From The Trussville Tribune staff reports staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council honored several promotions during its regular council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020.
Boy Scout Troop 845 was in attendance and lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chief Eric Rush promoted two officers to the rank of Captain. The police department hasn’t had a captain position in nearly two years, according to Rush. Dave Morette and Greg Cardwell were recognized and presented with certificates and new badges.
“I am honored to serve the great city of Trussville as a police captain,” said Cardwell. “I have served the city of Trussville as a police officer for the last 17 years and I am very grateful to Chief Rush, Mayor Choat, and the city council for this opportunity. I have always worked hard to serve the citizens of Trussville, to the best of my ability, and I will continue to do so in my new role within the Trussville Police Department.”
“As the chief, I have great expectations for these two and I’m confident they’re up to the task that I’ve given them,” said Rush.
Mayor Buddy Choat promoted JR Malchus to the position of Building Inspection Superintendent.
Elizabeth Walker was at the meeting to speak up against the YMCA taking over the Trussville City School’s summer program. Walker said the new summer program will cost her family 65% more with the YMCA program. Walker said she does not believe the rent being paid to the school system for Paine Elementary would cover costs of operation.
Walker voiced her concerns during a parent meeting at the Trussville Public Library on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.
Other parents also spoke to the council saying they wish the school system would have communicated with parents ahead of making decisions.
Justin Rogers said his family moved to Trussville in 2006. He said the school system was a main reason for the move. His daughter, who is a student at Paine, enjoyed the TCS program and the caregivers working with the program.
After the public hearing section of the meeting, parents asked the council if there was a way to change the way Board of Education members are put into their positions. Some parents said without having an elected board, there is no accountability for members.
Mayor Buddy Choat said the city would have the opportunity to speak with the school board and ask them to respond to concerns of parents.
Councilmember Jef Freeman said for reasons concerning accreditation, the council has to be careful what they ask of the BOE.
Two parcels of property at 6987 and 6991 Gadsden Highway were rezoned from Industrial-1 to Commercial-2. The move was recommended by the city’s Planning and Zoning Committee.
1751 Gadsden Highway was also rezoned from Institutional-1 to Commercial-2. The move was recommended by the city’s Planning and Zoning Committee.
The south side of the 7500-7800 blocks of Bethune Parkway was also rezoned. The parcels, which were formerly zoned Residential-2, were rezoned to Qualified Residential Garden Homes. The property is part of the latest development in the Stockton subdivision.
“The only part of this that could be considered a garden home is the front setback,” said Councilmember Brian Plant. “The lots themselves are almost triple what would be considered a garden home.”
Richard Johnson, who was at the meeting representing the Stockton development, said the rezoning would not extend Bethune Parkway.
Paul Bentley, the president of the Home Owner’s Association at Windsong, said his neighbors do not want garden homes next to their property. He is also concerned with the approval making it easier for future garden homes to be put in the area. Another concern he had was construction traffic.
Other concerns voiced during the public hearing portion for the resolution were issues with runoff during construction by Signature Homes.
The council also approved a resolution approving an election manager. Lynn Porter will take the position during the 2020 election cycle. Porter will be responsible for mayoral duties concerning the municipal election.
The council approved a resolution concerning handicap voting equipment. The city has to enact the resolution to allow it to use the machine that Jefferson County has approved for use.
The council approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Buddy Choat to execute documents for right-of-way acquisitions for the downtown Loop Road. Councilman Alan Taylor abstained from the vote because he works for the First Baptist Church of Trussville, which is involved in the acquisitions.
Measures approved as part of the consent agenda are listed below.
Accounts payable
League of Municipalities Convention registration – Choat, Cook, Freeman, Porter –
Tuscaloosa – May16-19 $350 ea. plus lodging
Critical Task in Jail/Corrections Operations – Roberson -Feb 11-12 – Cullman -$275.00
Bama Fire Protection service contract-$5,303.55, plus police car extinguishers at $5.95 ea
Fire Marshall’s Association Conf – Fore – Guntersville -March 25-27 – $75.00 plus lodging, $307.07
Fire Recruit School – Matthew Williams – Fort Payne – $1,085 plus lodging $250
Promote Dave Morrette to Police Captain, Grade 29, Step 5, effective Feb 15
Promote Greg Cardwell to Police Captain, Grade 29, Step 5, plus 5% effective Feb 15
Officer Michael Montana – Add 10% educational premium effective Jan 18
Promote Frank Jones to Public Works Assist Director II – Grade 23. Step 8, eff. Feb 15
Promote Barry Jones to Fire Prevention Inspector – Grade 19, Step 9, eff. Feb 15
Promote JR Malchus to Building Inspection Superintendent-Grade 28, Step 4,eff. Feb 15
Hire HR Project Coordinator Mandy Dixon, Grade 28, Step 9, effective March 9
Tree Commission appointment – John Edge through Feb 28, 2021
Tree Commission reappointments
John Floyd through Feb 28 2022
Ryan Dawkins through Feb 28 2023
Arnold Reichert through Feb 28 2023
Hire Albino Eduardo Matias -Public Works – Grade 7,Step 2 pending employment reports