City Council

Council Minutes December 29, 2020 – 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting The Pinson City Council met in regular session in Council Chambers at 4410 Main Street, on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. Councilor Roberts led the invocation. Jayden Kirkland, Liam Strenske, and Matthew Strenske, Grandchildren of Councilor Kirkland, 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 Kirkland 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: Center Point Fire Chief Gene Coleman gave the fire report. Deputy Chief Richard Archer of Palmerdale Fire also gave a report. Chief Archer also spoke about a Fire Fighter memorial in memory of the two-year anniversary of Fire Fighter Brendon Pierce’s death to be completed in February 2021. Chief Archer mentioned several entities that had donated and the need for further funds to support the project. Mayor Cochran voiced his personal appreciation for Fire Fighters and their sacrifices and said he would consult Attorney Black as to whether the city could donate and if it was not something a municipality was allowed to do, he said he would try to find other potential donors. Committee Chair Comments: Finance: Councilor Tanner offered a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $110,544.70, a copy of the bills schedule is attached. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran asked if there were any highlights on the bills. Councilor Tanner said that about $70,000.00 went to Hand Arendall, Jefferson County, and Regions Bank. Councilor Tanner specified that Hand Arendall was paid $14,790.40.00 for services rendered, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies were paid $34,000, and Regions was paid $23,416.00 for our bond. Councilor Tanner also noted that the water will at Bicentennial Park was back to a more normal range. 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." Enhancements: Councilor Kirkland reported that the Pinson Christmas Parade was fantastic and according to many citizens it was the best parade we have ever had, with more participants, and that next year will be even better. Councilor Tanner spoke about the meeting after the parade and that there were a few improvements that could be made behind the scenes, but overall, considering the new time and route, she only heard only good reports. Councilor Churchwell asked who won the prizes. Councilor Tanner stated that they Pinson Valley Historical Society won first place, Pinson Valley High School Cheerleaders won second place, and Encounter Church won third place. Mayor Cochran spoke about how much he enjoyed the parade, the new route, seeing the lights on the businesses down Main Street and then thanked Hand Arendall for their sponsorship. Councilor Tanner added her thanks to the Clay Pinson Chamber of Commerce. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Cochran reported that he had met with Matt Parker from Joe Jolly, regarding refunding our General Obligation bonds. Mayor Cochran said that this had been discussed in depth before and that Councilor Roberts has asked that we get documentation by next week. Councilor Kirkland offered a motion that they proceed with the work being done. Councilor Walker duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for 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 Tanner offered a motion to purchase five air purifies for city facilities. Councilor Kirkland seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Councilor Tanner explained that these devices are air purifiers only and not anything proven to kill COVID-19. Council Churchwell asked about the price. Councilor Tanner replied that it would be 5,000 total with each purifier costing $1,000. 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 gave a report regarding his meeting with the Sheriff’s Department, including Chris Sharit and others regarding new deputy shifts, explaining that we have a full force of four. Mayor Cochran further indicated that he found the Sheriff’s Department very easy to work with and willing to accommodate the city’s needs. Mayor Cochran gave a report about meeting with a development attorney to discuss a community survey and as well as revamping the website. Councilor Tanner mentioned an employee appreciation lunch for city employees that was sponsored by Hand Arendall this year and that it went very well and nearly all city employees attended. Councilor Roberts said that it was a great event to attend, catered by Olive Garden. Mayor Cochran voiced his appreciation for the City of Pinson employees. Mayor Cochran mentioned reviews will be completed by the next two week pay period. Councilor Roberts offered a motion authoring the mayor to give merit raises to city employees, with the exception of those that have already received a merit raise for 2020. Councilor Tanner duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Councilor Roberts said raises had been put on hold because we did not know what impact COVID-19 might have on city revenue, but since finances have done well through the crises and they want to provide the raises. Councilor Roberts further stated that the staff is small compared to similarly sized municipalities and that the raises are very much merited. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor say “aye” all opposed say “no”. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect the ayes carry unanimously’. Annexation: Councilor Churchwell offered and ordinance annexing 5541 Melissa Drive into the corporate limits of the city of Pinson. Councilor Tanner duly seconded the motion. 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 any discussion. As there was none, 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 2020-23’. Old Business: Mayor Cochran stated that they would hold over the discussion regarding the city of Pinson Employee Manual. Councilor Walker offered a Resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Avenu regarding Business License Discover and Recovery Administration. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for a roll-call vote on the main resolution 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 resolution passes unanimously as Resolution 20- 61. Mayor Cochran opened a discussion regarding a grant writer agreement. Councilor Tanner clarified that when reading the agreement, councilors should be aware that that there was more than one option. New Business: Councilor Tanner offered a resolution regarding the Pinson Valley High School football team in recognition of Alabama 6A State Football Championship. Councilor Churchwell duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for a roll call vote on the main resolution 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 ayes carry unanimously as Resolution 20-62”. Mayor Cochran added the resolutions will be presented to the coaches and players at the conclusion of a championship parade, the date of which is to be determined. Councilor Tanner offered a motion to approve purchase of a tactical military police vest, at a cost of $579.20. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Councilor Tanner stated that city employee Bob Jones is sometimes called upon to deliver notices to unsafe areas, and she felt he needed more protection. 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 motion to approve purchase of paper towel dispensers and paper towels, soap dispensers, and soap for all city buildings, at a cost of $1,468.28. Councilor Walker duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Councilor Churchwell said that in eight years, we have never had successful paper towel and soap dispensers and it’s about time that we get some. Mayor Cochran that this was a housekeeping upgrade, and they would be touchless and they would be for all city facilities and was just a smart move especially in view of the happenings of the last year. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor say aye all opposed say no. Mayor Cochran, “let the record reflect the motion carries unanimously.” Councilor Tanner offered a motion to approve a quote for access control for Bicentennial Park, in the amount of $10,814.00. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Councilor Roberts explained that this allowed remote operation locking. Councilor Mayor Cochran explained that our deputies normally lock up for us and this will eliminate this duty for them and reduce alarms going off at the park. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor say aye all opposed say no. Mayor Cochran, “let the record reflect the ayes carry unanimously.” Councilor Walker offered a motion to approve a quote for City Hall door additions at a cost of $3,012.00. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Councilor Roberts offered a brief explanation, and Councilor Walker explained that the price covered materials only. Mayor Cochran opened a discussion regarding quotes for Reliable Signs Services. The mayor mentioned that it was recently repaired unsuccessfully. Mayor Cochran continued to say that Reliable Signs Services had given several quotes about fixing the sign. Mayor Cochran said that for the 29 LEDs on one side to be replaced, the cost would be $22,633.00, to replace both sides the cost would be Datronics $36,998.00 and Watchfire 29,892.00. Councilor Tanner asked if this includes the library sign and mentioned that the High School was also looking for a sign. Mayor Cochran said that he would make more inquiries and the discussion could be tabled until next week’s meeting. Councilor Roberts stated that it would be wise to look at options for singular color for the library. Councilor Tanner answered a question about the air purifiers, saying that they have are not available in stores and they are medical grade pieces of equipment. Mayor Cochran added that they have FDA Approval and that the air quality in City Hall seems to have improved. Councilor Tanner spoke about an event that Mayor Cochran, Councilor Walker, and Councilor Tanner attended, helping to distribute 250 hams, compliments of Pinson Valley alumnus and current NFL football player Zack Cunningham and his family. Councilor Tanner spoke acknowledging City Clerk Marie Turner for receiving the AAMCA Clerk of the Year award. Public Comment: Charlotte Lee, 5745 North Rd, Pinson, spoke regarding air purifiers, stating that they are high quality and based on technology used by NASA. Councilor Walker made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation, seconded by Councilor Tanner duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran, “let the record reflect the motion carried unanimously. Shane Black, City Attorney, “I provide certification in regard to litigation it would be detrimental if items were discussed in open forum. Mayor Cochran called Council out of executive session Councilor Walker offered a motion to adjourn. Councilor Tanner duly seconded the motion. Motion to adjourn by Councilor Walker, second by Councilor Tanner. Motion to adjourn carried unanimously. Adjourned at 8:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marie Turner, City Clerk Bills: 12-28-2020 Regions- $15,340.47 Birmingham Water- City Hall- $194.03 Account Balances @ 11/30/2020: Rock School- $214.59 Regions General Fund $1,071,355.12 Triangle Park- $27.66 Regions MM Capital Fund 2,251.80 Powell Ave.- $46.42 Regions Debt.Srv.Rock Sch. 8,900.29 PHCC- $239.63 Hometown Library Fund 3,776.00 PYSC- $202.19 Wells Fargo 4-6-5 287,167.93 Bradford- $27.66 Wells Fargo 7-2 21,931.01 Wells Fargo Misc. Road 6,062.24 Bicentennial- $1,787.82 Wells Fargo 10 cent tax 28,400.40 Trussville Utitlities- City Hall- $228.08 Hometown Saving Acct 247,469.60 Rock School- $777.79 Community Center- $82.33 Bicentennial- $8.27 Powell Ave.- $88.04 Alabama Power- Triangle Park- $71.37 PHCC- $68.10 Bradford- $129.12 Box Cam- $2,166.71 Christmas Lights- $123.79 AT&T- $1,488.23 Pitney Bowes- $114.00 Kyocera- $32.85 Greater Birmingham Humane Society- $666.56 VC3- $2,067.54 Charter- $202.99 Rock School- $339.15 Regions- Obligation $23,416.49 Jefferson County Sheriff's Office- $34,000.00 Hand Arendall Harrison Sale- $14,790.40 Pitney Bowes- $616.88 Precision Graphics- $151.00 CreativeFX- $795.00 Jeff Hall- PVHS 12/4 $315.00 Chris Sharit- PVHS 12/4, 12/3 $945.00 Lindsey Williams- PVHS 12/4 $385.00 Keith Smith- PVHS 12/4 $420.00 RTS Construction- $7,087.50 Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police- $100.00 Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police- $225.00 Advanced Disposal- Rock School- $103.74 AT&T- Bradford- $184.87 AT&T- Bicentennial- $84.38 BSN Sports- PYSC $3,012.45 Kellis-PYSC $5,182.00 Metro Trailer- PYSC Softball $20.00 BSN Sports- PYSC $1,009.64 AT&T- PHCC $106.68 Utilitites Board Oneonta- PHCC $9.36 Wex- Public Works $276.07 Verizon Connect- Public Works $152.00 Argo Power Equipment- Public Works $132.40 O'Reilly's- Public Works $171.60 Cassady & Self- Public Works $263.63 Sweeping Corp of America- (Misc Rd) $3,888.00 Alabama Power- (7/2) $1,305.69 Total: $110,544.70 Rock School Auto Draft- $ 6,000.00 Hometown Bank- $ 5,246.19 Hand Arendall Harrison Sale- To Be Paid 1/7/2021- $ 20,619.82