By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON – During a meeting on May 4, the Pinson City Council voted to resolve a dispute regarding a property on Kaley Avenue.
Mayor Joe Cochran and City Councilor Brad Walker (Photo by Nathan Prewett)
According to a resolution detailing the case, the building on the property was considered a public nuisance and its abatement was ordered. It was eventually demolished and a judgement was entered by a judge against the owners to pay $15,481.59 in 2014.
The city later purchased the property from the state after it was acquired due to its sale, resulting from delinquent property taxes. One of the owners died and their successor filed for bankruptcy, resulting in a successful bankruptcy discharge.
A dispute with the city followed when a third party claimed to be a successor to the previous owner and have a right to the property, which the city disputes. The city sought to redeem the property though “the process of judicial redemption.”
The third party requested that the city release any “in personam” judgement against the previous owner. The city will now enter into an agreement where they will drop the judgement in exchange for the third party conveying interest in the property.
“What this whole thing does is that, financially, the city doesn’t gain anything by this,” he said. “But the city does gain complete control of the property.”
The council gave a report on the City Fest event that took place on April 29. Councilwoman Clinteshia Irvin called it a delight, though she said that not all of the vendors appeared as expected. She later asked future vendors that come to events to stay for the entirety, referring to some that left early due to thinner crowds in the morning and noted that crowds tend to grow larger in the afternoons.
“I ask everybody please stay,” she said. “I know sometimes sitting at your tent you may feel like you want to leave but I promise you, the Millennials, we are coming with our toddlers right about (1 p.m.) because we are not waking up early on the weekend.”
Councilman Brad Walker announced that a free paper shredding and electronics drop-off for recycling event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on May 13, at the Jefferson County Center Point Satellite Courthouse.
Councilman John Churchwell announced that the National Society of the American Revolution will conduct a cleanup at Red Hill Cemetery on May 20, and the public is invited to attend and help.
During public comments, former Councilwoman Dawn Tanner reported on the April 22 Earth Day cleanup on Sweeny Hollow, saying that approximately 15 volunteers showed up and 75 bags were filled.
“It went so well that we’re going to plan on doing another one probably in the fall,” she said.
Afterwards, two residents spoke to complain of the lack of recycling pickup by Waste Management. The first, Jim Raines, began with saying that the road sign marking Midwood Road has been missing for around two years.
Raines was told that a new sign is in the process of being ordered from the county but if this does go through the city will do so.
Raines said that he has tried to contact the garbage service about the recycling but has had too much difficulty and that the service has not properly addressed the issue. Afterwards Nolan Terry echoed Raines’ comments.
The council was sympathetic to the complaints with several, including Mayor Joe Cochran, saying that their recycling had not been picked up as well.
In other business, the council:
- Approved $4,250 for a dumpster pad for Rock School Center,
- Approved $9,500 for bases for lights in the parking lot area of the Pinson City Youth Complex,
- Approved $4,500 for equipment for a portable PA system, and
- Discussed potential solutions to issues during the pre-council meeting and will consider options.
Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page.
