By Tanna Friday
Editor
TRUSSVILLE — Among a rather short agenda this evening were celebratory items including the recognition of a long-time parks and recreation employee’s retirement and an appointment to an expiring Trussville City Schools board member’s seat.
Councilor, Zack Steele, and Trussville Parks and Recreation Director, David Vinson, acknowledged the retirement of an employee who has served with the City of Trussville for 10 years.
“Ms. Jackie Hollis has served with us for 10 years,” said Steele. “She has done a wonderful job with parks and rec. We just wanted to thank her for her service to the City of Trussville.”
Hollis, who was not in attendance this evening, will continue to serve as an employee of the city until May 1 before her retirement begins.
Vinson spoke this evening on behalf of Hollis and shared his appreciation to her service.
“She couldn’t be here tonight,” said Vinson. “She wanted to let everyone know that she has enjoyed her 10 years here.”
“She was one of our janitorial staff at the Civic Center. She has health concerns, but was able to get her 10 years of service and has done whatever we have asked her to do. She is a great employee and we are going to miss her.”
After approving the consent agenda, which was full of moving parts in the city’s function including merit increases, employee training, accounts payable, and new hires in public works, the Council also approved the appointment of Trussville resident, Mark Sims, to the Trussville City Schools board of education.
Sims, who will take the expiring seat of Sid McNeal, will serve a five-year term beginning May 25, 2018 and serve until May 25, 2023.
Councilor Jef Freeman shared Sim’s experience including his years serving in surrounding community boards.
“After a thorough interviews and talking amongst ourselves, the Council and I have decided on Mark Sims to be our next school board member,” said Freeman. “Mark is a 30-year veteran of Stryker Medical. He spent 22 years with Stryker selling and the last six, or so, as a regional manager.”
“Stryker is one of the largest medical technology companies dedicated to health and healthcare professionals to perform their jobs more efficiently while enhancing medical care.”
“More importantly, Sims has served on the Jefferson County 911 Board, the Center Point Fire Board and speaks to local churches,” he said.
Sims and his wife, Jill, have three children, one of which attends Hewitt-Trussville Middle School.
“We are pleased to have him,” he said. “He is just a dynamic individual and we are delighted to have him agree to serve on our school board for the next five years.”
Dr. Pattie Neill commended the Council for their diligence in filling McNeal’s expired seat.
“Thank you for your diligence and for the information,” said Neill. “I will have the opportunity to meet Mark on Friday. I feel that he has had a vast array of training that would be invaluable to the school board. Thank you all.”
In other business, the Council approved:
•Accounts payable;
•Library security for $14,590.59;
•Training for Public Agency, Dangerous Dog/Animal Cruelty,Investigative Interviewing & Interrogation, NASRO Adolescent Mental Health training;
•Merit increases for the Police, Fire, Street, and Parks & Rec;
•Hiring of Public Works and seasonal workers for Parks & Rec;
•Library change orders;
•Prescott House contract child abuse invest.; and
•ADA Compliance expense for sidewalk trip hazards -$24,033.88
The next Council workshop is on April 19, Council meeting April 24.