DOTHAN: In today’s Dothan Commission Meeting there was a lot of activity and discussion. Some important information you might want to watch.
D4 Dothan Commissioner Dave Stock pointed out the commission is making board appointments. Some board appointments might change. That is not because there is anything with who the people are or that they have done anything wrong. But some commissioners have questioned why people are serving 18 years on the board and new people are not given the opportunity to serve. This has met some opposition and some attacks on D4 Commissioner Dave Stock. But the Commissioner made it clear it is not about who the current board members are but being open to allowing others to serve.
Quick summary, at the recomendation of Dothan City Manager Randy Morris, Mayor Saliba and the Associate Dothan Commissioners voted David Hasty as the new Dothan Fire Chief. This appointment will take place on January 1, 2026 on the retirement of Dothan Fire Chief Larry Williams. Another item is new software for the Dothan Business License procedure and permit procedure which can be done online now.
The meeting was about 1 hour and 40 minutes. A lot of discussion on the Hwy. 84 East overlay map. In 2019, hidden in the details of the overlay map, was 54 acres for an apartment complex on Beverlye Road and Rowland Road. The project was presented under former Dothan Commissioner of District 3 Albert Kirkland. It was voted on shortly after the change of District 3 Commission. The apartment complex feature was hidden in the details. D3 Commissioner Bradley Bedwell voiced thanks to the some 200 plus people who signed a petition for this issue to be changed and not allow the apartment complex. You will hear in the discussion where Planning and Zoning Director Todd McDonald apparently overstepped his position in attempting to make the commission go against the will of the people.
After a long discussion period, voting in favor of the people’s wishes were D1 Commissioner Daniels, D2 Commissioner Kirksey, D3 Commissioner Bedwell and D4 Commissioner Dave Stock. Voting against the people who signed the petition, D5 Commissioner Pearce and D6 Commissioner Crutchfield. Did not hear the vote of Mayor Saliba, The issue died but will re-surface in 30 or 90 days. Not listened to all of the meeting.
