City Council

Council Minutes December 1, 2020 – 2:00 p.m. Regular Meeting The Pinson City Council met in regular session in Council Chambers at 4410 Main Street, on Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Councilor Roberts led the invocation. Councilor Tanner led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Roll Call: Marie Turner, City Clerk, called roll of Pinson City Council with the following council members present: Councilor Tanner Councilor Walker Councilor Roberts Councilor Churchwell Councilor Kirkland Mayor Cochran Minutes: Councilor Walker offered a motion to waive the reading of the November 19, 2020, minutes. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor to say “aye” all opposed to say "no". Mayor Cochran, “let the record reflect the ayes carry”. Councilor Churchwell made a motion to accept the minutes as written of the November 19, 2020 meeting. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor say “aye” all opposed to say "no". Mayor Cochran “Let the record reflect the ayes carry unanimously". Fire District Report: Mayor Cochran explained that the Fire Districts will report during the second meeting of the month due to this meeting’s lengthy agenda. Committee Chair Comments: Finance: Councilor Tanner offered a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $21,401.70, a copy of the bills schedule is attached. Councilor Walker duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor to say “aye” all opposed to say "no". Mayor Cochran "Let the record reflect the ayes carry unanimously." Councilor Roberts noted that the Mayor’s staff found a significant leak out at Bicentennial Park that should lower the water bills for that property once repaired, further requesting that the city check into receiving a refund on the large sewer bill that occurred due to the leak. Enhancements: Councilor Kirkland announced that the Pinson Christmas parade will now be held on December 11th at 6:30 because the Pinson Valley High School Football Championship game will be played December 4th. Mayor Cochran announced the weekend of the 12th a community organization has put together a chili cook-off as well as a Toys-For-Tots drive that we will be working with the Sheriff’s Department. Mayor Cochran added that there would be entertainment on the stage beginning at 9:30 or 10:00 and will be an all-day event and encouraged community participation at Bicentennial Park. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Cochran opened a public hearing regarding the pre annexation rezoning of property located at 7000 and 6970 Highway 75. Mayor Cochran called on the contractor who is proposing the project to come and address the council. Phil Ellen of Palletal Incorporated (745 Ponce De Leon Terrace in Atlanta, GA) spoke about his company’s work developing property as housing for the elderly. Mayor Cochran opened the floor for any rebuttal or anyone who would like to address this. Grant Mitchel, 8368 North Valley Road, Pinson AL asked if this was a federally subsidized program. Mr. Ellen said that it is not federal subsidized, there are tax credits but they will be using a bank investor and that it is not section eight houses, but a very different program. Mayor Cochran asked for any further discussion. Mayor Cochran closed the public hearing. Bob Jones, Zoning Administrator, City of Pinson, submitted a report detailing that proposed project would be in keeping with the zoning for that property. Mr. Jones detailed some of the rules associated with property including dumpsters and fencing and mentioned a reversionary clause. Councilor Roberts asked for further details about the location, including if the proposed property is currently in the city limits of Pinson, and Mr. Jones responded that it was not and provided details as to the necessary rezoning. Councilor Kirkland offered an ordinance regarding a pre annexation rezoning property at 7000 and 6970 Highway 75. Councilor Tanner duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for discussion. Bob Jones, zoning administrator, City of Pinson spoke to a reversionary clause to be included. Mayor Cochran called for a vote for unanimous consent to consider with the following results: Councilor Tanner – yes, Councilor Walker-yes, Councilor Roberts – yes, Councilor Churchwell – yes, Councilor Kirkland-yes, Mayor Cochran-yes. Mayor Cochran called for a roll call vote on the main ordinance with the following results: Councilor Tanner – yes, Councilor Walker-yes, Councilor Roberts – yes, Councilor Churchwell – yes, Councilor Kirkland-yes, Mayor Cochran-yes. Mayor Cochran, “Let the record reflect the ordinance passes unanimously as Ordinance 2020-21”. Councilor Walker spoke to how proud he was that the PVHS Football team were going to the State Championship playing Spanish Fort on December 4th at Bryant Denney Stadium. Councilor Walker encouraged residents to go and support the team. Councilor Tanner also commented that she was extremely proud of the team, coaches, support staff, and everyone who helps support the team. Councilor Churchwell mentioned the great job that has been done the last four years. Mayor Cochran added that he was proud of our school and the way that this uplifts the team and the community and how proud he was to see Pinson at the State Championship game for the third time in four years. Councilor Walker concluded by saying that the kids worked hard on the field and in the classroom, stating that the majority of the football team was academically sound and would be moving to the next level of play and education. Annexation: Councilor Churchwell offered an ordinance annexing 12 parcels of property into the city limits of Pinson (this includes properties located at 7201 Highway 79, 3790 Fitzgerald Mountain Dr, 7311 Highway 79, 7301 Highway 79, 6984 Highway 75, 6940 Highway 75, 6940 Highway 75, 6981 Highway 79, 7051 Highway 79, 7000 Highway 75, 5674 Henry Black Dr, 5665 North Rd, and 6970 Highway 75). Councilor Roberts seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for unanimous consent to consider. Councilor Tanner – yes, Councilor Walker- yes, Councilor Roberts – yes, Councilor Churchwell – yes, Councilor Kirkland-yes, Mayor Cochran-yes. Mayor Cochran called for a roll call vote on the main Ordinance. Councilor Tanner – yes, Councilor Walker-yes, Councilor Roberts – yes, Councilor Churchwell – yes, Councilor Kirkland-yes, Mayor Cochran-yes. Mayor Cochran, “Let the record reflect the ordinance passes unanimously as Ordinance 2020- 22”. Old Business: Mayor Cochran asked for any discussion regarding City of Pinson Employee manual that was to be put on hold for a later meeting. Since there was no discussion, Mayor Cochran moved to the next order of business. Councilor Tanner offered a motion approving a retail recruitment consulting agreement. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran suspended rules. Greg Morris of 867 Honeysuckle Drive Fultondale. Mr. Morris spoke regarding his plan for Pinson. Mayor Cochran called for any further discussion. After brief discussion, Mayor Cochran explained that the agreement was to pay Mr. Morris $7500.00 to develop the necessary documentation. Mayor Cochran said that an additional verbal agreement was in place that if Mr. Morris brought in, for example, a $4000 square foot business the city would pay him $4000. Councilor Roberts asked about the start date. Mayor Cochran said that the start date would be Dec 2nd. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor say “aye” all opposed say “no”. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect the ayes carry unanimously’. Councilor Tanner offered a motion approving the Events Room rates and usage agreement. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. After brief discussion, Mayor Cochran called for all in favor say “aye” all opposed say “no”. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect the ayes carry unanimously’. Councilor Roberts offered a resolution accepting debris bids from Eastern Tree Service. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Councilor Churchwell stated that there had been problems with ETS but the problems were never presented to ETS. Mayor Cochran stated that there is now a process in place to deal with the issues for greater accountability. Councilor Churchwell read a portion of the agreement that indicated that the city was able to terminate the agreement with Eastern Tree Service if their service is poor after being made aware of the situation and given time to correct it. Mayor Cochran agreed that his understanding was correct. Councilor Roberts had a question about what specific issues need to be addressed. After a brief discussion, Mayor Cochran called for all in favor say “aye” all opposed say “no”. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect the ayes carry unanimously on Resolution 20-60’. New Business: Mayor Cochran offered a first reading of a grant writer agreement. Councilor Roberts offered a motion authorizing a wireless upgrade at Pinson City Hall by VC3 in the amount of 3,187.81. Councilor Walker duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran stated that the Wi-Fi through out the building is not faithful. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor say “aye” all opposed say “no”. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect the ayes carry unanimously”. Councilor Churchwell offered a motion authorizing the Mayor to purchase supplies to relocate the janitorial closet in City Hall in the amount of approximately $500.00-600.00. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor say “aye” all opposed say “no”. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect the ayes carry unanimously”. Mayor Cochran mentioned that an Avenu Business License Recovery/Discover contract would be held over for review. Councilor Tanner mentioned the Friends of Turkey Creek Nature Preserve Brochure that will help with the pavilion if you purchase a commemorative brick, price ranging from $25.00 – 250.00. Councilor Tanner added that she and the mayor had toured the pavilion and it was something that Pinson could be proud of. Public Comment: Grant Mitchell, 8368 North Valley Road, Pinson, asked about the location that was shown on the zoning map. Mayor Cochran explained that it was directly across from the softball field. Councilor Roberts and Mr. Jones provided further clarification. Mayor Cochran asked for a motion to adjourn. Councilor Walker offered a motion to adjourn. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor say “aye” all opposed to say “no”. Mayor Cochran “let the record reflect the ayes carry, we are adjourned”. Adjourned at 3:22 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marie Turner, City Clerk Bills: 11-19-2020 Regions- $22,990.47 Birmingham Water- City Hall- $98.15 Account Balances @ 10/31/2020: Rock School- $246.55 Regions General Fund $ 989,803.98 Community Center- $84.11 Regions MM Capital Fund 2,2780.78 Triangle Park- $31.82 Regions Debt.Srv.Rock Sch. 14,666.59 Powell Ave.- $27.66 Hometown Library Fund 3,776.00 PHCC- $297.87 Wells Fargo 4-6-5 287,167.93 PYSC- $227.15 Wells Fargo 7-2 23,539.11 Wells Fargo Misc. Road 6,062.24 Bradford- $27.66 Wells Fargo 10 cent tax 13,098.90 Innsbrooke- $33.89 Hometown Saving Acct 247,406.56 Bicentennial- $2,842.50 Trussville Utitlities- City Hall- $90.38 Rock School- $44.78 Community Center- $25.04 Bicentennial- $8.27 Powell Ave.- $12.39 Alabama Power- Triangle Park- $46.11 Bradford- $120.53 Kyocera- $26.33 JCCA Membership- Marie / Anje $100.00 Greater Birmingham Humane Society- $731.31 VC3- $3,782.96 Charter- Rock School- $339.15 Xerox- $25.41 Applied Concepts- $85.00 Craft Electric- $1,922.86 American Promo- $460.13 John Leon- PVHS 11/06, 11/13 $490.00 Chris Sharit- PVHS 11/6, 11/13 $490.00 Jeff Hall- PVHS 11/13 $245.00 Bill Hill- PVHS 11/06 $140.00 Marlon Cole- PVHS 11/6 $210.00 James Butterbrodt- PVHS 11/6 $245.00 RTS- Powell House $350.00 Pike's Plumbing- Powell House $1,938.61 Metro Trailer- PYSC Softball $20.00 AT&T- PHCC $112.27 Utilitites Board Oneonta- PHCC $8.56 Demco- Library $163.32 Midwest Tape- Library $77.96 Ingram- Library $1,151.20 Hoopla- Library $540.72 Kanopy- Library $42.00 Amazon- Library $3,227.57 Gold Carts Unlimited- Public Works $7,140.00 O'Reilly's- Public Works $784.23 Cassady & Self Glass- Public Works $55.00 Argo Power Equipment- Public Works $808.50 Verizon Connect- Public Works $152.00 T-N-T Excavating- (Misc Rd.) $7,200.00 Alabama Power- (7/2) $1,070.05 Total: $38,400.00 Rock School Auto Draft- $ 6,000.00 Hometown Bank- $ 5,246.19