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CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
300 Martin Luther King Blvd.
April 7, 2026
TIME: 6:00 PM
1. A CALL TO ORDER
President Allen called the council meeting to order at 06:11 pm and asked Mr.
Treese to call the roll.
2. ROLL CALL
The Mayor and all City Council members were present.
1. George Allen, Janataka Hughley-Holmes, Leigh Whatley, Chuck Beams,
Todd Rauch
After roll call, President Allen asked for a motion to appoint Mr. Motley as the
clerk pro-tem for the meeting. Ms. Holmes made a motion to appoint Mr. Motley.
Mr. Beams seconded the motion. The following vote was recorded:
MOTION TO APPOINT CLERK PRO-TEM: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilwoman Ward 2 Janataka Hughley-Holmes
SECONDER: Councilman Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Chuck Beams
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. INVOCATION
President Allen provided the invocation.
1. W. George Allen - President of the City Council.
4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Cale led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. Cale White and Andrea Hernandez-Rodriguez from Opelika Middle School.
5. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
1. Motion to Adopt the CM Agenda for 04-07-26.
President Allen asked that Mr. Mosley be given the opportunity to speak before
public hearing #7.

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MOTION TO ADOPT THE AGENDA: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilwoman Ward 2 Janataka Hughley-Holmes
SECONDER: Councilman Ward 5 Todd Rauch
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING(S)
1. Minutes from the 03-17-26 council meeting.
President Allen stated that a copy of the minutes had been previously received by
the council and asked for a motion to approve the minutes. Ms. Holmes made a
motion to approve. Ms. Whatley seconded the motion. President Allen then asked
if there were any additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes. President
Allen stated, having no corrections, the minutes stand approved.
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
8. MAYOR COMMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS
1. Empty Bowls Check Presentation to the Food Bank of East Alabama.
Mayor Smith asked Matt Battles to explain the empty bowls program and present
the check to the Food Bank of East Alabama, and Mr. Battles did so.
2. Proclamation for Character Week in Opelika.
Mayor Smith read and presented the proclamation to the Character Council.
3. Proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Mayor Smith read the proclamation and presented it to Vickie Dearing, Executive
Director of Rape Counselors of East Alabama.
4. Employee Service Awards.
Mayor Smith then invited each department head and their respective employees
up front, and recognized each with their employee service awards based on
number of years served.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS (Limit comments to 3 minutes or less)
President Allen asked Mr. Motley to present the public hearings.
1. Public Hearing - Project Development Agreement with GMB USA Alabama, Inc.
Mr. Motley presented the public hearing. President Allen opened the public
hearing and asked if anyone present would like to speak for or against said
agreement. No one came forward to speak. President Allen closed the public
hearing.
2. Public Hearing - Demolition - 203 Darden Street.

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Mr. Motley presented the public hearing. President Allen opened the public
hearing and asked if anyone present would like to speak for or against said
demolition. No one came forward to speak. President Allen closed the public
hearing.
3. Public Hearing - Demolition - 1904 Trimble Street.
Mr. Motley presented the public hearing. President Allen opened the public
hearing and asked if anyone present would like to speak for or against said
demolition.
Emily Key of 202 5th Avenue spoke against the demolition.
Jeff Kappelman, Chief Building Inspector, spoke in favor of the demolition.
President Allen closed the public hearing.
4. Public Hearing - Demolition - 1905 Trimble Street.
Mr. Motley presented the public hearing. President Allen opened the public
hearing and asked if anyone present would like to speak for or against said
demolition. No one came forward to speak. President Allen closed the public
hearing.
5. Public Hearing - Amend Zoning Ordinance & Map: 4600 block Birmingham
Hwy, 113.4 Acres, from R-2 to C-3, GC-P.
Mr. Motley presented the public hearing. President Allen opened the public
hearing and asked if anyone present would like to speak for or against said
rezoning. No one came forward to speak. President Allen closed the public
hearing.
6. Public Hearing - Amend Zoning Ordinance & Map: 1500 block Century Blvd,
42.73 Acres, from R-3 to R-5.
Mr. Motley presented the public hearing. President Allen opened the public
hearing and asked if anyone present would like to speak for or against said
rezoning. No one came forward to speak. President Allen closed the public
hearing.
7. Public Hearing - Amend Zoning Ordinance & Map: 598 Dunlop Drive, 21.11
Acres, from R-1 to R-2 and R-3.
President Allen first asked Mr. Mosley to present the current status of the
rezoning after the most recent Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Mosley made
the presentation stating that the newest updated subdivision plat was approved by
the Planning Commission at their most recent meeting, even though there was
still a negative recommendation before the council to approve the rezoning. The
council then asked Mr. Mosley a few questions before the public hearing.
Mr. Motley then presented the public hearing. President Allen opened the public
hearing and asked if anyone present would like to speak for or against said
rezoning.
Buddy Bruce of 505 White Road spoke in favor of the rezoning.
Armand Crowder of 601 Waverly Place spoke against the rezoning.
Leslie Phillips of 409 Waverly Place spoke against the rezoning.

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Darla Gibbs of 701 Waverly Place spoke against the rezoning.
Susan Jones of 905 Waverly Court spoke against the rezoning.
Linda Wilkins Klein of 601 Rustic Street spoke against the rezoning.
John William Klein of 601 Rustic Street spoke against the rezoning.
Stephanie Thompson 702 Rustic Street spoke against the rezoning.
Deborah Powell of 500 Waverly Place spoke against the rezoning.
David Barnes of 531 Rustic Street spoke against the rezoning.
Brandon Rice of 724 N Dean Road spoke in favor of the rezoning.
Robin White of Shelby Avenue spoke against the rezoning.
Bill Perry of 1611 Jamison Place spoke in favor of the rezoning.
Daniel Richardson of 603 Rustic Street spoke against the rezoning.
President Allen closed the public hearing.
8. Public Hearing - Amend Zoning Ordinance & Map: 3310 Society Hill Road, 18.1
Acres, from R-1 to C-2, GC-P.
Mr. Motley presented the public hearing. President Allen opened the public
hearing and asked if anyone present would like to speak for or against said
rezoning. No one came forward to speak. President Allen closed the public
hearing.
10. AGENDA-RELATED PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limit comments to 3 minutes or less)
Emily Key of 202 5th Avenue spoke first. Ms. Key stated that she was actively
pursuing the purchase of 1904 Trimble Street, and she would appreciate an
opportunity to speak with Mr. Kappelman about the property not being
demolished if she was able to purchase it.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
President Allen asked if any council member wanted to remove any individual
item(s) from the consent agenda and deal with that item separately on the regular
agenda.
Mr. Rauch requested that Consent Agenda items #15, #16, and #18 be removed
and placed on the Regular Agenda.
President Allen stated that Consent Agenda item #15 would now be placed as
Resolution #1, Consent Agenda item #16 would now be placed as Resolution #2,
and Consent Agenda item #18 would now be placed as Resolution #3 on the
Regular Agenda.

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President Allen, after hearing no other request(s) to remove any other consent
agenda item(s), asked for a motion to approve the amended Consent Agenda.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Chuck Beams
SECONDER: Councilman Ward 5 Todd Rauch
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
1. General Business: Request Alcohol License - Marathon 1001 Inc DBA Front
Porch Liquor, Lounge Retail Liquor Class 2 (Package Store).
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
2. General Business: Request Alcohol License - Marathon 1001 Inc DBA
Marathon Food Mart, Retail Beer Off Premise.
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
3. General Business: Request Alcohol License - Tienda El Paraiso LLC DBA
Tienda El Paraiso, Retail Wine On Premise.
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
4. General Business: Request Alcohol License - TP Hospitality Consulting, LLC
DBA Opelika Wine Company, Retail Wine and Beer Off Premise.
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
5. General Business: Request Downtown Street Closure - Start/Finish of Long
Distance Bike Ride on 05-09-26.
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
6. General Business: Request Temporary Street Closure - Sportsplex Tri for Kids
on 08-01-26.
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
7. Bid: Viper-ST Solid Dielectric Reclosers & SEL-651R2 Controls - OPS ($ as
needed).
RESOLUTION NO. 070-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
8. Resolution: Expense Reports from Various Departments.
RESOLUTION NO. 071-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
9. Resolution: Designate City Personal Property Surplus and Authorize Disposal.
RESOLUTION NO. 072-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
10. Resolution: Purchase - Front Loader Rental Agreement - OES ($124,800).
RESOLUTION NO. 073-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
11. Resolution: Accept Donation of Property from SMB Land, LLC for West Ridge
Park - P&R.

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RESOLUTION NO. 074-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
12. Resolution: Accept Public Infrastructure and Utilities of Various Subdivisions -
ENG.
RESOLUTION NO. 075-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
13. Resolution: Appoint Underwriter and Bond Counsel for the Acquisition of
General Obligation School Warrants - ADMIN.
RESOLUTION NO. 076-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
14. Resolution: Approve Asset Disposition Services Agreement with
PropertyRoom.com, Inc. - OPD.
RESOLUTION NO. 077-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
15. Resolution: Approve License Agreement with BOE for Fireworks Exhibition and
Display - P&R.
RESOLUTION NO. 078-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
16. Resolution: Demolition - 1905 Trimble Street.
RESOLUTION NO. 079-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
17. Resolution: Request Refund of Sewer Fees Paid in Error - Thomas McCauley
($1,333.29).
RESOLUTION NO. 080-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
18. Resolution: Special Appropriation to AO Tourism for Hosting AJGA Golf
Tournament at Grand National - ED ($10,000).
RESOLUTION NO. 081-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
19. Resolution: Special Appropriation to the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Alabama
($7,500).
RESOLUTION NO. 082-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
20. Resolution: Special Appropriation to Envision Opelika - Character Council
($2,500).
RESOLUTION NO. 083-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
21. Resolution: Special Appropriation to KOB for 2026 Garden in the Park ($2,500).
RESOLUTION NO. 084-26
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
22. Appointment: Reappoint Jasper Snipes to the Board of Parks and Recreation.
New Term expires 03-15-2031.
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT
23. Appointment: Reappoint Antione Harvis to the Board of Education. New Term
expires 04-01-2031.
APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT

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12. GENERAL BUSINESS
President Allen asked Mr. Motley to present the general business.
1. Request Specialty License - Top Shelf Alternatives LLC, Specialty Retailer Of
Consumable Hemp Products. - (Tabled)
President Allen asked if there was a motion to remove the item from the table.
Mr. Rauch made a motion to remove the item from the table. Ms. Holmes
seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the following vote was
recorded:
MOTION TO REMOVE ITEM FROM THE TABLE: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 5 Todd Rauch
SECONDER: Councilwoman Ward 2 Janataka Hughley-Holmes
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
President Allen then asked if there was a motion to approve the specialty license.
Mr. Rauch made a motion to approve. Ms. Holmes seconded the motion.
During discussion, Mr. Beams stated for the record he was not in favor of
allowing a business to sell these products in a gateway corridor district. Mr.
Rauch spoke in favor of allowing the business to reobtain its business license due
to it already being established and being allowed to sell these products within the
gateway corridor before a state law changed. Ms. Holmes also spoke in favor of
allowing the business to reobtain its business license due to its previous existence
there. After further debate, Mr. Beams called for the question, ending discussion.
The following vote was recorded:
MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIALTY LICENSE: 3 TO 2
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 5 Todd Rauch
SECONDER: Councilwoman Ward 2 Janataka Hughley-Holmes
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman Ward 4 - President
Pro-Tem Beams
ABSTAIN: None
13. AWARDING OF BIDS
14. RESOLUTIONS
President Allen asked Mr. Treese to present the resolutions.
1. Approve Certain Tax Abatements and Exemptions for Car Tech, LLC - ED.
During discussion, Mr. Rauch asked if Mr. Sweatman could explain the tax
abatements and exemptions in further detail. Mr. Sweatman did so.

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RESOLUTION NO. 085-26
MOTION TO APPROVE: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 5 Todd Rauch
SECONDER: Councilman Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Chuck Beams
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
2. Approve Project Development Agreement with GMB USA Alabama, Inc. - ED.
During discussion, Mr. Rauch again asked Mr. Sweatman to explain the
agreement and included incentives in detail. Mr. Sweatman explained the
agreement and incentives as requested, recognized representatives from the
company who were present at the meeting, and thanked them for their investment
in Opelika.
RESOLUTION NO. 086-26
MOTION TO APPROVE: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 5 Todd Rauch
SECONDER: Councilwoman Ward 2 Janataka Hughley-Holmes
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. Demolition - 1904 Trimble Street.
During discussion, Mr. Rauch asked Mr. Kappelman to explain the process of
whether the demolition was approved now and then someone new purchased the
property. Mr. Kappelman explained that the city, even if the demolition was
approved now, would work with any property owner willing to bring the property
up to code before going through with the demolition.
RESOLUTION NO. 087-26
MOTION TO APPROVE: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 5 Todd Rauch
SECONDER: Councilwoman Ward 2 Janataka Hughley-Holmes
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
15. ORDINANCES
President Allen asked Mr. Treese to present the ordinances.
1. Amend Zoning Ordinance & Map: 1550 and 1570 N Uniroyal Road, 12.5 Acres,
from R-2 to C-2, GC-P - 2nd Reading.

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ORDINANCE NO. 013-26
SECOND READING AND APPROVED: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Chuck Beams
SECONDER: Councilwoman Ward 2 Janataka Hughley-Holmes
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
2. Amend Zoning Ordinance & Map: 4600 block Birmingham Hwy, 113.4 Acres,
from R-2 to C-3, GC-P - 2nd Reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 014-26
SECOND READING AND APPROVED: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 5 Todd Rauch
SECONDER: Councilman Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Chuck Beams
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. Amend Zoning Ordinance & Map: 1500 block Century Blvd, 42.73 Acres, from
R-3 to R-5 - 2nd Reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 015-26
SECOND READING AND APPROVED: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilwoman Ward 2 Janataka Hughley-Holmes
SECONDER: Councilman Ward 5 Todd Rauch
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. Amend Zoning Ordinance & Map: 598 Dunlop Drive, 21.11 Acres, from R-1 to
R-2 and R-3 - 2nd Reading.
During discussion, Ms. Whatley first explained why she and a lot of residents in
her Ward were against this rezoning. Mr. Rauch then asked for further
explanation of the rezoning and plats that were approved before this one. Mr.
Brandon Rice and Mr. Mosley explained the previous rezoning and plats as
requested and answered other questions from the council.
ORDINANCE NO. 016-26
SECOND READING AND APPROVED: 3 TO 2
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 5 Todd Rauch
SECONDER: Councilwoman Ward 2 Janataka Hughley-Holmes
AYES: Councilwoman Ward 2 Hughley-Holmes, Councilman Ward 4 -
President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch

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NAYS: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 3
Whatley
ABSTAIN: None
5. Amend Zoning Ordinance & Map: 3310 Society Hill Road, 6.59 Acres, from R-1
to C-2, GC-P - 2nd Reading.
ORDINANCE NO. 017-26
SECOND READING AND APPROVED: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Chuck Beams
SECONDER: Councilwoman Ward 2 Janataka Hughley-Holmes
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
6. Amend Chapter 17, Article 5 of the City Code of Ordinances: Pre-Trial Diversion
Program - 1st Reading.
FIRST READING: INTRODUCED
President Allen asked for a member of the council to introduce the ordinance. Mr.
Beams introduced the ordinance.
7. Amend the Development Plan for the Cedar Creek PUD - 1st Reading.
FIRST READING: INTRODUCED
President Allen asked for a member of the council to introduce the ordinance. Mr.
Rauch introduced the ordinance.
16. APPOINTMENTS
17. SECOND ROSTER OF PUBLIC COMMENTS (Limit comments to 3 minutes or less)
Bradley Haddon of 1805 Archer Court spoke first. Mr. Haddon thanked the
council for their approval of the specialty license for his business, Top Shelf
Alternatives.
18. ADJOURN
The City Council meeting minutes of April 7, 2026, are hereby adopted and
approved this the 21st day of April, 2026.
/s/ W. George Allen
____________________
President of City Council
City of Opelika, Alabama
ATTEST:
/s/ Russell A. Jones, MMC
_____________________
City Clerk
1. Character Trait of the Month - Kindness, the quality of being friendly, generous,
and considerate.

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President Allen read the character trait of the month and asked for a motion to
adjourn.
2. Motion to Adjourn.
MOTION TO ADJOURN: UNANIMOUS
RESULT: Passed
MOVER: Councilman Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Chuck Beams
SECONDER: Councilwoman Ward 3 Leigh Whatley
AYES: Councilman Ward 1 - President Allen, Councilwoman Ward 2
Hughley-Holmes, Councilwoman Ward 3 Whatley, Councilman
Ward 4 - President Pro-Tem Beams, Councilman Ward 5 Rauch
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
The council meeting ended at 08:18 pm.