OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting - January 8, 2026

City Council — Thursday, January 8, 2026
BodyHuntsville, Alabama
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, January 8, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:06:22

Transcript — Verbatim
1:34

Happy New Year, everyone.

1:36

We'll call this meeting of the Huntsville City Council to order.

1:39

We welcome you to the first meeting of Huntsville City Council of 2026.

1:44

All Council members are present, and we welcome everyone who has joined us in the chambers or is who is in joint or who is joining us virtually on our many streaming platforms.

1:55

We will begin our meeting tonight with an invitation offered by Chaplain Jeff Warren, followed by a Pledge of Allegiance offered by Councilmember Michelle Watkins.

2:05

All who would like to stand and are able for the invocation and pledge, please do so now.

2:13

Thank you, Ms.

2:14

Robinson.

2:14

Good evening, everyone.

2:15

Happy new year.

2:16

Let's pray together.

2:19

Heavenly Father, we thank you.

2:21

Thank you, thank you for this night that we have our first council meeting of 2026.

2:27

And we just pray that tonight will be a springboard of an entire year of prosperity and favor over our city, over the citizens of our city, over the businesses and the small businesses and the larger businesses of our city.

2:40

And we thank you for our form of government that we can elect officials that can represent the interests of the citizens that elect them.

2:47

We thank you for each and every man and woman that makes up this council.

2:50

We thank you for mere battle.

2:52

We pray, Father, for protection and good health over them.

2:55

We pray favor over them, Father.

2:57

We pray for their families to be protected tonight while they're here.

3:00

And we thank you, Lord, that we have an opportunity now to come together and to for the first meeting of the year to conduct the business of the city.

3:08

We thank you for the prosperity and for the favor that our city has enjoyed and for the um expansion that our city has enjoyed.

3:16

So, Father, as we look to that, we also know that we need to consider um how to best manage that.

3:22

And we thank you for these council members of Mere Battle that are in the business of doing that starting tonight for this year.

3:28

So, Father, we just pray tonight that everything will be done according to your will, that every decision that's made will be done with discernment and wisdom, that when differences of opinion come up, that we'll remember to celebrate those because that it's in differences of opinion that through compromise we can come up with the best decisions for everyone concerned in our city and for our citizens.

3:48

And we thank you again.

3:49

Be with us tonight, and we pray we'll do your will in all things in Jesus' name.

3:53

Amen.

4:15

Our Huntsville Police chaplains provide a unique service for us in offering invocation for our meetings, and we thank them for their time here.

4:26

Council members, you have an agenda in front of you.

4:29

Are there any changes or additions of which anyone is aware?

4:33

Seeing none, the agenda will be approved as presented.

4:36

You also have the uh minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on December 18th, 2025.

4:43

Are there any additions or changes to those minutes?

4:47

Seeing none, the minutes will stand approved.

4:51

Um we have the mayor has no special recognition, but council does have two special recognitions.

5:00

6A is a resolution honoring Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan David Schultz in recognition of his remarkable life of service and sacrifice and the enduring legacy he leaves to his family and community.

5:08

The chair moves for approval.

5:10

Second.

5:11

Second by Mr.

5:12

Little.

5:12

All in favor, please indicate opposed motion carries.

5:17

Mr.

5:17

Little and I will now make that presentation.

5:20

We'd like to ask the family to come up with that way.

6:11

And whereas Lieutenant Colonel Schultz was born in Anderson, Indiana, where his early life was marked by academic excellence, musical talent, and a passion for aviation, earning his pilot's license before graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering, later attaining a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama.

6:34

And whereas Lieutenant Colonel Schultz faithfully served his country for 21 years in the United States Air Force and Alabama Air National Guard, amassing more than 2400 hours, including 423 combat hours across 100 sorties, and served with honor and operations Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

6:53

And where, as during his distinguished career as a fighter pilot, instructor pilot, flight commander, and squadron leader, Lieutenant Colonel Schultz was recognized for his exceptional skill and valor, receiving the bronze star with Oakleaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, and numerous campaign of service medals.

7:15

And whereas following his service military service, Lieutenant Colonel Schultz continued his patriotic commitment through his work in the defense industry as co-founder of Resolution LLC, the company that grew under his leadership to provide advanced technical services to the U.S.

7:30

government while also contributing significantly to the X-37 space plane program and other national security efforts.

7:38

Now I get to tell you about the really important stuff.

7:42

Whereas Lieutenant, I'm going to try and do defy without crying.

7:45

Whereas Lieutenant Colonel Schultz was guided by his Christian faith and his core values of integrity, service, and excellence, living out those principles as a devoted husband and to his wife, Mary Scott Hunter, and as a proud and loving father to his three children, Jonathan Hunter Nathan Schultz, and Claire Hunter Schultz, and Caleb Scott Hunter Schultz.

8:10

And whereas even in his final months, Lieutenant Colonel Schultz demonstrated remarkable courage and selflessness by participating in a groundbreaking clinical trial for brain cancer treatment and by donating his brain to medical research, thereby extending his lifelong service to others beyond his death.

8:27

And whereas the City Council and the Mayor of Huntsville, Alabama wish to extend their deepest sympathy to his wife, children, parents, siblings, and extended family, and to honor the enduring legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan David Schultz, whose life was defined by faith, valor, excellence, and love.

8:45

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the City Council and the Mayor of Huntsville, Alabama do hereby pay tribute to the life and service of Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan David Schultz, U.S.

8:56

Air Force retired, and that a copy of this resolution be presented to his family in lasting remembrance of his extraordinary life and legacy.

9:06

I attended Jonathan's funeral, and I don't while this resolution is a small token on our part, it will never compare to that 21-gun salute and the F-16 flyover.

9:20

But we hope it is meaningful to you nonetheless.

10:00

Um we appreciate it so much, and we just want you to know how much that prayer was very meaningful.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Immigration Policy█████████████████████████████████████████41%
Procedural███████████████████████████27%
Parks and Recreation████████8%
Community Engagement██████6%
Economic Development██████6%
Arts And Culture█████5%
Zoning And Land Use██2%
Public Safety██2%
Homelessness█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting - January 8, 2026

The Huntsville City Council convened for its first meeting of 2026, beginning with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Council approved the previous meeting minutes and agenda, followed by special recognitions honoring military service members and community organizations. A significant portion of the agenda focused on development projects, surplus property sales, and arts initiatives. The meeting concluded with an extensive public comment session dominated by residents expressing concern over federal immigration enforcement and urging the Council to adopt a non-cooperation policy with ICE.

Consent Calendar

  • The minutes of the December 18, 2025, regular meeting were approved as presented.
  • Resolution 6A was unanimously adopted to honor Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan David Schultz, recognizing his 21 years of U.S. Air Force service, his contributions to the defense industry, and his legacy of faith and selflessness.
  • Resolution 6B was unanimously adopted to recognize Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated for its century-long commitment to community service in Huntsville.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Speakers expressing opposition to ICE cooperation and calling for a non-cooperation resolution:
    • Jeffrey Engel (Democratic Socialists of America), Susan Stewart (Indivisible District 5), Vera Vergara, Terry Elliott, Sabrina Craney, Michelle McCarey, Christina Brown, Christopher Robert Sweeney, Tierney Gaston, Marsha Ramsey, Pamela Herndon, Kelly Boger, Christina Wright, Julia Darby, Kim Anderson, David Snyder, Caden Helbling, June Schmoker, Jaden Mann, and Logan Blumquist all expressed deep concern regarding recent ICE activities, specifically citing the shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis and other incidents of alleged excessive force and unconstitutional behavior.
    • Positions stated:
      • Multiple speakers stated they feel unsafe in Huntsville and fear for the safety of residents, particularly those with immigration documentation concerns.
      • Speakers argued that ICE is operating as an unaccountable, terrorizing force and that the City of Huntsville should not cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
      • Several speakers expressed that the City must adopt a non-cooperation agreement immediately, noting that such a proposal was submitted in September 2025.
    • Specific Claims and Statistics from Speakers:
      • Speakers cited the murder of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis and referenced other incidents where ICE agents allegedly shot citizens or detained people without warrants.
      • Pamela Herndon noted that while the City Manager presented a partial list of agreements in a previous meeting, a FOIA request by the Huntsville Bail Fund revealed substantially more existing agreements dating back to 2006.
      • David Snyder referenced the overheating deaths of 53 people in a trailer in San Antonio and criticized the Trump administration's "golden visa" program.
    • Speakers expressing support for current city policies or specific concerns unrelated to ICE:
      • Jerry Cox expressed frustration regarding long-standing public nuisance properties at 4304 Baldwin Drive and 4100 Telstar, and questioned why a damaged railroad car was declared surplus for scrap rather than repaired.

Discussion Items

  • Special Recognitions:
    • Council presented resolutions to the family of Lt. Col. Schultz and members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.
  • Human Relations Commission Update:
    • Mark Moore and the Commission presented their mission to promote rights free from discrimination and outlined plans for community forums in 2026.
  • Zoning Hearings:
    • Three public hearings were set for February 26, 2026, regarding: (10A) rezoning 36.54 acres near Martin Road; (10B) rezoning 73.44 acres near Greenbrier Road; and (10C) rezoning 90.51 acres from residential to light industry districts.
  • Finance Committee:
    • Director Penny Smith explained a large expenditure authorization of $77,996.31, attributing the high cost to compressed holiday payroll, TIFF payouts, TIP 5 borrowing repayments, and various capital improvement projects.
    • District 2 Council Improvement Funds appropriations ($10,000 total) were approved for Lee High School athletic programs and "Shower Up Huntsville."
  • Surplus Property and Disposition:
    • Ordinance approved to declare a fire-damaged railroad car (cattle car) as surplus for scrap.
    • Ordinance approved to donate a different railroad car (AAR boxcar) to the Scottsboro Boys Museum to assist in telling the historical story of railroad travel.
  • Arts and Entertainment Districts:
    • Quigley Arts Entertainment District: Ordinance approved to expand the district to include the Brick and 10 facility and the future expansion of Big Spring Park East.
    • Providence Arts Entertainment District: An amendment was made to correct "scrivener's errors" regarding the district name (changing "Quigley" to "Providence"). The amended ordinance was then approved to add the 2020 Providence Building to the district.
  • North Huntsville Village Town Center:
    • Direction was given to sell 15.23 acres to Hank Holdings LLC for retail development, with the city retaining 1.5 acres to complement the adjacent Home Depot/Target project.
    • Resolution approved for an engineering contract with Shoal Engineering Company ($215,400) for infrastructure improvements associated with the North Village project.
  • Arts and Parks Projects:
    • Resolution approved for the Arts Council to manage the design and installation of public art and pavers along Clinton Avenue ($1,555,000).
    • Resolution approved for Fight Construction Company to manage the Big Spring Park East Expansion project, valued at $12,481,000, with an estimated 400-day duration.

Key Outcomes

  • Votes and Decisions:
    • Resolution to honor Lt. Col. Schultz and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity passed unanimously.
    • Finance Committee expenditures of $77,996.31 approved.
    • Appropriations for District 2 funds ($10,000) approved.
    • Travel authorization for Councilmember Bill Kling to Washington, D.C. approved.
    • Nomination for Bradley Garland to the Public Library Board advanced to the January 22nd meeting.
    • Legal department items regarding utility easements and land acceptance approved.
    • Surplus property ordinance declaring the fire-damaged railroad car for scrap approved.
    • Donation of the AAR boxcar to the Scottsboro Boys Museum approved.
    • Ordinance to expand the Quigley Arts and Entertainment District approved.
    • Ordinance to amend and expand the Providence Arts and Entertainment District approved.
    • Surplus property sale to Hank Holdings LLC approved.
    • Engineering contract for North Village project approved.
    • Arts Council contract for Clinton Avenue project approved.
    • Big Spring Park East construction contract approved.
    • Consolidated approval of multiple new business items (20A-20F, 20H, 20J, 20L-20S) passed.
  • Next Steps:
    • Three zoning public hearings scheduled for February 26, 2026.
    • Council will consider introduction of four ordinances (salary plan, cable franchise, annexations) at the January 22nd meeting.
    • The meeting was adjourned until January 22, 2026.

Meeting Transcript

Happy New Year, everyone. We'll call this meeting of the Huntsville City Council to order. We welcome you to the first meeting of Huntsville City Council of 2026. All Council members are present, and we welcome everyone who has joined us in the chambers or is who is in joint or who is joining us virtually on our many streaming platforms. We will begin our meeting tonight with an invitation offered by Chaplain Jeff Warren, followed by a Pledge of Allegiance offered by Councilmember Michelle Watkins. All who would like to stand and are able for the invocation and pledge, please do so now. Thank you, Ms. Robinson. Good evening, everyone. Happy new year. Let's pray together. Heavenly Father, we thank you. Thank you, thank you for this night that we have our first council meeting of 2026. And we just pray that tonight will be a springboard of an entire year of prosperity and favor over our city, over the citizens of our city, over the businesses and the small businesses and the larger businesses of our city. And we thank you for our form of government that we can elect officials that can represent the interests of the citizens that elect them. We thank you for each and every man and woman that makes up this council. We thank you for mere battle. We pray, Father, for protection and good health over them. We pray favor over them, Father. We pray for their families to be protected tonight while they're here. And we thank you, Lord, that we have an opportunity now to come together and to for the first meeting of the year to conduct the business of the city. We thank you for the prosperity and for the favor that our city has enjoyed and for the um expansion that our city has enjoyed. So, Father, as we look to that, we also know that we need to consider um how to best manage that. And we thank you for these council members of Mere Battle that are in the business of doing that starting tonight for this year. So, Father, we just pray tonight that everything will be done according to your will, that every decision that's made will be done with discernment and wisdom, that when differences of opinion come up, that we'll remember to celebrate those because that it's in differences of opinion that through compromise we can come up with the best decisions for everyone concerned in our city and for our citizens. And we thank you again. Be with us tonight, and we pray we'll do your will in all things in Jesus' name. Amen. Our Huntsville Police chaplains provide a unique service for us in offering invocation for our meetings, and we thank them for their time here. Council members, you have an agenda in front of you. Are there any changes or additions of which anyone is aware? Seeing none, the agenda will be approved as presented. You also have the uh minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on December 18th, 2025. Are there any additions or changes to those minutes? Seeing none, the minutes will stand approved. Um we have the mayor has no special recognition, but council does have two special recognitions. 6A is a resolution honoring Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan David Schultz in recognition of his remarkable life of service and sacrifice and the enduring legacy he leaves to his family and community. The chair moves for approval. Second. Second by Mr. Little. All in favor, please indicate opposed motion carries. Mr. Little and I will now make that presentation. We'd like to ask the family to come up with that way. And whereas Lieutenant Colonel Schultz was born in Anderson, Indiana, where his early life was marked by academic excellence, musical talent, and a passion for aviation, earning his pilot's license before graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering, later attaining a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama. And whereas Lieutenant Colonel Schultz faithfully served his country for 21 years in the United States Air Force and Alabama Air National Guard, amassing more than 2400 hours, including 423 combat hours across 100 sorties, and served with honor and operations Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. And where, as during his distinguished career as a fighter pilot, instructor pilot, flight commander, and squadron leader, Lieutenant Colonel Schultz was recognized for his exceptional skill and valor, receiving the bronze star with Oakleaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters, and numerous campaign of service medals. And whereas following his service military service, Lieutenant Colonel Schultz continued his patriotic commitment through his work in the defense industry as co-founder of Resolution LLC, the company that grew under his leadership to provide advanced technical services to the U.S. government while also contributing significantly to the X-37 space plane program and other national security efforts.

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