By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council met in a virtual meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. The council made changes to the city’s food truck ordinance and approved a bid award for work at the Greenway Ballfields.
The council also held a moment of silence for the families of retired Police Chief Irving “Goose” Nash and Fire Marshal Jeff Fore, who were both laid to rest since the last council meeting.
FOOD TRUCKS
Under the current food truck ordinance, food trucks are not allowed in residential areas. The amendment allows food trucks to operate in residential areas as long as they are parked in common areas. Mayor Buddy Choat said the changes came about after some neighborhoods hosted food trucks during the Stay at Home Order by Governor Kay Ivey.
The amendment redefined common spaces, so food trucks will not block emergency vehicles and driveways.
Another change to the ordinance lowers the fee for permits for food trucks to $25 per year. The fee is for inspections. Food trucks would also have to purchase a business license from the city.
BALLFIELDS
The council approved work for the Greenway Ballfields in the Masonic Park. The work by Powers and Associates will include grading, sidewalks and drainage. Powers and Associates won the bid with the amount of $104,722.
LOOP ROAD PROJECT
Another right-of-way acquisition was approved for the downtown loop roads. For months, Tillman Consulting has been working on appraisals and land acquisitions for the city. The mayor is now authorized to execute documents signing off on the right of way acquisition and temporary construction easement for properties on John Street and North Chalkville Road.
Councilmember Alan Taylor abstained from the vote because he works for First Baptist Church Trussville, which is impacted by some land acquisitions for the loop road project.
OTHER BUSINESS
The council also approved a resolution to allow the mayor to accept Community Development Block Grants from Jefferson County if they are to be awarded.
As part of the consent agenda, approval was made for the hiring of Spencer Austin Sinewe with the fire department, Winifred Payne was upgraded to Revenue Examiner and the hiring of Dawson Allen Findley for Public Works was approved.
The city also reinstated committee meetings after two committees, Design Review and the Parks and Recreation Board requested to be able to meet this week. The committees will have to meet health standards in order to be in line with the Safer at Home Order and with Jefferson County health officials.
Mayor Choat said municipal courts would resume on May 26, 2020.
Food Truck Ordinance