By Nathan Prewett
For the Tribune
PINSON — The Pinson City Council authorized up to $7,000 for irrigation materials for Bradford Park at a regular meeting on Thursday night. Councilor Robbie Roberts filled in for Pinson Mayor Hoyt Sanders, who was absent at tonight’s meeting.
Pinson City Council at a meeting on May 17, 2018. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
The authorization was a request from Public Works Director Eric Winfry, who is overseeing renovations of the park to be used as a soccer complex.
Winfry gave an update on a construction project at Pinson Valley High School in which the contractor that wins the bid at a meeting to be held on May 24 will “harvest” the grass at the school for Public Works to use at Bradford Park.
The grass and dirt left over from the project, he said, will save the city money when it is used at the park rather than buying more. He also said that irrigation will be necessary to be installed and that it will need two two-inch water tap, something he said that most irrigation systems in athletic fields use.
In addition to the irrigation materials estimated at $5,000, the water taps would add several thousand more in funds to purchase it.
After discussion, the council voted to grant an upwards of $7,000 to buy the materials along with the water tap and amended the resolution to include asking Sanders to contact Birmingham Water Works, which is handling the water for the irrigation system.
Afterwards, the council voted unanimously to change City Hall’s hours of operation from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Roberts said that the change was made based on a finding that people prefer going to City Hall earlier in the day.
Councilor Shannon Galamore updated on efforts to bring game toss boards to the Bicentennial Park, saying that she has found three options, with one including a game board with a bike deterrent and a platform for throwing at a price of $1,520. No vote was taken on this tonight and will be discussed at a later meeting.
She also said that Pinson Valley High School has moved its graduation ceremony originally scheduled to take place at the stadium to the BJCC in Birmingham due to inclement weather. Graduation will be held on May 24 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are free though seating will be limited.
Councilor Joy McCain said that the city has held its Movies in the Park with several hundred attending. On May 25, the city will host a showing of the animated film, “Ferdinand”.
Councilor Dawn Tanner said that a budget report will be presented at the next council meeting on June 7 and that a finance meeting will be held on June 4 tentatively at 5 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.
During public comments, Pinson Public Library Director Allison Scanlan gave an update on options for decoration at the future expanded library at Rock School Center. A display was available to be viewed that showed samples for carpet, flooring, tiles and furniture fabric. She said that she was in talks with the architect recently and that the library will have a “classic and sturdy” aesthetic.
She also announced that Summer Reading Program will kick off on May 19 with a “rock star” theme and that people will be able to register for the program on that day.
Roberts gave a reminder that National Night Out will be held on Aug. 7 at Innsbrooke Pavilion.
The next Pinson City Council meeting will be held on June 7 with pre-council at 6:30 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.
