By Amalia Kortright, For The Tribune
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council publicly recognized one of the top 20 community college students in the nation, rezoned a property and approved an amendment to the city’s contract with Terracon at their meeting on Tuesday, June 14.
Jefferson State Community College student Erin Georgia was named one of the top 20 community college students out of 1,900 nominees, and is part of the 2016 All-U.S.A. Community College Academic Team. She is also Coca-Cola’s New Century Scholar for the state of Alabama. Georgia has maintained a 4.0 GPA, and has acquired $7,000 in scholarships. She plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree from Samford University.
“She has maintained a 4.0 G.P.A. while married with three children, and has served in the United States Marines,” said councilman Alan Taylor. “She demonstrates what can be accomplished with hard work and determination.”
The City Council unanimously approved ordinances to annex and re-zone the property at 6270 Service Way. The property will be changed from industrial to residential.
They also amended their contract with Terracon to add additional testing for soil conditions, which will require additional engineering fees to the extension of Roebuck Industrial Drive.
According to the City Council, the additional testing and fees were not mentioned when the contract was signed, and that ALDOT, Barber’s and Tortorigi Construction are each contributing a share to the project.
“We’re shortly into the work stage of this project, and we’ve already got a change order for $16,000. I’m worried about what else is going to come,” said Council President Anthony Montalto. “If it’s a joint project, everyone should be responsible for any increased costs, instead of just the City.”
The majority of the council voted in favor of the amendment.
The city council also unanimously approved a resolution to repeal certain language from the business license ordinance.
They voted in favor of establishing a stand alone lodging tax, and approved participation in the Back to School sales tax holiday, which begins on Friday, August 5, and ends at midnight on Sunday, August 7. They also approved the installation of a fire hydrant between two properties on Deer Ridge Trail in Hunter’s Creek.
Public nuisances were declared at three separate properties. Overgrown grass and weeds on each property has been declared a danger to public health and safety. The owner of each property has been given 21 days to abate the overgrowth on their properties before further action is taken.
The Planning and Zoning Board has reviewed a proposition for 200 garden homes on undeveloped property near the Argo exit. According to Montalto, the planning and zoning board has suggested that the City Council deny the proposition.
Taylor reported that the 8th annual Trussville Art Show and Tasting Event was a success, with 11 bakeries and restaurants participating and 200 people in attendance. He also reported that the First Responders Breakfast on May 26 had over 100 people in attendance.
According to Taylor, $1,300 in proceeds from the Miss City Fest Pageant will benefit the Miss Trussville Scholarship Fund. Miss Trussville 2016 Cassidy Jacks won 2nd runner up in the Miss Alabama Pageant.
“She’s been a great ambassador for our city,” said Taylor.