By Jeff Devine
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Ozark City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting. The council approved two rezoning ordinances, read aloud Mayor Blankenship’s Make a Difference Day proclamation, and scheduled the organizational meeting of the council following the inauguration, which will be held on November 3.
After calling the meeting to order, the City Council held public hearings on two proposed ordinances to rezone properties. First, the council considered the rezoning request for 1302 Willow Oaks Drive. This property used to be part of the Willow Oaks Golf Course. Councilman Winston Jackson asked for clarification since the agenda had a different address listed. Council President Brenda Simechak clarified that 397 Blake Drive, which was listed on the agenda, is the owner’s address. When Council President Brenda Simechak asked if anyone had any questions or concerns about the proposed rezoning, a woman who lives in the neighborhood stood to address the Council.
“I had to find out about this from someone in Florida, number one. I knew nothing about it and nothing was said to the neighbors and those who live throughout that area. My concern is, because of the way that golf course is laid out, what type of establishments are going in there…are apartments going in there or what are they asking to build there?”
At this point, Brett with the city addressed the council, saying, “Part of the problem is part of the property is R1 and part is RH, and the owner just wants to rezone r.”
The resident continued, “I’m surprised it’s just now it’s a little concerning to me…why would he be asking to rezone that property when it has been this way forever–since the Willow Oaks Golf Course was there.”
After the city employee over the department explained that the property owner has no plans to build anything there at this time, the resident reiterated her concerns that she and the other residents living in the neighborhood had heard nothing about it except from a friend who does not live in Ozark.
Simechak then asked if anyone wanted to speak about the second rezoning request for 473 and 493 Parker Drive. No one spoke.
Then, Councilman Les Perault read aloud Mayor Mark Blankenship’s proclamation declaring October 25 as Make a Difference Day. Perault was joined by members of the Carroll High School baseball team, Drs. Jason Thrower and Tim Bates of First United Methodist Church and Southside Baptist Church, respectively. Susan Judah also joined the group. The full proclamation and group photo can be found at the end of this article.
Judah encouraged everyone to get involved in Make a Difference Day. She said, “Get involved on Saturday. It can be something as simple as helping someone in their yard, working at Kidzone, or whatever is placed on your heart…please join us Saturday morning at First United Methodist Church.”
Simechak then reviewed the remainder of the agenda, and City Clerk/CFO Chris Peters brought up the inauguration, which is scheduled for November 3. He also pointed out the need to set the organizational meeting so it “Can be advertised and on the books.” After discussion, the council chose to set that meeting for 11:00 a.m. The Council also decided to add an agenda item.
Peters brought up the need to increase the ACH amount at Commercial Bank due to the increase in payroll. Peters asked the council to be authorized to increase the ACH amount to $250,000.
Simechak then asked if there were any department heads or other individuals who had any comments about agenda items or any other topics.
Ms. Bivins spoke about properties in her neighborhood that are not being maintained properly. Simechak informed Ms. Bivins about the process to lodge a complaint so the city can investigate the properties and notify the owners about the city’s ordinances about nuisance properties.
The council unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting. Then, the council voted on setting the agenda for the evening and adding number 8, authorizing Peters to increase the ACH amount at Commercial Bank.
Harlow then made a motion to introduce an ordinance rezoning 1302 Willow Oaks Drive. Perault seconded the motion, and all members voted to approve it.
Enfinger introduced a motion to adopt the ordinance to rezone 473 and 493 Parker Drive. Harlow seconded the motion, and all members voted to approve it.
Item number 7 is consideration for upcoming city council meetings. Jackson moved that the council holds the organizational meeting at 11:00 a.m. on November 3 at City Hall. The motion passed unanimously.
Item number 8 is for Chris Peters to increase the ACH limit to $250,000 at the Commercial Bank of Ozark. Perault made the motion to approve the item, and Jackson seconded it. The motion passed unanimously.
Final comments: Enfinger said, “I want to thank the citizens of Ozark for allowing me to serve as your councilmember for thirteen years. It has been an honor and a pleasure. I wish the new council the best…I ask everyone to support them and get behind them. And with regards to all the projects underway, please keep working on them. Thank you.”
Jackson said, “I just returned from the AUSA annual meeting in D.C. I got to see things for myself. There were about four of us who were recognized for over 25 years supporting the group. We have a new Secretary of the Army. He’s making a major transformation…and you will probably see some of the transformation at Fort Rucker…Hopefully Ft. Rucker will come out strong in gaining things and not losing anything. I just ask that everyone be mindful of the upcoming changes.”
Perault chose to bring attention to Carroll High School’s last football game in Headland on Friday. He also brought up that the basketball season begins Thursday, November 13, starting at 4:30.
Harlow chose to bring attention to the Halloween costume contest that Dale County Chronicle will host at the Farmers Market. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., and there will be three different age categories. The contest will precede trick or treating. Harlow also read a prepared statement. Here are a few excerpts from her statement:
“Serving from 2020 to 2025—especially as the only newly elected councilmember at the time—was both a unique challenge and a great honor. It gave me the opportunity to help shape the direction of our city in meaningful ways, and I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
“We increased the city’s general fund revenue by 23.5%, helping to secure essential services and projects. Even more notably, we grew the city’s reserve fund from $750,000 in 2020 to $3.8 million in 2025—establishing a much stronger financial foundation for the future.”
“More than 80 nuisance or abandoned properties were abated, helping revitalize neighborhoods and create new opportunities for development.”
“Every public playground in Ozark was renovated and updated—ensuring safe, welcoming spaces for our children to play and thrive.”
“We were the first city in the area to establish a successful entertainment district, bringing renewed energy and economic activity to our downtown.”
“Navigating the political landscape and balancing competing interests often tested my resolve. But those experiences only deepened my belief in public service and my commitment to doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy.”
“While I was not re-elected for the next term, I remain proud of what we accomplished during my time on the council. I’m taking this moment to refocus and reprioritize—and to explore new ways to serve the Ozark community.”
“To the people of Ozark: thank you for your trust, your support, and your partnership. Together, we’ve laid a strong foundation, and I look forward to seeing all the ways this city will continue to grow and thrive.”
Since outgoing Mayor Mark Blankenship was not in attendance, Councilman Les Perault read the proclamation. It reads, in part, “since 1992, make a difference day has been recognized in October as a national holiday dedicated to volunteering and has become the largest National Day of Community service in the United States; and connecting with others and working together through volunteering can bridge the differences that separate people and help solve some of the serious social problems facing us as a nation; and volunteering is a powerful way to develop and spread unity and respect among all people across all religions, beliefs, ethnicities, economic standings, and nationalities; and Ozark is fortunate to have so many caring residents who are willing to give of their valuable time, energy, and talents to make a difference in the lives of others and in the community;…be it resolved that I, Mark Blankenship, Mayor of the City of Ozark, hereby declare October 25th as Make a Difference Day in the City of Ozark, Alabama, and urge all citizens to join me in observing this day by connecting with friends, coworkers, relatives, and with religious school and Civic groups to engage in projects benefiting our community.” For the full proclamation, see below.
Simechak chose to express gratitude to Enfinger and Harlow for their service on the City Council. “Both of your services have been an inspiration in completely different ways. Stanley is very resolute in his beliefs, and it was always interesting to watch the innovator {Harlow] come in go, ‘I want to do this, I want to do this, I want to do this,’ and Stanley go, ‘But that’s not the way to do it.’ But us as a team, that’s what a council does. We are not always going to agree…that’s the beautiful thing about our freedom to elect our representatives. That we are electing five different minds that have one goal, and that goal is the betterment of our city…As long as we are all team Ozark, we are going to survive and push forward. Thank you both for your service and for what you will do in the future.”
Before adjourning, Simechak announced that Dale County Night of Bands will take place at Matthews Stadium on Monday, October 27, starting at 6:00 p.m. The bands from each of the area schools will be putting on their halftime performances.
The meeting was then adjourned.
