Nicholson Council Meeting Minutes
Monday, January 5th, 2026
6:30 P.M. Community Center
Attending: Mayor Steve T. Nichols, Council Member Lamar Watkins, Mike Barfield, Thomas Gary, and Josh Burkhalter, City Attorney Jody Campbell, Library Manager Rhonda O., Finance Director Glenda Cantrell, and City Clerk Irma Robles. For public assistance, refer to the attendance sheet. Not present: Public Works Director Doyle Samples and Mainstreet Newspaper Representative Betsy Allen (Draft minutes emailed to Betsy Allen and Angela Gary on 1/6/2026).
CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Steve T. Nichols called the Council Meeting on January 5th, 2026,
to order at 6:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Council Member Josh Burkhalter led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America flag.
APPROVAL OF JANUARY 5TH, 2026, COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA: Council Member Thomas Gary made a motion to approve the Agenda for January 5th, 2026, as presented. Councilman Mike Barfield seconded. There were no discussions, and all were in favor. The agenda was approved.
APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 1ST, 2025, COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES. Councilman Josh Burkhalter motioned to approve the Council Meeting Minutes on December 1st, 2025, as presented; Councilman Mike Barfield seconded. There were no discussions. All were in favor. The minutes were approved.
NOVEMBER 2025 FINANCIALS: Councilman Mike Barfield motioned to approve the November 2025 Financials as submitted. Councilman Josh Burkhalter seconded. There were no discussions. All were in favor. Motion was approved. November 2025 Financials were approved.
Swear-In Elected Officials – 4 Year Term: Josh Burkhalter & Thomas Gary: City Attorney Jody Campbell read the oaths and swore in elected officials Thomas Gary and Josh Burkhalter for the upcoming 4 Year term as council members for the City of Nicholson.
Councilman Lamar Watkins arrived at the meeting at 6:37 pm.
Appointment and Swear-In of 2026 Mayor Pro Tem: Mayor Steve Nichols advised that it is time for Council Member Mike Barfield (by alphabetical order) to be nominated as a Mayor Pro Tem for 2026. Councilman Josh Burkhalter made a motion to appoint Councilman Mike Barfield as the 2026 Mayor Pro Tem; Council Member Lamar Watkins seconded this motion. All were in favor. There were no discussions. Motion was approved.
Set Retreat Date and Location: 2026 Retreat was scheduled for Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, 9:00 am at the Library Annex Center.
Set Date for Independence Day Celebration Event: Council Thomas Gary suggested that Friday, July 3rd, 2026, as the date to celebrate Independence Day Festival. Councilman Josh Burkhalter recommended Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, because families typically travel out of town for the holiday on Fridays. Finance Director Glenda Cantrell mentioned that $10,000.00 has been allocated in the 2026 Budget for fireworks. Mayor Steve stated that the city will seek additional proposals and put on a better show than last year. Mayor Steve Nichols asked City Clerk Irma Robles to check the dates of nearby city Independence Day festivals.
OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS: N/A
- LIBRARIAN REPORT
Library Manager Rhonda O’Keeffe
The library is preparing for a big event in January. On Saturday, Jan 24, from 11-1, they will host the characters from the popular K-Pop Demon Hunter movie. This is extremely popular among elementary school children. The library has started promoting this program in-house, at EJES and SJES, and on social media. They are expecting a good turnout.
The Library Manager will attend an event at SJES plus visiting with PuRL at the school.
Sherri Stephens will read to the children at Candy Castle Daycare, host the Cookbook Club, and the Adult Reading Club. The Cookbook Club met today with soups/stews on the menu.
Sherri Stephens and Rhonda O. will attend the Summer Reading Program at the Jefferson Public Library (along with the other regional libraries) on Jan 30. They have already started booking programs.
Councilman Thomas Gary asked whether she had already begun applying for grants for these programs, and Rhonda said Sherri had begun seeking donations from local businesses. Councilman Josh Burkhalter asked what types of food gift cards she is looking for these programs, and she mentioned options such as Chick-fil-A, Arby’s, and others.
Rhonda O. requested additional recipes for the Cookbook. The library will be selling these cookbooks at the Daisy Festival.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Steve T. Nichols
-Mayor Steve mentioned that the city is still planning a date to dedicate the Margaret Ward building, and he is waiting for warmer weather to have this ceremony.
-Mayor Nichols told the city council that he should have the 2026 Road Paving Bid package ready by the end of this month.
CITIZENS REQUESTING TO SPEAK: Chad Paton. Mr. Paton introduced himself as a candidate for State House Representative District 120 to replace Houston Gaines in the May 2026 primary election.
MAYOR’S REPORT: Continuation
-Councilman Thomas Gary asked for an update on the new Public Works building, and Mayor Steve answered that the city is waiting for Jackson EMC to run the power, and after this, the building will be finished.
-Mayor Pro Tem Mike Barfield inquired about the old and unoccupied house sitting on a lot on Broad St, and City Attorney Jody Campbell advised City Clerk Irma Robles to open an investigation with Code Enforcement.
-Councilman Lamar Watkins asked about the red light on Brockton Rd/Jefferson Rd.
-Mayor Steve reminded everyone to attend the following events committee on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, at 6:00 pm.
Announcements:
*Next Work Session – January 22nd, 2026, at 6:30 pm
*Next Council Meeting– February 2nd, 2026, at 6:30 pm
ADJOURNMENT: Councilman Josh Burkhalter motioned to adjourn the January 5th, 2026, Council Meeting. Councilman Lamar Watkins seconded the motion, and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
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Approved by City Clerk Irma Robles