City Council

Council Minutes February 24, 2022 Regular Meeting The Pinson City Council met in regular session at Pinson City Hall at 4410 Main Street, Pinson, on Thursday, February 24, 2022. Councilor Roberts led the invocation. Councilor Walker 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 Mayor Cochran Absent: Councilor Kirkland Fire District Reports: Chris Horn, Captain in the Center Point Fire Department, gave the Fire District Report. Minutes: Councilor Walker offered a motion to waive the reading of and accept the minutes from the February 3 meetings. Councilor Churchwell 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’. Committee Chair Reports: Finance: Councilor Tanner offered a motion to pay the bills in the amount of $275,995.22. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any highlights. Councilor Tanner mentioned the bills for APEX in the amount of $26,600, Milan for $128,343.00 for bleachers for PYSC, $21,831.00 for Lockcorp, BSN Sports 14,139.72 for basketball uniforms, $26,000 to Borland Benefield for the audit. Mayor Cochran explained that the Apex bill was for HVAC units for City Hall and Bicentennials Park. Seeing no further discussion, 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." Mayor’s Report: Mayor Cochran reported that he was invited to Rudd Middle School for a celebration of Black History Month; it was a fantastic program, the children did a magnificent job, and he appreciated the invitation and the responsiveness of the children. Mayor Cochran announced that there was cleaning the rock school auditorium and library carpeted areas for $1,241.00 and found them much improved. Mayor Cochran spoke about Boot Camp Fitness two nights per week, Tuesday and Thursday, at the Rock School with the cost to the city of $25.00 per session, this is a free class for the citizens. Councilor Roberts offered a motion to provide Boot Camp Fitness for the citizens at the Rock School a cost to the city of $25,000. 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." Mayor Cochran announced Alabama Severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday on 2/25-27. Old Business: Mayor Cochran suspended rules to allow Bob Jones, Director of Public Safety, to speak about traffic calming devices for Vise Road which would cost about $4500 with shipping, and he would have a quote at the next meeting. Mr. Jones answered questions from the council, saying that each sign would be about $50.00 to $100.00 and could be purchased through Sourcewell. New Business: Mayor Cochran reappointed Barry Wilson to the Pinson Planning and Zoning Commission for a 6-year term starting 1/1/2022. Councilor Tanner offered a Resolution appointing Marvelyn Deese to the Zoning Board of Adjustments for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2022. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran explained the difference between the Board of Zoning Adjustment and the Planning and Zoning Committee. 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, Mayor Cochran-yes. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect that passed unanimously as Resolution 22-09’. Councilor Roberts offered a motion to approve $4,000.00 to Pinson Valley High School Visual Arts to create a special effects department. Councilor Tanner duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any 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.” Councilor Churchwell made a motion to approve $400.00 for Rudd Middle School Theater Department for lumber and materials to assist in building the theatrical set pieces. Councilor Walker duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran suspended rules to allow Lisa Nixon to speak about the request for $400 from Rudd Theater Department. Lisa Nixon spoke about the current lack of supplies and funding for the theater department and their plans for an Aladdin Jr. Musical this semester and asked the mayor and council to come out in support. Mayor Cochran mentioned his appreciation for her work. 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.” Councilor Walker offered a motion to provide clearing around PVHS Baseball field in the among of $3,500. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran explained that this money is coming out of discretionary funds. Mayor Cochran called for any 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 motion to have CityFest on May 7th and put aside $15,000 toward the event. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Seeing none, the mayor 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 appoint Mayor Cochran as an Alabama League of Municipalities Voting Delegate. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Councilor Tanner offered a motion to appoint Councilor Churchwell as First Alternate ALM Voting Delegate. Councilor Robert duly seconded the motion. Councilor Tanner offered a motion to appoint Councilor Roberts as Second Alternate ALM Voting Delegate. 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 Cochran offered a First Reading of a proposal for a feasibility study for the creation of a school system for the municipality of Pinson Alabama. Mayor Cochran explained the preliminary nature of the study and the fact that this particular study would cost about $8500.00. Mayor Cochran went on to speak about his discussion with the Jefferson County Board of Education and spoke about he and the council’s love for the children and schools. Councilor Tanner read a few areas that are included in the study. Councilor Roberts offered a resolution to purchase a 2019 grapple truck from Sourcewell in the amount of $109,650.00. Councilor Walker duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran spoke about the Public Works Department and how this will expand cleaning by the roadways. Mayor Cochran called for any questions or comments. Seeing none, 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, Mayor Cochran-yes. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect that passed unanimously as Resolution 22-10’. Councilor Tanner offered a resolution to contract with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society for animal control and pound services. Councilor Roberts duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran called for any discussion. Seeing none, 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, Mayor Cochran-yes. Mayor Cochran ‘let the record reflect that passes unanimously as Resolution 22-11’. Councilor Walker offered a motion to approve the removal and installation of backflow valves at Palmerdale Homestead Community Center and Pinson Valley Youth Sports Complex for a total of $8400. Councilor Tanner duly seconded the motion. Mayor Cochran explained the purpose of backflow preventer valves. 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 mentioned that City fest would last from 10:00-2:00. Councilor Tanner also that the PVHS soccer has kicked off. Mayor Cochran added that baseball, and softball seasons have also begun. Councilor Roberts mentioned that the library board has an opening and encouraged interested parties to reach out to Councilor Roberts or the library director. Public Comment: Mayor Cochran called for Public Comment. Tracy Thompson, 6408 Sunrise Lane, spoke about her concerns regarding the schools and her worries that our children are having to do without, beginning with the renovations at Rudd Middle School and issues at Pinson Elementary School and PVHS with issues like mold, sewers, electricity, air units, and missing doors. Reverend Kathrine Moore of 3320 Wood Dr Circle NE spoke regarding the school issues and cuts in maintenance staff and spoke about comments on What’s Happening in Pinson. Angela Moore Wheatley of 3318 Wood Drive Circle Northeast spoke about special needs issues. Teressa Altman of 6598 Country View Dr., voiced her concern about health risks involved with sewage and mold. Jeanie Turner of 752 Underwood Ave, Oneonta spoke about her concerns for decline in schools and the need for corrections to be made. Lynda Winn of 6366 Tyler Loop voiced questions about the feasibility study proposal. Pam Johnson of 9659 Silley Dean Rd explained why concerned parents are in attendance in that they were not expecting quick answers but to make a stand and raise awareness for their kids. Councilor Roberts stated that he is concerned about things at the school and appreciated everyone coming out and voicing their opinions and asked for more detailed information. Councilor Walker offered a motion to adjourn. Councilor Tanner 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 8:23 Respectfully submitted, Marie Turner