By Lee Weyrich
Staff writer
Pinson’s city council had to deal with a number of unwanted items on its agenda this week. From taking on new responsibilities, dealing with the backlash over an economic incentive plan to handling regular business and planning for upcoming events.
Since Joe Hudson Auto Collision withdrew from a deal that would sell the chain body shop the old Big 10 Tire building, the city council was left with a need to rescind a motion that no longer mattered. The motion to allow the company to locate in what is essentially the city center and provide them with incentives to do so was rescinded.
While there was a lot of public backlash against the collision center being placed in the planned restaurant district, Pinson mayor Hoyt Sanders wanted to clarify one thing, saying the city council has been actively trying to recruit restaurants to that area for years with no takers, and the auto collision center contacted them.
“We are aware that we need more food service here,” Sanders said. “It’s not that the council does not know that. If you can name someone between Arby’s and Zaxby’s, someone on this dais has called and tried to get an appointment with them.”
Part of the problem is that many restaurants in the region are closing due to economic factors, while others refuse to locate anywhere that is not close to an interstate, the mayor said. While interstate access is in Pinson’s future, that does not help the economic situation now.
The council has had better luck with recruiting one eating establishment, even if it is temporary. Recently the Council took over the administration of youth sports within the city, closing out Pinson Valley Youth Association and replacing it with Pinson Youth Sports Complex.
As part of that changeover, city officials have found themselves in charge of the concession stand at the ball field and have decided they will pursue a contract with a food vendor.
The council authorized a temporary contract with Turner Food Systems. Vendors must bid for contracts of this type, but with football season already underway the council voted to take temporary measures until all official bids could come in.
In the interest of fairness, and in keeping within state law, the contract will only be for 90 days and revenue must not exceed $14,750. The contract is at no cost to the city, and the city receives 10 to 20 percent of the revenue for each item sold.
“Even though there’s no public money being spent for them, because they would be the exclusive entity doing concessions, it is something that needs to be bid,” city attorney Shane Black Said.
By staying under the $14,750 mark, Turner Foods will be able to operate temporarily while bids are being received and a final decision is being made by officials regarding the concession stand.
In other business:
Commissioner Joe Knight accepted a grant of $2,000 from the Jefferson County Commission to increase security at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. The grant will help pay for deputies during the peak season at the park.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and councilwoman Joy McCain is encouraging everyone to turn the City of Pinson Pink.
September 27 the Center Point Fire Department will hold their breast cancer kickoff from 3 p.m. through 6 p.m. at CPFD Station 1.
Another organization, Stick It To Cancer, consists of drummers who will play to raise money for cancer research. Both the proceeds from the fire department and the drummers will benefit cancer research at UAB.
The Council rezoned six recently annexed properties in Saddle Ridge, 10 parcels at Innsbrooke, and nine at Summer Crest and Willow Ridge. All properties are residential and were changed from their Jefferson County zoning into the equivalent city zoning.
Two properties were annexed into the city as well.