By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON – The Pinson City Council discussed requests for proposals or RFP for residential trash pickup at a meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21.
Mayor Pro Tem Robbie Roberts on Sept. 21, 2023
During the pre-council session, the council discussed renewing the contract with the current vendor, Waste Management, though it was mentioned by Operations Director Eric Winfrey that the rates have become higher, now at $85 per month.
Though the rate in Pinson is high, Winfrey said that trash pickup rates in the neighboring communities have also gone up.
“So, I’m afraid if we go out for RFPs, we’re probably not going to get anything better,” he said. “Most likely we’ll get stuff that’s even worse.”
Mayor Pro Tem Robbie Roberts mentioned that the county pickup service has also gone up progressively higher, $38 per month at one point but later jumping up to $74.95. The current contract expires in April of 2024.
He echoed similar fears that Waste Management may increase their rates as well. No action was taken on trash pickup during the meeting.
It was later announced that the city has two board openings, one being the Zoning Board of Adjustments and the other being the Pinson Public Library. Applying for these openings may be done by contacting Roberts or Mayor Joe Cochran.
Roberts reminded the public that “Frenemy For Life,” a movie filmed in Pinson, would premiere at the Rock School Center on Saturday, Sept. 23. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to supporting the Pinson Valley Arts Council.
Councilwoman Clinteshia Irvin reported briefly on the recent National Night Out event and thanked those involved, including the Center Point, Palmerdale, and Glennwood fire districts, the Clay Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Councilwoman Glenda Kirkland reminded those in attendance that the Butterbean Festival is coming up on Oct. 6 and 7. She said that 20,000 to 30,000 people are estimated to be in attendance.
Winfrey announced that a new website for the Parks and Recreation Department will go live on Friday, Sept. 29. Winfrey explained the site and length, which features ways to rent facilities online and apply for licenses, among others.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 2, starting with the pre-council meeting at 6:15 p.m. The change is due to the Butterbean Festival, as well as the Hispanic Heritage Festival at Pinson Valley High School at 6 p.m.
In other business, the council:
- Approved purchasing a new time clock system for $2,000, and
- Set a work session regarding the budget for Friday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.
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.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.
