Madison City Council Regular Meeting - April 13, 2026

The Madison City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Council President Mary Beth Robleski presided in the absence of Mayor Ranae Bartlett, who was out of state on city business. A quorum was present and the agenda was amended to add an executive session at the end.

Presentations & Awards

• Chief Brandy Williams of Madison Fire & Rescue presented Life Saving Awards. Citizen Nathan Santo (age 15) received the Star of Life for performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking friend. Several citizens (Carson Freeman, John Bellew, Madison Woodburn, Randall Stanley, Hyewon Lim) received the Star of Life for their roles in resuscitating a cardiac arrest patient at Phase 3 Fitness. Firefighters and HEMSI personnel received the Unit Citation.
• Council President Robleski presented a proclamation from Mayor Bartlett designating April 19-25, 2026, as National Library Week. Katie Moore accepted the proclamation and Jeff Davis presented a check for $18,000 from the Friends of the Library to the Madison Public Library.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gerald Clark expressed strong support for zoning protections and opposition to short-term rentals (Airbnbs) in residential neighborhoods, citing issues with parties, traffic, and lack of management.
• Mimi Georginas discussed property rights, HOA concerns, trespassing, and the need for enforcement of city ordinances related to e-bikes, leaf burning, and leash laws.
• Shane Burton, a contractor, requested the Council suspend the rules for an easement vacation at 102 Gin Oaks Court to avoid construction delays.
• Robert Jones raised concerns about traffic and lighting for the proposed Slick City Action Park, criticized Madison City Schools for signs addressing "girl" parents, and proposed limits on rental properties in neighborhoods.
• Carl San Pierre described dangerous speeding on Church Street, inadequate stop sign visibility, lack of crosswalks, and poor road conditions, warning that a child could be seriously injured.
• Kabelo Schweitzer Kapiko expressed concerns about speeding and unsafe driving in the historic district along Maple and Church Streets, submitted a community petition, and urged traffic calming measures.
• Jennifer Bottomley urged collaborative action between the council, law enforcement, and other entities to install crosswalks and enforce safety, warning of potential catastrophic injury and legal liability.
• Matt Powers requested better parking signage or designated spots on Martin Street to prevent dangerous parking too close to intersections.

Consent Calendar

• Councilmember David Beer presented the Finance Committee report and moved to approve the consent agenda. Items included disposal of city property, acceptance of two insurance settlements, a volunteer background screening agreement for Parks & Rec, IT maintenance support services, and donations. The consent calendar was approved unanimously.

Council Reports & Discussion Items

• David Beer (District 2) discussed a Leadership Huntsville roundtable on difficult decisions (e.g., short-term rentals), thanked residents for engagement, and announced his new role on the Main Street board.
• Billie Goodson (District 3) highlighted a collaborative downtown safety meeting, announced "Math on Main" (April 30) and "Taste of Main Street" block party (May 16), and celebrated the opening of the Catering Kitchen.
• Michael McKay (District 4) reported on the Disability Advisory Board's launch of 11 summer programs, the Miracle League of Madison fundraiser for an inclusive playground, and the economic impact of a 47-team softball tournament at Palmer Park.
• Alice Lessmann (District 5) clarified school signage is under the school board, discussed traffic enforcement with Chief Gandhi, announced an updated HR committee schedule, and summarized the Pastries & Politics event with Congressman Dale Strong (Highway 72 expansion, post office issues).
• Erica White (District 6) presented the Industrial Development Board's annual report, recognized a Wired for Greatness nonprofit program, and announced her board position with the Community Action Partnership.
• Kenneth Jackson (District 7) announced the Spring Medicine Cleanup Day (April 25), reported on beautification and tree board efforts, and noted the retirement of school superintendent Dr. Nichols.
• Mary Beth Robleski (Council President) thanked Madison Visionary Partners for their awards and announced the library book sale raised approximately $6,000 for the summer reading program.

Public Hearings

• Proposed Ordinance No. 2026-094 (Zoning 0.39 acres to B3 at 7609 U.S. Highway 72 W upon annexation for a liquor store). There were no speakers in opposition. Passed unanimously.

Department Reports

• Engineering: Approved a $15,000 interlocal agreement for the USGS 3D Hydrography Program (Res. 2026-111-R) and authorized property acquisitions for the Burgreen Road and Powell Road Improvement Project, which includes a new traffic signal (Res. 2026-144-R).
• Facilities and Grounds: Approved declaring the Wann-Farley House as surplus (Ord. 2026-126).
• Fire & Rescue: Approved a $2,060.25 contract for a carport at the training facility (Res. 2026-145-R).
• Human Resources: Approved a job description for a Senior Executive Assistant to the Mayor, which will replace the current position upon retirement (Res. 2026-152-R).
• Planning – Slick City Action Park: Approved a 10-year Development Agreement with Velocity Venture Madison, LLC (Res. 2026-132-R). The incentive is a performance-based rebate of the city's 2% sales tax (100% rebate for the first 5 years, 50% for the second 5 years). The project is expected to create approximately 80 jobs with a $1 million annual payroll and will be located near Hughes Road. Councilmembers Beer, Goodson, McKay, Lessmann, and White spoke in support of the structure and location. The resolution passed unanimously.
• Planning – Other: Approved annexations and several easement vacations, suspending the rules to approve the vacations for 102 Gin Oaks Court (per Mr. Burton's request) and the Slick City project site. Set a public hearing for the annexation and zoning of 225 Nancy Road.
• Recreation: Added the Madison Lacrosse Club to the Recreation Advisory Board (Ord. 2026-127) and authorized professional services agreements for Zumba, Zumba Gold, and self-defense/Taekwondo instruction at no cost to the city.

Executive Session

• Councilmember David Beer recused himself. The City Attorney requested an executive session under Alabama Code Section 36-25A-7A(3) to discuss pending litigation and legal strategies. The motion carried, and the council entered executive session, not returning to chambers.

Key Outcomes

• All action items on the agenda were approved unanimously.
• The Slick City Action Park development agreement was approved, representing a major performance-based commercial incentive and quality-of-life amenity.
• Ongoing traffic safety issues in the historic district and downtown were a prominent focus of public comment and council discussion, with commitments to collaborative review.
• The next regular council meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2026. The Spring Medicine Cleanup Day is set for April 25.