By Megan Miller, Editor
PINSON – The Pinson City Council met on Thursday to take care of some seasonal business, and also look forward to the New Year.
The first order of business was to vote on the Grand Marshal for the tree lighting at Bicentennial Park Friday at 7 p.m. The council unanimously agreed upon the suggested person, but wanted to hold off announcing who it was until the tree lighting.
“He helps the community all year long, every year,” Councilor Joy McCain said.
Mayor Hoyt Sanders said over the years there have been former Miss Alabama’s, sports figures and others who have served as Grand Marshal, but they always exemplify service and the Pinson community.
McCain also reminded attendees that the Christmas parade will take place Saturday at 10 a.m.
“There are 18 groups signed up and five floats,” McCain said. “We’ll have a Minion walking, and Olaf is coming back.”
A few items of new business were also brought up for discussion. The first two items were brought up by Councilor Shannon Galamore.
First, Galamore proposed the city look in to getting a city seal made to put behind the council desk in the city’s council chambers. The council voted to allow Galamore to move forward getting quotes for different types of signage to put behind the desk, potentially a wooden or aluminum sign.
Next Galamore proposed extending City Hall’s hours to extend past 3:30 p.m.
“I would like to propose we stay open a little later to better serve the public,” Galamore said. “I think it’s kind of hard for people to come and get business licenses, things of that nature, if we close at 3:30.”
Sanders said City Hall is often open past those hours, but the official posted hours on the door and on the city website reflect 3:30 as the closing time. Sanders said the city will begin extending hours until 4:30 in January and evaluate how that works for the people of Pinson.
The final order of new business came in the form of an organizational matter. Pat Wise, who works part time for the city, formerly managed the vehicle fleet at the Health Department, and volunteered to put a system in place to help the city manage the vehicle fleet.
“Pat is going to see if there’s a size appropriate form that she can create,” Sanders said.
Councilor Dawn Tanner also pointed out that the system Wise implemented also allowed her to keep up with when each vehicle needed maintenance, which would be beneficial.
“Particularly for the floaters that would be helpful,” Sandes said.
Councilors also announced that Pinson City Fest will take place April 29, 2017.
