Eutaw’s City Council met on October 13, 2026, at 5:00 pm. Councilman Jonathan Woodruff was not present, and Councilwoman Watkins arrived after the council decided to omit the executive session from the agenda. Previous minutes were approved, and there was no old business to address.

The City Council announced that construction of City Hall’s roof was now complete, and council members will soon discuss painting the building. Other upcoming projects for City Hall include ceiling restoration and fixing the women’s restroom. 

Before his own report, Mayor Corey Cockrell yielded the floor to Miriam Leftwich, president of United Purposes. Leftwich came to ask for the city’s support in hosting a motorcycle ride and fellowship luncheon for local veterans on Saturday, November 7th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Thomas Gilmore Square. The event will feature motorcycle rides around the square with luncheon plates being sold for $10 to raise money for United Purposes. The plates will include a barbecue entrée, dessert and beverage. 

Mayor Cockrell then informed citizens that a cleanup of the city’s trash dump is underway. The city hopes to receive assistance from the County Commission’s unauthorized debris fund in the amount of $50,000. The cleanup is necessary for Eutaw to remain compliant with Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) standards. 

It was also announced that a 7/11 is coming to the city of Eutaw. Mayor Cockrell stated this is a “dream that has become reality.” The 7/11 will be located near the Love’s at Exit 40, near Alabama State Route 14. Officials are currently waiting for a groundbreaking date.

During council member reports, Councilwoman Valerie Watkins asked for a progress update on hiring a new Chief of Police. Mayor Cockrell stated that interviews are being scheduled. While all council members can view the submitted resumes of candidates, only one council member can be present for the interviews. Council members will then collectively vote on the top 3-4 candidates. Interview results will not be made public.

Watkins then expressed safety concerns regarding gatherings at a local restaurant, Main Street Grill and asked Mayor Cockrell if there was a plan in place to address them. Mayor Cockrell stated that council members were given a plan to review and an ordinance would be instituted. Terrell Taylor, one of Main Street Grill’s owners, stated that he is fully committed to working with the city so that the restaurant’s atmosphere is suitable for patrons of any age.

Councilwoman Carrie Logan announced a “Boonanza” organized by the Eutaw Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 29th from 5:00-6:00 pm. Administrative Assistant Joe Powell also announced a Halloween event, a Trunk or Treat, organized by the Children’s Policy Council on October 31st from 4:00-7:00 pm.

The City Council discussed the following new business items:

1. Resolution Number 2026-21: Roundabout and Sidewalk Improvements at the intersection of State Route 13 (Highway 43) and State Route 14
2. Create an ordinance to address citizen concerns regarding Main Street Bar and Grill
3. Tabled claims submitted by David Gandy
4. R.H. Young Community Center Mold Test; considering DMR Tech Services LLC for $1,350
5. Approved Travel/Per Diem Request for Councilwoman Carrie Logan to attend the 2027 Economic Development Academy Orientation, Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in Mobile, Alabama.
6. Approved Travel, Lodging, and Per Diem for Councilwoman Tracey Hunter to attend the 2026 Municipal Leadership Institute & Graduation Ceremonies, October 19-22, 2026, in Mobile, Alabama.
7. Approved Travel, Lodging and Per Diem for Councilman Lorenzo French to attend the 2026 Municipal Leadership Institute & Graduation Ceremonies, October 20-22, 2026, in Mobile, Alabama.
8. Approved Per Diem Request for Mayor Corey Cockrell to attend the 2027 Economic Development Academy Orientation, Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in Mobile, Alabama.
9. Approved Travel, Lodging and Per Diem for Ke’Undra Cox, City Clerk, to attend the Municipal Clerks Annual Conference, November 4-6, 2026, in Orange Beach, Alabama.
10. Approve Annual Software Maintenance Agreement Between the City of Eutaw and BBl, Inc.
11. Declared the Fire Engine located at the airport as airport surplus
12. Approve Payments of Bills.

During public comments, Chairperson of the Eutaw Airport Authority Board John Cashin thanked the City Council for working with the airport regarding the fire engine on its grounds. He stated that having an operable fire engine is imperative for the airport’s compliance. He also invited the public to the next Airport Authority board meeting on Wednesday, October 21st, at noon in City Hall for more updates.

Eutaw Housing Authority Resident Manager Mollie Gaines invited attendees to a Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Program on Thursday, October 29th, at 4:00 pm. She expressed that it was imperative for the public to understand that domestic violence is not always physical, and that there are ways to seek help confidentially. 

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27th at 5:00 pm

Featured Image: Building Inspector Cliff Taylor ensuring the roof is compliant with safety regulations (Photo from City of Eutaw)