CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council at its Aug. 31 meeting adopted two resolutions pertaining to transportation improvements.
Resolution No. 2026-140 outlines the city’s adoption of its annual transportation plan pursuant to the Rebuild Alabama Act for fiscal year 2027.
The resolution reads: “The City Council of Cullman, Alabama, estimates that its anticipated allocation from the Rebuild Alabama Act fund for the first fiscal year will be approximately $112,328.51, with increasing allocations for each fiscal year thereafter. Pursuant to the Act, the City anticipates expending funds received pursuant to the Act, in part or in whole, to fund any of the following listed projects: Kessler Drive SE, Churchill Circle SE, Derby Drive SE and Churchill Lane SE.”
Resolution No. 2026-144 authorizes Mayor Woody Jacobs to enter into agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for an Intelligent Transportation System.
During the work session, Council members said the system operators will work with the City of Cullman traffic engineers.
For example, operators will be able to adjust traffic signals remotely, in the event of a wreck on the interstate, to help any traffic accumulating from that flow better.
The mayor noted, “They can do it remotely to keep that traffic moving.”
Ordinances approved
The Council held the second reading of Ordinance No. 2026-47 which aims to establish a uniform policy and procedure to ensure public transparency about grant applications made by the City of Cullman.
Section 2 of the ordinance reads: “This policy applies to all grant applications, including federal, state, private foundations, and other external funding opportunities, whether for operating expenses, capital projects, programs, or studies.”
The Council also held the second reading of Ordinance No. 2026-48 to establish a uniform policy procedure for the obtainment of goods, services, equipment, material, supplies and construction services for the City of Cullman.
Part of the ordinance reads: “The policy ensures compliance with all applicable Alabama state laws, promotes fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability, fair competition, and protects the interests of the City and its taxpayers.”
Resolutions adopted
Resolution No. 2026-141, to enter into an agreement with Respondr Technologies, LLC for maps and territory training software. This contract noted that the training software is not to exceed $2,500 per year. This is software for territory training for each fire station to utilize toward navigatory training purposes.
The service license agreement specified that the software, TerritoryBoard, is a map oriented, territory and familiarization training platform that displays a department’s coverage area on a station TV while personnel can use a phone or tablet controller to run road, cross-street and landmark drills.
Resolution No. 2026-142 which awarded Willoughby Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc. the bid for the Train Depot roof replacement. The was $64,000.
Jacobs noted that this company is not affiliated with Councilman Jason Willoughby, for which Willoughby thanked the mayor. Willoughby did express that he was proud to see a local roofing company awarded the project.
Resolution No. 2026-143, pertaining to a Memorandum of Agreement with the Alabama State Department of Education, authorize the Jacobs to approve the agreement and allow the participation of a part-time police officer, Seth Sullivan, in ALSDE’s Safe School Council.
The agreement is from Oct. 1, 2026-Sept. 30, 2027. The Alabama State Department of Education agreed to provide $31,000 for salary and $10,000 for travel and training expenses. The resolution notes that the total amount of the agreement cannot exceed $41,000 which is to be distributed upon receipt of the completely executed contract and invoice.
“The State Department of Education will reimburse the city up to $41,000. It helps cover his salary, training and travel expenses. He’s been a tremendous asset for the city during his employment here,” Councilman Chuck Shikle said.
First readings. No action taken.
Ordinance No. 2026-49 will amend Section 22-50 of the Code of Ordinances to adopt the 2021 International Fire Code published by the International Code Council and the 2021 Life Safety Code 101. This is in accordance with Code of Ala. 1975, § 11-45-8, setting rules and regulations to conditions hazardous to life and property from fire or explosion.
The ordinance will also amend Sections 22-85, 86, 87 regarding open burning. The act of open burning will require a permit and must be 500 feet from homes, other occupied dwellings and roads whereas smoke could lead to driving visibility issues. This also requires the constant supervision of the fire with a garden hose or fire-extinguisher nearby. Burning will only be allowed for untreated wood and vegetation between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with no added vegetation after 3 p.m.
Ordinance No. 2026-50 aims to delete Chapter 58 Vegetation and replace Chapter 32 Nuisances of the Code of Ordinances to reduce the duplication and overlap of grass and weed nuisances, property upkeep, citations, enforcements, liens and abatements.
The Council said the updates will improve transparency and improve the health, safety and welfare of Cullman residents.
The Council approved the following special events
- Tonya Carter, owner of Wren + Revel, will hold an annual fall street sale within the Cullman Warehouse District on First Avenue Northeast Sept. 11-12, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. The portion of First Avenue, from Flavors through If The Shoe Fits, will be closed both days during this timeframe.
- Curtis Newman requested the use of the parking deck neighboring Loft 212 located at 212 Fourth St. SW Cullman, for West Point High Schools Class of 1982 reunion on Sept. 26. This will last from noon-4 p.m. that day and should only affect one level of the parking lot for attendees of the reunion.
- Event coordinator for Cullman Parks, Recreations & Sports Tourism Micah Means requested the closure of Depot Park, Festhalle and First Avenue Northeast areas be closed for Cullman’s annual Oktoberfest event to celebrate Cullman’s German heritage. This will take place on Oct. 1-4. The time duration will be Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sunday from noon-8 p.m.
- Sacred Heart School will hold its German Festival Oct. 2-3, from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. each day. This will feature food, bingo, games and more in the parking lot/street area surrounding the Sacred Heart School gym and parking lot including First Street Northeast between Second Avenue Northeast and Third Avenue Northeast.
- Spirit Life Church located at 1650 St. Joseph Dr. NW Cullman will have its outdoor fall music festival on Oct. 3, from 3-8 p.m. featuring gospel musicians and vendors.
- Erin Smith of St. Paul’s Lutheran School requested to close Sixth Street Southeast between Third and Fourth Avenues Southeast from 2-2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday while school is in session. She explained that St. Paul’s has increased grade levels and since older students have outgrown the playground they would like to have recess in the school’s parking lot for the older grades.
- Cullman Police Department will be holding a Trunk or Treat at 601 Second Ave. NE, Oct. 30, from 5-9 p.m. Attendees will trick or treat at different vehicles throughout the CPD parking lot while music plays.
The Council also read a proposed budget for fiscal year 2027. This will be voted on at the next meeting.
The next Cullman City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 14, at the city hall auditorium at 7 p.m. following the 6 p.m. work session.
