City Council - Regular Meeting

SPEAKER: Alright George. GEORGE ALLEN: Alright. May I have your attention, please? It is now 5:45 and I will now call our December 16th, 2025 work session to order. We have a couple of presentations and resolutions beginning with the presentation. Ms Lisa Harrelson, please. LISA HARRELSON: Good evening. I just wanted to take a minute to give you an overview of where the end of our year for CDBG and historic preservation came in. For program year 2024, our HUD allocation was 311,369. With that, we were able to help two first time home buyers purchase a home. We repaired seven houses, two were in the Carver area, and two were in the Jeter area. We were able to do one facade renovation at the Agricola building. For supportive services. We assisted 2,327 people. And with COVID we were able to put some benches and trash cans downtown to help with social distancing. Of the people assisted, 89% of those were extremely low in income, and 60% were black African American, 17% white and 21% Hispanic. Most of that Hispanic population came from the food distribution at the food bank. Are there any questions regarding CDBG? I will add our allocation for this year still has not come in. I imagine the shutdown kind of affected that a little bit, so they're catching up. GEORGE ALLEN: You said you renovated seven houses? LISA HARRELSON: Yes.

GEORGE ALLEN: And two was in the Jeter area and two in the Carver area. LISA HARRELSON: Exactly. GEORGE ALLEN: And the other three? LISA HARRELSON: Were in, I mean, you could have had one in north side or, you know, just outside of the census tract 414 and 416, which are the two census tracts we kind of target, but it is used citywide. GEORGE ALLEN: OK. That's what I want to make sure. LISA HARRELSON: Are there any questions about CDBG? SPEAKER: And we do get those applications we can come in person. I have gotten 'em in person. LISA HARRELSON: Absolutely. SPEAKER: As well. LISA HARRELSON: I have plenty of funding right now from last year there was a carryover to assist in home repairs and there will be a message on the power bill going out that we're accepting applications. So, if you ever know someone that needs assistance, please refer them over to me. SPEAKER: OK. And so, although we haven't gotten the money for the 2026 fiscal year, the carryover can still go forth these next couple of months. LISA HARRELSON: Yes. LISA HARRELSON: You're welcome. For historic preservation, the historic commission received 48 applications. 26 of those I was able to fast track as a staff approval 22 went to the commission. No applications were denied of the applications. We had four new construction projects, 25 additions and alterations, and three demolitions. Of the demolitions that were approved. One was north 11th Street. It was an addition that was not original to the house that we allowed him to remove and rebuild. And the other two were the flat penny construction project, one on South Railroad. For investment we had $2.6 million invested in downtown, 1.5 million in the Geneva Historic District, and 688,000 in the North Side District for a total of 4,906,942. Any questions?

Thank you. GEORGE ALLEN: Thank you, Scott. SCOTT: Good evening, council, Mr president. I wanna take a minute to present a couple projects and a couple resolutions we've been working on. Mainly to update catch you all up on some of the procedures we do and some of the projects we have. The first one on the agenda is a right of way agreement with Ms Britton for the Hi-Pack Drive Extension. Hi-Pack Drive Extension is coming from airport Road Hi-Pack Drive to Cunningham Drive. We have a roundabout proposed there, and at this time we're constructing another road that's gonna go from there all the way to Gateway Drive to Tanya Thomason. With this right of way agreement, there's a development that's going on south of this roadway that we acquired that right of way was donated to us. And part of this right of way was a large two and a half acre triangle north of the road. Next to Ms Britton's house. We were talking to her about some right of way we needed for the roundabout at Cunningham Drive. And we talked to her about eventually donating or vacating this property that we received through this right of way, donation from the other developer to her. In exchange for the right of way, we need from her at Cunningham Drive, this will give her two to one property. She would get 2000 property she's donating. Plus it'll give her a buffer from the road we're gonna build and the development on the other side of the road. She's very amenable to this project. We just need an agreement signed, approved by you all and signed by the mayor that says that we will vacate this property that we obtain to her after the roadway is is completed. So, this vacation will come back to you once the roadway is completed. That's the first project if anybody has any questions about that one. Alright, the next project is the right of way agreement with FTC investments for Bridgewater Boulevard. This project is on the east side of the interstate on Columbus Parkway.

It is the commercial developed area Logan Drive, Anan Street, where the racetrack in Guthrie's is. Bridgewater is a subdivision that's been approved that is farther off Columbus Parkway and it will need another access to Columbus Parkway. And this is part of that project is to have access to Columbus Parkway from this development. Another benefit of this proposal, we don't do things for developments. We do things for transportation and roadway accessibility issues. Concerns is it will provide another alternative access to Columbus Parkway for that big commercial land that's relatively undeveloped now. Columbus Parkway, east of the interstate is very congested. The access is very tough to get in and out, left turns and whatnot. We've been working with Aldot on the access in this part of the town on Columbus Parkway. And with the location of this roadway access we will be able to put up a signal and the signal will allow further current commercial, future commercial on the south side of Columbus Parkway, as well as on the north side where we've already built (INAUDIBLE) going back to Burger King and some other areas on the north side. So, to give these existing developments along Columbus Parkway a safer, more a better access to turn left on Columbus Parkway with eventual signal at this intersection. So, this agreement is for the donation of the right of way required for this road. And we will have this road constructed with a city bid project. Are there any questions on that project or agreement?

So, right now, there's no obligation to funds for any of these. It's just kind of a trade off. So, I think it'll be a good deal. Again, the agreement or this agreement is essential to move forward with the acquiring the right of way and the further steps of constructing these infrastructure projects. Anything else? Alright. Appreciate your time. GEORGE ALLEN: Thank you so very much. And it appears nothing else is, will come before us in the work session. So, we'll end our work session. Begin our regular meeting at six o'clock.

Thank you very much.

(BACKGROUND CHATTER)

GEORGE ALLEN: I have your attention please.

I have your attention please. It is now 6:00 PM and I will call our December 16th, 2025 Opelika City Council meeting to order in the absence of our city clerk, Mr Motley, you come forward and call the role for us, please? JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Holmes? JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Here. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Whatley? LEIGH WHATLEY: Here. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Beams? CHUCK BEAMS: Here. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Rauch? TODD RAUCH: Here. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Allen? GEORGE ALLEN: Here. JOEY MOTLEY: All present? GEORGE ALLEN: Alright. And now I'll ask for a motion to appoint Mr Motley to serve as our Clerk Pro team for this meeting. SPEAKER: So, moved. GEORGE ALLEN: I second. SPEAKER: Second. GEORGE ALLEN: Any discussion? Having none. Call the role Mr Motley. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Holmes. JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Whatley? LEIGH WHATLEY: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Beams? CHUCK BEAMS: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Rauch? TODD RAUCH: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Allen? GEORGE ALLEN: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: All present. All ayes. GEORGE ALLEN: OK, Mr Motley, with the consent of the council, you will serve as our clerk for tonight's meeting and for our invocation we're pleased to have Reverend Anthony Pogue for our invocation and we have Jaliyah Wilson and Mackenzie Todd, for our pleasure of allegiance, will you please stand. REVEREND ANTHONY POGUE: Let us pray. Father God, we are grateful for another day. We thank you for this opportunity to serve. The Lord as we come to the end of this year last meeting. We wanna thank you for all that you have done for this City and us as individuals this year. We're grateful for that. Lord. We're praying that as we move into the next year, Lord, that you continue to bless our City and cover us. Father God, with your love. We thank you for that Father God. Continue to cover all of those who are employed. Our council, our government continue to allow us to do the things that you would have us to do. Lord, not only are we praying for our city, but we are praying

for our state, our nation. We are praying that your love will abound in the hearts of man. We're grateful for that. And we're praying in your son Jesus Christ's name, let all say amen. SPEAKERS: Amen. REVEREND ANTHONY POGUE: Amen. SPEAKERS: "I pledge allegience to the Flag of United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one the Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." GEORGE ALLEN: Thank y'all. At this time we will or adopt our agenda. Are there any items that need to be added to removed from a change from the art of our presented agenda? SPEAKER: Mr President? I would request that we take out the resolution for the consent agenda for the tax abatement so we can discuss it. GEORGE ALLEN: Well when we get the... We'll do that at the at the right time. SPEAKER: Are we doing the consent agenda? GEORGE ALLEN: No. When we do the consent agenda, you'll be able to take it out at that time. SPEAKER: Got it. I thought you said consent agenda. GEORGE ALLEN: But the agenda as it's been presented. SPEAKER: Roger. GEORGE ALLEN: Is there anything you need to add to take away or change? If not, I entertain a motion to accept her agenda for tonight. SPEAKER: So, moved. SPEAKER: Second. GEORGE ALLEN: Motion and second that we accept the agenda for the ninth. Are there any discussion? If not, call the role Mr Motley. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Holmes. JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Whatley? LEIGH WHATLEY: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Beams? CHUCK BEAMS: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Rauch? TODD RAUCH: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Allen.

GEORGE ALLEN: Aye. You've also received a copy of minutes from our last meeting. Is there a motion to approve? SPEAKER: So, moved. GEORGE ALLEN: Is there second? SPEAKER: Second. GEORGE ALLEN: We have a motion and second, are there in discussion? Having non, call the roll Mr Motley. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Holmes? JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Aye. JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Ms Whatley? LEIGH WHATLEY: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Beams? CHUCK BEAMS: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Rauch? TODD RAUCH: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Allen? GEORGE ALLEN: Aye. In the absence of our mayor, we do have some mayor comments, but if we look at our agenda, we will see that the city financial summary report for November and also the monthly building report was given to us previously. And if Biden chance you have a chance to peruse him and have a question, please call Mr Motley. He will answer all questions. Now, this is an honor Jaliyah and Mackenzie, will you come forward please? And Joy Melton, will you come forward please? Ms Lawler, please come forward. Y'all are all part of this and so y'all are part of Brown Girls Inc. I suppose these two are, and you are? SPEAKER: The mother of Jaliyah.

GEORGE ALLEN: Are you a part of establishing this? SPEAKER: We all are. GEORGE ALLEN: And I'm sorry, your name? MELISSA TODD: Melissa Todd. I'm Mackenzie's mom. GEORGE ALLEN: OK, good. But parent, I mean, fathers can come as well if they're in. We want the family. OK. Just to let you know, Brown Girl Inc. was created by two 11-year-old girls from Opelika, Alabama. Who discovered their love for writing last year when they were in what fifth grade. And with the guidance of their enrichment teacher, which is Mrs Lawler, they learned to write, to illustrate and to publish their own books. They have now released two titles with more on the way and they are even exploring short film based on their story. So, they're going to expand their mission is to inspire other young people to dream big, walk in faith and use their gifts to make a difference. And boy you all are doing that. Thank you so very, very much. And I want you to look behind you if there's any way that these people here can help you, please remember those faces and those things and names right in front of us. And we would do all we can to help, help you with your mission. Thank you so very much. And we're going to have photo. SPEAKER: I got one. GEORGE ALLEN: You got one? OK. SPEAKER: Maybe Bab in the back, topple in the back. And then... SPEAKER: Ms Candy can down school.

SPEAKER: That's perfect. GEORGE ALLEN: Thank you'all so very much and God bless. SPEAKER: Thank you. Thank you. GEORGE ALLEN: With no public hearings. We'll now have our agenda related public comments Mr Motley. JOEY MOTLEY: Now's the time. If you have a comment on a agenda related item come to the podium. You'll have three minutes if you choose to speak, make sure you sign in on the sign in sheet right outside the door there. Thank you. GEORGE ALLEN: Having none. We'll move on to the next item, the adoption of our consent agenda. Does any council member wish to remove an item from our consent agenda and address it as part of our regular meeting? SPEAKER: Mr President, I would like to remove number seven, resolution seven. GEORGE ALLEN: OK. And others? SPEAKER: I do have a question. GEORGE ALLEN: OK. SPEAKER: So, can I just ask the question about the the approval of the resolution for the text? I'm sorry for.

GEORGE ALLEN: So, if you want to discuss it, we'll take it out of the consent agenda. SPEAKER: OK. GEORGE ALLEN: And as resolution and at that time you can ask questions. SPEAKER: OK? GEORGE ALLEN: OK. So, we'll remove item number seven and listed on our regular agenda as resolution number one. And you have a? SPEAKER: Yes. Eight and nine. GEORGE ALLEN: Eight and nine. We would also remove eight and make it resolution number two and nine make it resolution number three and others. Now I would entertain a motion to accept our consent agenda with the removal of three items to be part of our regular agenda. SPEAKER: So, moved. GEORGE ALLEN: Is that second. SPEAKER: Second. GEORGE ALLEN: To have a motion and second that we accept our consent agenda with the removal of item seven, eight, and nine in the discussion having on call to roll. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Holmes? JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Whatley? LEIGH WHATLEY: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Beams. CHUCK BEAMS: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Rauch? TODD RAUCH: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Allen? GEORGE ALLEN: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: All aye. Consent Agenda passes. GEORGE ALLEN: Our general business. It appears as if we have none, we move to resolutions. Mr Treese resolution number one. TREESE: Thank you Mr President. You'll have to excuse my voice tonight. GEORGE ALLEN: Which is number seven.

TREESE: Yes. GEORGE ALLEN: On his consent agenda. TREESE: Resolution number seven is resolution which would approve certain tax abatements and exemptions for HL Mando American Corporation. It involves amendments, it involves abatements rather that aren't a part of constitutional Amendment 772. I believe the act that created it was in 1992, if I'm not mistaken. GEORGE ALLEN: To have a motion for approval. SPEAKER: So, moved. GEORGE ALLEN: Is there a second. SPEAKER: Second. GEORGE ALLEN: And the discussion. SPEAKER: Discussion Mr President, I think we have someone here from the Economic Development Authority. I would like to just to hear more about it. JONATHAN WOODARD: My name is Jonathan Woodard, senior project Manager for Economic Development. HL Mando came to us a couple weeks ago with a continued investment around $5 million to bring some new manufacturing equipment and office equipment for a new line that they're doing. They are a product of installing disc brakes for the automotive industry and they will be creating an additional 15 jobs with this new abatement. That roughly around 613,000, which equates to roughly a little over 40,000 per individual. So, it's creating new jobs for the city as well. So, that's kind of where the abatement is. They're wanting to start the first of this year. So, this is why we try to work diligently with them to get this on this agenda. So, any other questions that I may be able to answer for the council? OK.

Thank you all. SPEAKER: Thank you so much, Jonathan. JONATHAN WOODARD: Thank you. GEORGE ALLEN: Alright, Thank you very much. And other discussion. Having none call a role Mr Motley. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Holmes? JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Whatley? LEIGH WHATLEY: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Beams? CHUCK BEAMS: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Rauch? TODD RAUCH: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Allen? GEORGE ALLEN: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: All aye. TREESE: Mr President resolution originally number eight and now number two was to approve a right of way agreement with Ms Lisa Britton for the Hi-Pack drive extension, which our engineer explained a little bit more in detail prior to the meeting. GEORGE ALLEN: Can I get a motion for approval? SPEAKER: So, moved. GEORGE ALLEN: Second. SPEAKER: Second. GEORGE ALLEN: Have a motion and second, any discussion? SPEAKER: I just wanted to know I see it on here and then as he was talking Mr Parker was saying that it would come back to the council and I guess I see it on here now. So, I guess I was just trying to make sure I understand. The motion to approve is the already generated contract. I thought that we were coming back for something else that was different with the finances. SPEAKER: Yes, you are correct. And I apologize for the confusion. SPEAKER: Yes. SPEAKER: So, the resolution today is to approve an agreement between the city and the property owner what we'll have to come back for. And Mr Treese and I talked about this. In order to give city property, which this, what we're gonna donate, give back to her in order to give city property to somebody else, has to be in an ordinance and it'd be a vacation ordinance. So, the agreement says that when we receive right away from her, we will construct the road and after the road is constructed, we will then vacate the other portion back to Ms Britton to her. So, that's where it means to come back at a later time with an ordinance to vacate the city property back to her. This agreement just puts it in writing that we promised to do that after the road is constructed.

SPEAKER: Thank you for clearing that. Thank you. SPEAKER: No problem. GEORGE ALLEN: And other discussion, having none call a roll Mr Motley. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Holmes? JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Whatley? LEIGH WHATLEY: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Beams. CHUCK BEAMS: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Rauch? TODD RAUCH: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Allen? GEORGE ALLEN: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: All aye. TREESE: Mr President resolution? Sorry. Mr President resolution number nine now number three is to approve a right of way agreement with FTC investments for Bridgewater Boulevard to Columbus Parkway. GEORGE ALLEN: Is to have motion for approval. SPEAKER: So, moved. GEORGE ALLEN: Second. SPEAKER: Second. GEORGE ALLEN: In the discussion. SPEAKER: Yes, same. SPEAKER: But you've cleared that up in the first one. The way it works. Thank you. SPEAKER: OK, sure. Yeah, absolutely. That's no problem at all. So, with this project and with the other one these are tied to road construction projects we will have an open bid for construction. And so that the bid to construct each of these roadways, we'll come back to council for approval. That's where that one's coming back. So, this agreement is again for them to donate the right of way to us with no cost towards us. And then the city will construct a road within that right of way. So, you all will see it again with a construction bid within a few months, possibly 'cause both projects are under design now and we can't bid 'em out for construction until we own all the right of way that the roads will be on. SPEAKER: Thank you. SPEAKER: Anything else? SPEAKER: No thank you. GEORGE ALLEN: Any other discussion? Having non call the roll Mr Motley. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Holmes? JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Whatley? LEIGH WHATLEY: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Beams? CHUCK BEAMS: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Rauch? TODD RAUCH: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Allen? GEORGE ALLEN: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: All aye. GEORGE ALLEN: Next order of business is ordinances Mr Treese? TREESE: Thank you Mr President. The first ordinance for second reading is to amend the zoning ordinance and map for 2051 Alabama Highway

19, which consists of 48.06 acres from an R1 to C3. GEORGE ALLEN: Do I have a motion for approval? SPEAKER: So, moved. GEORGE ALLEN: Second. SPEAKER: Second. GEORGE ALLEN: Any discussion? Having none call a roll Mr Motley. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Holmes? JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Aye. GEORGE ALLEN: Ms Whatley? LEIGH WHATLEY: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Beams? CHUCK BEAMS: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Rauch? TODD RAUCH: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Allen? TODD RAUCH: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: All aye. TREESE: The second ordinance is for first reading to amend section 12.4.2.2 of the personnel policies and procedures manual of the City of Opelika. Again, this is first reading. GEORGE ALLEN: Being the first reading. I will like to ask a member, the council to introduce this for our ordinance for the first reading. SPEAKER: Pleasure. GEORGE ALLEN: Thank you. Second roster of public comments. Mr Motley. JOEY MOTLEY: Now's the time that you would like to speak for public comments to the council. Please come to the microphone. You'll have three minutes and state your name and address and sign in in the lobby please. Thank you. GEORGE ALLEN: Having none. The character trailer of the month. Generosity the quality of being kind and generous, showing a readiness to give both something that is strictly necessary or expected. And with that I entertain a motion to adjoin. SPEAKER: So, moved. GEORGE ALLEN: Second. SPEAKER: Second. GEORGE ALLEN: We have a motion and a second in the discussion. Having none, call the roll Mr Motley. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Holmes. JANATAKA HUGHLEY-HOLMES: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Ms Whatley? LEIGH WHATLEY: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Beams? CHUCK BEAMS: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Rauch? TODD RAUCH: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: Mr Allen? GEORGE ALLEN: Aye. JOEY MOTLEY: All Aye. GEORGE ALLEN: Meeting adjourned.