Each board of the City of Arab has a mission to fulfill its prescribed duties and responsibilities in service to the community.

City Boards serve a variety of functions, from industrial development to hearing personnel grievances. For the most part, board members are citizens who volunteer their time to assist the City in a number of ways. However, in some cases, the Mayor, City Council members and City staff personnel serve on some boards.

Usually board members are appointed to specific terms by the City Council as a whole; but, there are some instances, such as the Planning Commission, where the Mayor alone makes most of the appointments.

Many of the boards meet on a regular basis; however, others meet on an "as needed" basis. These usually involve some sort of appeal process. A majority of the boards are established according to a State statute; others are based on City ordinances.

Information in each board "location" above includes a brief description of the board's function. It also includes the terms of office for all members, plus the name of each member. Also, included is the regular meeting time, day, and place of those boards who meet regularly.

If you are interested in serving on a board, contact the Mayor, his Administrative Assistant or any Council member.

Beautification Board

Mission Statement :

The Arab Beautification Board has a broad mission to promote the welfare and beautification of the City of Arab. The board also serves as the official Tree Commission for the city.

General Information :

Becky Hawkins, Administrative Assistant
740 N. Main Street
Arab, AL 35016
Phone:(256)586-8128
Fax: (256) 586-9711

Meetings :

Regular board meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the Arab City Hall, unless re-scheduled. Call ahead to verify specific meeting date.

Terms :

The board is comprised of eight (8) members appointed by the City Council. Members serve three (3) year staggered terms.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The Arab Beautification Board was established in 1974 and appointed as the Tree Commission in 1989. Besides general objectives, the board has created several specific projects including an annual "Yards of the Month" program for both businesses and residences. A tree planting program as part of its Arbor Day celebration is a Tree Commission activity. The Beautification Board also identifies specific public landscaping projects – recommending them to the City Council for completion.

Commercial Development Authority

General Information:

Sammy Waldrop
740 North Main Street
Arab, AL 35016
Phone: (256) 586-3544 or 586-8128
Fax: (256) 586-9711

Construction Board of Appeals

Mission Statement :

The Arab Construction Board of Appeals is concerned with appeals of decisions and building code interpretations made by the City’s Building Inspector.

General Information :

Sammy Waldrop, Building Inspector
740 North Main Street
Arab, AL 35016
Phone: (256) 586-3544 or 586-8128
Fax: (256) 586-9711

Meetings :

Board meetings are held on an "as needed" basis, upon filing of an appeal or at the request of the Building Inspector.

Terms :

Nine (9) members are appointed by the City Council. Members serve four (4) year staggered terms.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The Arab Construction Board of Appeals is established and functions in accordance with requirements of the Standard Building Code enforced by the City. This board also serves as an Unsafe Structures Board to review structural condemnation recommendations by the Building Inspector.

Members :

Clarence Bagwell
Johnny Burks
Mark Gullion
Cathy Hallman
Jim Martin
John Tate
Travis Tidmore

Board of Education

Mission Statement :

The Arab City Board of Education is committed to providing excellence in academics and extracurricular programs for grades K-12. Through individual attention to students’ needs, a highly qualified teaching staff, modern facilities and strong community involvement, the Arab City Board of Education is committed to providing students with the skills necessary for a successful future.

General Information :

John Mullins, Superintendent
Office: 750 Arabian Dr., N. E.
Mailing: P. O. Box 740
Arab, AL 35016
Phone: (256) 586-6011
FAX: (256) 586-6013

Meetings :

Regular board meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month at the Arab Board of Education building (above address) unless re-scheduled. Call ahead to verify specific meeting date.

Terms :

The board is comprised of five (5) members appointed by the City Council. Members serve five (5) year staggered terms.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The Arab Board of Education is a corporate board charged with operating and maintaining the city’s school system. The system is comprised of four schools: a primary school, an elementary school, a junior high school and a high school. The Arab City School System is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), a national accreditation system. The board establishes policies, curriculum, budgetary controls and general supervision over approximately 200 faculty, 12 administrators, 112 support personnel, and nearly 2,600 students.

Members :

Emergency Management

Mission Statement :

General Information :

Ricky Phillips, Director
740 North Main Street
Arab, AL 35016
Phone: (256) 586-8128

Meetings :

Board meetings are held on an "as-needed" basis as requested by the EMA chairman.

Terms :

Members are appointed by the mayor for an unspecified term.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The City of Arab Emergency Management Agency is an organization of City departments and members of a volunteer Rescue Squad appointed by the Mayor. The Agency serves two primary functions: (1) to develop a plan designed to reduce the impact of disasters on our community and its citizens through proper planning, training and exercises; and, (2) to coordinate governmental and non-governmental organizations in the protection and care of the citizens of Arab during and after a disaster.

Emergency Siren Warning System:

The Emergency Management Agency operates and maintains a system of emergency warning sirens. Sites located throughout the city offer not only warning sirens when an emergency occurs, but provide verbal instructions to those in the vicinity of each siren/speaker. These instructions are designed to assist citizens in what to do and where to go in the face of an emergency.

Members :

Housing Authority

Mission Statement :

The Arab Housing Authority has a broad mission to provide housing to low and moderate income families and the elderly.

General Information :

Virginia Gullion, Director
720 Cullman Road
Arab, AL 35016
Ph.: (256) 586-5904

Meetings :

This board meets at the above address at 7:00 p.m., every third Monday of January, April, July and October. An annual meeting is held June 30.

Terms :

The board is comprised of five (5) members appointed by the Mayor. Members serve five (5) year staggered terms.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The Arab Housing Authority was established in 1950, with a primary function of providing decent, safe and sanitary housing for low and moderate income families, and for the elderly under guidelines established by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Authority owns, operates and maintains two housing projects with a total of 174 apartment dwelling units.

Members :

Gladys Duncan
Kim Holmes
Johnny Ingram
Bill Morgan
Tricia Bobo

Industrial Board

Mission Statement :

The Arab Industrial Development Board is concerned with the promotion and support of industrial and economic development of the community through marketing and acquisition of sites for industrial prospects interested in locating in Arab.

General Information :

Sammy Waldrop
740 North Main Street
Arab, AL 35016
Phone: (256) 586-3544 or 586-8128
Fax: (256) 586-9711

Meetings :

This board meets at the Arab Chamber of Commerce, 1157 North Main Street, at 6:00 p.m., every second Thursday of each month.

Terms :

Members are appointed by the City Council. Members serve four (4) year staggered terms.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The Arab Industrial Development Board is a corporate board which was established and functions in accordance with State law (Sec, 11-54-80 through 11-54-101). Additional statutes authorize the board to issue bonds for the purchase and development of industrial property. Such projects may be equipped, sold or leased to manufacturers within statutory guidelines.

Members :

Library Board

Mission Statement :

The Arab Library Board has a broad mission to establish and over see general public library policies.

General Information :

Meetings :

The Arab Library Board meets at the public library at 9:00 a.m. every other month beginning in January. The board meets on the third Tuesday of the months they do meet. Those wishing to attend should call the Library Director to ensure that the board is meeting on its regular scheduled date.

Terms :

The board is comprised of five (5) members appointed by the City Council. Members serve four (4) year staggered terms.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The Arab Library Board was created to oversee general public library policies and to submit annual library recommendations to the Mayor during the City’s budget preparation.

Members :

Personnel Grievance Board

Mission Statement :

The Personnel Grievance Board has a broad mission to promote fairness to all those involved in a grievance process regarding the City and its employees, and to advise the City regarding personnel problems.

General Information :

Tony Willis, Personnel Director
740 N. Main Street
Arab, AL 35016
Phone: (256) 586-8128
Fax: (256) 586-9711

Meetings :

This board meets on a called basis whenever a City employee has filed a personnel grievance.

Terms :

The board is comprised of three (3) members appointed by the City Council. Members serve three (3) year staggered terms.

Functions, duties, and responsibilities :

The Personnel Grievance Board was established in 1991, at the same time the City Council adopted a new Personnel Policy for its employees. The primary duties and functions of the board are part of the Personnel Policy, and include not only the scheduling and hearing of personnel grievances, but also to act in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council on problems concerning personnel administration.

Members :

Jim Manley
Glenda Leak
Richard "Dick" Black

Planning Commission

Mission Statement :

Implement growth policies, ordinances, and State Statutes designed to enhance and protect the general health, safety and welfare of the community.

General Information :

Fred Peterson, City Planner
740 North Main Street
Arab, AL 35016
Phone: (256) 586-3544 or 586-8128
Fax: (256) 586-9711

Meetings :

Regular board meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday every month at the Arab City Hall Courtroom. (Call City Hall for any changes or special meetings.)

Terms :

The board is comprised of a total of nine members. Six of these members are usually appointed by the Mayor and serve six years. The Mayor (or his replacement), Administrative Officer and City Council Member serve during time in office.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The Arab City Planning Commission specifically makes rezoning recommendations to the City Council, gives final approval of new subdivisions, approves and revises elements of comprehensive plan, and makes zoning code revision recommendations to the City Council.

Members :

Sewer Board

Mission Statement :

The Arab Sewer Board is committed to providing adequate and efficient sanitary sewer service to as many businesses and residences as possible in the Arab area.

General Information :

John Barnes, Manager
526 Cullman Road
Arab, AL 35016
Office: (256) 586-6148
Plants: 586-5898; 586-1703

Meetings :

Regular board meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Arab Water Works building (above address) unless re-scheduled. Call ahead to verify specific meeting date.

Terms :

The board is comprised of three (3) members appointed by the City Council. Members serve six (6) year staggered terms.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The Arab Sewer Board is a corporate board charged with operating and maintaining the city’s sanitary sewer system under guidelines established by its charter and State and Federal environmental standards. The board has its own staff qualified to operate its two treatment plants and maintain lines extending throughout the community. Those residents and businesses receiving sewer service pay charges as part of their water utility bill.

Members :

Jim Limperis
Frank Smith
Carl Wisener

Water Board

Mission Statement :

The Arab Water Board is committed to providing an adequate supply of potable water to customers throughout the City of Arab and the surrounding area.

General Information :

David Campbell, Manager
526 Cullman Road
Arab, AL 35016
Phone:(256)586-3159

Meetings :

Regular board meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Arab Water Works building (above address) unless re-scheduled. Call ahead to verify specific meeting date. To be on the agenda call ahead one week in advance of the meeting.

Terms :

The board is comprised of three (3) members appointed by the City Council. Members serve six (6) year staggered terms.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The Arab Water Board is a corporate board charged with operating and maintaining a potable water system under guidelines established by its charter and State and Federal environmental standards. The board has its own staff qualified to operate its treatment plant and to extend and maintain water lines for residential, business and industrial use, as well as fire protection. Besides serving customers inside the city limits, the board services a broad region outside the city, and "wholesales" water to several other small communities nearby. The Water Board billing includes its own user charges, as well as those established by the Arab Sewer Board. It also includes a majority of the solid waste collection fees collected on behalf of the City of Arab.

Members :

Rodney Hyatt, Chairman
Benny Hornsby
Wayne Washam

Zoning Board of Adjustment

General Information :

Fred Peterson, City Planner
740 North Main Street,
Arab, AL 35016
Phone: (256) 586-3544 or 586-8128
FAX: (256) 586-9711

Meetings :

Meetings are on a called basis whenever a petition is filed by a citizen or property owner for a specific appeal action. Notice for a petition hearing is published in the legal section of the Arab Tribune.

Terms :

Members appointed by the City Council and serve a term of 3 years.

Functions, duties, responsibilities :

The Zoning Board of Adjustment consists of five regular members and two alternate members who: (1)consider appeals or variances from the requirements of the City zoning regulations; (2) review requests for special exceptions; and, (3) review appeals from City zoning administrator decisions.

Members :

Alternates :