By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON – A meeting of the Pinson City Council on Thursday night was the last for outgoing Mayor Robbie Roberts and councilors Clinteshia Irvin, John Churchwell and Glenda Kirkland.
The Pinson City Council stands with city staff members also wearing pink for breast cancer awareness. Photo by Nathan Prewett.
As the month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month all members, including City Attorney Shane Black, wore pink ahead of the annual Pink Out event on Oct. 17.
Following the public comments section Mayor Elect Hoyt Sanders read aloud several proclamations honoring the outgoing council members.
Irvin was recognized for what the proclamation said was her dedication to the city after she was elected to fill a vacancy in May 2022.
“Thank you to the city of Pinson for allowing me to serve,” she said. “Thank you for helping me to learn about the city. I remember when (former mayor Joe Cochran) kidnapped me and said we were going to have lunch at Ken’s and three hours later and I knew every loop and loop in Pinson.”
She went on to thank parents and others in the community.
Churchwell was recognized for serving on the council for more than 21 years. He had worked for the Social Security Administration before retiring and ran unopposed several times. He expressed his appreciation to the city and pointed out his family who were present, namely his wife, sister, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Elected in August 2020, Kirkland was acknowledged in the proclamation for her decision to withdraw from the election runoff as it would cost the city money to do so.
“And whereas, (Kirkland) in a final selfless act withdrew from the runoff thereby saving the city several thousand dollars in 2025,” said the proclamation as read by Sanders.
Kirkland later said, “I just want to thank everybody who voted for me and supported me. I’ve enjoyed serving the citizens of Pinson and I will truly, truly miss all of you, and you all have my number.”
And lastly Roberts was noted for being elected in 2012 to Place Three and served as pro-temp until he was elected Mayor in 2024 after the death of Cochran. He went on to thank each member individually, as well as the city staff.
“The last couple of years has been quite an interesting time period there in the history of the city and with myself,” he said. “I really had no aspiration to be the mayor; I’ve always enjoyed my time as a city councilman.”
During his comments earlier in the meeting Roberts made several announcements in his report, beginning with the Pinson Youth Football and Cheer to have its first annual Thanksgiving Food Drive with the goal of filling 100 bags.
Donations of canned goods, canned cranberry, mac and cheese, box stuffing, rice, soup, boxed potatoes, canned corn, canned yams, canned gravy, boxed pasta and water can be dropped off at City Hall on 4410 Main Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations will be taken until Nov. 14.
During his comments Roberts mentioned that Pinson basketball player Quay Lynch recently suffered what he said was a “serious” injury but is expected to make a full recovery, though he will not be able to participate in any games in the near future.
Sometime after the council passed two items on the agenda they heard from Pinson Public Library Director Allison Scanlan, who briefly spoke on the passing of Jason Baker, saying that he was a friend and expressed her condolences to the Trussville Public Library and community.
She also gave a reminder that the Boo Bash Halloween event is set for Oct. 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Palmerdale Fire Department Chief Taylor Hancock then gave a report for the month of September, saying that there were 156 total calls, 137 of which were EMS and two were MVAs. There were 17 “fire-type” calls that included fire alarms and false alarms, and three residential fires.
Hancock announced that the district now has state retirement benefits for members.
“It’s a huge milestone for us,” he said. “It will truly change the landscape for recruitment and retention of employees and it has taken me this whole year that I have been here to get this stuff together.”
He also said that the district will establish a fundraiser to replace Station One and that Rep. Allen Treadaway has proposed to help.
Afterwards Chante Jordan spoke in public comments and asked the council to consider moving her fitness class back into the Rock School Center and help in purchasing exercise equipment.
In other business the council:
- Annexed a property on Hitching Post Drive and
- Approved a new HVAC system for $13,695.
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.
