Council approves hiring of two firefighters in Russellville Fire Department

The Russellville City Council hired two firefighters and approved the transfer of a license to sell retail table wine (off premise consumption) at a short meeting Monday evening.

Following the recommendation of Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell, the council approved hiring Cody Frazier and Hunter Woodruff to Firefighter I positions with the Russellville Fire Department.

Additionally, the council declared a vacancy for an additional Firefighter I to be hired from the current Russellville Civil Service Board list. 

After a public hearing which saw no one speak for or against the application, the council approved the issuance of an alcohol license to sell Retail Table Wine to Legacy Food Mart, Inc., d/b/a Legacy Chevron, 13518 Highway 43 in Russellville.

The council previously approved the transfer request but due to an issue with the paperwork from that approval needing revision, the measure was again placed on the agenda for consideration.

Other actions approved by the council at its July 20th meeting included:

—approval of the annual Municipal Workers Compensation Fund Participation Agreement.

—authorizing the abatement of a nuisance at 501 Washington Avenue South. The property, owned by Brandon Waldrep, has seen overgrown vegetation, tall grass and weed growth on the front, side and backyard, according to the complaint filed by the city.

There have been no utilities at the property since March and it continues to be vacant, the complaint reads.

—heard a presentation from Ally Lee, Executive Director of the Attention Homes of Northwest Alabama, about what the non-profit agency does, how it benefits the City of Russellville and a request for funding in next year’s FY budget.

The next regular meeting of the Russellville City Council will be August 3, 2026, with work session at 6 p.m., and meeting to follow.