By Crystal McGough, For The Tribune
IRONDALE — The Shades Valley High School chapter of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) presented a video to the Irondale City Council Tuesday, June 7, thanking Mayor James Stewart and the city council for their contributions toward their trip to the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Chicago on June 24-27, 2022.
“We had about 50 students to compete in the State conference against students across the state of Alabama,” FBLA advisor Necetta Marks said. “I’m glad to report that we had about 30 students to qualify for Nationals. We would definitely like to just thank you guys. Thank you again Councilor London, Councilor Sims, for that additional donation, and of course the city of Irondale.”
In addition to the video, three students stood before the council to express their gratitude. Jake Culberson, Jamie Church and FBLA President Jaylen Fields each spoke a few words about what the council’s support has meant to them.
“My only request is that once you become great business leaders, that you come back to Irondale and put your business in Irondale,” Councilor John London said.
The council held a public hearing concerning the following standard code adoptions: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Residential Code, National Electric Code (NFPA 70), 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 International Green Construction Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design.
No one spoke for or against the code adoptions during the hearing, and the council unanimously approved adoption of the aforementioned codes as Ordinance 2022-09.
Under the regular agenda, the council also approved Resolution 2022-R-105, authorizing the purchase of real estate at 3521 Ratliff Road, for the purchase price of $5,000,000, and Resolution 2022-R-106, which assents to the vacation of a portion of the right-of-way on Old Leeds Road at the request of Grants Mill, LLC.
Under the Consent Agenda, the council approved the following:
- Resolution 2022-R-94, adopting an Internal Investment Policy;
- Resolution 2022-R-95, adopting an OPEB Investment Policy Statement;
- Resolution 2022-R-98-A, amending Resolution 2022-R-98;
- Resolution 2022-R-99, rescinding a demolition order on Siesta Motel Building Structures;
- Resolution 2022-R-100, requiring that all fire hydrants in Irondale that are installed or replaced by BWWB have a Storz connection;
- Resolution 2022-R-101, authorizing execution of a service agreement with United Ability, Inc.;
- Resolution 2022-R-102, authorizing a service agreement with Birmingham Children’s Theatre, Inc., in the amount of $2,500;
- Resolution 2022-R-103, authorizing a service agreement with ClasTran in the amount of $2,000; and
- Resolution 2022-R-104, authorizing $5,000 to go toward the 2022 Irondale Youth Sports Skills Camp event.
Concerning Resolution 2022-R-104, and the development of youth sports in the city of Irondale, Councilor Robert Box said this is only the beginning.
“This is a great start, but once again, I just want to reiterate this is a start,” he said. “A month ago, we were approved a little bit of money to get this in place. It grew more than anybody expected, which is awesome.”
Box said that the city of Irondale hasn’t had any type of youth sports or activities in over three years, and Councilor London said that he believes it’s been closer to five years.
“With that said, the mayor does have a vision, which we all kind of agree with,” Box said. “It’s going to be amazing to provide some top-notch facilities for them, but to also help these children get started and get cranked off.”
Several citizens spoke during public comments in regard to junk and nuisance abatement concerns throughout the city. Six in attendance were there to specifically address their concerns regarding the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
“There are (junk) ordinances in place,” Nena Nolan said. “They are violating these. They are violating their own ethics covenant of how they are to treat the community. … It’s an atrocity. This affects me personally, emotionally, physically, financially, and I’ve had it. I, nor any of the community, should be treated like this.”
Councilor David Spivey asked the council to request that the mayor get with the inspector to find out what the city can do about the issue.
Upcoming events in Irondale:
- June 10 – Summer Screen Scene Series at Beacon Park: Encanto
- June 11 – 2022 Irondale Youth Sports Skills Camp at Shades Valley Football Stadium
- June 24 – Summer Screen Scene Series: Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
- July 15 – Summer Screen Scene Series: Space Jam
- July 29 – Summer Screen Scene Series: attendees can vote for the movie of their choice at irondalecommunityfoundation.com
- July 30 – 2nd annual I love Irondale Day, 5-8 p.m., in front of City Hall
- September 25 – Irondale’s 135th birthday celebration/music festival at Beacon Park. Attendees must register for free tickets online
The next regular meeting of the Irondale City Council has been rescheduled to Wednesday, June 22, due to the run-off election. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m.