By Shaun Szkolnik for the Tribune
PINSON — The Pinson City Council met on Thursday. After preliminary business was attended to the council addressed several issues of concern to the city.
Among the items attended to was the choosing of a new Mayor Pro Tempore. The terms for Mayor Pro Temp last two years and the current term, for Council Member Robbie Roberts, is set to expire in the next week. They council selected Council Member Joy McCain as the incoming Mayor Pro Tempore. All of the council voted for McCain with the exception of McCain herself, whom abstained.
The Council heard from City Attorney Shane Black on changes to the 99-year lease on the old Palmerdale School from the Jefferson County Board of Education. Changes to the proposed lease agreement included:
- The city will have the power, at its expense, to make changes and improvements to the school building. The Jefferson County Board of Education will be able to ask for financial records related to the improvements.
- The Board of Education will not be liable for any changes that the city makes to the property.
- After the 99 year lease up the property will revert back without notice.
- The city will maintain insurance on the property against such perils as fire, earthquake and vandals. If any damage occurs the city will invest all insurance proceeds back into the property.
The changes were approved by the council.
The council also heard from city attorney Shane Black about Charter Cable’s franchise with the city. Their previous franchise with the city has expired, however, federal case law suggests that the contract remains until the city takes action on the matter. Council Members Shannon Galamore and Robbie Roberts expressed concern that Charter Cable does not provide coverage for every resident in Pinson. Galamore will research into which residents are impacted by a lack of cable. She will present her findings to Black who will present the information to Charter Cable.
Attorney Shane Black provided a draft of an ordinance to create a Parks and Rec advisory board for the city of Pinson. The draft ordinance was created mostly for instructional purposes so that the board could get some idea as to how setting up such a board could be achieved. The council will consider the document before making the decision on the type of advisory board they desire to create.