By Terry Schrimscher
Center Point — The Center Point City Council met for the final meeting of the month on Thursday night, April 18 at City Hall. The full Council was in attendance for the meeting.
The agenda began with two public hearings. The first hearing contained dozens of homes and properties on the November to January abatement lists. No property owners were present to speak or update the Council on the condition of any of the listings.
Properties on the abatement list must be cleaned or maintained by the property owners. Properties not brought up to city standards are cleaned by the city who then bills the owners.
Abatements were approved in the consent agenda portion of the meeting.
The Council approved an ordinance to rezone property located at 436 Tupelo Way from Residential 1 to Institutional 1. Owners of the property are planning to open a Christian school in the home.
Another ordinance legislating non-personnel travel was removed from the agenda after a motion from council member Tiffany Moore.
In discussions with the Trussville Tribune, Moore and council member Ebonee Copeland mentioned recent legislation approved by the Council to assist lower income residents with debris pick-up services. Many cities in the area are dealing with debris vendor costs or lack of service.
The hardship program was sponsored by council member Sharon Jones.
“We understand the difficulties many of our residents are facing, and it’s our responsibility to step in and provide meaningful assistance. This hardship program reflects our commitment to ensuring the well-being of every member of our community,” Jones said in a press release about the relief program.
Moore and Copeland also mentioned the city’s free mental health awareness workshop. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center Point Community Center located at 533 Sunhill Road NW.
The workshop is sponsored by Jones and Copeland and will feature guest speakers, comedian Deno Posey and catering from Eight Eleven Catering.
The Center Point Area Chamber of Commerce will again host its Educational Emphasis Luncheon during the May Chamber luncheon. Principals from area schools will be present to award scholarships to local students. The event is sponsored by Trussville Gas and Water.
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, May 2, at 6:30 p.m.