By Crystal McGough, Associate Editor
PINSON – The Pinson City Council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday night, Dec. 15, establishing a new full-time employment position within the city: Operations Director.
The Operations Director position will be filled by existing Director of Public Works, Eric Winfrey.
“The mayor came with a proposal here regarding having one of our current employees basically modify his position – Mr. Winfrey, who is over our Public Works Department,” Councilor Robbie Roberts said. “I was able to meet with Mr. Winfrey, along with one of the other council members, and we had a good conversation there about what the role would require and compared notes with what the mayor had expressed in this job. I think that, for the situation as it stands right now, I think this is an excellent idea. I feel like this is basically an affirmation of something that has already been taking place to some extent. Eric’s stepped up a lot here over the last several months on these things and been helping the mayor out. So, I think this is going to be a good move.”
Resolution No. 22-36 states that the Operations Director will directly report to the mayor and the mayor will supervise the activities of and make all employment decisions relating to the position.
According to the official job description, the Operations Director will be a full-time, at-will employee of the city, with a salary range of $57,000-$81,000 per year. In this position, Winfrey will assist the mayor with various operations of the city, including directing operations of the Public Works Department, Park and Recreation Department, any outside contractors, events, parades, building maintenance and repairs, construction projects, IT issues, upgrades and repairs, software operations and issues, and communication with vendors.
“It’s basically outlining what he’s already doing, for the most part,” Mayor Joe Cochran said. “With some expansion on that, but mostly what he’s already doing.”
The council also approved a bid from Vanguard Cleaning Systems for janitorial services at City Hall, the Rock School Complex, the Pinson Community Center and the Palmerdale Homestead Community Center.
The total bid amount was $4,182/month, with service rates divided up as follows:
- City Hall – $1,170/month, for service two days per week
- Rock School Complex – $1,612/month, for service two days per week
- Pinson Community Center – $600/month, for service one day per week
- PHCC – $800/month, for service one day per week
City Hall and other city offices will be closed on Friday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) employee training. Pinson Public Library will be closed all day Friday.
The next regular meeting of the Pinson City Council will be Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at Pinson City Hall, beginning at 7 p.m. A pre-council workshop will be held before the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Crystal McGough can be contacted at mcgoughcrystal@gmail.com