By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON – The Pinson City Council proclaimed the month of April to be Fair Housing Month during a meeting on Thursday, April 20.
As read in the proclamation, April 11 marks 25 years since the passage of the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discriminatory practices based on race, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disabilities.
The council had several members of the Birmingham Realtors Association present for the proclamation read aloud by Councilman Brad Walker.
“I’m glad we were able to do this and be supportive of people and ensure that we are an inclusive community,” said Mayor Joe Cochran. “We love everybody even though it’s not Earth Day.”
“Earth Day” was a joking reference to Walker mistakenly saying this instead of Fair Housing Month before reading the proclamation.
Ryan Adams, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Birmingham Association of Realtors, spoke and said that they cover a number of areas outside of Birmingham, including Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, Chilton, Clay and Randolph counties.
“Fair Housing Month has been very important to us,” he said. “I’m proud to announce that we set out with a goal of 55 government entities passing this proclamation. All six counties of our jurisdiction have passed it and ya’ll just made the 51st city to pass it, so we have 57 so we exceeded our goal.”
Afterwards the council voted to approve the audit report heard at the last meeting.
“I would say that it was very positive and as a city we’re in a good position,” said Walker. “So we have funds to support us and we’re in good shape as we’re doing these improvements around the city.”
Operations Director Eric Winfrey gave an update on the upcoming City Fest event on April 29. He said that the occasion would feature arts and crafts, children’s activities and food trucks. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Bicentennial Park.
Library Director Allison Scanlan notified the council and the public that there were several openings for the library’s board. She said that duties will involve determining policies, working with the budget and staffing among others. Anyone who is interested may contact City Hall or the library to apply.
In other business, the council:
- Approved an additional $5,000 for athletics at the schools,
- Approved $20,709.95 for new football helmets,
- Approved $6,595 to repair the front gate of Rock School and $10,095 for rear gate automation,
- Approved $19,850 for painting and sealing the baseball and football buildings at the Pinson Youth Sports Complex,
- Approved $5,000 to expand the assistant clerk’s office,
- Annexed a property on Highway 79
- Adopted an ordinance allowing council members to meet remotely if unable to be physically present due to illness.
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.