By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at City Hall and approved a resolution in support of a freestanding emergency department being placed within city limits.
Grandview Medical Center has plans to build an emergency department in a new development across from Winn Dixie, formerly known as the Hamilton property. No lease has been signed, but the developer and the hospital have been in talks for some time about placing the center on that property. The medical center has filed notice with the State Health Planning and Development Agency and will present a proposal later this year.
Dr. Jeremy Rogers, with Grandview Medical Center, was in attendance at the meeting. He spoke, saying as a resident, he is in support of an emergency department by Grandview being placed within city limits.
The emergency department will provide quality, life-saving care, according to the resolution and to officials with Grandview.
“Our goal is to provide convenient access to emergency services to the residents we serve located in communities on the eastern side of Jefferson and surrounding counties,” said Leisha Harris, Marketing Director for Grandview Medical Center.
The resolution urges the Certificate of Need Review Board to approve the application to establish the emergency department within Trussville city limits.
If the State Health Planning and Development Agency approves Grandview to move forward with the project, construction could begin by the end of the year.
Mayor Buddy Choat said he toured a similar facility in Gulf Shores and has met with those involved in planning for the facility with Grandview Health. He said it will be an asset to the community.
“It really is a 24-hour emergency room facility,” said Choat. “It would be a great addition to Trussville.
A helipad would be required in order for there to be an emergency department. Specific plans for the building and the specific location will have to be approved at a later date. The resolution passed Tuesday only approves the mayor to write a letter of support for the emergency department. Choat said the letter is needed as part of the process because he said St. Vincent’s has already expressed an objection to the Grandview freestanding emergency department.
As for the developer, RealtyLink is developing the entire Hamilton Property and there is still space available.
In other business, the council voted to approve a resolution accepting several streets in the Stockton subdivision. The developer installed the infrastructure and the final seal coat to the streets and the city will not take over maintenance on the streets until that coat has been in place for a year.
The fire department had four old vehicles to be declared as surplus. The 2002 Ford F350 flatbed truck, 2003 Ford Excursion, and two 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazers will be sold, conveyed, or otherwise disposed of.
A resolution was passed unanimously to authorize premium pay for city public safety employees. The resolution sets certain requirements for the educational pay premium. The approval of a resolution is a requirement by the Jefferson County Personnel Board.
In other approvals, the council passed a proclamation to honor the bicentennial celebration of First Baptist Church Trussville on July 11. Council President Alan Taylor abstained from the vote because he works for the church. There will be a celebration at the church during two Sunday morning services on July 11. The proclamation will be read during one or both of those services. There will also be a July 14 celebration, which is the anniversary date of the church. A Legacy Lunch will be held on July 18, where members of 50 years and more will be invited.
The following items were approved as part of the Consent Agenda:
- Auditing Accounts
- Appoint Jenna Jones to the City Tree Commission; term expiring February 28, 2024
- Hire Marley Carmichael as a Parks & Recreation Seasonal Lifeguard (Grade 7 – Step 1), effective July 3, 2021
- Hire Marley Carmichael as a Parks & Recreation Seasonal Pool Manager (Grade 12 – Step 1), effective July 3, 2021
- Hire Ethan Jennings as a Parks & Recreation Skilled Laborer (Grade 12 – Step 2), effective July 3, 2021
- Approve 5% education premium for Police Officer Dalton Blackwood, effective July 3, 2021
- Approve Firefighter/Paramedics Blake Bjornson and Hunter Reid step raise to Grade 19F, Step 2 effective June 19, 2021, due to completion of minimum standards
- Approve Firefighters Jacob Carr and Garrett Allen step raise to Grade 17F, Step 2 effective June 19, 2021 due to completion of minimum standards
- Sixth Amendment to Project Development Agreement with Downtown Trussville LL
- Auditing accounts
- Accounts payable
- OODA loop-based Officer Survival Course for Police Officer Wes Hassett, June 28-29 at Homewood PD. $300 registration
- ASCE & APWA Summer Conference for Wayne Sullivan, July 12-14 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. $325 registration fee + accommodations