Madison City Council Meeting - August 10, 2026

The Madison City Council met at 6:00 PM on Monday, August 10, 2026. All council members were present, establishing a quorum. The invocation was given by Pastor Troy Godwin of Madison Bible Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting covered routine approvals, community presentations, and several significant resolutions and votes.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from four previous meetings (July 13 regular, July 15 work session, July 27 regular, and July 29 special meeting) were approved.
• The consent agenda was approved, authorizing the destruction of public records, acceptance of an insurance claim, and a $150,000 donation from Commissioner Haraway to the police department for patrol vehicles.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public came forward to address the council.

Presentations

• Madison Cemetery Committee: Ms. Sanderson and Ms. Shelton announced that Royal Cemetery has been listed in the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register. A certificate was presented to the Mayor and Council.
• Madison Station Historic Preservation Society: President Tommy Overcash reported on renovations. The Roundhouse received approximately $53,000 in sustainability upgrades. The Ice House repairs cost about $8,000. The Gazebo restoration cost approximately $25,000. All three structures were painted in unifying historic colors.
• Madison Greenways and Trails: Michael Goodman reported that Phase 1 of the Mill Creek Preserve Trail (Balch Road) is 98% complete via volunteer labor. Phase 2 (Liberty Drive/Rolling Ford Park) is planned for 2027. The committee requested the city install signage and pave the parking area. A grand opening is scheduled for October 2.

Discussion Items

• Councilmember Beer reported a 2.7% increase in sales tax revenue and expressed strong support for the city's Flock camera system, stating the city has robust procedures to prevent misuse.
• Councilmember Goodson highlighted Fire Chief Ashley Williams being sworn in as Second Vice President of the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs and noted the graduation of five police cadets. He provided an update on downtown infrastructure, noting 32 days of rain in June/July caused delays but the project has strong cooperation with Madison Utilities.
• Mayor Bartlett welcomed two new employees: Blake Mann (Communications) and Clyde Evans (Economic Development). She announced a Madison Utilities waiver for the YMCA and a beautification project for the water tower near Ardent Preschool.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (Unanimous 7-0): A safety fence at Cambridge Park (Kingstown Circle) at a cost not to exceed $7,455.
• Approved (Unanimous 7-0): Ordinance adopting a post-construction stormwater management program.
• Approved (Unanimous 7-0): Revision to the flood damage prevention ordinance.
• Approved (Unanimous 7-0): Professional services agreements for the Garner Street Extension ($5,000) and Sullivan Street/Mill Road improvements ($18,000 appraisal, $3,900 survey).
• Approved (Unanimous 7-0): MOU with Bradford Farms HOA and contract for retention pond dredging ($73,000 from the stormwater fund).
• Approved (Unanimous 7-0): Reallocation of 2016C bond funds to Fire Station 4, City Hall renovations, and park improvements.
• Approved (Unanimous 7-0): Off-premises beer and wine licenses for two Madison Market locations.
• Approved (6-0, Mayor Robleski recused): Set a public hearing on September 14 for the Slaughter Road rezoning.
• Approved (Unanimous 7-0): Set a public hearing on September 14 for the annexation of 158 Forest Drive.
• Approved (Unanimous 7-0): Amended fee schedule for parks and recreation facilities.