By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The Trussville City Council went into executive session to discuss potential litigation during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019. Council president Jef Freeman was on vacation and was not present for the meeting.
Potential Litigation
The mayor asked for a resolution to be passed giving him the authorization to instruct City Attorney Rick Stotser to move forward, as needed, in any possible litigation to protect the city against the Jefferson County Personnel Board. This, as the city moves forward in separating from Jefferson County, in creating its own personnel board.
After the executive session, Councilman Alan Taylor read the resolution. The resolution stated that the Jefferson County Personnel Board has indicated opposition to the city of Trussville’s move to create its own civil service system. The City Council approved the resolution stating the city attorney could move forward in litigation against the Jefferson County Personnel Board, if needed.
Beer and Wine
In other business, a beer and wine license was approved for Pho Sizzle, in Trussville Crossing. City Council member Brian Plant suggested the business contact the ABC Board about the Responsible Beverage Service Training Program.
“There are two things we are concerned about,” said Plant. “One, serving to minors and serving people who have had too much to drink.”
The owner, Cuong Tran, said he planned to do that, and he said his policy will be to ask for an ID from every customer that asks for alcohol, no matter their age.
“Everybody should show an ID,” Tran said. “I don’t think customers mind showing an ID. Whoever drinks alcohol needs to show an ID.”
The beer and wine license was approved with the understanding that Tran would take part in RBS training and would develop a server policy for alcohol sales.
City Phones
A resolution was passed to approve a new phone system for the city. During a work session on Thursday, Aug. 22, Mayor Choat said the new service will save the city money and will allow all employees to be on the same system. Charter won the bid and the city will drop its current CenturyLink system, except for 911 phones, which must be carried on a landline. The total cost of the citywide system will around $4,995 a month and there is a one-time fee of $1,995 for installation. The city will also be eligible for a few rebates from the phone manufacturer, Polycom.
With the new system, calls will be recorded, and the city will have the ability to search conversations using keywords. Departments will be able to call other departments by using a four-digit number instead of having to dial the whole number. Also, forwarded calls will go to a voicemail.
Gas Tax Fund
The city council also voted to establish a Rebuild Alabama Fund bank account. The account will be used for money raised by the recently passed Alabama Gas Tax.
Wreaths Across America
The city of Trussville also passed a proclamation for Wreaths Across America. The council unanimously passed the proclamation in support of the cause. The proclamation also stated the city would encourage citizens to contribute to Wreaths Across America.
Annexation
A parcel of land at 6701 Service Road was annexed into the city of Trussville. The move was recommended by the city’s Planning and Zoning Committee. The parcel enters the city zoned for agricultural use (A-1).
World Polio Day
The council also made a proclamation to recognize World Polio Day on Thursday, Oct. 24. The date aligns with the official day recognized by rotary clubs around the world. The purpose is to raise awareness of the global fight to end polio.
Other Items
During council reports, Councilman Perry Cook said the development of Quad 1 remains on track. Cook said the parking lot for Ferus Artisan Ales Brewery should be completed by the end of September. He also said the brewery is already testing its product.
Other items approved as part of the consent agenda are listed below:
Evidence Technician Program – Anderson, Martin & Dunn – Sept 17-19; Oct 22-24; and Nov 19-22 – Birmingham – 1 comp, 2 @ $250.00 – Total $500.00
Supervising Difficult Employees – Watkins – PD – Trussville – Sept 30-Oct 1 – $250.00
2019 PD Motorcycle Skills Training – Golden – Oct 8-12 – Spring Hill, TN – Lodging only
AL Administrative Office of Courts – Downing & Minor – Orange Beach – Sept. 18-21 – $350 each, plus expenses
Merit increases effective Aug. 31, 2019:
Evan McCleskey – Parks – Grade 7, Step 6
Gregory C. Cardwell – Police – Grade 24, Step 9
Samuel A. Filetti – Police – Grade 20, Step 7
Move Steven Bright from Parks seasonal to Public Works Full-time effective 8-23-2019 – Grade 7, Step 2
Hire Connor Calhoun – Parks – part-time Tennis – Grade 7, Step 1
Hire Christian Gonzalez – Grade 19, Step 2, effective 08/31/2019
Merit increase John Baker – Park & Rec – effective July 20, 2019 – Grade 18, Step 5, plus retro pay from the effective date
Promote William Gregory Tyler to truck driver Grade 13, Step 2, effective Aug. 31, 2019
