By Jeff Devine
MIDLAND CITY—The Midland City Council met this week for its regular scheduled meeting. The council approved all agenda items during the meeting held on Tuesday, December 16.
Following the call to order, roll call, and the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, council members proceeded with routine business, including the approval of the minutes from the December 2 council meeting and authorization of city bills.
Under new business, the council considered several infrastructure projects that the leaders hope will improve areas within the city. First, the council approved Resolution No. 2025-33, authorizing the city to pursue a permit through the Alabama Department of Transportation to construct a new crosswalk. City officials stated that the project aims to enhance pedestrian safety.
The council also approved a quote to repair sidewalk vandalism on Kimberly Drive. The council added this project–which will cost approximately $7,000 according to one government official–to the agenda to effectively address the concerns brought forth by residents about the vandalism. A Midland City resident named Stephanie spoke with the Dale County Chronicle via social media about the vandalism and the city council’s response.
“I was happy that they [the city council] listened to our concerns and are quickly taking action to fix it. I’m glad to see the work will be done,” she said.
In another infrastructure matter, members approved a separate quote to repair the city’s sanitary sewer monitoring equipment, which officials said is critical for tracking system performance and preventing service disruptions.
The infrastructure project is expected to cost approximately $30,000, according to a government official, though when we receive the exact costs, we will update the article.
The City Council then moved on to personnel appointment considerations. Two personnel appointments were finalized during the meeting: the council adopted Resolution No. 2025-34, formally appointing a city clerk, Wendy Ward, who will take office effective January 5. Ward is replacing Jereme Creamer as city clerk.
Additionally, the council approved, by a split vote, Resolution No. 2025-27, approving the appointment of a new police chief. The council approved Mayor Grimsley’s appointment of Keith Gray as the new chief of police, replacing current police chief Willie Powell.
The meeting concluded with an opportunity for public comments, followed by a motion to adjourn.
The Midland City Council is expected to continue addressing infrastructure improvements, including street repairs, as well as administrative matters in upcoming meetings. The next meeting is set for January 6, with the work session starting at 5:30 p.m. This is the portion of the meeting when the mayor and city council members discuss and finalize the agenda items. The regular meeting, which immediately follows the work session and typically starts at or around 6:00 p.m., is the portion of the meeting when council members vote on whether to approve or reject the agenda items. Meetings take place at the Midland City Senior Center, located at 1338 Hinton Waters Ave., Midland City, Alabama.
