City Council

Council Minutes June 17, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting The Pinson City Council met in regular session in Council Chambers at 4410 Main Street, on Thursday, June 17, 2021. 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 Roberts offered a motion to wave the reading of the minutes from June 3, 2021, under conditions of changes discussed in Pre-council. Councilor Kirkland 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 Walker offered a motion to accept the minutes from June 3, 2021, as edited. Councilor Kirkland 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." Fire Reports: Chief Jason Howell, Fire Chief, Palmerdale Fire Department, gave the fire Department report, requesting further funding for equipment. Battalion Chief Al Tinney, with Center Point Fire Department, gave a Fire Department Report speaking to the necessity and value of the stretcher lift. Presentation of Planning and Zoning Official Certification: Mayor Cochran presented planning and zoning certificates to certain individuals who had participated in Planning and Zoning Training, including Barry Wilson, Pat Wise (not present), Eric Winfrey, Public Works Director (not present), Anje May, Assistant City Clerk, Marie Turner, City Clerk, and Joe Cochran, Mayor. Department Head Reports: Allison Scanlan, Pinson Public Library Director gave the library report, including information about the Library’s Summer Reading Program. Matt Nixon, director of Pinson Parks and Recreation, gave the Parks and Recreation Report, including the cornhole tournament from the previous weekend, an upcoming kickball tournament, and PYSC softball and baseball teams in tournaments, as well as the boom in Splash Pad attendance. Room Rate at Rock School Complex-Air Rifle Club: Councilor Tanner opened a discussion about Magic City Gun Club renting the Rock School Auditorium. Mayor Cochran suspended rules. Mayor Cochran asked Barry Mise, President of Magic City Gun club, and Carol Thomas, Vice President of Magic City Gun Club, to speak about their air rifle team which trains ages 12- 19, including future and junior Olympians at no charge. Councilor Tanner offered a motion to allow Magic City Gun Club to use the Rock School Auditorium Facility. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Councilor Roberts spoke about the rifle team and UAB’s success. 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 Tanner offered a motion to allow the Gun Club to use the facility at no charge. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Councilor Roberts asked for clarification about timing. After a brief discussion, Mayor Cochran reinstated rules. 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." Committee Chair Reports: Finance: Councilor Tanner offered a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $65,341.94, a copy of the bills schedule is attached. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran asked if there were any discussion or highlights on the bills. Councilor Tanner mentioned that about ¼ of the bill schedule was paid to Regions Bank for city cards $15,876.93 and $8652.87 was paid to Hendon and Huckestein Architectural firm working on ADA improvements at PSYC. Mayor Cochran mentioned that the Regions cards were unusually high because of recent municipal training in Huntsville including hotel rooms, programs, and meals. Mayor Cochran called for any further discussion. Seeing none, 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." Mayor Cochran introduced the 2021/2022 City of Pinson Budget, speaking to the many meetings between the Mayor, department heads, and city council, mentioning additional positions in Public Works, Parks and Rec, and inspections. Councilor Tanner offered a motion to approve the City of Pinson 2021/2022 Budget. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. After a lengthy discussion, during which the total budget expenses were noted to be $3,599,234.88, 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 Tanner announced the date for the 2021 Pinson Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting as Tuesday evening, Dec 7th . Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Seeing none, 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 Tanner spoke about the success of the third of our Movies in the Park, mentioning that about 150 attended last Friday, and that the Secret Garden will be the next movie on June 25 and that Palmerdale Cross will serve refreshments. Mayor Cochran mentioned Lacey Johnson’s representation of Pinson in the Miss Alabama pageant last Friday, which was hosted by another PVHS graduated and former Miss Alabama, Melinda Tulle Gunner. Mayor’s Report: Councilor Kirkland offered a motion for a new conference table for the Park and Rec Department in the amount of $899.00. Councilor Walker duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Seeing none, 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 Walker offered a motion to to change services from AT&T to First Net. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Mayor Cochran mentioned that the prices were comparable to Verizon’s prices. Seeing no further discussion, 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." Mayor Cochran opened a discussion about purchasing a machine for sweeping a mopping the Rock School Event Room and that more research will be done. Old Business: Mayor Cochran opened a discussion regarding the alcohol policy at city facilities, discussing other city’s policies. Mayor Cochran gave an update on Bicentennial sign quote saying that there is no new quote at this time, stating that another bid was $46,000 but they may need to bid out. New Business: Councilor Roberts offered a motion to change the name of the Rock School Center to the Rock School Municipal complex. Councilor Tanner duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any further discussion. Seeing none, 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." Mayor Cochran mentioned that the property at 4265 Oak Street has come into compliance per Ordinance 2011-09. Mayor Cochran stressed that maintaining private property is essential in respecting our neighbors, mentioning the Keep Pinson Beautiful Committee. Councilor Walker offered a motion to disburse Pinson Schools designated fund for the 2020/2021 Fiscal Year in the amount of $15,000 per school per year to be designated with $60,000 to be decided by the principals. Councilor Robert duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any further discussion. Seeing none, 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 offered a motion authorizing the purchase of three ADA complaint picnic tables at a cost of $2,040 for Bradford Park and 2 garbage cans for Triangle Park in the amount of $1314. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Seeing none, 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." Mayor Cochran asked for any further comment or announcements from the dais. Councilor Tanner mentioned that the city’s grant writer will be coming to the next meeting and mentioned upcoming events at PSYC. Public Comment: Mayor Cochran called for Public Comment. Jerome Harris of 5361 Bridle Path Lane spoke regarding cell towers. Chief Gene Coleman of the Center Point Fire District gave the Fire Department Report. Councilor Walker offered a motion to adjourn. Councilor Kirkland duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for all to say ‘aye’ all opposed to say ‘no’. Mayor Cochran, ‘let the record reflect the ayes carry we are hereby adjourned’. Adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marie Turner, City Clerk Bills: 6-17-2021 Regions- $15,876.93 Account Balances @ 5/28/2021: Trussville Utilities- City Hall- $66.06 Regions General Fund $ 1,492,169.85 Regions MM Capital Fund 77,107.86 Rock School- $45.68 Hometown Library Fund 6,461.17 Community Center- $21.82 Hometown 4-6-5 291,767.97 Bicentennial Park- $14.87 Hometown 7-2 18,408.94 Powell Ave.- $12.23 Hometown Misc. Road 19,854.34 Birmingham Water Works- City Hall- $114.13 Hometown 10 cent tax 28,342.60 Rock School- $262.53 Hometown Saving Acct 578,780.61 Community Center- $66.19 Triangle Park- $31.82 Bicentennial Park- $876.96 Bradford- $27.66 Powell Ave.- $42.86 Innsbrooke- $27.66 Start Exterminator- City Hall- $108.00 Rock School- $180.00 Bicentennial Park- $150.00 PYSC- $54.00 Charter- City Hall- $212.88 Rock School- $360.04 Hand Arendall Harrison Sale- $5,548.30 Greater Birmingham Humane Society- $1,446.31 VC3- $1,433.44 Best Insurance Group- $927.00 State of AL Dept of Revenue- Lot 215 Brook $100.00 Univeristy of North AL- $4,015.00 Pitney Bowes- $114.00 Precision Graphics- Bicentennial Park- $514.00 City Hall- $1,271.00 Keith Smith-TCNP 6/13, 6/6, 6/5 $630.00 Chris Sharit- Park- 6/6, 6/12 $420.00 Jeff Hall-Park- 6/12, 6/5 $332.50 John Leon- Park 6/13, 6/5; TCNP 6/12 $577.50 Pike's Plumbing- $573.50 KS Serivces- TCNP- Pavilion $5,000.00 Advanced Disposal- Rock School- $115.79 Coca-Cola Botttling Co.- Bicentennial Park- $745.56 Hendon & Huckenstein- PYSC- $8,652.87 A Plus Portable Restrooms- PYSC- $230.00 Apex- PYSC- $6,470.00 BSN Sports- PYSC- $1,017.16 Umpires- PYSC- $45.00 AT&T- PHCC- $111.05 Utilities Board of Oneonta- PHCC- $8.56 Noelia Ambriz- St. Aid Library $275.88 Kristina Allred- St. Aid Library $314.64 Uline- Public Works $232.24 Verizon Connect- Public Works $152.00 Eastern Tree Service- (Misc Rd) $1,850.00 Sweeping Corp of America- (Misc Rd) $2,438.00 Alabama Power- (7/2) $1,228.32 Total: $65,341.94