By Shaun Szkolnik, for the Tribune
PINSON — Pinson City Council approved two significant items at Thursday’s meeting.
The council considered a quote from Apex Mechanical Services Inc. for the installation of an HVAC split system in the kitchen area of the Pinson Event Center. The system is needed for an area of the center that is underserved by the current system. An additional $5,000 was added into the amount to account for needed electrical work.
The total cost of installation for the systems was listed, by Apex, as $7,280. The paperwork from Apex also said that all products would be brand new and would include a condensing unit, air handler, heat strips, associated ductwork and refrigerant piping.
“What this will do is supply (air) down by the kitchen end, but it will draw from the other end,” said Mayor Hoyt Sanders. “That will also give us some flexibility; if we have a cold or warm spot, we can convert tile into an intake grill like these. I think that is the best scenario. We’ve actually upped it by two tons, too.”
The quote was approved unanimously by the council.
The council considered participating in the Local Government Health Insurance Program, known as LGHIP. LGHIP is identified as a self-insured group health insurance program funded by the premiums of participating local governments. The program would be for all city employees that want to sign up for the program. Under the program, the city would cover 75% of the individual premium and 75% of the family premium.
The resolution was put before the council to authorize the mayor to submit the application package (along with the required application fees) to participate in LGHIP. The proposal was passed with one nay from Councilor/Mayor Pro Tempore Robbie Roberts.
In other news, Sanders spoke to the council about the progress that Pinson Valley High School varsity baseball and softball were making.
“The baseball team is in (the) playoffs,” said Sanders. “They play Friday, 6 p.m., in Gardendale. So, support them. Softball has three remaining regular games…and then they start tournament play.”
Sanders also had positive information from other groups at Pinson Valley High School.
“Spanish Club received 18 awards at a recent competition,” said Sanders. “(That is) larger than any other participating school. We are very excited for them and their hard work. And two Pinson Valley choirs received superior ratings at a recent competition. So, lots and lots of positive momentum going at the high school right now.”
During the Public Comment period, the council was addressed by Center Point Fire District Chief Gene Coleman.
“This week we had a great week with all our partner fire departments and the Trussville Tribune reporter,” said Coleman. “We had a mobile fire trainer here from Tuscaloosa and several evolutions per it and the rapid intervention training, where if a firefighter goes down, we have the resources to rescue them. Palmerdale came up with five folks, Trussville came over with a couple, Fultondale came over. (It was a) Pretty good training event. Again, keep the beep where you sleep and close the door where you snore.”
The Pinson City Council will meet again on Thursday, May 2. Pre-council will start at 6:30 p.m. and council will start at 7 p.m.
