By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council, on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, passed several resolutions and proclamations during an online meeting. The workshop and regular meetings were conducted using Zoom.
During the work session, Council President Zack Steele said he wanted to discuss a recent food truck ordinance amended by the council.
On May 12, the council amended the ordinance making it possible for food trucks to operate in residential areas if they are parked in a common area. Steele said he wanted to continue the conversation about the food truck ordinance and discuss options.
Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat said he wants to be supportive of brick and mortar restaurants and food trucks. But he said he has heard a variety of concerns from neighbors in residential areas when it comes to food trucks parked in driveways and roadways.
The city entered into an agreement with Trussville City Schools to make space at Magnolia Elementary School and at Cahaba Elementary School a common area for food trucks. For now, the council decided to leave the ordinance as is.
REGULAR MEETING
During the regular meeting, the council approved the final draft of Mayor Choat’s 2040 plan. Choat said around 200 citizens helped form the plan. It will guide city leaders in making decisions about growth, spending and policy initiatives.
“I appreciate those of you who have participated,” said Choat. “I appreciate everybody that has done that and this resolution tonight is asking us to adopt and approve the 2040 plan for the city of Trussville.”
ROAD WIDENING
The council approved a resolution authorizing the widening of Main Street in downtown Trussville. The city will acquire 479 sq. feet of property at 199 Main Street.
Mayor Choat said Tillman Consulting has assisted the city in acquiring land for the project and he said there is only one more piece of property to be acquired.
“It’s been a long time coming and Randall Tillman and his group did a fantastic job,” said Choat. “We couldn’t have done it without the people, the business owners and property owners from Main Street down to Parkway and I really appreciate that.”
Choat said he hopes work on the widening project can begin towards the end of October 2020.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Back to School Sales Tax holiday will be observed in Trussville from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 17 until Sunday, July 19, at 12 midnight. The holiday is in conjunction with the statewide Sales Tax Holiday.
The city also passed two resolutions concerning the takeover of streets in two subdivisions. Beginning in May of 2021, the city will assume maintenance responsibilities on the streets of Trussville Springs and Winslow Parc, sector 2.
Due to unforeseen but necessary change concerning construction at the Greenway Ball Field, the city had to add $4,959 to the project to upgrade the fields. The construction company, Powers & Associates, had to add the cost to remove existing dugouts.
A proclamation was passed observing “Shop Local: Live Big and Shop Small Days.” The purpose of the proclamation is to boost the local economy, create jobs and foster a sense of belonging among community members. June 11 – 20, 2020 will be “Shop Local: Live Big and Shop Small Days.”
The city also passed a proclamation honoring local EMTs during the week of May 24 – May 30. The move is part of a national observation honoring EMTs. The mayor and the council are asking people in the community to honor the life-saving efforts of the city’s EMTs.
The following items were approved as part of the consent agenda:
Hire lifeguards for 2020 season effective May 16
Pool Managers
Amy Kuhn – Grade 12, Step 4 (move from Civic Center) 2. Lifeguards
Kaylyn McDaniel – Grade 12, Step 1
Cooper McCombs – Grade 7, Step 2
Bailey Berry- Grade 7, Step 3
Peyton Berry – Grade 7, Step 2
Vesley Hudgins – Grade 7, Step 3
Jacob Peterson – Grade 7, Step 3
Preston Peterson – Grade 7, Step 2
Noah Rigg – Grade 7, Step 2
Accounts payable
Accounts payable Regions purchasing card
AACOP Summer Executive Training – July 27-30 – Orange Beach – Rush – $200, Cardwell & Morrette – $250 ea, plus lodging
Online Recruiting Police Applicants – June 28-29 – Orange Beach – Morris – $255, plus lodging
RICIC Homicide Conf -Aug 23-26 – Savannah, GA – Warmus – $150 plus lodging