TAYLOR: 6:00 PM. The Taylor City Council Meeting met tonight at 6:00 PM in a regular scheduled meeting. Mayor Robert Lamb, Councilman Kelly, Peterman, Thompson and Milner were present. One councilman was not present.
Last meeting this council voted in a new council member, Brad Martin. Before the meeting Mayor Robert Lamb swore Martin in and he took seat tonight in his first meeting.
Former Taylor Mayor Billy Snell was present and in the audience.
Travel reimbursement from Councilman Kenny Thompson which was approved. No mention of amount.
Travel reimbursement from Councilman John Milner which was approved. No mention of amount.
Travel reimbursement from Mayor Robert Lamb which was approved. No mention of amount.
No further business and meeting adjourned at 6:08 PM.
One item carried over from last meeting was the termination of Taylor Police Chief James Brazier by newly sworn in Mayor Robert Lamb. Sworn in at 8 AM by 8:45 AM Lamb had terminated Brazier as Police Chief and he left the building walking. Lamb did not consult the Taylor City Council before his termination although it was rumored for weeks that when he took office his first plans were to terminate Brazier. Brazier appealed but last meeting said until his attorney was present he was not going to speak.
The current Mayor, Robert Lamb, was Code Enforcement Officer when Chief Brazier started. Lamb later took a leave of absence to seek office of Mayor. Prior to taking office as Mayor Lamb was vocal that he did not like Police Chief James Brazier.
There was no mention of the hearing for Brazier and no mention of appointing an Interim Police Chief by the City Coincil.
ADMINISTRATIVE MEETING
The Taylor City Council then went into the Administrative Meeting following the regular meeting. Racheal Smith of Wiregrass Pet and Adoption Center. Very full of pets. She sent a contract. They have been open for 2 months and took over from the Dothan Animal Control Center. Animal Control is still legally to be operated by the municipality. The Wiregrass Pet and Adoption Center outlines the animal shelter agreement with City of Taylor. If they have a stray animal officer they can bring to the center. They are a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ). The fee is $ 12.00 a day for 7 days. They hold the animal for 21 days. With this being a new shelter they have more resources to place animals. All municipalities pay the same for all municipalities.
Mayor Lamb said they donated money for the building. A yearly pledge for 5 years of $ 18,715.00, which is $ 3,750.00 a year for five years to construct the building. This was only towards construction of the building but not housing of the animal. Councilman Thompson asked if a citizen brings the animal how do they know and they were told those are the first questions they ask and verify on anyone bringing in the animal. They can not take owner surrender animals only stray animals.
Taylor has a leash law.
If over the 21 days, a number picked, and the shelter is trying it to see how works out for the first years. All numbers can be seen on the website.
Former Mayor Billy Snell gave an update on DCLARK Road. Everything signed but one person to give the road back to where it belongs.
Snell said Taylor got $ 170,000.00 from Houston County in the lodging that’s. Snell presented plans, taking in a perimeter of the softball complex where the pavilion was. This is county money that will be spent. Two playgrounds, picnic tables and something children can enjoy. Was hoping to get the crosswalk joined. The next round of money, if council approves, the softball fields fixed.
The City of Taylor has to present invoices to Houston County to be paid back. The pavilion is about 80% complete. Snell got some pricing on some lighting and they have some money left over and some sod around the pavilion.
Councilman Thompson asked about the existing swing sets. Thompson said parking is close and Snell suggested to get rid of them or re-locate. If damaged perhaps purchase some new swing sets. The skateboard park and basketball parks currently stay pretty busy. Snell said we get this money and accountable for it, and they are putting this back for the children. Snell thanked the council for taking care of the kids.
Houston County has not decided how to get money in the future. This first round of money was to improve what was on Highway 605.
Next Snell said they had talked months ago about a house purchase on Littlefield. Snell said the City is already outgrowing this building. The City Council had talked moving the Police Department to the house on Littlefield Road. It is structurally sound but needs about $ 30,000 of renovations. Snell said that is not completely renovated but making it better. Mayor Lamb asked if Snell checked for termite and he said no but going to pull some siding out.
Councilman Thompson if they would have to bid and Snell said a construction manager would be better and if they used construction manager route was taken you would see all money spent. Snell said the project would take two to three months. Asked about parking Snell said there would not be a lot of traffic because the Magistrate would remain in the current city hall and would court.
Snell said he would bid out to a couple of site contractors and would ask the county what they could do.
Snell said they have 80,000 to 90,000 left over out of the $ 170,000.00 allocated by the county. The new playground equipment is to be in Taylor by next week.
Councilman Thompson said put the lights on the agenda but hold the police station for more discussion. Mayor Lamb said they are going to wait and talk about Wiregrass Pet later. Councilman Thompson said it is what it is and the only alternative and need to move that contract forward to the next meeting.
Councilman Milner said he agrees with Mr. Snell the mulch on the old playground does need to be replaced and that item should be on the agenda.
The City Clerk said Rehobeth conversation with Rehobeth on EMS and when payments are due. There is some discrepancies on when payment is due. Councilman Thompson said to Mayor Lamb that is his issue. Thompson questioned if they need to pay monthly so they can monthly if they need to pay people. Mayor Trotter thought the payment was due October 1 but Thompson said he thought after services rendered. Snell said quarterly payments due. The council looked at the contract. Councilman Thompson said he has no issues if they need to pay monthly because it is a positive thing having the ambulance in Taylor. Mayor Lamb said he will get with Mayor Trotter because Taylor needs the service.
Councilman Thompson said the 3 or 4 minute difference in response if tremendous and can make a lot of difference.
A zoning class is coming to the Chamber and $ 750.00 per person. It is important for someone to attend. Mayor Lamb said two off each board. Councilman Thompson said crunch numbers. Everyone needs to go but that is a lot of money. It is cheaper online. The City Clerk said they need answer ASAP.
HOUSTON COUNTY: 4:56 PM A Houston County Sheriff Deputy was in a brief chase which ended on Memphis Church Road at Magnolia Bay. This is near the end of Memphis Church Road and Eddins Road.
The black male subject,, who had multiple arrest warrants bailed on foot with the Houston County Sherifff Deputy hot on his rear. Multiple Houston County Sheriff Deputies responded.
Within minutes the Houston County Sheriff Deputies had the suspect in custody.
4:57 PM Houston County Sheriff Lt. Cody Brock called for rescue. The suspect claims he has asthma. His brief run flared his astma has he is proud receipients of new bracelets!!! Rehobeth Fire – Rescue has been dispatched.
5:48 PM A Dothan Police Patrol Officer who was going on duty came up on the Houston County Sheriff Deputy as the suspect bailed and assisted in the apprehension of the suspect.
DOTHAN: Dothan Commission met this morning in a regular scheduled meeting. Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba and all Associate Dothan Commissioners present.
Commissioners Daniels and Kirksey said a lot of work going on around the city and working to make Dothan better. Thanks for the opportunity to serve and wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Commissioner Dave Stock said many ribbon cuttings recently and thankful for those and the opportunities they open for the future. Commissioner Stock said the recent ribbon cutting for Southeast Health with an $ 81 million dollar investment with anew emergency department. Dothan is blessed with two great healthcare facilities. Commissioner Stock also mentioned the report cards for the schools and the improvements made. While not where we all would exactly like to be but our education system is improving and due to the hard work of the Superintendent, teachers and staff and hard work of the students.
Commissioner Stock said thank you to all who call about issues. That he loves to help and thank you to the community for trusting the City of Dothan to help. Commissioner Stock said government is here to serve the people.
Commissioner Crutchfield thanked ALDOT with the progress being made and hope soon the construction will be complete. Commissioner Crutchfield wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Mayor Mark Saliba was excited about the recent CSX Designation. He said that will open great doors for Dothan in industry and job recruitment. Mayor Saliba applauded the management team and Healthcare Board of Southeast Health for the recent ground breaking of the new $ 81 million dollar expansion of the emergency department.
Dothan City Manager Randy Morris said with Thanksgiving the Dothan City Offices will be closed Thursday and Friday. There will be trash collection changes and check Dothan.org.
Dothan City Manager Randy Morris also announced some upcoming concerts in Porter Park. And on December 2 at 5:30 PM in Porter Park the Christmas Tree Lighting will be held.
Dothan City Manager Randy Morris said Dothan Fire Department was honored with a statewide award at the Alabama Emergency Medical event in Orange Beach with the Statewide EMS Award.
AGENDA ITEMS – SEE VIDEO
ITEM 13 – “Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate lease agreements for tenants of the Wiregrass Innovation Center in the best interest of the City and to provide the Board of Commissioners with regular updates on said lease agreements.”
D4 Dothan Commissioner Dave Stock spoke and said the commissioners are the elected representatives and they want the lease agreements to come before the commissioner for approval. That throughout his campaign the people wanted more transparency. D1 Commissioner Daniels agreed. When called for a vote Mayor Saliba, D5 Commissioner Gant Pierce, D6 David Crutchfield voted in favor and D1 Daniel’s, D2 Kirksey,, D3 Bedwell and D4 Stock voted in opposition. The motion died.
Received some opposition to this item where the City Manager had the authority to negotiate leases in the Hudson – Alpha Building. This motion died in a 4 to 3 vote.
You can view video for other items.
DOTHAN COMMISSION AGENDA
AGENDA
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
DOTHAN, ALABAMA
10:00 A.M., NOVEMBER 18, 2025
1. Invocation: Pastor Ralph Sigler – Harvest Church
2. Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Pierce
3. Roll Call- Saliba__Daniels__Kirksey__Bedwell__Stock__Pierce__Crutchfield__
4. Approval of Previous Minutes-
Minutes of November 4, 2025 Meeting
5. Communications from Mayor and City Commissioners:
Proclamation – “Farm-City Week” – Farm-City Committee Chair Micah Johnson and Committee Member Gloria Jeffcoat6.
6. Communications from City Manager:
Service Award – Annie Baxter, Public Works Department – 25 years
7. Communications from City Clerk:
8. Public Hearing regarding the rezoning of approximately 3.13 acres located southwest of the intersection of Buckingham Drive and Graceland Drive. (Reference Item 10.)
9. Public Hearing regarding the assessment of weed abatement costs against various properties (Reference Item 11.)
10.Ord. No._________Rezoning property owned by Burt Pace Inc. & HP & Etals, located southwest of the intersection of Buckingham Drive and Graceland Drive, from A-C (Agricultural-Conservation) District to B-2 (Highway Commercial) District.
11. Res. No._________Confirming the costs incurred in weed abatement of properties determined to be nuisances and turning the amounts over to the county tax collector to be added to the next regular bills for taxes levied against the properties.
12. Res. No. _______ Entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology for the Wiregrass Innovation Center Collaboration.
13. Res. No. _______ Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate lease agreements for tenants of the Wiregrass Innovation Center in the best interest of the City and to provide the Board of Commissioners with regular updates on said lease agreements.
14. Res. No. _______ Entering into an MOU with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for reimbursement of costs associated with the maintenance of the building located at 1946 Ennis Road.
15. Res. No. _______ Entering into an agreement with Barge Design Solutions, Inc. to perform program support and engineering services in association with maintaining the Capacity, Management, Operation, and Maintenance Program and Dothan Clean Waters Program for a one (1) year period for $300,000.00.
16. Res. No. _______ Approving Change Order No. 1 (final) with L and K Contracting Co. Inc. for the 2022 Woodland Redwater Project to add $48,237.00 to the original contract amount, resulting in a final contract price of $5,439,587.00.
17. Res. No. _______ Approving Change Order No. 2 (final) with L and K Contracting Co. Inc. for the 2022 Ross Clark Circle Watermain Improvements Project to deduct $135,533.50 from the contract amount, resulting in a final contract price of $6,999,827.50.
18. Res. No. _______ Accepting the proposal from UES Professional Solutions 18 LLC, for services related to the City Hall Annex project for the not to exceed amount of $84,000.00, and appropriating funds for said proposal.
19. Res. No. _______ Submitting an application to Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc. for a fee of $1,750.00 and entering into related agreement documents to perform a survey within the right of way.
20. Res. No._________Agreeing to the replat and transfer of a portion of the Houston County Farm Center Property to Houston County for subsequent transfer to the Houston County Public Building Authority for the construction of a new Alabama Department of Human Resources building and parking lot.
21. Res. No._________Declaring certain personal property as obsolete and no longer needed for public or municipal purposes and authorizing the disposal of said property by whatever means is determined to be in the best interest of the City.
22. Res. No._________Approving payment of invoices for the month of October, 2025 in the amount of $32,263,723.66.
23. Res. No._________Approving other purchases over $30,000.00 by the City, and appropriating funds for said purchases.
24. Res. No._________Approving advance travel requests for City employees.
Montgomery Police say a suspect is now in custody following a shooting in mid-July that left a Dothan man dead and another injured.
Investigators report that officers and fire medics were dispatched to E. Sixth Street, near the 2300 block, just before 6 a.m. on July 16 after multiple calls about gunshots in the area. When first responders arrived, they found 32-year-old Eric Major with a gunshot wound. Major, who was originally from Dothan, died at the scene despite emergency efforts.
Another man was also hit by gunfire during the incident. Authorities say he survived his injuries and was taken to a local hospital for medical care.
On November 17, police arrested 37-year-old Lequinton Smith in connection with the shooting. Smith has been charged with Murder and Attempted Murder and is being held at the Montgomery County Detention Facility.
Officials noted that while charges have been filed, Smith remains presumed innocent until proven guilty through the judicial process.
DOTHAN: 11:01 PM MONDAY – Dothan 911 dispatched a structure fire at 2100 Cecily Street in Dothan to reports of a structure fire. The reports to Dothan 911 were flames visible from a shed in the backyard.
Multiple Dothan Fire Engine Companies responded. On arrival the primary fire engine company reported it was a shed on fire in the back yard. Dothan Fire made an aggressive attack on the fire. No one was inside. Equipment damage on what equipment was inside.
The homeowners were not aware the shed was on fire until alerted by neighbors. The shed was a total loss but Dothan Fire was quick to contain the fire.
DOTHAN: 12:21 PM Dothan 911 dispatched a structure fire at 123 Trunbury Drive in Dothan. This is off Flowers Chapel Road.
Reports to Dothan 911 smoke and flames visible from backyard spreading towards residences in the area.
On arrival of the first Dothan Fire Engine Company they reported this was an outdoor fire. The fire had already burned a fence and was spreading into the yeard next door.
At 12:33 PM the primary Dothan Fire Engine Company instructed all incoming engines to return to service and the primary engine company could handle.
