Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs (center, in gray shirt), Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson (holding award) and others pose with the Rainer Bauer Award from the Alabama Germany Partnership at the Cullman City Council meeting on Monday, March 9, 2026. (Chasady Woods/ The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council at its Monday, March 9, meeting discussed tourism activities, infrastructure updates, a major award and hemp regulations.
The meeting commenced as follows.As the floor opened for public comments, Mike Pitts, Republican candidate for Cullman County Revenue Commissioner, addressed the council and audience. Then local resident Elizabeth McDowell spoke before the council about the “What Would Jesus Do Act,” which is meant to establish a program for the protection and support of homeless individuals within the city limits. She proposed a $750 request to support temporary shelter for two individuals she has been assisting at this time. The council motioned to approve the following event requests:
The Alabama Wildlife Federation will host the annual Wild Game Cook-Off fundraising event at Depot Park on April 9, 2026, from 5-9:30 p.m.; it will be underneath the large pavilion Walk for Sacred Heart Church from St. Boniface Church in Hanceville to Sacred Heart Church on April 12, 2026, from noon-4 p.m.
In committee reports, Councilman Chuck Shikle said, “For the first time in a long time, our 911 operators are fully staffed.” Cullman County Tourism Bureau Executive Director Harmony Heard, advised that go.visitcullman.com is live. It features many businesses, eateries and everything you need to stay up to date with Cullman events. Under the “Plan Your Trip” tab on the home page, you will see “Weekend Itinerary.” This helps tourists narrow down their search, whether they would like to explore the downtown area, faith-based options or the perfect places for a girls’ trip. If you would like to display your business or event, email info@visitcullman.com. Heard advised all to keep an eye out for the upcoming newsletter.Councilman Paul Schaffer addressed wastewater treatment plant updates. Prep work on three concrete storage tanks in varying conditions began in January. The first tank was built in 1962 and the other two in 1982 and 1998. As of February, he said, 80% of the prep work has been completed. Recoating the exteriors will commence in April. Council President Kim Hall mentioned the new alert and notification system. Residents can simply text “CullmanAL” to 38276 to start receiving text alerts. Residents can also go to CullmanAL.gov/alerts and complete the sign-up form to manage the notifications they receive. Mayor Woody Jacobs in his report addressed paving in front of the new Redstone Federal Credit Union on U.S. Highway 31. He advised that, despite several complaints about the conditions, this was not the City of Cullman’s work, but the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). It has re-paved, but still has to complete the painting. “That’s all I have to say about that,” he concluded. Jacobs welcomed Nathan Anderson and team members of Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourismteam to recognize them for their role in the City of Cullman receiving the Rainer Bauer Award from theAlabama Germany Partnership. (See www.cullmantribune.com/2026/03/10/city-of-cullman-receives-rainer-bauer-award-from-alabama-germany-partnership) Cullman was acknowledged for its commitment to its German heritage through events such asCullman Oktoberfest and theCullman Christkindlmarkt, which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.Jacobs stated Cullman had welcomed 500,000 people to Cullman with Octoberfest and Christkindlmarkt. In new business, Hall addressed the council’s first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-33 to adopt regulations for the retail sale of hemp products within the city, which received a favorable recommendation from the Alcohol Review Committee. Shikle stated, “This is the most restrictive ordinance we can do on this particular agenda.”The State of Alabama passed the legalization of hemp products so the council has to pass regulations for businesses that aim to sell these products. There are distances from schools and churches as well as limitations such as no drive-throughs, displays and limited business locations. These establishments must be 1,000 feet away from schools and churches as well as 1,500 feet away from licensed locations already selling these products. Violations are punishable to up to $500 worth of fines per offense, business license revocation and injunctions. Products are limited to package stores and pharmacies to restrict access to children. The Cullman City Council will meet again on Monday, March 23, at 7 p.m. at Cullman City Hall. The public is welcome to attend.
