By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON – The Pinson City Council voted unanimously to approve allocating funds for the four local schools during a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 1.
The allocation is part of a regular round of funding from the city for the schools. Each one gets $15,000, totaling $60,000.
Checks will be presented to school leaders at the upcoming meeting on Thursday, Feb. 15.
Afterwards the council set the schedule for Shred-it events where anyone from the public can bring papers to be shredded for free. These can include documents such as bank statements that are no longer needed.
March, June and October will be the months of shredding events. The specific dates will be determined and announced in the future.
“That’s something that people really enjoy,” said Councilman John Churchwell. “And the cars are usually lined up before the trucks even get here. I think this is something that’s really important.”
Operations Director Eric Winfrey gave an update on the ongoing renovations to the Rock School Center, detailing the progress of the stage and other areas. He said that the project should be completed by the end of March.
“It’s going to be a great place,” he remarked.
During pre-council local artist DieDra Ruff said that her office has run low on funds and though she is set to meet with the Alabama State Council of the Arts to learn more about fundraising she asked the council for $450 to pay for the rent.
Pro-temp Robbie Robert said that he was unsure if the city could help and expressed concerns about policies regarding the funding of outside entities. Mayor Joe Cochran speaking via teleconference concurred. Despite this Roberts said that he would speak with City Attorney Shane Black about options.
Additionally, the council returned briefly to the garbage contract with Waste Management, this time formally passing a resolution to extend it for three years. The agreement is technically for two years, with an option for a third.
Roberts again noted 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 at 205-680-9298.
During public comments Dolan Terry thanked the council for appointing him to the Planning and Zoning Board at the previous meeting that he was not able to attend.
“I think that all of you know that I love the city of Pinson,” he said. “And I’ll do what needs to be done for the city of Pinson and the people that live in it.”
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.
