OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting – August 13, 2026

City Council — Thursday, August 13, 2026
BodyHuntsville, Alabama
SessionCity Council
DateThursday, August 13, 2026
StatusNEW · FILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:48:46
Transcript — Verbatim
1:09

We're going to start in about 30 seconds.

1:12

If everyone will take their seats, please.

1:41

Good evening, everyone.

1:43

It is August 13th, 2026, 5:30 PM.

1:48

We are met in the chambers of the Huntsville City Council in Huntsville, Alabama.

1:52

We welcome everyone who has joined us in the chambers this evening, as well as those who are joining us virtually.

1:59

We will begin our meeting, as is our practice with an invocation that will be offered by one of our Huntsville, Alabama police safety chaplains, Chaplain Rachel Hart Harper, and she will be followed by Pledge of Allegiance, led by Councilmember David Little.

2:12

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

2:21

Father, we thank you for this day, and we thank you, Father, for the many blessings that you have bestowed upon us.

2:26

We come to you with a grateful heart for what you've done for us as individuals, but what you've also done for us as a city.

2:33

Lord, we just ask for continued blessings and favor, and Father, I ask for guidance tonight over our city council, over our mayor, over our city attorney as they take up the business of the city, Lord, and I just ask, Father, that you will give them divine wisdom, and I pray protection over all.

2:51

We ask these things in your name, Lord.

2:53

Amen.

3:07

Indivisible with delivery and justice all.

3:12

Thank you, Chaplain Harper.

3:14

Thank you, Mr.

3:14

Little.

3:16

Council members, you have the agenda before you are there any changes or additions to be made to the agenda.

3:22

Hearing none, the agenda is approved.

3:25

You also have the meet the the minutes of the regular meeting of the city council held on July 23rd, 2026.

3:31

Are there any changes or corrections to be made to the minutes?

3:36

Seeing none, the uh the the minutes are accepted as presented.

3:42

The mayor has no special recognitions, but council members do have several recognitions.

3:55

Move to approve.

3:57

Motion from Ms.

3:58

Watkins.

4:00

Second from Mr.

4:01

Kling.

4:02

All in favor, please indicate.

4:03

I oppose motion carries.

4:05

Ms.

4:05

Watkins, would you like to make the presentation?

4:11

Thank you.

4:26

So I'm not sure if you all are familiar with WHRP.

4:30

We have someone we call our best girlfriend, and her name is Tony Terrell.

4:34

Tony, will you join us up on the stage?

4:47

So what a lot of people don't know about Tony, you've been in this area now.

4:51

What 20 years?

4:52

But you've been in broadcasts forty-two years in broadcasts.

4:58

That is awesome.

5:00

But 20 years, she has been right here in Tennessee Valley.

5:03

I listened to her in the morning on my way to work.

5:05

She is so nice and friendly on the herb voice is just welcoming.

5:09

And when you listen to her, you just feel like, oh, okay, I'm gonna have a good day.

5:13

So she's not on the radio and she takes vacation.

5:16

I want to call her and say, can you just encourage me a little bit?

5:19

But whereas the City and Council and Mayor of Huntsville, Alabama recognize Miss Tony Terrell for her outstanding 42-year career in radio broadcasting and her exceptional commitment to informing, inspiring, and serving communities across the nation, including two decades of service in the Tennessee Valley.

5:39

Whereas she began her professional career in early childhood development, Tony Terrell pursued her passion for broadcasting by attending the Bailey School of Broadcasting in San Francisco, California, graduating in 1984, earning her FCC license and launching a successful broadcasting career that began with Metro traffic control before advancing through radio stations in California, Colorado, Texas, and ultimately Huntsville, Alabama.

6:07

Whereas since making Huntsville her home in 2006, Tony has become a trusted and familiar voice throughout the Tennessee Valley, serving as the host of the At Work Network on WHRP for 14 years before becoming the host of the proper uh the popular Tony in the morning show in 2021, where she continues to entertain, inform and encourage listeners each weekday, while also hosting Saturday morning classics, a program that celebrates timeless music and cherished memories.

6:39

Whereas Tony's talent and professionalism has earned national recognition through her work with Westwood One's Urban Format The Touch, her daily on more than 20 radio stations across the country, as well as her hosting the Sunday morning inspirations and her role as co-host of the Billboard and American Music Awards Radio Broadcast for Cumulus Radio from Las Vegas and Los Angeles, where it's affectionately known as your best girlfriend.

7:09

Tony Terrell has consistently used her platform to serve others by leading the annual WHRP Coats and Cans for Kids Campaign, providing warm coats and food to families in need.

7:22

And let me tell you, she does this every year.

7:25

And every year, no child in the City of Huntsville I know of does not have a coat.

7:31

And Tony does this faithfully, and we appreciate you for that.

7:35

And the supporting St.

7:37

June radio thund and delivering critical information, encouraging during cris times of crisis, including the 1989 San Francisco earthquake, the 1992 Los Angeles civil unrest, and the devastating 2011 tornadoes that impacted us here in Alabama.

8:00

Whereas through her unwavering dedication to broadcasting, commit community service and public outreach, Tony has become a respected leader, trusted communicator, and compassionate advocate whose positive influence has enriched the lives of countless residents throughout Huntsville, the Tennessee Valleys, and communities across the nation.

8:19

Now, therefore, let it be resolved that the City Council and Mayor of Huntsville, Alabama, do hereby recognize and honor Tony Terrell for her remarkable career in broadcasting and her steadfast commitment to community service.

8:31

The city and mayor extend their sincere appreciation for your dedication to informing, uplifting, and serving the people of Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley for the last 20 years.

8:42

Thank you, Tony.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Engagement█████████████13%
Procedural█████████9%
Community Engagement████████8%
Technology and Innovation███████7%
Immigration Policy██████6%
Economic Development██████6%
Utilities Management█████5%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Zoning And Land Use████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Huntsville City Council Regular Meeting – August 13, 2026

The Huntsville City Council met on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers for its regular meeting. The agenda included special recognitions, multiple resolutions and ordinances, public hearings, board appointments, and public comments. Key actions included approving a personnel decision, setting public hearings for a new TIF district (TIF D8) and nuisances, authorizing major infrastructure and development projects, and hearing public testimony on surveillance, animal welfare, and recreational facilities.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the agenda and minutes of the July 23, 2026, meeting.
  • Approved four special recognition resolutions: honoring Toni Terrell (broadcasting), the immigrant community, Colonel Erin Eike (Redstone Arsenal), and the Low Profile Car Club.
  • Approved a presentation on the Paracycling World Championships (September 4–7, 2026, projected $4.1 million economic impact).
  • Set public hearings: TIF D8 (September 10, 2026), nuisance at 4704 Cavett Dr. NW (August 27, 2026), taxi operation for Jennings Local Transport (August 27, 2026), zoning of 2.62 acres on Old Monrovia Rd. (September 24, 2026), and plat restriction amendment for The Cove at Green Mountain (September 24, 2026).
  • Approved 20 new business items en bloc (20A, B, D, F, I–L, N, Q–T, W, X, Z–AD) including: travel expenses, donations, budget amendment, low-bid contracts, software agreements (including cross-department permitting system), engineering services, and special employee renewals.
  • Approved multiple easement vacations (Legal Department items 18A–E).
  • Approved unfinished business items: Classification and Salary Plan amendment, authorized strength modification, three annexations (Countess Rd., Dupree Worthey Rd., and 536.68 acres at Little Cove Rd.), and surplus property sale for North Huntsville Target Shopping Center.
  • Approved 21 board appointments and nominations (with roll-call votes where required).
  • Approved expenditures of $35,721,914.78.
  • Approved District 2 and District 5 council improvement fund ordinances ($5,000 and $20,000 respectively).

Public Comments & Testimony

Agenda-Related Public Comments (Item 11):

  • Joy Johnson criticized changing a plat restriction that was previously established through public process and noted that Palestinian immigrants were not recognized.
  • Georgia Hernandez (Huntsville) thanked the council for the immigrant resolution but asked for a formal policy not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Council ruled her comments out of order as beyond the resolution's scope.
  • Christopher Leoy (Madison) expressed solidarity with the prior speaker and criticized cutting her off.
  • Susan Stewart made brief comments (previously spoken).
  • Jeffrey Engel (North Alabama DSA) thanked Councilmember Meredith for the immigrant resolution and remarked on the city's immigrant history.
  • Rebecca Sanchez (Madison County) thanked the council for the resolution and shared her father's experience as an immigrant. She suggested the resolution could go further.

Second Roster Public Comments (Item 22):

  • Tamar Ibarra (Notorious DOG Dog Rescue) described a recurring crisis: dogs from homeless encampments suffering due to lack of care despite offered assistance. She cited $7,000 spent since January, examples of severe cases, and a policy concern about how ownership is verified. Council invited further meeting.
  • Andrew Sullens (Huntsville) opposed the use of Flock automated license plate readers, citing privacy concerns, abuse potential, data disparities, and lack of transparent audits. He urged an ordinance banning or strictly regulating them.
  • Angelica Condry (Rocket City Roller Derby) requested $50,000 in appropriations to secure a permanent venue, noting lost tournament opportunities due to facility shortage. She argued for investment in roller sports infrastructure.
  • Mariko Darling (Rocket City Roller Derby) reiterated the need for stable venue confirmation and said uncertainty hurts growth.
  • Kyle Simpson (Huntsville) recounted being verbally banned from the Huntsville Tennis Center after filing a labor complaint; he asked for clarity on the policy and restoration of access.
  • KMP Carroll (Huntsville) questioned the meeting rules (Robert's Rules) and inability to ask questions; council explained the public comment format.
  • Caden Helbling (Huntsville) detailed his eight-month struggle to obtain Flock system audit logs through open records requests, describing shifting denials and contrasted with Blount County's transparency. He urged the council to put Flock renewal on a public agenda with usage data.
  • Dr. Angela Somerset (Huntsville) asked for an itemized accounting of a $4 million deficit in Huntsville Utilities' PILOT payment, citing concerns about transparency and upcoming board elections.
  • Alex Kimion (Huntsville, library employee) defended the library board's handling of operating costs, said staffing and raises were paused due to rising costs, and noted the library serves two counties.
  • Chad Chavez (Huntsville) criticized the city's denial of Flock audit logs, pointed to broken promises on police policy transparency (PowerDMS links dead, annual crime stats overdue), and called for binding oversight.

Discussion Items

  • Personnel Hearing for Calvin Hadden (Item 8A): Council debated whether to uphold the personnel committee's decision. Councilmember Kling requested HR and legal review sections of the personnel manual on retaliation and special duty assignments. The motion to uphold passed 3–2 (Meredith and Watkins dissenting). Staff will report back by October 2026 on potential manual updates.
  • TIF D8 (Items 10A, 20G, 20H): Three items set the public hearing for September 10, 2026, designated the council president as representative, and directed administration to prepare a project plan. The district (up to 9,054.82 acres) will support infrastructure for Eli Lilly and other developments. All passed.
  • Library Floor Repairs (Item 20C): Approved $200,000 budget transfer to replace tile flooring at the downtown library.
  • Von Braun Center Playhouse Seating Renovations (Item 20E): Approved contract with Stilwell Construction for seating replacements.
  • Orion Amphitheater Parking Deck (Item 20O): Approved $32.95 million contract with Thrash Commercial Contractors for a 4-story, 124-space parking deck (free parking initially).
  • Skyfire AI Drone Program Expansion (Item 20V): Approved modification to add three drone launch sites for the

Meeting Transcript

We're going to start in about 30 seconds. If everyone will take their seats, please. Good evening, everyone. It is August 13th, 2026, 5:30 PM. We are met in the chambers of the Huntsville City Council in Huntsville, Alabama. We welcome everyone who has joined us in the chambers this evening, as well as those who are joining us virtually. We will begin our meeting, as is our practice with an invocation that will be offered by one of our Huntsville, Alabama police safety chaplains, Chaplain Rachel Hart Harper, and she will be followed by Pledge of Allegiance, led by Councilmember David Little. All who are able and wish to do so, please stand for the invocation and the pledge. Father, we thank you for this day, and we thank you, Father, for the many blessings that you have bestowed upon us. We come to you with a grateful heart for what you've done for us as individuals, but what you've also done for us as a city. Lord, we just ask for continued blessings and favor, and Father, I ask for guidance tonight over our city council, over our mayor, over our city attorney as they take up the business of the city, Lord, and I just ask, Father, that you will give them divine wisdom, and I pray protection over all. We ask these things in your name, Lord. Amen. Indivisible with delivery and justice all. Thank you, Chaplain Harper. Thank you, Mr. Little. Council members, you have the agenda before you are there any changes or additions to be made to the agenda. Hearing none, the agenda is approved. You also have the meet the the minutes of the regular meeting of the city council held on July 23rd, 2026. Are there any changes or corrections to be made to the minutes? Seeing none, the uh the the minutes are accepted as presented. The mayor has no special recognitions, but council members do have several recognitions. Move to approve. Motion from Ms. Watkins. Second from Mr. Kling. All in favor, please indicate. I oppose motion carries. Ms. Watkins, would you like to make the presentation? Thank you. So I'm not sure if you all are familiar with WHRP. We have someone we call our best girlfriend, and her name is Tony Terrell. Tony, will you join us up on the stage? So what a lot of people don't know about Tony, you've been in this area now. What 20 years? But you've been in broadcasts forty-two years in broadcasts. That is awesome. But 20 years, she has been right here in Tennessee Valley. I listened to her in the morning on my way to work. She is so nice and friendly on the herb voice is just welcoming. And when you listen to her, you just feel like, oh, okay, I'm gonna have a good day. So she's not on the radio and she takes vacation. I want to call her and say, can you just encourage me a little bit? But whereas the City and Council and Mayor of Huntsville, Alabama recognize Miss Tony Terrell for her outstanding 42-year career in radio broadcasting and her exceptional commitment to informing, inspiring, and serving communities across the nation, including two decades of service in the Tennessee Valley. Whereas she began her professional career in early childhood development, Tony Terrell pursued her passion for broadcasting by attending the Bailey School of Broadcasting in San Francisco, California, graduating in 1984, earning her FCC license and launching a successful broadcasting career that began with Metro traffic control before advancing through radio stations in California, Colorado, Texas, and ultimately Huntsville, Alabama. Whereas since making Huntsville her home in 2006, Tony has become a trusted and familiar voice throughout the Tennessee Valley, serving as the host of the At Work Network on WHRP for 14 years before becoming the host of the proper uh the popular Tony in the morning show in 2021, where she continues to entertain, inform and encourage listeners each weekday, while also hosting Saturday morning classics, a program that celebrates timeless music and cherished memories. Whereas Tony's talent and professionalism has earned national recognition through her work with Westwood One's Urban Format The Touch, her daily on more than 20 radio stations across the country, as well as her hosting the Sunday morning inspirations and her role as co-host of the Billboard and American Music Awards Radio Broadcast for Cumulus Radio from Las Vegas and Los Angeles, where it's affectionately known as your best girlfriend.

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