By Shaun Szkolnik
For The Tribune
PINSON – Councilor Robby Roberts made a resolution concerning an amendment to Pinson’s contract with the The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The city of Pinson wanted to add a fourth contract deputy. After the resolution was introduced, Mayor Hoyt Sanders recognized Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway, who addressed the council.
“We were able to come together and make sure that you have what you want for this area,” said Pettway. “To make sure that you have the best officer for this area. And if there is anything else that I can do for you as sheriff here of Jefferson County, we’re here for you to make sure that the citizens here in Pinson are safe and that you feel safe.
“The partnership that we have is a great partnership. We want to make sure that we continue to make sure that you have everything that you need to make sure that you and the businesses are safe here in the city of Pinson.”
After the sheriff addressed the council, the rules were reinstated and the matter was opened to the council for discussion. There was no discussion and the matter went to a roll call vote where it was passed unanimously.
FEMA recently updated its flood plane management ordinance, and all jurisdictions are required to adopt and enforce the update if they are to remain in the flood plane insurance program. Sanders opened the floor to public discussion and comment on the matter of the new update and on the possibility of the council taking a vote to adopt the update. There was no comment or discussion from the public on the matter. The council voted to consider the update. After a brief discussion, the council voted unanimously to adopt the FEMA update.
The council considered a resolution for Sylvia McClain to be appointed to replace Patrick Coleman on Pinson’s Library Board for a full term, to expire on March 31, 2023. Coleman had decided to retire when his term expired at the end of March. McClain is a retired educator who taught third, fourth and fifth grade in the city of Birmingham. McClain also worked in the Birmingham Library as a library assistant. McClain has been a resident of Pinson for 15 years. Roberts made a resolution to appoint McClain to the position.
“I’d just like to say that I’ve worked very closely with Sylvia over these years,” said Councilman John Churchwell. “I became real good friends with her. She’s very qualified and we’re just glad to have her accept this position. Thank you.”
The council approved of the resolution unanimously.
In other news, the council considered upgrading the sound system at the Pinson Valley High School stadium. The new sound system would benefit the football team, the soccer team, graduation and band competitions. The old sound system would be repurposed and donated to the baseball team. The cost would run at approximately $3,500 and the work would be performed over the summer break. The council will give further consideration to the upgrades at a later date.