Development News for Cullman, Alabama

Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation Project Approved; Tax Abatement for New Industrial Project Granted

Resolution 26106 was adopted to enter into a contract with Goodwin Mills Kaywood for the airport taxiway rehabilitation project. Ben Harrison explained that this is an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant project. The total project cost is approximately $279,000, funded 90% by federal AIP funds, 5% by state funds, and 5% by local funds. The local 5% share is split between the city and county, with each contributing about $3,076. Goodwin Mills Kaywood will serve as the engineer of record and administer the grant and engineering services. Additionally, Resolution 26107 was approved for a tax abatement for 'Project Panel,' a new industrial project investing $5.3 million and creating 18 jobs, with a 10-year abatement on non-education portion of sales and use taxes.

Special Event Requests Approved by Council

The council approved several special event requests: Vacation Bible School by St. Paul's Lutheran Church on 6th Street Southeast from June 1st-4th, 2026; a race to restock scavenger hunt by the LINK on June 6th, 2026, at the Chamber of Commerce Breezeway; a tasty Tuesday event by the Chamber of Commerce on June 16th, July 21st, and August 18th on the parking deck; and a 5K fund run by the Friends of the Public Library on October 24th, 2026, at the library.

Council Approves Job Description Updates, Landfill Obligation Assurance, and Retiree Bonus

Resolution 2026-109 was adopted to approve updated job descriptions for the court, garage, sanitation, street, and right-of-way departments. Council Member Schaefer reported on water and wastewater, noting full lakes due to recent rain and successful management of the waste treatment plant. The 24th Street utility project is progressing with boring under railroad tracks. Resolution 2026-110 was adopted to assure the financial obligations of the sanitary landfill, with the city guaranteeing 50% of the closure cost ($6.4 million) should the landfill be unable to meet its obligations. This is a requirement for operation, reaffirmed annually, though ADIM allowed a waiver for the past three years. The landfill has an estimated 130 years of life remaining. Resolution 2026-111 was adopted to authorize a one-time bonus for city retirees, costing $57,520, with each retiree receiving $1 per month of credited service.

Properties Declared Public Nuisances; Hearing Set for June 22nd

Resolution 2026-109 was adopted to declare two properties, 1315 Maple Drive Northwest and 611 Cleveland Avenue Southwest, as public nuisances. Blake Calvert explained that property owners were notified multiple times without success in abating the issues. The resolution sets a public hearing for June 22nd, requiring notification via certified mail, newspaper publication, and posting signs on the properties. Property owners have five days to file objections or appear before the council. If the city or a contractor abates the nuisance, the costs will be charged to the property owner as a weed lien. Council discussed that once declared a nuisance, subsequent violations would not require the full process again.