By Lee Weyhrich, Staff Writer
PINSON — A big announcement during Pinson’s most recent city council meeting was that two of Pinson’s three most historic areas have been added to the national registry. Pinson Hills and Pinson Main Street are now nationally recognized historic districts. The mayor believes that approval for the third area, Palmerdale, will not be far behind. The Pinson area is one of the oldest settled areas in the state, founded in part by at least one veteran of the Revolutionary War.
As far as historical significance, Pinson’s Boy Scout troop recently became the oldest Scout troop in America. According to Scoutmaster Steven Baird, the troop has several upcoming events including a recruitment drive September 10-11 at Triangle Park. Baird also asked for permission to allow the troop to help clean and maintain Bicentennial Park.
The municipality also became the proud new owner of three properties. The council approved the acceptance of roughly one acre of land Tyler Loop Road property at no cost to the city. The land was donated to the city by the land developer. The council also voted unanimously to purchase to plots of land. The first is a property on Glenbrook adjacent to dry creek that the Council purchased for just $3,000. Another property at Oak Street West adjacent to Bicentennial park, and near the main entrance, was purchased for just $5,000.
The council will be advertising bids for roof replacement and fascia at the Rock School Center. According to Eric Hendon of Hendon and Huckstein Architects, bids will be received Sept. 13.
Hendon also talked about possible ways to save money with the project by combining phases to allow better pricing on materials based on quantity. One suggestion was to get windows for the cafeteria at the same time as the windows are purchased for the library. Another cost saving measure might be to use the same roof on the old Civitan building as what will be put on the Rock School.
City Elections will be held at the Rock School August 23 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This will also be the polling site for the upcoming national election.
Roughly one month ago, the council approved a technology upgrade to not only help make meetings paperless, but also to allow the community to better see what is going on. According to Councilman Robbie Roberts, the equipment came quite a bit under budget at around $6,500. That cost includes six iPad Airs, one iPad Pro, two 60-inch Sony TVs with Apple TV that will allow the audience at meetings to see what the council sees, and all wiring and installation included.