Operation ‘Clean Sweep’ making an impact in beautification efforts in the City of Russellville
Before the February 2nd Russellville City Council meeting began, Mayor David Grissom and several council members expressed their appreciation to the city employees taking part in Operation Clean Sweep, an aggressive program designed to clean up the city and address the many compliance issues plaguing it.
Operation Clean Sweep team members include City of Russellville License and Building Inspector Bill Fuller, Chief Joe Mansell, Justin Green and Michael Hall from the Russellville Fire Department, Chad Sheffield, the Russellville Police Department compliance officer and Street Department Manager Shannon Wilson.
Grissom and council members Lonnie Freeman and Darren Woodruff said they have received several phone calls from residents appreciative of recent cleanups in their neighborhoods.
The Operation Clean Sweep team met Monday to discuss ongoing cleanup efforts on properties where compliance notices have already been given to the property owners, as well as a list of new complaints they will investigate.
“I sat in on today’s meeting and I appreciate the good job these men are doing on compliance issues in the City of Russellville,” Grissom said. “Our citizens are noticing the improvements as well.”
Mansell said the effort is an everyday one, with across the board enforcement that doesn’t target one specific part of the city or demographic.
“This is something our mayor and council have wanted to see for a while and Mr. Fuller has taken the lead with this effort,” Mansell said. “We want our citizens to be aware these guys are coming around. If you move into Russellville, your property value shouldn’t decrease because of your neighbors.”
Compliance issues include a range of violations, from unkempt lawns to junk cars stored on property to trash and debris piled up at a property. Violation of the city’s ordinances dealing with property condition is a criminal offense that may be prosecuted in Russellville Municipal Court.
Fuller said as they address more properties, he’s starting to see increase cooperation from property owners.
“We had two the last week where the owner volunteered to tear down dilapidated buildings themselves without us having to get involved, other than notifying them of the violation. And we appreciate their willingness to correct the problems,” Fuller said.
Councilman Lonnie Freeman rode with compliance officials recently and saw first-hand how their work is making a difference in the way the city looks.
“I appreciate their efforts and I like how it’s being done in every district, not singling out just one. People may get a little upset about it, but it’s not a new policy. We want residents to know these ordinances are going to be enforced,” Freeman said.
Residents wanting to report a compliance violation are encouraged to call Russellville City Hall at 256-332-6060 and ask for Fuller.
In other agenda items at its February 2nd meeting, the council:
—approved a Russellville Municipal Airport agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for a flight inspection.
—authorized the Russellville Fire Department to submit changes in educational requirements for job descriptions to the Civil Service Board. Assistant Chief Randy Seal said the changes were needed to update the names of courses offered at the Alabama Fire College. Many courses have consolidated or changed names and the city’s job description for firefighters included the old names.
—accepted a letter of resignation effective immediately from RPD officer Randy Mansell and authorized advertisement for the position.
The next regular meeting of the Russellville City Council will be February 16, 2026 with work session at 6 p.m., and meeting to follow.