CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday, Feb. 9, offered its thanks to U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama for securing $13.5 million in a recently passed appropriations bill to replace the old and narrow “swayback” bridge on U.S. Highway 278 near the entrance to St. Bernard Abbey, along with its supporting infrastructure. The bridge, referred to as the St. Bernard Bridge, has for many years been a choke point on the road, as the highway expanded on either side of it.
Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) Director Jamie Troutman told The Tribune that the new appropriation is added to a $20.3 million grant announced in January 2025, which was delayed as it underwent a review following the change of presidential administrations. Now, almost $34 million can be directed to the project.
Mayor Woody Jacobs expressed hope that the project will create a five-lane corridor from downtown all the way to East Point, and noted, “It will be a new bridge. It will not be at that (current low) elevation; it will be elevated . . . Yes, there will be a different entrance to St. Bernard; they’ve had some preliminary talks with them.”
He continued, “This will be a great project, but as always great projects, you know what comes in the middle: construction. You know what happens with construction? People will hate us; they’ll be calling us. But the good thing is the concrete barricades will go away.”
Jacobs cautioned, “As always, again, it’s the speed of government.” He said Alabama Department of Transportation engineers “do not have that project totally designed. They’ve looked at it for years,” adding later, “Four years from now, maybe we’ll be driving on that new pavement.”
Recognitions galore
Members of the council took time during their committee presentations to offer recognition to several City employees, including:
- Police Officer Bryan Medlock for receiving the Daily Giving Hero of the Year award
- Lt. Matt Laminack for receiving the Firefighter of the Year award from Cullman VFW Post 2214
- City Records Clerk Heather Griffith for receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Management
- Cullman Police Department for receiving AACOP Accreditation
- Terri Pines General Manager and PGA Pro Matt Livengood for being named Alabama – NW Florida PGA Merchandiser of the Year
- Taylor Yarbrough, CWAC aquatics manager, for receiving her American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) certification
- Donnie Bryant from the Wastewater Treatment Plant on his retirement after 16 years of service
In his report, Jacobs issued a proclamation declaring February 2026 American Heart Month, and a second proclamation declaring Feb. 6, 2026 as National Wear Red Day, to “encourage all residents to learn the signs and symptoms of heart disease and stroke in women; support prevention and early detection, and join the effort to improve women’s cardiovascular health through awareness, education and action.”
The council passed two ordinances following second readings:
- Ordinance No. 2026-24 update City Code Chapter 10-363 – “Authority of Building Department; Duties” to read “The building department, through the building inspector, fire marshal or their designee, shall enforce the provisions of this chapter. Authorized agents of the building department are vested with the police power necessary for the purpose of issuing charges and prosecuting persons charged with violating this chapter. In carrying out its duties under this chapter, the building department shall have the following specific duties, in addition to such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the city council: (1) To receive applications and issue permits and certificates required by this chapter. (2) To make necessary inspections to see that the provisions of this article are met. (3) To enforce all laws relating to the construction, alteration, repair, installation, erection, removal, demolition, use, location, and maintenance of properties, buildings, equipment, appliances, or systems, except as may be otherwise provided for in other ordinances or regulatory measures. (4) To make investigations in connection with matters referred to in this article and render written reports on the same when requested by the proper authority, or when the city’s interests so require. (5) To issue notices or orders as may be necessary to enforce compliance with this article, to remove illegal or unsafe conditions or to secure the necessary safeguards. (6) To refuse, revoke and/or withhold permits, certificates and/or licenses when violations of the provisions of this chapter are found, construction is found non-compliant with approved plans, potential nuisances and/or trespass conditions may exist.”
- Ordinance No. 2026-25 to vacate and surplus properties on County Road 1466 (portions of PIN 6648, 6915, 9003, and 77318) not needed for any public or municipal purpose for their fair market values
The council passed resolutions to:
- Award the bid for a four wheel drive SUV for the Economic Development Agency to Bill Smith Buick GMC, the lowest responsible bidder, in the amount of $74,115.50
- Enter into a contract with JMCM Consulting for the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) for grant writing and administration services for the fire department
- Enter into a contract with Sain and Associates for traffic engineering services for a traffic signal design at King Edward Street and Third Avenue Southeast
- Accept a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $500,000 to implement the Neighborhood Improvement Project on Logan Street Southwest, Sixth Street Southwest and Austin Avenue Southwest, and to provide the matching funds of $288,767.75.
- Enter into a contract with Community Consultants to administer the CDBG Neighborhood Improvement Project on Logan Street Southwest, Sixth Street Southwest and Austin Avenue Southwest
- Enter into a contract with St. John and Associates for engineering services related to the CDBG Neighborhood Improvement Project on Logan Street Southwest, Sixth Street Southwest and Austin Avenue Southwest
- Authorize the mayor to submit an amendment request to ADECA on the County Road 222 project.
- Apply for a CDBG and an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to extend the sanitary sewer system to R.E. Garrison Trucking Company
The council approved alcohol license requests from:
- Prem Deep Corporation, dba Harry’s #58 located at 2100 Main Ave. SW for a “beer off-premises” alcohol license
- Sipsey Vineyard and Winery, LLC, dba Sipsey Wines located at 112 Clark St. NE for an “off-site tasting room” alcohol license, as the business relocates its tasting room from The Flying Fifty Hotel to the Warehouse District
The council held the first reading of an ordinance to regulate the installation and operation of public electric vehicle charging stations within the city of Cullman. According to the proposed ordinance, charging stations must be located at least 50 feet from any building for safety, and will require permits before installation by qualified contractors.
The council concluded by appointing Bradley Brock and Carrie Taylor to the Downtown Design Review Board for a term expiring Jan. 22, 2030.
The Cullman City Council meets next on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the city hall auditorium. The public is invited to attend.
