City Council

Council Minutes January 20, 2022 – 7:00 p.m. Regular Meeting The Pinson City Council met in regular session at Pinson City Hall at 4410 Main Street, Pinson, on Thursday, January 20, 2022. Councilor Roberts led the invocation. Councilor Tanner led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. Mayor Cochran appointed Heather Lind, Acting City Clerk. Roll Call: Heather Lind, Acting City Clerk, called roll of Pinson City Council with the following council members present: Councilor Tanner Councilor Walker Councilor Roberts Councilor Churchwell Mayor Cochran Absent: Councilor Kirkland Minutes: Mayor Cochran stated that the minutes had been pulled for corrections during the Precouncil to approve at the next meeting. Fire District Report: Deputy Chief Archer of the Palmerdale Fire Department gave the Palmerdale Fire District Report. Department Head Reports: Allison Scanlan, Director of Pinson Public Library, gave the library report, highlighting the 553 craft kits the library had given out, the hosting of the blood drive, and the launching of the library app. Bob Jones, Zoning Administrator, gave a zoning update. Mr. Jones addressed two properties from the previous meeting, stating that at the property at 7370 Highway 75, the burned structure had been removed and the property had been cleaned to the city’s satisfaction and asked that the abatement on the property be dropped. Mr. Jones went on to speak about the property at 6264 Cole Avenue where trash had accumulated, stating that the property had been cleared. Mr. Jones asked that both cases be dismissed. Councilor Tanner offered a motion to dismiss the abatements at 7370 Highway 75 and 6264 Cole Avenue. Councilor Walker 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 so say ‘no’. Mayor Cochran, ‘let the record reflect those two cases have been dismissed unanimously’. Mr. Jones went on to report about the two abatements that were ordered, stating that Alabama Solutions was the low bidder to complete the work at 6020 Elm Ave and that Eastern Tree and Construction was the low bidder to complete the work at 5233 Dewey Heights Road. Eric Winfrey, Director of Public Works, gave the Public Works report, speaking about the latest on the fiber phone system update, completing the ceilings at Pinson Community Center, the progress on the Rock School floor project, the street sweeper, and Tyler Software update. Matt Nixon, Pinson Parks and Recreation Director, gave the Parks and Recreation Report, speaking about the opening of spring sports registration and wind screen and spoke about shade and screen quotes for Pinson Youth Sports Complex, mentioning both aesthetics and safety concerns. Committee Chair Reports: Finance: Councilor Tanner made a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $102,426.27, a copy of the bills schedule is attached. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran asked for highlights on the bills. Councilor Tanner mentioned the bill from the Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office for Deputies for $34,000 and that the Sweeping Corporation had been paid $12,190.00 for August-December, and that the contract has now been cancelled since we have our own sweeper. Mayor Cochran called for any further questions. Seeing none, Mayor Cochran stated there is no further discussion and called for all in favor to say “aye” all opposed to say "no". Mayor Cochran "Let the record reflect the ayes carry." Enhancements: Councilor Tanner made a motion to release the funds to the four schools for this fiscal year in the amount of $60,000, which is $15,000 each. 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’. Mayor’s Report: Councilor Roberts offered a motion to approve a change order in the amount of $52,238.00 for work at Pinson Youth Sports Complex. Councilor Walker duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Seeing none, Mayor Cochran called for a roll call vote with the following results: Councilor Tanner – yes, Councilor Walker - yes, Councilor Roberts – yes, Councilor Churchwell – yes, Mayor Cochran – yes. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect that passes unanimously’. Councilor Tanner offered a motion to repurpose the bucket truck as a service truck. Councilor Roberts 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’. Mayor Cochran announced the tentative dates for the Shred-It truck to come to City Hall: February 5th, May 7th, August 6th, and November 5th. Mayor Cochran clarified that those events typically run from 9:00 AM to noon. Councilor Walker offered a motion to authorize the travel expenses for three people minimum to travel to Las Vegas for a Retail Convention. 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’. Mayor Cochran added that this convention is an opportunity to connect with retailers to potentially bring into the Pinson Community. Old Business: Councilor Churchwell offered an agreement for enhanced law enforcement services from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, effective January 1, 2022, for the service of four deputy sheriffs and their equipment at the sum of $35,749.99 per month. Councilor Tanner duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any further discussion. Councilor Tanner asked for clarification about the billing process, which the mayor provided. 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’. Mayor Cochran asked for additional comments. New Business: Councilor Roberts offered a motion to purchase folding backstop pads for four baseball fields with graphics in the amount of $10,647.00 as well as wind screens for an additional $4,372, both from BSN, for a total of approximately $15,500.00. Councilor Tanner duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any additional discussion on the upgrades. 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’. Councilor Tanner offered a motion to approve travel, lodging, and expenses for conference training attendees for the year 2022. Councilor Churchwell duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. After a brief 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’. Councilor Tanner offered a Resolution declaring the City of Pinson a Human Trafficking Free Zone. Councilor Walker duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran clarified that this is the same measure that we took up last year but this is a yearly reaffirming of our stance against human trafficking. Mayor Cochran called for a roll call vote with the following results: Councilor Tanner – yes, Councilor Walker - yes, Councilor Roberts – yes, Councilor Churchwell – yes, Mayor Cochran – yes. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect that passes unanimously as Resolution 22-7’. Mayor Cochran mentioned that January is Human Trafficking Free-Zone Month. Councilor Walker offered a motion to purchase 10 round tables for the Rock School Complex at $110.00 each. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any additional discussion. Seeing none, Mayor Cochran called for all in favor to say ‘aye’, all opposed say ‘no’. Mayor Cochran, ‘let the record reflect the ayes carry’. Councilor Churchwell offered an ordinance regarding exempting certain items from municipal sales tax on the third weekend of July 2022 for school supplies as well as February 25-27th 2022 for emergency preparedness. Mayor Cochran called for unanimous consent to consider with the following results: Councilor Tanner – yes, Councilor Walker - yes, Councilor Roberts – yes, Councilor Churchwell – 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, Mayor Cochran – yes. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect that passes unanimously as Ordinance 2022-2’. Councilor Walker made a motion to renew our agreement with Avenue Insights and Analytics for the discovery and recovery of fees and taxes in the city. 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 Tanner offered a motion authorizing the city to pay for the training of the clerks and staff at City Hall for their travel and expenses for their upcoming training for 2022. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called all in favor to say ‘aye’ all opposed to say ‘no’. Mayor Cochran, ‘let the record reflect the ‘ayes’ carry’. Councilor Roberts spoke regarding the passing of Miss Kay Hicks, of the Palmerdale Fire District, calling her one of the finest people in our community and mentioning her many years of hard work at the Palmerdale Fire District. Mayor Cochran agreed that she was a very fine person who would be missed. Mayor Cochran mentioned that work was being done at the Palmerdale Homestead Community Center entrances for ADA compliance. Councilor Tanner mentioned that the Pilates class has grown, Monday and Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 and Saturdays at 10:00 AM. Mayor Cochran mentioned the potential of Pilates in the Park during warmer weather. Mayor Cochran encouraged everyone to attend this service that is free to the public Public Comment: Mayor Cochran called for Public Comment. Seeing none, Mayor Cochran called for a motion to enter executive session. Councilor Tanner offered a motion at 8:05 to enter into executive session to discuss trade and commerce. Councilor Walker duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran, ‘I provide certification in regard to trade and commerce; it would be detrimental if items were discussed in open forum’. Mayor Cochran called for all in favor of entering into executive session to say ‘aye’ all opposed to say ‘no’. Mayor Cochran, ‘let the record reflect the ayes carry’. Mayor Cochran called the council out of executive session. Councilor Churchwell offered a motion to adjourn. 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; we are hereby adjourned’. Adjourned at 8:47 Respectfully submitted, Heather Lind, Acting City Clerk Bills: 1-20-2022 Regions $3,804.98 Regions (GO Warrant) $1,650.00 Alabama Power City Hall- $1,281.43 Account Balances @ 12/31/2021: PHCC- $3,012.30 Regions General Fund $1,755,058.46 PYSC- $482.69 Regions MM Capital Fund $76,923.43 Rock School- $2,905.38 Hometown Library Fund $2,409.87 Community Center $204.26 Hometown 4-6-5 $314,338.08 Bicentennial Park $2,146.64 Hometown 7-2 $27,689.83 Hometown Misc. Road $51,543.32 Powell Ave.- $120.92 Hometown 10 cent tax $28,342.60 Christmas Lights $3,920.65 Hometown Saving Acct $562,411.15 Trussville Utilities Powell Ave.- $73.32 (Hometown Savings Account as of 12/31) Community Center $112.05 City Hall- $324.95 Rock School- $544.58 PYSC- $268.48 Bicentennial $156.43 Oneonta Utilities Board $8.56 Alabama Recreation and Parks Ass. District 3 $75.00 Precision Graphics $1,185.00 Brighten-Up Electrical $2,348.50 Shunte Arnold $350.00 Jefferson County Sheriff's Office $34,000.00 Hand Arendall Harrison, LLC $8,541.37 Greater Birmingham Humane Society $1,057.31 Jefferson County Mayor's Association $1,443.00 AT&T- $108.99 North Central Al Chapter ICC $35.00 VC3 $3,610.76 Center Point Fire District $7,841.45 Stark Exterminators $20.00 Old Republic Surety Group $700.00 Ameritek Library $160.07 American Promo Library $386.00 Ingram Library Services Library $1,243.25 OverDrive, Inc Library $248.20 Findaway Library $309.94 BSN Sports- PYSC $2,676.23 William Brannon-6 games PYSC $210.00 Mayer Public Works $91.96 Cintas Public Works $533.83 Sweeping Corp of America (Misc. Road) $12,190.00 Alabama Power- (7/2) $2,042.79 Total: $102,426.27