CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council at its Monday, July 20 meeting approved $5.09 million in financing for drinking water system improvements, held a first reading of an ordinance that would update the city’s fencing ordinance and authorized applications for state and federal airport funding.
The council also continued its school resource officer partnership with Cullman City Schools, upgraded two Street Department positions and approved two road races.
Water system funding
The council adopted Ordinance No. 2026-44, authorizing the issuance of a $5.09 million General Obligation Warrant to finance drinking water system improvements.
The city will receive the financing through the Alabama Drinking Water Finance Authority and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
The loan carries an annual interest rate of 0.10% and an annual ADEM administrative fee of 2.10% on the outstanding principal. Interest and administrative fee payments will be made twice annually.
Principal payments will begin in 2027 and continue through 2046. The city’s full faith and credit are pledged for repayment of the debt.
The federally assisted project will be subject to requirements under the Davis-Bacon Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Build America, Buy America provisions.
The ordinance was adopted unanimously.
New business
The council adopted Resolution No. 2026-128, authorizing the city to apply for state and federal matching funds for Cullman Regional Airport improvement projects during fiscal year 2027.
The resolution authorizes Mayor Woody Jacobs to submit applications and related documents to the Alabama Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration.
The city may also enter into funding agreements with ALDOT and the FAA if grants are awarded.
The resolution states the city’s required local matching funds have been approved and included in the airport budget. The supporting documents did not identify the proposed improvements or the anticipated project cost.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
The council adopted Resolution No. 2026-129, amending the city’s position control to upgrade two Street Department positions.
One Heavy Equipment Operator position will be upgraded to Crew Foreman. One Equipment Operator II position will be upgraded to Heavy Equipment Operator.
The changes affect existing positions and will be incorporated into the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
The council adopted Resolution No. 2026-130, authorizing a memorandum of understanding with the Cullman City Board of Education to provide school resource officers in the city’s public schools.
The agreement continues the partnership between the city, school system and Cullman Police Department to provide law enforcement services and maintain safer school environments.
The agenda request lists an agreement beginning Aug. 1, 2026.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Fencing
Council members held their first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-45, updating the city’s regulations governing fences and walls.
The ordinance requires a building permit before a fence or wall is erected, placed or repaired. Fences must be constructed in a uniform and consistent style using materials manufactured for that purpose.
Pallets, doors, scrap materials and other salvaged items that could create fire or safety hazards may not be used as fencing.
Fences containing stone, rock or other natural materials must be maintained without loose or missing material. Wooden sections must be made of decay-resistant wood and protected with paint, stain or a similar product.
Barbed wire, concertina wire, razor wire and electric fences are prohibited on residentially zoned property.
Fences and walls may not interfere with stormwater drainage or obstruct motorists’ visibility. The ordinance will take effect following passage and publication as required by law.
No action was taken at this time.
Annexations
The council also held its first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-46, annexing approximately 8 acres owned by Douglas and Amanda Blackledge into the city of Cullman.
The property is located at 1811 County Road 1301 in Vinemont and will enter the city as an AG-1 Agricultural District.
The Cullman Planning Commission reviewed the request July 7 and forwarded it to the council with a favorable recommendation. A copy of the ordinance and legal description will be filed with the Cullman County Probate Office.
No action was taken at this time.
Reports of committees, boards and officers
Councilman Chuck Shikle, Place 1, presented the Public Safety Committee report.
Shikle noted, “There was an uptick of injuries in June. That was mainly from WildWater and they were heat-related injuries.”
He acknowledged the Zero Bullet fire that took place Thursday, July 9. Cullman Fire Rescue contained the fire and no injuries were reported.
“Engineer Austin Yarbrough completed his rope rescue technician certification,” Shikle said, commending Yarbrough for completing the course despite its difficulty.
CPD Sergeant Jonathan England completed his commercial vehicle crash investigation training.
CPD Officer Jake Allan was named Officer of the Quarter for his outstanding service and professionalism.
Shikle said the CPD’s inaugural Citizens Academy was a success. Chief Joey Duncan noted that class registration was full after being open for only six hours.
“Huge success, a lot of them actually reached out to go again on the next one,” Duncan said.
Councilman David Moss Jr., Place 2, presented the Tourism Committee report.
“The concrete for the (Cullman Regional Airport) Apron Project should have been completed today,” said Moss, who noted the target completion date is Aug. 20, 2026.
He stated that on Monday, July 13, the Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism was recognized, with Christkindlmarkt named the Alabama Tourism Event of the Year for 2026.
“In the same event the Tourism Department was also named the Alabama Tourism Organization of the Year, which is quite an accomplishment since our Tourism Department is only a couple years old,” he said. “That’s something to be proud of.”
He mentioned that ASA Archery Tournament will be held St. Bernard Abbey from Thursday, July 30 through Saturday, Aug.1.
“All of the hotels are sold out,” Moss said. “This always has a big impact this time of year.”
Councilman Jason Willoughby, Place 3, presented the Public Works Committee report.
“The Street Department completed paving just north of Rusken Packaging last week.” he stated. “They’re preparing to pave Rosemont (Avenue) next week.”
Shikle reported that the City Garage has completed 164 repairs in July. Four city vehicles are due for service.
Councilman Paul Schaffer, Place 4, presented the Utilities Committee report.
Schaffer told the audience that the Cullman Wastewater Treatment Plant has repaired four gates, noting it is much safer and requires a key pass to be accessed.
He also stated that the Lake Catoma boat ramp and sidewalk are nearing completion. “They’re very close to being done.”
Council President Kim Hall, Place 5, presented the General Government Committee report.
“Our current average clearance rate in the courts is 107.88% in the month of June,” she said. “Our pre-trial diversion entry for fiscal year 2026 is 48% defendants who have completed that program. There were five during the month of June.”
For the rehab completion report she stated that four defendants were recognized for successful completion of a year-long rehabilitation program and no additional criminal defenses occurred within that time.
She said the Municipal Court, for the current fiscal year, collected $54,158.52 more than in fiscal year 2025.
Special event requests
Council members approved a special event permit for Grace Episcopal Church to host its Jingle Bell 5K and 1-mile Holiday Hustle, also known as the Christmas Carol Classic, on Saturday, Dec. 12.
The event will be held from 7:15-10 a.m. and will use Depot Park, public streets and sidewalks. Organizers estimated fewer than 500 people will attend.
Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism required the route to pass-through and be clear of Depot Park by 10 a.m. The Cullman Police Department required five officers for traffic control and public safety.
Event organizers will be responsible for coordinating and paying for any required city services.
The council approved the request unanimously.
The council also approved a special event permit for WellStone to host its Oktoberfest Run on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The event will include 5K and 10K races beginning at 8 a.m. The course will begin at Festhalle Market Platz and finish in front of Cullman City Hall.
Organizers estimated fewer than 500 people will attend. The Cullman Police Department required five officers for traffic control and public safety.
The council approved the request unanimously.
Next meeting
The next Cullman City Council meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Cullman City Hall auditorium. A work session will begin at 6. Both are open to the public.
