OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting - May 28, 2026

City Council — Thursday, May 28, 2026
BodyHuntsville, Alabama
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, May 28, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 3:23:17
Transcript — Verbatim
1:51

Good evening, everyone.

1:53

It is Thursday, May 28th, 2026.

1:56

It is five thirty PM.

1:58

And this meeting of the Huntsville City Council is called to session.

2:03

We have Councilmember Watkins, Councilmember Little, Councilmember Kling has joined us, and Councilmember Meredith is making his way up here.

2:13

And we do have a quorum.

2:15

All council members are in attendance.

2:17

We welcome everyone who has joined us this evening or who is watching remotely.

2:23

We will begin our meeting tonight as we normally do with an invitation, which will be offered by our Huntsville Public Safety Chaplain.

2:35

And the Pledge of Allegiance will be offered by Councilmember Bill Kling.

2:40

All who wish to join us, please stand for the invocation and pledge.

2:47

Let us pray.

2:48

Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts, acknowledging every good and perfect gift come from you.

2:56

We thank you, Lord, for the city of Huntsville, for its people, its families, its businesses, its school, and many opportunities that you have bestowed upon us.

3:06

Thank you, Lord, for the spirit of heart work and service that define the city of Huntsville.

3:12

As our city continue to grow, Lord, help us remain united and in purpose.

3:25

God continue to bless us as we look out, Lord, and be a light for you.

3:31

God, today we especially lift up our mayor, Lord, the city council members, department leaders, public servicemen, Lord, first responders, educators, and all those entrusted in positions of leadership.

3:46

Grant them with wisdom to make sound decisions, Lord, and discernment to lead with integrity.

3:53

And Father, we pray that you continue, Lord, to let the work that we do here, Lord, let it be great for a generation to come so they may see the good work that we do.

4:04

We pray this prayer in your mighty son Jesus' name.

4:06

Amen.

4:33

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

4:38

Are there any additions to the agenda?

4:42

I would suggest one, and that is after both our presentations at what would be 7C.

4:48

We are going to have a video.

4:50

We have recently, the City of Huntsville has recently been featured on Fox and Friends, and we are going to see a short segment of that video.

4:59

Um any other additions or changes to the agenda.

5:04

All in favor or is there a motion to approve the agenda?

5:08

Motion from Mr.

5:08

Cling, second from Mr.

5:09

Little.

5:10

All in favor, please indicate.

5:14

Council members, you also have the minutes of the regular meeting of the city council held on May 14th, 2026.

5:19

Are there any additions or changes to the minutes of that meeting?

5:25

Seeing none of the minutes will stand approved.

5:27

The mayor has no special recognitions.

5:45

Second from Mr.

5:46

Little, all in favor, please indicate.

5:53

This resolution.

5:54

We frequently honor our employees for their work on the job, but this is a chance we have to offer honor an employee who also has excelled outside of the job.

6:04

Before we ask Captain Pinto to come up to present the resolution, we do have a video to share.

6:10

Can we roll that video?

6:15

You know, it's a it's a huge honor, but it's just something that it's it's you know, this many years later and just life happening, it's like it's making me stop and really look back and just be like, oh.

6:33

So I played uh catcher at Grissom High School from 2000 and graduated in 2003, and I played at UAH, uh let catcher again at UAH from 2004 to 2007.

6:47

One thing about my career that will always be a big deal, but freshman year in high school at Gruisom, and um we got into the state championship.

6:57

I ended up hitting the game home run uh to win the game.

7:01

It ended up being what won the game.

7:03

So I mean, who doesn't dream of you know that doing that?

7:07

So that'll always be like kind of like that major memory from my softball career.

7:12

So I'm you know born and raised in Huntsville, so going to UH softball games, you know, being just all into the sport at the time as a kid, watching UAH, those girls were like, those were a big deal, they were a big deal to me.

7:24

So now they're of course alum.

7:26

You know, I'm a fellow alumni and we're friends, you know, and so it's awesome, but is it's hard to put a moment on it, but a lot of the good when I caught good pitchers, like it just was uh just an awesome time.

7:37

Um and then playing at UAH for the coach who started the program, who started the program, you know, Les Studeman, she all she's ever had is high expectations for her teams, and they've done well.

7:48

And the teams before that came before me, those were good great players and great teams.

7:52

The toughness expectation, you know, made my current career, I think, doable after graduating college and in firefighting, whole different experience, I think, than someone who didn't, you know, especially the teams I played for, you know, got to the playoffs.

8:05

But if you're gonna go all the way, you can't get be exhausted by that point.

8:09

So you have to maintain that conditioning.

8:11

And so just that physical, that physical.

8:14

You when you're tired, you got to keep pushing.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Parks and Recreation█████████████████████21%
Fiscal Sustainability█████████████13%
Arts And Culture███████████11%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████11%
Economic Development████████8%
Procedural███████7%
Public Engagement█████5%
Personnel Matters████4%
Community Engagement████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting - May 28, 2026

The Huntsville City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM at City Hall. All council members were present. The meeting included presentations from the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library and the Singing River Trail, a video segment from Fox and Friends highlighting Huntsville, multiple public hearings on nuisance properties and a liquor license appeal, public comments largely in support of increased library funding, a mid-year budget review, and approval of numerous resolutions including TIF9 certification and a request for a noise study along Research Park.

Presentations

  • Huntsville-Madison County Public Library: Executive Director Connie Chow and Board Vice Chair Doug Martinson presented on the four Huntsville branches. Key statistics: over 72,000 registered cardholders (50%+ of system), ~981,000 annual visitors, a 40% increase in family programming at downtown branch. The downtown building (40 years old) requires major repairs: 54% of maintenance budget went to HVAC, a steam boiler costing $65k/year for upkeep, and aging elevators and sprinkler systems. The library is exploring options for a new or renovated facility. Council members asked about boiler alternatives, special collections space (half of second floor), and the timeline for new holds lockers at West Huntsville Rec Center (now expected with 51 units instead of 24). Councilmember Kling emphasized the need for free public parking.
  • Singing River Trail: Executive Director Misty Potter and board members reported on the trail network, now spanning 220+ miles across 8 counties, connecting from Bridgeport to Tuscumbia. Huntsville is positioned as the hub. The goal is 60% completion (132 miles signed/activated) in 5 years. Economic impact: trails in other regions yield 5:1 ROI. Councilmember Meredith expressed disappointment that District 5 (west Huntsville) has unconnected greenways, calling for better planning. Potter agreed to revisit the design charrette.

Consent Calendar

  • Approval of agenda (with addition of Fox and Friends video).
  • Approval of minutes from May 14, 2026.
  • Resolution recognizing Captain Stephanie Pinto for induction into Huntsville-Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame.

Public Comments & Testimony

Agenda-Related Comments (on Library and other agenda items):

  • Marissa Allison (District 2): Criticized flat funding ($5.6M for 3 years) vs. Mobile ($8.2M) and Birmingham ($16M). Noted police budget increase ($77M to $80M+) while crime drops, and state-imposed book-banning costs the library $60k.
  • Alex Kimion (Library employee, District 3): Library staff have not received cost-of-living raises in 2 years; many leave due to affordability. North Huntsville workforce development position capped at $30/hr. Requested increased funding.
  • Lisa Bradford (District 4, Sherwood Park): Read neighbor's email about a tire crashing through fence from Research Park. Demanded a noise/safety wall along the highway. Noted the neighborhood predates the widened road.
  • Jane Maples (LearningQuest President): Spoke in support of the library; LearningQuest uses downtown library for 50-60 programs per term with 600+ members.
  • Kathleen Boucher: Stressed library's role in daily life; urged support for renovation/new building and integrity of staff against censorship challenges.
  • Wilbert Brownlow (Friends of the Library board): Encouraged council members to visit and see library's importance.
  • Darren Verhaga: Criticized TIF9 ($220M, $200M for Von Braun Center) as unsound; argued same money could fund light rail or rapid bus transit.
  • Karen Alvarez (Friends of the Library): Requested library needs be part of downtown vision; praised staff despite aging building.
  • Jesse Mitchell (Educator): Library serves special needs students and community; appearance should match service quality; contrasted with Fox and Friends video not featuring library.
  • Meredith Deleo (Library Foundation board): Shared personal story of using library as new mom; South branch story times are packed; library is a great equalizer.
  • Jackie Bellamy (Library Foundation board): Praised North Branch design and community programs; urged financial support.
  • Amanda Nagel: Digital collection holds are long (54th in line for one audiobook); asked for increased funding for digital resources.
  • Scott Nagel (Downtown Friends of the Library): Noted 1,500 new apartments near downtown library; disappointed library not in TIF9; urged creative funding for library improvements.
  • Allison Montgomery (State House candidate): Supported library funding and staff raises; warned against state library board overreach.
  • Austin Jones (Army veteran, candidate): Supported library funding and raises; suggested redirecting $5M from police budget to library.
  • Jan Hosey (late sign-up): Described downtown library as a gateway; urged making it a showplace to attract newcomers.
  • Gray Bullock (added after text): Requested noise wall for Sherwood Park; called for environmental noise survey and acoustic testing.

Second Roster Comments (general city business):

  • Timothy Jones (North Alabama Wardogs): Sought city support for professional basketball team facility and hosting AND1 tour event.
  • Nick Freebold (District 4): Shared personal immigration experience; argued against ICE raids and asked council to stand up for immigrant families.
  • Joy Johnson: Criticized Planning Commission as undemocratic; suggested sustainability committee involvement; warned about diesel import reliance.
  • Howard Ross: Raised trespassing issue at 6016 Ellington Drive; alleged police cover-up and civil rights violation; requested investigation.
  • Dr. Angela Somerset: Raised PFAS concerns with Huntsville Utilities; questioned use of utility funds for fiber; urged more accountability from boards.
  • David Snyder: Criticized council for showing Fox News video (celebrating cotton town heritage) while library funding stagnant; called for a Black history museum.

Discussion Items

  • Mid-Year Budget Report (Finance Director Penny Smith): Sales and use tax revenue is 1.4% ahead of budget (~$4M), but only modest increase proposed due to volatility. Lodging tax is 2.3% behind. Electric/fiber PILOTs reduced by $4M due to formula change (under review). Property tax collections up 13% (from expected 6%). Proposed budget amendments net to zero, with increases in janitorial services covered by fund balance. Council expressed concern about PILOT shortfall and questioned travel expenses, EV fleet usage, and retiree payouts.
  • Resolution urging noise study for Sherwood Park (20G): Councilmember Kling sponsored; requests MPO/ALDOT to study noise/safety impacts on State Route 255 (Research Park). City willing to use local MPO funds as match. Adopted.
  • TIF9 Certification (20F): Director Shane Davis clarified this is not final approval; council certified the plan unchanged. Final vote scheduled for June 11. Model shows TIFF will pay off in 15-16 years (well within 30-year limit). Past TIFFs paid off early.
  • Radar Speed Feedback Signs (14B): Councilmember Kling used District 3 council improvement funds to purchase two portable, data-collecting signs to address speeding complaints.
  • IcePlex Change Order (20N): Change order #2 for food service (pizza kitchen) in new arena expansion, using contingency funds. City Administrator Hamilton explained it will increase earned revenue and allow satellite food service to other John Hunt Park venues. Councilmember Meredith voted no.
  • Rezoning (9E): 97.24 acres east of Greenbriar Parkway rezoned from C4 to Residence-2 for single-family development (250+ homes). Part of master plan with future mixed-use. Approved 6-1 (Meredith no).

Key Outcomes

  • Public Hearings approved:
    • 9A: Abatement of junk at 809 Cross St. NW approved.
    • 9B: Demolition of unsafe building at 3108 Blue Springs Rd. NW approved.
    • 9C: Grass/weed cutting assessments on 52 properties ($15,649 total) approved.
    • 9D: No motion on liquor license appeal for Tina's Lounge; license stands approved.
    • 9E: Rezoning approved.
  • Consent items approved: Recognition of Captain Pinto, agenda, minutes.
  • Resolutions adopted: 20A (travel expenses), 20C (budget amendment), 20G (noise study request), 20H (HUD action plan), 20I (EMA software maintenance), 20M (Garage M engineering design), 20N (IcePlex change order), 20T (concrete/ADA upgrades), 20U (street resurfacing), 14B (radar signs).
  • TIF9 certification (20F) approved; final vote June 11.
  • Joint session with School Board announced for June 1 at 3 PM in council chambers, public invited.
  • Councilmember Watkins announced a public meeting on proposed Tesla battery storage (June 1, 5:30 PM, Shirley Center) and a free basketball camp (June 20, John Hunt Park).

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. It is Thursday, May 28th, 2026. It is five thirty PM. And this meeting of the Huntsville City Council is called to session. We have Councilmember Watkins, Councilmember Little, Councilmember Kling has joined us, and Councilmember Meredith is making his way up here. And we do have a quorum. All council members are in attendance. We welcome everyone who has joined us this evening or who is watching remotely. We will begin our meeting tonight as we normally do with an invitation, which will be offered by our Huntsville Public Safety Chaplain. And the Pledge of Allegiance will be offered by Councilmember Bill Kling. All who wish to join us, please stand for the invocation and pledge. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts, acknowledging every good and perfect gift come from you. We thank you, Lord, for the city of Huntsville, for its people, its families, its businesses, its school, and many opportunities that you have bestowed upon us. Thank you, Lord, for the spirit of heart work and service that define the city of Huntsville. As our city continue to grow, Lord, help us remain united and in purpose. God continue to bless us as we look out, Lord, and be a light for you. God, today we especially lift up our mayor, Lord, the city council members, department leaders, public servicemen, Lord, first responders, educators, and all those entrusted in positions of leadership. Grant them with wisdom to make sound decisions, Lord, and discernment to lead with integrity. And Father, we pray that you continue, Lord, to let the work that we do here, Lord, let it be great for a generation to come so they may see the good work that we do. We pray this prayer in your mighty son Jesus' name. Amen. Council members, you have the agenda in front of you. Are there any additions to the agenda? I would suggest one, and that is after both our presentations at what would be 7C. We are going to have a video. We have recently, the City of Huntsville has recently been featured on Fox and Friends, and we are going to see a short segment of that video. Um any other additions or changes to the agenda. All in favor or is there a motion to approve the agenda? Motion from Mr. Cling, second from Mr. Little. All in favor, please indicate. Council members, you also have the minutes of the regular meeting of the city council held on May 14th, 2026. Are there any additions or changes to the minutes of that meeting? Seeing none of the minutes will stand approved. The mayor has no special recognitions. Second from Mr. Little, all in favor, please indicate. This resolution. We frequently honor our employees for their work on the job, but this is a chance we have to offer honor an employee who also has excelled outside of the job. Before we ask Captain Pinto to come up to present the resolution, we do have a video to share. Can we roll that video? You know, it's a it's a huge honor, but it's just something that it's it's you know, this many years later and just life happening, it's like it's making me stop and really look back and just be like, oh. So I played uh catcher at Grissom High School from 2000 and graduated in 2003, and I played at UAH, uh let catcher again at UAH from 2004 to 2007. One thing about my career that will always be a big deal, but freshman year in high school at Gruisom, and um we got into the state championship. I ended up hitting the game home run uh to win the game. It ended up being what won the game. So I mean, who doesn't dream of you know that doing that? So that'll always be like kind of like that major memory from my softball career.

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