By Lee Weyhrich
The Pinson City Council last week voted to clear six acres of land north of the Pinson Valley High School baseball field for a future football practice field.
During the previous city council meeting, Pinson Valley head football coach Matt Glover requested to allow development of land near the north end zone of Willie Adams Stadium for use as a practice field and additional parking.
After some research, the council determined the use of that property would not be feasible, but six acres of the city property near the baseball field and Innsbrooke Parkway might be perfect for the school’s use.
“(Developing the property for school use) was something we looked at a couple of years ago when we bought that land,” Councilwoman Dawn Tanner said.
Before any feasibility study can be done, however, the land must be cleared. The land must be cleared of dense overgrowth, a project the council estimates could take three days. After clearing, the council will have to get the land surveyed to determine if the land would be suitable for grading, sodding and irrigation.
“I just want to make sure we’re not biting off more than we can chew,” Councilman Robbie Roberts said, adding that the council is already involved with several other projects, including Turkey Creek Nature Preserve and the Palmerdale Homesteads Community Center, among others.
The council also voted to expand the Pinson Public Library’s computer lab, update the City Hall reception area and totally replace the flat portion of the building’s roof. Hinkle Roofing was awarded the replacement in the amount of $39,263. RTS Construction will handle the interior updates at a cost of $4,325. Carpet for the reception area will be purchased at a later date for a cost not exceeding $2,000.
The council also voted on the final draft of a vacation policy for City Hall employees. Under the proposed plan, employees will earn a day of vacation and a day of sick leave per month of work in addition to the 12 holidays per year, for a total of 36 possible days per year in time off.
Existing employees will have 30 hours of paid vacation and sick leave available immediately after this plan goes into effect.
“I think this is very fair to our employees who work in the office,” Sanders said.