by Lee Weyhrich
Staff Writer
Continuing with the business from January, much of the Pinson City Council meeting involved mowing, though this time the talk was less about personnel and implementation, and more about acquiring necessary equipment.
Council members voted unanimously to purchase three Exmark LZS series, gasoline-powered, commercial mowers at $8,799.20 each from Argo Power Equipment. According to Mayor Hoyt Sanders, these mowers will be the “anchor pieces” for the program.
In addition, the council voted to purchase two commercial-grade walk-behind mowers, a commercial edger, a commercial string trimmer, a commercial hedge trimmer and a commercial-grade backpack blower. The council originally set a budget of $10,000 for these items, but Councilman Joe Cochrane believes the cost could be closer to $20,000. The council voted to split the difference at $15,000.
Councilman John Churchwell was the only dissenting vote, stating that he believed the equipment decisions should be left to whomever the council hires for the mowing supervisor job.
Working under the park director, the mowing supervisor will be responsible for the mowing of city property and managing a team of employees. According to the mayor, the council hopes to have a candidate for the job before the next council meeting.