City aldermen fired up the grill Friday to cook hamburgers and hotdogs – to go along with potato salad, baked beans, cake and other delights – all to say thanks to city employees.

Aldermen Don Underwood (at large), James Magee Jr. (Ward 1), Shannon Moore (2), Charles Caston Sr. (3), Jeff Henning (4), Fletcher Grice (5) and Andre Spiller (6) worked together to bring the event to fruition.

On Friday afternoon, some of the aldermen watched the grill, while others left to gather more supplies for the cookout at the city barn off First Street.

“We wanted city workers to know we appreciate them,” Spiller said as he flipped a last burger before closing the lid. “It’s not just about work, but also about family.”

Underwood agreed, saying, “We wanted to show our appreciation of them.”

The aldermen plan for this to be the first of several cookouts. They are going to have one every month on a Friday. Next up they’ll cook for the City Hall employees, then the Brookhaven Police Department and finally for the Brookhaven Fire Department.

But the plans don’t include a one-year-and-done: “This is just the first year of many,” Magee added with a determined nod.

Smoke swirled in the building as Spiller opened the grill to check on things again. Underwood rubbed his hands together, seemingly pleased with how the cooking was going.

Outside, several vehicles were parked here and there, peopled with families wanting for a virtual dinner bell.

Spiller closed the grill once more and seemed pleased with things so far. Even the weather participated: A bright sun and a little bit of a cool breeze ensured a lovely day for a picnic.