By Terry Schrimscher, For the Tribune
CENTER POINT – The city of Center Point City Council met for the final regular meeting of 2023 on Thursday night, Dec. 21. The Council reserved time at the beginning of the meeting for candidates for local office to introduce themselves.
Jasmaine Deloach, who is running for Constable in District 58, spoke to the Council about her background. She operates a nonprofit, Angel’s Arms Women and Teen Organization, focused on locating sex trafficking victims and preventing trafficking through outreach and prevention.
Yawanna McDonald also introduced herself to the Mayor and Council. McDonald is running for Jefferson County Probate Judge, Place 1.
The Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding with E-Footprint Partners to assist the city with grants to obtain funding for technology infrastructure.
“There’s some funding available for smart city enhancements to infrastructure,” said Mayor Bobby Scott. He said E-Footprint pursues grants on behalf of smaller cities that have a harder time upgrading things like streetlights or internet access.
“We’re currently adding solar panels to our municipal buildings in an effort to save money on our electricity bill to put back into neighborhood lighting,” Scott said. He said it would help the city improve lighting on Center Point Parkway and in neighborhoods.
The Council approved a new bid law for public works. The resolution will allow the city to solicit and accept bids for contract work electronically.
Members of the Council discussed an issue held over from the last meeting of November regarding the fire alarm system at the library. In November, the Council asked for clarification if the current system, which they said was only a few years old, could remain connected the Recreation Center.
“They cannot, they have to split them. So the library will get a box and it will be on its own separate alarm system,” said Scott.
The Council approved a resolution to accept a bid from Johnson Controls for $9,981.05. The motion passed unanimously, although only three council members, Collins, Moore and Williams, were present.
The Council heard discussion on approval of $7,000 for engineering costs for improvements on Polly Reed Road. The measure was discussed in the Oct. 19 meeting and Mayor Scott was asked to clarify funding. The measure passed unanimously.
The Center Point City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at City Hall located at 2209 Center Point Parkway. The next meeting will be held Thursday, Jan. 11, at 6:30 p.m.