[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

Opelika City Council April 21, 2026

Transcript