2021 Year in Review Report

2021 City of Southside – Year in Review Report

The year 2021 was a transformative period for the City of Southside. Under the leadership of newly elected Mayor Dana Snyder, our dedicated teams and engaged community worked collaboratively to enhance infrastructure, bolster public safety, improve administrative processes, and celebrate local culture and economic growth. Below is an overview of the key achievements and forward-looking initiatives that defined our progress over the past year.

Infrastructure Improvements & Future Plans

This year, we made significant strides to upgrade and modernize our physical infrastructure:

  • City Hall Enhancements: We revitalized City Hall by installing new flooring and painting the interior, creating a more welcoming and professional environment.

  • Recreational and Public Space Development: Discussions and contracts were initiated for installing a new playground and upgrading the boardwalk and parking lot at Southside Landing. Plans to pave and landscape the riverfront are also under review.

  • Community Safety & Resilience: We advanced plans for a storm shelter on the south end of the city and submitted a grant application to secure funding. Additionally, comprehensive studies were conducted to address drainage issues in areas including Hawthorne, Linda Lane, Christopher Street, and the detention pond on Powell Street.

  • Strategic Master Planning: Bids were awarded for the bait shack at Southside Landing and the Strategic Master Plan for Southside was initiated. A community meeting held on November 4, 2021, laid the groundwork for a shared vision for the city's future.

  • Looking Ahead: Early discussions have begun for 2022 paving projects, improved access control and ID badges for City Hall, and a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an engineering firm to support our ongoing infrastructure development.

Collaboration with Other Entities

Our commitment to protecting and enhancing community welfare extended beyond our city limits through strategic collaborations and proactive advocacy:

  • Community Protection: We joined forces to oppose the construction of a rendering plant in a neighboring city—a project that could have negatively impacted nearby residential areas and the regional airport.

  • Fiscal Advocacy: The City stood firm against proposals to reduce the occupational tax, which is vital for funding public safety, educational initiatives, and other essential services.

  • Educational and Youth Initiatives: We partnered with the Etowah County Board of Education to improve lighting on the practice football field for our youth and worked with Gadsden State Community College to secure funding for an Advanced Manufacturing Center, bolstering local workforce development.

Grants & ARPA Fund Expenditures

Recognizing the importance of external funding, we carefully planned the use of Federal ARPA funds:

  • Strategic Investment: Discussions focused on deploying ARPA funding to enhance training programs, offer premium pay, upgrade infrastructure, and meet other critical needs, ensuring our investments yield maximum benefit for the community.

City Finances, Administration & Personnel

Efficient governance and responsible financial management were at the forefront of our administrative improvements:

  • Staffing Enhancements: A full-time assistant was hired to streamline operations in the mayor’s office, making the mayor’s office easily accessible by residents, businesses, employees and other local officials.

  • Technological Upgrades: The launch of a dedicated City of Southside app, alongside plans for a new email system and website, has improved communication with our residents.

  • Public Safety Infrastructure: We retained an architect and secured a USDA loan at a competitive rate of 2.5% for 30 years to support the development of a new fire station.

  • Operational Improvements: Discussions were held regarding vehicle upgrades for public works, police, fire, and administrative departments. The acquisition of Laserfiche software now enables efficient electronic records retention, enhancing our transparency and responsiveness.

  • Financial Oversight: Plans to create a finance director position—separating the duties of the city clerk—along with upgrades to our financial software and an in-depth municipal loan analysis by Frazer Lanier, have strengthened our fiscal foundation.

  • Future HR Initiatives: Early conversations have begun on establishing an updated Employee Handbook and implementing the city’s first-ever pay scale, effective January 2022.

City Events & Recognitions

Community engagement was a cornerstone of our 2021 activities, with a series of city events designed to bring residents together and foster a spirit of unity:

  • Community Health & Cleanliness: A successful blood drive was held at City Hall, underscoring our commitment to community wellness.

  • Citywide Clean-Up Day: Residents actively participated in a citywide clean-up day that included right-of-way (ROW) maintenance along city streets. This event not only beautified our public spaces but also strengthened community pride and cooperation.

  • Movie Nights: We launched a new series of movie nights, with the first event held on August 3, 2021, on the lawn beside City Hall, providing a relaxed, family-friendly setting for neighbors to gather and celebrate.

  • First-Ever Christmas Parade: In a festive and historic first, we held our inaugural Christmas Parade along School Drive, marking a new tradition that brought holiday cheer to the community and set the stage for future celebrations.

Economic Development

Focused efforts to stimulate local business and attract investment led to key economic milestones:

  • Business Expansion: The Blackstone Bait Shack secured a lease agreement and tax abatement, paving the way for a popular pizza establishment to open its third location on our picturesque riverfront. This venture promises to attract new visitors and invigorate local commerce.

Public Safety

Enhancing the safety of our community was a primary focus in 2021:

  • Leadership and Capacity Building: We welcomed new Fire Chief Wade Buckner, whose leadership has been instrumental in initiating plans for a new fire station.

  • Modern Equipment & Systems: Investments in critical safety equipment included purchasing a metal detector for the court, installing a fire alarm system in the Community Center, and upgrading radio equipment for the fire department. Additionally, the transition to an E911 dispatch system has improved response times and service efficiency.

  • Enhanced Personnel Support: In response to increased demand, five part-time firefighters/EMTs were added, and an administrative assistant was hired to support both the police and fire departments.

  • COVID-19 Measures: Throughout the year, robust COVID-19 restrictions were maintained to ensure the health and safety of our residents, even as we navigated challenging local cases and mortality rates.

Public Works & Building Department

Our commitment to a well-maintained city infrastructure was evident in our discussions and initiatives:

  • Infrastructure Maintenance: The department evaluated the feasibility of weekly debris pickup to ensure cleaner streets.

  • Strategic Land Use and Job Creation: Plans to purchase the “land between the bridges” were discussed, along with the potential of establishing a city-operated garbage service. This initiative not only aims to improve waste management efficiency but also to create local jobs and strengthen our community’s economic fabric.

Park & Recreation

Enhancing recreational facilities and community spaces was a key objective for our Parks & Recreation Department:

  • Management and Upgrades: A part-time community center manager was hired to oversee and enrich community programming. The city invested in new Christmas decorations while refurbishing existing ones to brighten public spaces during the holiday season.

  • Recreational Enhancements: Focused discussions on current and future projects at the Southside Sports Complex led to significant improvements, including an upgraded playground and the acquisition of movie equipment to support our popular movie night events.

Conclusion

In 2021, the City of Southside laid a solid foundation for future growth through thoughtful planning, strategic investments, and robust community engagement. Under Mayor Dana Snyder's new administration, every initiative—from infrastructure and public safety enhancements to innovative collaborations and administrative improvements —reflects our commitment to building a vibrant, secure, and forward-thinking community. We extend our gratitude to our staff, partners, and residents for their unwavering support and look forward to building on these successes in the coming year.

— City of Southside Mayor Dana Snyder