COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

Arab City Officials
Mayor | Place 1 | Place 2,Chairman Pro-tempore| Place 3 | Place 4 | Place 5 | Organization | Duties | Meetings

 

 
 Seated (left to right):  Chris McNeese, Council Place 4; Gary W. Beam, Mayor; Jimmy Reeves, Council Place 5
Stanting (left to right):  Ronny Shumate, Council Place 2 and Chairman Pro-Tempore; Brian Bishop, Council Place 3; Johnny H. Hart, Council Place 1
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Gary W. Beam, Mayor
740 North Main Street
Arab, AL 35016
Home: (256) 586-6420
Work: (256) 586-8128
Fax: (256) 586-9711

Thank you for visiting our web site.  Let me welcome you to Arab and tell you how glad I am that you are here.  We think everyone who visits our town is special, and we want to make your experience something to remember.  One unique feature about Arab, is that it is located on one of the highest points in the State of Alabama.  Arab is served by both U.S. Highway 231 and Alabama Highway 69, which intersect approximately in the center of our community.  Located just twenty minutes south of Huntsville and ten minutes from beautiful Lake Guntersville, Arab residents enjoy the quite, peaceful atmosphere of a small city with easy access to larger cities. 

 

            Over the years, Arab has evolved from a rural, agricultural community, to a modern, high tech, city with an excellent school system.  Our students have consistently scored above state levels on testing, and the Arab School System is currently ranked third best system in the State of Alabama, according to test scores. 

 

Most of our residents choose to live in Arab because of our superior school system, our close proximity to Huntsville and other larger cities, and, simply, because of the quality of life we are so richly blessed with.  Southern hospitality is abundant and opportunities are unlimited.  I believe that you will find that our people are our most treasured asset, and I invite you to stop by and let us show you around.

 

Thank you,

 

 

Gary W. Beam

Mayor

 

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PLACE 1
Johnny H. Hart
P.O. Box 947
Arab, AL 35016
Home phone:  (256) 586-5021
Cell:  (256) 302-4265
 

 

“I was born and raised in Arab, Alabama.  I am married to Linda (Betterton) Hart and have been blessed with three wonderful children and six grand children. For eighteen years, I worked as a city mail carrier for the Arab Post Office.  In addition, I was a realtor in Arab for over twenty years, much of which time, my brothers and I owned our own real estate company.  My father, Clyde Hart, was Mayor of Arab, and my older brother, Jimmy served for nine years as city commissioner under the commission form of Government.  I had the honor to serve as the Mayor of Arab for fourteen years, from 1988 until 2002, at which time I resigned to become director of Marshall County 911.

 

Arab is a unique and conservative Community with a great vision. Our School System is second to none, and is consistently ranked in the top five in most categories in the State of Alabama.  My three children graduated from Arab High School, and went on to achieve their Master Degree in different fields. I strongly support our school system and will work hard to maintain the standard of excellence we currently have.  I am committed to maintaining the level of funding necessary to continue providing a superior school system for our young people.

 

We have a strong Chamber of Commerce that works well with their members and the city government. The citizens of Arab are proud of the rich heritage that is so abundant here, and enthusiastically embrace the future and continued prosperity of our community.  If you are looking for a clean and beautiful community with good schools, friendly people, and strong family values, then Arab is the city for you.  We would gladly welcome you to Arab, Alabama.”

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PLACE 2
Ronny Shumate, Chairman, Pro-tempore
951 Fry Gap Road
Arab. AL 35016
Home: 586-5449

" I have been serving on the council since 2000. I was born and raised in the City of Arab, also I'm very proud to be a graduate of our fantastic school system. Arab is a very unique place. When people move here it only takes them a short time to call Arab their home. We have many opportunities for everyone already, and more on the way. Our motto sums it up,
"Arab, Proud of Our Past, Embracing Our Future".
I hope you decide to be part of our home. Welcome to Arab, Alabama! "

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PLACE 3
Brian Bishop
1001 Foxchase Drive NW
Arab, AL 35016
Home: (256) 931-5655
Email: bbishop@arabcity.org
 
"I am honored to be representing the citizens of Arab as a council member.  As a decendent of Stephen Tuttle Thompson, founder of Arab, my family has been involved in the growth of this city for many generations.  I am hopeful and optimistic that I can contribute to the continued success and progress as your representative.  Arab is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.  Low crime rates, fantastic schools, numerous recreational opportunities, and small town friendliness make Arab what it is - a great place to live and work.  If you have never visited our town, I invite you to come and see for yourself what an extraordinary city that Arab really is."
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PLACE 4
Chris McNeese
2046 Wedgewood Drive NE
Arab, AL 35016
Phone: (256) 586-6193

"I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Arab as a council member. My wife Jennifer, a native of Arab, and I knew that this would be the place to raise our family. I am excited to have my children attend school in the Arab school system. Our school system is ranked one of the best in the state. I can see why so many have chosen to call this place home. It is my intention to work closely with the other council members and the Mayor to overcome any obstacle that may keep Arab from being the best it can be. This council is truly team oriented and unified in continuing to maintain Arab’s hometown environment as we progressively grow toward the future."
 

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PLACE 5
Jimmy Reeves
1325 Wanda Drive NW
Arab, AL 35016
Home: (256) 931-6857
Cell:  (256) 200-4411
e-mail:  singforu@otelco.net

"I am excited and very honored to have the opportunity to represent the citizens of Arab as a member of the city council. I was born and raised here and it has been a  wonderful place to live and raise a family. My wife Sharron, daughter Emma and myself are all graduates of Arab High School and we are thankful for having the opportunity to be a part of such a great school system. My son Jesse will graduate in 2010 and I feel he will be prepared to continue his education in whatever field he chooses. I know that there are not many cities left in this entire country that offer people the way of life that Arab does. We are a prospering city with a hometown feel. For those who are looking to relocate, you will not be disappointed in choosing Arab!"

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ORGANIZATION

The Arab City Council is comprised of a Mayor and five Council members who stand for election every four years along with most other City elected officials throughout the state of Alabama. Members represent "places" or "seats" rather than running from a geographic district. Elections are City-wide. The next Council election will be held in 2012.

 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Council members serve part-time with the exception of the Mayor who is a part-time administrator of City government. The Council has a wide variety of responsibilities, including the setting of policies for City operations, the adoption of an annual budget prepared by the Mayor, and serving on various Council committees. Also, the Council holds various public hearings and considers zoning and other permanent ordinances and resolutions.

MEETINGS

The Council meets at City Hall on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month, unless otherwise scheduled. Usually, a workshop meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., with the regular meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. All meetings are public with the exception of those held in Executive Session. Topics discussed during such sessions are limited by State statute.

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