CENTER POINT – The city of Center Point City Council met January 18 at City Hall for the second regular meeting of the year. Mayor Bobby Scott and the Council began the meeting by welcoming a new store to the city.
Claudia Rodriguez, one of three business partners planning to open a new multicultural supermarket in the city, spoke to the Council during a public hearing. The store, Mi Tierra Linda, is expected to open later this year featuring fresh foods, baked goods and a restaurant highlighting Center Point’s growing Latino population.
Rodriguez spoke during the hearing because the company was nominated for a business incentive program grant by the City Council and the Economic Development Committee. No one spoke in opposition to the nomination and the Council approved the $10,000 grant later in the meeting.
Mi Tierra Linda is expected to create 35 jobs when the store opens. Rodriguez said she hopes renovations on the storefront located in the Center Point Plaza at 2375 1st Street NE will begin in February.
In other business, the Council voted against a proposed contract for a street sweeper service. Mayor Bobby Scott also updated the Council on 12 roads recently resurfaced using Rebuild Alabama funding.
The Council also approved action on 38 properties marked for abatement of litter. The properties were designated as public nuisances for reasons such as trash, weeds, and debris.
The Council also denied a resolution funding travel for two city interns to attend the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference to be held in Washington DC in March. The resolution would have provided $4,955 for travel expenses for the interns, Morgan Escott Holmes and Amy Taveres.
In a statement after the meeting, Council President D.M. Collins expressed her disappointment in the vote to the Trussville Tribune.
“It is particularly disheartening that these dissenting votes come from women leaders [Councilmembers Jones and Copeland], as supporting the advancement of young women in leadership roles is crucial for fostering a diverse and inclusive community,” said Collins. “The National League of Cities Congressional Conference provides a unique platform for students to learn, network, and develop essential skills that would undoubtedly contribute to their future roles as community leaders.”
Collins added she and Councilmember Glenn Williams are continuing to work to find funding for the two students to attend the conference and added she has received an outpouring of support from the community.
“I firmly believe in the value of investing in our youth and developing future leaders for our city, state, and the entire nation. While we faced opposition from two council members, I am confident that our community stands united behind the importance of providing opportunities for our young leaders,” Collins said. “We may well be nurturing the next Senator, Congresswoman, or community advocate, and it is crucial that we support and nurture their drive and enthusiasm for service and leadership.”
She noted anyone interested in helping fund the travel for the students can donate through the Center Point Area Chamber of Commerce.
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, February 1, at 6:30 p.m.
