By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON – The Pinson City Council presented a $60,000 grant approved at the previous meeting to all four of the local schools during a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 15.
Each principal was present to accept a check of $15,000 and spoke, the first being Pinson Valley High School Principal Michael Turner, who said that he had opportunities to go elsewhere but chose to stay in Pinson.
“Go where you’re needed, not where you want,” he said. “It’s always been my kind of thing. And so with that being said that’s why I’m here and I feel like I don’t want to speak for my colleagues but I feel like that’s what we’re tasked to do. And lord knows it’s a heavy lift.”
Rudd Middle School Adrian Pryor said, “It’s been an honor being here. I feel like this is home for me. I’ve made it my home and I’m here as long as you guys would like to have me.”
Johnson Elementary School Principal Brandi Wilson thanked Mayor Pro-temp Robbie Roberts for his prayer for the schools’ safety during the opening.
“Well, ya’ll know that this has been my home for 38 years and I love this city and I really do appreciate you guys’ support,” she said. “We need all the support that we can get.”
Pinson Elementary School Principal Ann King said, “I started here in 2011, so it’s been a while. I did leave for just a couple of years and then came back. I really, really again appreciate the support more than you could know.”
She introduced the schools’ new assistant principal, Suhai Douglas.
Center Point Fire District Battalion Chief Chris Horn delivered a report for the past month, saying that there were 902 calls, seven structural fires, 29 incidents where firefighters installed smoke detectors in residents’ homes, and mutual aid was given 15 times and received seven times.
Horn said that they received a grant from the Alabama Fire College for smoke detectors and that anyone interested in having one installed by firefighters may call 205-853-5090 for an appointment.
He stressed the importance of having smoke detectors and mentioned a house in the Innsbrooke area that caught fire and had such devices in it. During the incident Center Point Fire assisted the Palmerdale District.
“I’ve told them numerous times and I’ll tell the council and I’ll tell this publicly: We’re here to serve the citizens,” he said. “It’s not about Center Point Fire, Palmerdale Fire. We’re here to serve the citizens. We’re first responders. I don’t care what’s on the side of that truck. We’re here to serve the citizens and that is what I mean.”
In public comments Chad McMillian said that he found that the meeting minutes are not on the city website at thecityofpinson.com. City Clerk Marie Turner said that the website would be updated with these soon.
Pinson Public Library Director Allison Scanlan said that they would be partnering with the Fresh Farmers Market to provide eligible seniors of ages 60 and up with benefit cards for up to $50 at the upcoming farmers market.
She said that she can provide additional information to anyone who calls the library. The Pinson Public Library can be reached at 205-680-9298.
It was again noted by Roberts that a position on the Pinson Public Library Board continues to be open. Anyone interested in applying for the position may call City Hall at 205-680-5556 or the library.
Afterwards the council went into executive session to discuss potential litigation and real estate. When they returned they approved allowing Mayor Joe Cochran to appraise potentially purchasing real estate.
In other business the council:
- Confirmed the Shred-it dates as March 16, June 15, and Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.,
- Purchased lighting for the auditorium of Rock School as part of its renovations for $34,615, and
- Approved a slightly changed version of the contract with Waste Management to say that it will be extended to three years, with the third year being optional.
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.