GARDEN CITY, Ala. – The Garden City Town Council at its Aug. 17 meeting welcomed special guest, Animal-Angels Foundation Founder BJ Adkins.
Adkins stated the group hopes to bring “what we call high-impact clinics. We want to do free vaccinations, rabies, microchipping and heartworm testing.” She said they don’t want to do this just as a one-time thing, but multiple years.
Adkins also provided information stating that according to Huntsville data, when they implemented the same goals they effectively cut their euthanasia rates by 95%. “I don’t know if we could hit 95%, but we could definitely lower our euthanasia rates a lot; like I said, it’s not a one-time thing.”
The Animal-Angels Foundation also offers spay and neuter services.
The town attorney advised Mayor Tim Eskew to table the proposal until the next meeting so that he can better look into it. The proposal will be revisited next month.
The council also addressed the cleanup notices that were sent out in July. On Garden City’s Facebook page, the town posted “Ordinance 2026-004 Health and Sanitation Regulations within the Town of Garden City. Cleanup Notices have been delivered today to properties not in compliance. Any disputes may be taken up at the next council meeting work session.”
Eskew agreed to give some residents a 30-day grace period due to high heat and disabilities for some residents. Councilman Barrett Hardin commended the community for reaching out and helping each other with cleaning up lots. “As long as you got the whole community down there trying, it makes it much easier on everybody.”
The Council also adopted Resolution 2026-016, adopting its Annual Transportation Plan, ensuring compliance with the Rebuild Alabama Act to secure state gas tax allocations for local road maintenance. The plan outlines anticipated allocations of $10,411, $13,882 and $17,352 over the next three fiscal years. Town Treasurer Amy Black will be posting the resolution at town hall, the post office and the library for public transparency.
Councilman Butch Bradford announced that the town passed its surprise sewer inspection “with flying colors.” The system is inspected annually; however, it is monitored monthly. He said, “Everything we’re putting out is cleaner than what’s coming in.”
Fire Chief Zach Thomas said Engine 1 passed its pump test but Engine 2 did not. After taking Engine 2 to be worked on he received a bill for $8,216 and he requested the council’s approval to pay the bill. He said, “They fixed the problem with the pump, and they fixed the problem with the engine while it shut down on me on the way. It had a bad lift pump for the fuel system.” The council approved payment.
Mayor Eskew also addressed an issue with the railroad saying, “For those of you who do not know, we had that big rain about six to eight weeks ago. The cross ties piled up around the drain. It took out two 4-foot, I guess, 4-foot drain tiles. And we’re waiting to hear back from Montgomery on the sewer plant grant. We don’t know much about that right now. Hopefully, when the check gets in from CSX, we will go on with the repave.” He assured the council that CSX is taking part of the responsibility.
The Garden City Town Council will be next on Sept. 7, with a work session starting at 5:30 p.m. followed be the meeting at 6.
