:07:00] Having none, call the role. Mr. Jones,
[1:07:02] >> Miss Holmes,
[1:07:02] >> I swall.
[1:07:03] >> Mr. B.
[1:07:04] >> Hi.
[1:07:04] >> Mr. Rout. I
[1:07:06] >> r
[1:07:06] >> I
[1:07:07] >> all voted I
[1:07:09] >> The second resolution is to approve the
[1:07:11] second amendment to the project
[1:07:12] development agreement with Broad Metro
[1:07:15] LLC.
[1:07:16] >> Is there a motion for approval?
[1:07:18] >> Second.
[1:07:19] >> Is there a second?
[1:07:20] >> Second.
[1:07:21] >> Any discussion?
[1:07:25] Having none, call the roles. Mr. Jones,
[1:07:27] >> Miss Holmes,
[1:07:28] >> I sw.
[1:07:29] >> Mr. Bane.
[1:07:29] >> Hi,
[1:07:30] >> Mr. Rout.
[1:07:30] >> I
[1:07:31] >> Mr. Rout
[1:07:32] >> I.
[1:07:32] >> All voted I
[1:07:35] >> ordinances. Mr. Trice.
[1:07:38] >> Mr. President, the first ordinance is to
[1:07:39] amend chapter 17, article 5 of the city
[1:07:42] code of ordinances involving the
[1:07:44] pre-trial diversion program. This is for
[1:07:46] second reading.
[1:07:48] >> Is there a motion for approval?
[1:07:49] >> Some moved.
[1:07:50] >> Is there a second?
[1:07:52] >> Second.
[1:07:53] >> Any discussion?
[1:07:57] Having uncall the role, Mr. Jones.
[1:07:59] >> Miss Holmes.
[1:08:00] >> I
[1:08:00] >> Miss Watley.
[1:08:01] >> Hi.
[1:08:01] >> Mr. B.
[1:08:01] >> Hi.
[1:08:02] >> Mr. Rout.
[1:08:02] >> I.
[1:08:03] >> Mr. Allen.
[1:08:04] >> I.
[1:08:04] >> All voted I.
[1:08:07] >> Ordinance number two is to amend the
[1:08:08] development plan for the Cedar Creek
[1:08:10] PUD. This is the second reading.
[1:08:13] >> Is there a motion for approval?
[1:08:15] >> So move.
[1:08:16] >> Is there a second?
[1:08:18] >> Second.
[1:08:19] >> Any discussion?
[1:08:22] Have an uncr.
[1:08:23] >> M. Holmes.
[1:08:24] >> I.
[1:08:24] >> M. Wall.
[1:08:25] >> I.
[1:08:25] >> Mr. B.
[1:08:26] >> I.
[1:08:26] >> Mr. Rout.
[1:08:27] >> I.
[1:08:27] >> Mr. Alex. I
[1:08:28] >> all voted I
[1:08:31] >> the third ordinance for first reading is
[1:08:33] to amend the zoning ordinance and map
[1:08:34] for 1502 Spring VI Spring Drive
[1:08:38] consisting of 1.5 acres from an R5 to a
[1:08:41] C3.
[1:08:43] >> First reading.
[1:08:44] >> Yeah. I would like to ask a member of
[1:08:46] the council to introduce this ordinance
[1:08:48] for the first reading.
[1:08:49] >> My pleasure.
[1:08:51] >> Thank you, Mr. R.
[1:08:56] No appointment. Second roster of public
[1:08:59] comments.
[1:09:00] >> Okay. If you'd like to speak the mayor
[1:09:01] of the council about anything else,
[1:09:02] please don't quoting to my left. Please
[1:09:04] sign the signing sheet. Please state
[1:09:06] your name and your address. Please keep
[1:09:07] it 3 minutes or less.
[1:09:16] » My name is Tiffany Hillier and I live at
[1:09:18] 1305 Morris Avenue.
[1:09:21] I'm here this evening on behalf of the
[1:09:22] Lee County Cemetery Preservation
[1:09:24] Commission to just kind of let you all
[1:09:26] know that we are still awaiting the
[1:09:27] status of the drafting of the proposal
[1:09:31] for an ordinance requiring a setback or
[1:09:33] buffer around cemeteries within the city
[1:09:35] limits of Opica to protect the
[1:09:37] cemeteries from development or any other
[1:09:39] type of encroachment. either myself or
[1:09:41] my fellow commissioner Tom Morris has
[1:09:44] been corresponding with Matt Mosley and
[1:09:47] Tom has also been in contact with Joey
[1:09:48] Mley about the drafting of the proposal.
[1:09:51] The last deadline given to us was March
[1:09:54] but unfortunately I think the building u
[1:09:59] moratim
[1:10:00] >> mortorium
[1:10:01] >> yeah uh created a busy last planning
[1:10:03] session it has gotten pushed back again.
[1:10:07] Um, I first came in front of this
[1:10:10] council almost a whole year ago with my
[1:10:12] concerns for not only this cemetery, but
[1:10:14] all the other ones that face the same
[1:10:16] problem. This is not just a problem in
[1:10:18] Opaikica, it's a problem all over the
[1:10:20] state and even the country. If the city
[1:10:23] does get this proposal drafted and it
[1:10:25] passes, Opaikica will have set a
[1:10:27] precedent for other cities and counties
[1:10:29] all over Alabama to follow. Miss Lean
[1:10:31] Troop with the the she's the director of
[1:10:33] the Alabama Historical Commission
[1:10:35] cemetery program has already commented
[1:10:38] that such an ordinance would be a huge
[1:10:41] step in cemetery preservation and would
[1:10:43] definitely set a precedent for others
[1:10:45] that face the same issues. Thank you.
[1:11:04] Good evening. Laura Fuller, 1104
[1:11:08] Mockingbird Lane, Opaikica, Alabama. I'm
[1:11:11] here to invite the city council along
[1:11:14] with the public to come to the 75th
[1:11:18] National Day of Prayer, which will be
[1:11:20] held May 7th, of course, 2026. the um
[1:11:25] Opaikica courthouse square right there
[1:11:27] in front of the uh fountain. Uh since
[1:11:31] this is the 250th anniversary of the
[1:11:34] birth of our nation, we um this
[1:11:36] gathering will be a little more
[1:11:38] patriotic than in the past, we this is a
[1:11:42] non-denominational
[1:11:44] praise and prayer gathering. It's led by
[1:11:47] lay people and pastors. Um it starts at
[1:11:51] 12 noon. It's um open air. The city of
[1:11:56] Opaikica will provide tents and chairs
[1:11:59] for the public to sit in. Un. Um
[1:12:02] unfortunately, if it rains, the First
[1:12:06] Baptist Church right across the street
[1:12:08] will let us use their sanctuary.
[1:12:11] So again, Thursday, May 7th, it's always
[1:12:14] the first Thursday in May, 12 noon at
[1:12:17] the Opalikica Courthouse Square. All are
[1:12:20] invited. I gave all the city council
[1:12:23] little flyers. I've handed them um
[1:12:25] passed them out to churches, but I'll
[1:12:27] put some out front if if you good folks
[1:12:30] would like to come. We'd love to see
[1:12:32] you. So, hope you can attend. See you
[1:12:35] May 7th at Courthouse Square. Thank you.
[1:12:58] Hi, I'm Sue Ellen Talson and I live at
[1:13:00] 910 David Street
[1:13:03] and um I saw the survey you guys have
[1:13:05] put up concerning the um asking for
[1:13:08] input concerning the moratorum and
[1:13:10] smarter growth moving forward and I
[1:13:12] participated. I uh of course there
[1:13:15] weren't many fill in the blanks because
[1:13:17] I had a hard time choosing between my
[1:13:19] top concerns, but I know I can just
[1:13:21] email you guys all. Anyway, um water
[1:13:24] quality seems to be a hot topic right
[1:13:27] now. It's certainly a concern for me.
[1:13:29] Also, not sure who's on the board at at
[1:13:32] the water board. It's hard to find that.
[1:13:34] Well, it's impossible to find that
[1:13:35] information online, but I um do know
[1:13:38] that OPCA is piloting for granular
[1:13:41] activated carbon contacttors. Um and my
[1:13:45] question to you guys is if you know if
[1:13:47] they're going to be using those for PAP
[1:13:49] removal or just for taste and odor
[1:13:52] because it's the same system, it can
[1:13:54] just be used um for both. And I would be
[1:13:58] very interested in that. Um, and I'm
[1:14:00] sure we also all know that the USDA has
[1:14:03] recently designated Lee County as a
[1:14:06] primary natural disaster area due to the
[1:14:08] drought, which brings me to my
[1:14:10] oftentimes favorite topic, the data
[1:14:12] center. Um,
[1:14:15] that
[1:14:17] we have definite water issues here
[1:14:19] already and I feel like that should be a
[1:14:21] major concern if in the future we do or
[1:14:25] don't consider data centers. and also
[1:14:27] that um data centers seem to be being
[1:14:31] quite successfully sued in cities too um
[1:14:34] all over the country and losing left and
[1:14:37] right in court. So I know that's not
[1:14:40] something that we want to get involved
[1:14:41] in if we can avoid it. Thank you.
[1:14:55] character character trait of the month
[1:14:57] kindness the quality of being friendly
[1:15:00] generous and considerate and at this
[1:15:03] time I will entertain a motion to
[1:15:05] adjourn.
[1:15:05] >> So move
[1:15:08] >> second.
[1:15:09] >> Call the role. Mr.
[1:15:10] songs.
[1:15:11] >> I