L oca L / R egion Center Point man charged in Chuck E. Cheese shooting

From The Tribune staff reports

HOOVER — A Center

Point man is in the Shelby County Jail and another man was hospitalized following a shooting on Sunday at Chuck E. Cheese in Inverness, according to a statement from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

“On Sunday, February 12, 2023, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Shelby County 911 received a call of a reported shooting at Chuck E. Cheese, located at 4647 US Hwy 280 in North Shelby County, officials said. Shelby County deputies immediately responded to the scene and requested assistance from the Hoover Police Department. Once on scene, deputies identified the alleged gunman and detained him without incident. A victim was also identified and found to have suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Cahaba Valley Fire and Rescue transported the victim to a nearby Birmingham hospital. At this time, the victim is reported to be in stable condition.

Criminal investigators responded to the crime scene as well as to the hospital to gather additional information about the incident.

“During the course of the investigation, it was learned that the victim and suspect were acquaintances attending the same family gathering,” according to the statement. “Following an altercation during the family gathering, witnesses and evidence support that the suspect shot the victim.”

Officials said the suspect has been identified as 23-yearold Jacques Delawrence Hunter, Jr., of Center Point, Alabama. Hunter has been charged with one count of Assault 1st and two counts of Reckless Endangerment and is being held in the Shelby County Jail on bonds totaling $125,000.

Sheriff John Samaniego stated, “I’m proud of our patrol deputies for their quick response, apprehending the suspect, and making the scene safe to render aid,” Sheriff John Samaniego said. “In Shelby

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County we have zero tolerance for violent crime. Our investigators will continue to work diligently to ensure the responsible party is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

I would also like to thank the Hoover Police Department and Cahaba Valley Fire and Rescue for their quick response. ”

Shelby County Sheriff’s Office investigators continue to investigate the shooting, and Samaniego encouraged anyone with information about this crime to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 205670-6000.

You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777, or on their website at www.crimestoppersal.com. The investigation is still ongoing and the Sheriff’s Office asks anyone with additional information to call the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at (205) 670-6000. An anonymous tip can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 205-2547777, or on their website at www.crimestoppersmetroal. com ers convicted after 2015. In 2021, the Alabama legislature amended the bill making it retroactive for all state inmates.

Police Department, Brandall Wayne Wadsworth was arrested on Monday, Feb. 6, for Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (UPOCS) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

“Wadsworth was recently released from prison and reoffended within 3 days,” the post stated.

According to jail records, Wadsworth, 38, of Trussville, was being held in the St. Clair County Jail on a $3,000 bond. He was also charged with parole violation.

Wadsworth was listed among the almost 400 state prisoners who received early release from prison. He was serving time for a burglary conviction and was to be released on Oct. 25, 2023, before receiving early release.

The original early release bill applied only to offend-

The amendment was sponsored by Rep. Jim Hill -R, Moody.

“Actions have consequences,’’ Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris told Carol Robinson.

“The Pell City Police Department is determined to keep the scourge of drug possession, use, abuse and distribution out of community.” has previous experience as a principal at Homewood City Schools (2007-2012), a principal at Talladega County Schools (2003-2007), assistant principal at Talladega County Schools (2001-2003) and a teacher/coach at Talladega County Schools (19962001).

Wadsworth was arrested when he went to meet with his parole officer and was found to have Buprenorphine Hydrochloride pills. The pill is commonly used to treat opioid addiction, but Wadsworth didn’t have a prescription for them, according to Robinson’s report.

“I consider it an honor and a privilege to apply to lead one of the top districts in Alabama,” Maddox stated in his letter to the Board. “… Much like Homewood, Trussville City Schools is a multi-faceted organization with a tradition of sustained excellence. Our districts are very similar in terms of overall size, academic expectations, extracurricular successes, and community support. Because of my diverse experiences working in a similar high performing school district, I feel uniquely qualified and prepared to take on this challenge.”

Dr. Bart Reeves is currently the Alabama Association of Schools Boards Assistant Executive Director/Government Relations, a position he has held since 2021. Formerly, he was Superintendent of Satsuma City Schools in Alabama (2018-2021), High School Principal at Jasper City Schools (2017-2018) and Superintendent of Jasper City Schools (2015-2016), in addition to several other positions in education since 1998.

“After reviewing the Board’s qualifications and expectations, I am convinced that I am a viable candidate with the knowledge, skills, and the ability to lead Trussville City Schools,” Reeves stated in his letter. “Additionally, I am highly motivated, experienced, and ready to take on the responsibilities of becoming your superintendent. I’m currently in my 26th year in education. I have superintendent experience in the Jackson County and Satsuma City School systems. … I’m familiar with Trussville City Schools, its culture, and the high expectations school officials and the community have for its school system. It would be an honor to lead such an esteemed school district.”

Dr. Holly Sutherland is the current Superintendent of Haleyville City Board of Education, Alabama. She has been in this position since 2017.

Before that, Sutherland was a principal at Haleyville City Schools (2014-2017), a principal at Hoover City Schools (2008-2014), assistant principal at Hoover City Schools (2006-2008) and a teacher at Hoover City Schools (20012005).

“Given my experience as a superintendent, prior leadership experience at multiple levels, advanced level of education, success in the achievement of goals and objectives in the commitment to helping all students succeed, I am prepared to provide an educational experience where students will receive the highest quality education that will ensure future success,” Sutherland’s letter stated. “… I consider myself a visionary leader in student development with a firm understanding of and appreciation for the impressive tradition of excellence that the Trussville school district is known for.”

Mr. Charles (Tony) Willis is currently the Superintendent of the Demopolis City Board of Education in Alabama. He has held this position since 2021. He is also the Supervisor of Accountability at Decatur City Schools, a ti- tle he has held since 2020. His previous experience includes principal at Decatur City Schools (2018-2020), principal at Sheffield City Schools (2013-2018), assistant principal at Limestone County Schools (2008-2013), and Dean of Students at Mars Hill Bible School (1996 to 2008).

“It is with much excitement and eagerness that I submit my application and resume for consideration for employment as the superintendent for your outstanding school district,” Willis stated in his letter. “In your flyer, you list five qualities of the ideal leader for your district.

I hope that you will find I am able to give both qualitative and quantitative data to strongly support each of the five. … I am involved in the community, and I love few things more than diving into data and finding solutions alongside my team so we can make things better for students and employees. I love what I do, and I would love to work with the wonderful district in Trussville and resolve to become not just one of the best in the state, but work tirelessly until we are the undisputed best district in the state.”

Barber provided each board member with a packet of materials that included the candidates’ transcripts, letters of recommendation, accolades they have received during their careers and more.

Dr. Costanzo said the interviews of the candidates will not be live-streamed, in order to not give some candidates the unfair advantage of listening to interviews that went before them. However, he did say the interviews will be recorded and made available to the public once all interviews have been completed.

• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy.

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Feb. 20-25, Alabama’s Arbor Week, while learning about trees and their importance in not only our world, but our local communities.

While National Arbor Day is April 28, the state of Alabama celebrates Arbor Week each year during the last full week of February.

“Each state chooses, according to their zone and their climate, which week in the year would be best to plant trees,” said Jenna Jones, recording secretary for the Trussville Tree Commission. “So, in Alabama, it’s the last week in February.”

The Trussville Tree Commission, recently re-established in August 2021, has put the last two years to good use planting trees around the city of Trussville, having planted 18 trees in the past year alone.

“We are trying to replace trees that have been lost –the older trees – so we have a goal to plant six more this spring and probably at least 12 in the fall,” Jones said.

Arbor Week is a good opportunity for the Commission to spread awareness and help get the local community not only excited but involved in tree conservation.

This year, the Commission will be celebrating Arbor Week with a new distinction, as an official member of Tree City USA.

“We have now joined surrounding communities that are members of Tree City USA,” Jones said. “It’s quite a recognition.”

According to forestry.alabama.gov, “The Tree City USA program was created in 1976 during the bicentennial year of the Declaration of Independence. Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service and the Na- tional Association of State Foresters, the program has provided thousands of American communities’ guidance and national recognition to build effective community tree programs.”

In order to join the program, the Trussville Tree Commission had to meet certain qualifications.

“Under the guidance of Katie Wiswall (Alabama Forestry Commission) we completed the application,” Jones said. “As of 2023, we are now members of Tree City USA. That was no small feat to accomplish, but we are very proud of that. Thanks to our liaison, Councilman Perry Cook, and the 2022 Tree Commission that was newly formed, and the signature of Mayor Choat, we qualified. It’s a feather in our cap, and now it’s a responsibility that we would like to keep up year after year.”

As far as Arbor Week goes, a group of art students from Hewitt-Trussville Middle School, along with teacher and sponsor Kristin Meriam, did an art project to help advertise for the weeklong event.

Each student submitted a painting of trees and the Commission selected winners.

“We chose a first and second place and got the students’ permission to use their paintings for advertisement,” Jones said. “We’re trying to include the students. When you go through somebody else’s interest and you pull them into your interest, you just kind of learn about each other. Our mission is to support more trees and there are ways to do it that make people feel involved.” and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. For anyone who missed opening weekend, it’s not too late to see the show as there are still three more performances this weekend. This is one show you do not want to miss. dreams may seem.

Each of the students’ Arbor Week artwork will be on display all week, Feb. 20-25, at the Trussville Public Library.

One student, Bryant Gardner, was selected to have his painting on display at the office of the Alabama State Superintendent of Education in Montgomery.

On Thursday, Feb. 23, the Trussville Public Library will host guest speaker Henry Hughes at 6:30 p.m. Hughes, the retired Director of Education at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, will be speaking on native trees in the urban landscape.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, the Alabama Forestry Commission will be giving away bare root/tree seedlings at the pavilion on the Mall from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Also that morning, Girl Scout Troop 30679 will be helping to plant the celebratory Arbor Day tree near Heritage Hall, and Jean Cox, VP of Friends of Pinchgut Creek, will be providing face-painting.

There will be door prize giveaways at both Thursday’s and Friday’s events, as well.

In Mrs. Savage’s words, “There are plenty of charities for foolish people in desperate need, and none for people with a desperate need to be foolish.”

Throughout the play, theater-goers get to be metaphorical flies on the walls as they observe the beautiful relation-

With a perfectly chosen case, and directed by Angie McGowan, “The Curious Savage” brought its opening-night audience to both laughter and tears.

This play tells the comedic and yet heartwarming story of Mrs. Savage, a widow who inherits $10 million dollars, but is declared insane and put into a group home by her greedy and self-centered stepchildren after she uses the money to start a memorial fund in honor of her late husband.

While her formal name for the fund is the “Jonathan Savage Memorial Fund,” her personal name for it is “The Happiness Fund,” because she uses the money to make people’s dreams come true, no matter how silly the ships Mrs. Savage forms with the residents and staff of The Cloisters Sanatorium, who ultimately come to her aid in the conflict with her stepchildren.

How this story unfolds, however, is a secret only to be revealed by purchasing a ticket and filling a seat at one of the remaining shows.

This weekend’s show times are:

• Friday, Feb. 17 – 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Feb. 18 – 7 p.m.

• Sunday, Feb. 19 – 2:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at www.actatheater.com or at the door, and cost $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens (60+), and $10 for students. Concessions will also be available at the theater for $1 each.

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Irondale

From front page vehicle age stays below five years and to secure the maximum resale value of each vehicle.

With little discussion, the council unanimously approved both deadline extension requests.

Moody

From front page a delayed shopping center currently under construction Tuesday night.

Among the items discussed in a packed agenda, the Irondale City Council heard from Bert Boykin, attorney for the development firm HEPLEEDS, regarding construction delays that have delayed the completion of a long-awaited shopping center on Grants Mill Road.

The project, which will be anchored by Publix Supermarket, started construction in October 2021. According to Boykin, HEPLEEDS has faced several challenges, including supply chain issues related to COVID-19. Boykin said, however, that HEPLEEDS encountered a serious problem during the process to clear and grade the land.

“Through that process, they discovered a lot of what’s called ‘uncontrolled fill,’ which is unstable dirt or material that could not be used to stabilize the shopping center. That had to be removed,” said Boykin. “Hopefully those problems are behind us.”

He added that HEPLEEDS has made substantial progress in other areas, including completing 75% of the retaining walls, erecting the walls for Publix, and he indicated the utilities are currently being installed.

“But the unexpected dirt issues caused substantial construction delays,” said Boykin, “in the midst of everything else that the rest of the world was experiencing with materials and problems coming out of COVID.”

Boykin asked the council to approve an extension, moving the deadline for the opening of Phase I – including the Publix – from Feb. 21, 2023, to March 1, 2024, and extending the deadline of Phase II from April 1, 2024, to Oct. 1, 2024.

“I pray every day that you get some good weather,” said District 3 Councilwoman Cindy Cuellar.

The City Council also approved an expenditure of $1 million plus closing costs for the purchase of the old Marks Fitzgerald building located at 1847 Crestwood Boulevard for a new police headquarters and municipal court building.

During a period of discussion, Irondale Police Chief Jason Wiggins said the location is perfect for a new police headquarters as it will reduce the current number of police buildings in the city from one to four, getting “everybody under one roof.”

However, Cuellar raised concerns about the 30-day due diligence period, citing the length of time the building has been vacant and a desire to have more time to inspect the property before closing.

“That property has been for sale for well over three years,” said Cuellar. “I would really feel much more comfortable if we could change that from 30 days to 60 days to give us plenty of time to do our due diligence because that’s kind of quick.”

“That was requested but it was denied by the seller,” responded City Attorney April Danielson.

The City Council also discussed a proposal to engage with Enterprise FM Trust fleet management service to manage the city’s fleet of vehicles.

“We’re not getting rid of our fleet department,” said Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. “What we are doing is finding a better way to manage the fleet that we do have here.”

The proposal would give Enterprise FM Trust the authority to manage the city’s fleet to ensure the average

In the first part of the meeting, Mayor Stewart presented several awards and proclamations, including a proclamation celebrating the achievements of Carrington Simone Hodge, a senior at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate (JCIB), for being named as a Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama in 2023.

“On Saturday, January 21, 2023, Carrington was named the Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama for 2023 and awarded cash scholarships during a statewide scholarship program for high school girls,” said Stewart, reading from the proclamation. “NOW, THEREFORE, be it herby resolved that I, James D. Stewart, Jr., Mayor of the City of Irondale, issue this proclamation honoring Miss Carrington Hodge for her outstanding accomplishments as a Distinguished Young Woman and for making the City of Irondale proud.”

Other proclamations and awards included: Reading of a proclamation in observance of Arbor Day Week in late February

• Mayor Stewart awarded the inaugural Community Champions Award to four individuals for their volunteer efforts to make Irondale a better place to live: Carolyn Jones, Paul Tierney, Trey Chaney, and Ginny Brown public hearing for a request to rezone a property on Kelly Creek Commerce Park that will serve as a distribution center.

• Police Chief Wiggins presented the 2022 Police Officer of the Quarter and Police Officer of the Year Awards: Matt Batson, first quarter; Madison Howell, second quarter; Davis Adair, third quarter; Sgt. Randy Rodriguez, fourth quarter; Matt Batson, Officer of the Year.

The council heard reports from department heads for the month of January. Police Chief Thomas Hunt’s report said that there were 1,354 calls for service, 33 arrests, 28 warning tickets, 96 citations, 67 reports, 81 misdemeanors (59 closed), 24 felonies (17 closed) and police vehicles drove 14,758.

Fire Chief Larry Horton said that there were 188 responses, eight fires (one residential, one business, one vehicle, and five woods, grass or rubbish), 113 emergency medical calls, seven wrecks, 12 public services, 22 lift assists, 22 false alarms, one mutual aid received and 24 overlapping calls.

There were 33 annual inspections, 3 re-inspections and one fire pump inspection, Horton said.

Afterwards the council opened a public hearing for the request, which was made by Graham and Company, to rezone 20 acres of the property from AG-1 Agricultural to B-5 Commercial Industrial Park District. Graham and Company is the developer.

Mike Graham from the company spoke and outlined what the center will do.

“We’re open for business and we’re looking for distributors, light manufacturing,” he said. “And it’s intended to be a large distribution type building.”

Mayor Joe Lee said that this will create 600 new jobs and is a $125 million investment.

No one spoke against the matter during the hearing and will be considered at the meeting on March 13.

Later in the meeting the council passed the last item on the agenda, which was to approve repairs and paving of sections of the Avalon subdivision. The streets of the subdivision were accepted into the city after a request from the Homeowners Association or HOA was made in 2022.

The estimated cost is $102,809.62. The HOA will pay 75% of the costs and the city will pay 25%.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a request from Park and Recreation Director Mike Staggs to extend (advertise and hire) for the front desk and custodial positions at the Civic Center through February of 2024,

• Approved Staggs’ request to purchase a John Deere Gator for the park for $12,589, Approved Horton’s request to accept the Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $150,000 for 21 new Air Packs,

• Approved Horton’s request to pay grant writer for successfully obtaining the 2021 grant in the $150,000, Approved Horton’s request to purchase Hydraulic hose for the HURST tool for $736.52,

• Approved Horton’s to purchase materials to build a uniform closet for $2,400,

• Approved a request from Library Director Sara Roberts to renew the Proquest (Heritage Quest Online) subscription from March 1 to February 2024 for $1,167.75,

• Approved a request from Hunt to repair Car # 347 with motor replacement for $8,000, Approved Hunt’s request to bid for new radios for police and fire department as part of a new system and not to exceed $245,000,

• Approved a request from Public Inspections Department Director David Crowe approval to purchase a new computer and software for $1,035.44,

• Approved a request from Public Works Department Director Steve Mitchell to bid for new Christmas Snowflake decorations for Moody Parkway at a cost not exceed $40,000, Approved a request from Councilman Lynn Taylor to amend the 2022-2023 city budget under Christmas decorations and add $45,000.00 ($40,000.00 to cover the Parkway Drive snowflakes bid if accepted and $5,000.00 for trees, lights and other decorations throughout the city) with the total budget increased to $48,000,

• Approved a request from Lee to pass resolution R2023-02-13 City of Moody Capital Assets Policy, Approved a request from Lee to pass resolution R2023-02-13A City of Moody and Moody Fire Department Purchasing –Procurement Policy,

• Approved a request from Lee to pass resolution R2023-02-13B Moody Fire Department Record Retention Policy, Approved a request from Lee to donate $1,000 to the Friends of Moody Schools Foundation, Inc., and at 11 a.m., Feb. 10, at the ADEM offices at 1400 Coliseum Boulevard in Montgomery, to discuss the Moody landfill fire. Nearly two weeks ago, several organizations, including the Environmental Defense Alliance, GASP, and Cahaba Riverkeeper announced their intents to attend the meeting and request that they be allowed to make presentations to the commission on the subject.

• Approved a request from Lee to sponsor the Miracle League for $5,000. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave.

Former Environmental Management Commission chair Dr. Samuel Miller headed the meeting, in the absence of the current chair and vice chair. Despite the absences, the meeting did have a quorum.

Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Director Lance LeFleur attended the meeting and made the following statement to the Commission:

“First, I want to express our sincere empathy and concern for those who have had their lives upended by the fire at the vegetative waste disposal site near Moody. We know many have been affected by smoke. Some have had to temporarily move to avoid exposure. We have heard people’s frustrations – and we share them.

“From the beginning, we recognized the best way to protect their health and safety is to put out the fire and thus eliminate the smoke as quickly as possible.

“To that end, from the moment the fire was reported to us, ADEM has been actively involved in efforts to extinguish the fire. ADEM immediately engaged with the Moody Fire Department, the Alabama Forestry Commission, the St. Clair County Commission, the State Emergency Management Agency, the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency and others.

“Unfortunately, none of us has the resources or ability to extinguish an underground fire of this nature. “We also reached out to the EPA to ask for assistance. Because the fire involved vegetative materials not subject to either state or federal regulations, the EPA said at the time that it lacked authority to take action. ADEM persisted, however, and asked the EPA to deploy its advanced air monitoring units to clearly determine the level of risk that smoke from the fire posed to public health. The EPA agreed, and its tests found the presence of four chemicals above the accepted minimal risk level on the fire site itself and two of the chemicals above the accepted minimal risk level offsite at a single home about 300 feet from the fire.

“As unwelcome as that finding was, it did allow ADEM to then ask the EPA to take the lead in extinguishing the fire. Unlike state or local agencies, the EPA does have resources and contractors on retainer with the expertise to tackle an underground fire like this one. The EPA agreed, and work to put out the fire began January 19.

“Work is proceeding well. Smoke from the fire has been greatly reduced. EPA expects the fire to be out in a matter of weeks if not sooner.

“We want the public to know that ADEM personnel are on site every day. We are providing regular updates to the public at MoodyFireUpdate.com. In addition to the air monitoring at the six nearby stationary monitors and the EPA mobile air monitors, the Department is monitoring water quality. Test results show the fire does not appear to be having any discernable effect on water quality. We will continue to monitor water quality and report our findings along with air monitoring results.

“As we have stated before, ADEM will investigate and take appropriate enforcement action against the site operator after the fire is out.

“This fire is an extraordinary event. It exposed short- comings in the ability and authority of state and local governments to respond to situations that are outside the scope of regulated activities but nonetheless pose risks to the public. We are in talks with representatives of county governments and other agencies about ways to close these gaps.

“Our goal, as always, is to protect the health and safety of our citizens and the environment, and to make sure we have the tools and authority to do so. We must work together and do all we can to ensure an incident like this does not happen again.”

During the public comments portion of the meeting GASP staff attorney Sidni Elise Smith and Environmental Defense Alliance (EDA) attorney David A. Ludder spoke on the landfill fire.

“GAPS is the Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution,” Smith said. “Just to address some failures, I’m going to go through a quick timeline. … I went through ADEM’S e-file for ELI, which is the Environmental Landfill Incorporation, which is the location of where this Moody landfill fire is taking place. … Dating back to January of 2013, there was a record of complaint filed that was closed a couple of months later. There was no further action taken after it was investigated. Throughout these different notices of violations and side-investigation memos, you’ll see descriptions talking about it being an unauthorized dump, that the landowner is not innocent, it was marked as a fire hazard potential on several occasions.

“You’ll see where the inspector marked waste descriptions as construction demolition waste, household waste, scrap tires, etc. And that goes on, where in 2017, it’s still some of the same things. They come out, they investigate, they still determine that the landfill is responsible for being an unauthorized dump. Several correspondences, several memos.

“Still, we’re in 2023 – we got the EPA sampling report where they revealed that there were chemicals identified that exceeded certain levels where removal action may be triggered. We know that they’re working on everything and the most recent document in the e-file is a letter from ADEM to the land owner requiring the operator to provide certain documents of certain transactions that are taking place with the landfill. So, with the Moody landfill fire timeline, we know that this was reported on Friday, Nov. 25, back in 2022, and to date, as you heard earlier, they are making efforts to extinguish the fire; that is a top priority. As an air pollution regulation organization, we are concerned with the lasting impacts beyond extinguishing fire. That is a public health concern.

“So going back to the failures, it is our assertion that ADEM failed to regulate. While we understand that ADEM claims they had no authority over ELI because the landfill was not regulated, there should have been rules in place for when a green waste landfill poses or presents as a regulated landfill, due to noncompliance, abuse of leniency, etc.

“… It is also our assertion that ADEM failed to enforce. So, while ADEM claims no authority for land matters, ADEM is still responsible for the air under the authority mentioned earlier.”

Additionally, Smith asserted that ADEM failed to respond, saying that GASP and the EDA both provided data that there was an air contaminant concern and ADEM failed to declare an air pollution emergency.

GASP’s final assertion, Smith said, was that the Commission failed to advise, and “ADEM was not properly advised by the Commission on how or what to do to effectively regulate ELI in the past five or so years, nor how to directly handle this Moody landfill fire situation.”

Smith proposed, on behalf of GASP, that the Commission needs to direct ADEM to regulate green waste, as it is part of the definition of solid waste. Her second proposal was that the Commission direct ADEM to create an action plan to tackle emergencies like this in the future. Thirdly, Smith proposed that ADEM include organizations like GASP, who represent the community, to contribute to discussions and planning of certain environmental rules, regulations and laws.

Next, Environmental Defense Alliance (EDA) attorney David A. Ludder addressed the Commission.

“In my opinion, the Department has sufficient statutory authority today to have regulated the environmental landfill site, as well as other green waste disposal sites,” Ludder said. “What I would like to do is very briefly summarize how I get to that conclusion.

“First off, this provision of the Code of Alabama says that solid waste shall be disposed according to requirements of this article and the rules of the department, and shall be disposed of in a permitted landfill. Of course, the Environmental Landfill Inc. site was not a permitted landfill.

“So, the question is what is solid waste? Does it include green waste? The statute defines solid waste as including ‘any other discarded materials.’ The statute does not define what discarded materials are, and when a statute is silent like that, the courts look to dictionary definitions of terms to find out what the ordinary usage of the term is.

“So, the dictionary definition of ‘material’ and ‘discarded’ are reflected here: material is basically any matter; and discarded is any material that has been rejected, cast aside, or abandoned, as no longer needed or wanted. So that is probably what the courts would look to, at least in the absence of a statutory definition.

“Now, in one ADEM rule on the solid waste program, there is a definition of discarded material – it’s very much like the dictionary definitions. It is material that is thrown away, abandoned, disposed of, or otherwise given up without the intent to reuse, recycle, or reclaim. Green waste that is put in a landfill is a discarded material … as defined both in the ADEM rule and in dictionary definitions.” meeting held Monday night, Feb. 13. The mayor and council held a work session at 5 p.m. prior to the meeting to discuss the agenda.

Ludder then reminded the Commission that, according to the Code of Alabama, solid waste, which by definition includes green waste, is required to be disposed of in a permitted landfill. He said the EDA is concerned about other green waste landfills in the state that are not being regulated.

Prior to public comments, Dr. Samuel Miller stated that, per the Commission’s rules, commissioners would not be responding to comments that could be of a legal nature, which would include any discussions of the landfill fire.

The council held the first reading of a proposed ordinance to create a planning and zoning commission for the city. A public hearing on the commission will be scheduled for the next regular meeting of the council on Feb. 27.

“A skilled city planning commission will keep in mind the community’s dominant industry, population, growth rate, and industry need,” said Mayor Betty Bradley, speaking to The Trussville Tribune. “By drafting a city plan based on the many zoning categories created by the state or county, the commission can efficiently and effectively develop a balanced city.

“Zoning is broken down into multiple categories to help balance a city to ensure proper land use and provide value to citizens that own property,”Bradley added. “As well, zoning helps protect the local environment and keep property values stable.”

City Attorney Michael Brymer explained the process for creating the commission. Once the ordinance is passed, the council must then pass a resolution to appoint members to the commission.

Bradley asked Brymer to check with state laws to determine if service on the commission is limited to city residents or if business owners in the city can serve.

Matthew Martin presented a request to the council to de-annex his property to allow his child to attend Trussville schools. Martin’s home is currently zoned for Clay schools but he said his son has experienced bullying and threats on school buses and while at Clay Elementary school.

The council denied the zoning request and advised Martin to aggressively take his concerns to the Jefferson County Board of Education.

Matthew Vincent also spoke to the council with zoning issues. According to his complaint, the city needs to establish construction regulations to protect homeowners whose property is damaged by builders. Vincent said his property on Cedar Creek Road has suffered damage from mud flowing from a home being built on his street. He also said the city roads are being washed out because there are no regulations protecting property owners.

Bradley also introduced a complaint from residents and property owners on Bush Lane. According to the complaint, a homeowner on the road is stockpiling construction debris and conducting noisy work late at night.

Bradley said the public street has also been damaged by the heavy equipment being moved on the road.

“He has ruined the city roads,” Bradley said. “I’ve had the fire chief go out there and look and he sent me a let- ter saying it’s getting almost impossible for a truck to get in and out of there for emergency situations.”

Feb. 14, 2023, at the Pinson Rock School Complex.

“Heart and Sole” was more than a romantic and entertaining alternative to standing in lines at pricey restaurants; couples who attended were also asked to bring a donation of shoes or a pack of socks to be given to homeless people in and around the Pinson area.

Mayor pro tempore Dusty Stinson said the council will notify the property owner of the complaint and follow legal means to address the situation.

“We’re going to put them on notice that there’s a nuisance,” said Stinson. “They will have a time to remedy that nuisance.” He said it will first be brought before the council and then would proceed to court if the property is not cleaned in the designated timeframe.

In other business, the council approved an updated plat map for the Grant Crossing development.

The council also approved $1000 for rock and seed blankets to prevent erosion of landscaping at City Hall.

Argo Fire Chief Scott Payne said the department received a total of 54 calls in January. Payne also awarded Lt. Brent Rejonis with the Firefighter of the Year award for the department.

In the nomination submitted by a fellow firefighter, Rejonis was commended for his willingness to fill in where needed and for taking over the EMS software program.

The next regular meeting of the Argo City Council will be Monday, Feb. 27, at Argo City Hall. The agenda will be discussed in a workshop at 5 p.m. and the meeting will immediately follow.

“This whole idea came from my sister-in-law, Pamela Ruff,” PVAC founder DieDra Ruff said. “I knew I wanted to do something for Valentine’s Day, like a Valentine’s dance, but she said, ‘Heart and Sole,’ and that we could collect and give away shoes – I liked that. Everybody’s got shoes that they’re not wearing. So, that’s why we call it ‘Heart & Sole,’ for the shoes, and to give from your heart whatever you can. Then we’ll just make it a date night. Everybody is law firm, Munos Mexican Grill in Pinson, Jefferson County Schools Director of Art Dr. Terrence Brown, and the National Association of Black Farmers, West Virginia.

As for the collected donations, Ruff said that a second event will be planned soon to give away the socks and shoes to the homeless, while also feeding them a meal. Those details are still to be determined.

“Once we collect everything, we’ll set up a separate date and let people who are in need go through the bins and get what they need,” she said. “And then we’re going to feed them.”

Additionally, Ruff said that the Pinson Valley Arts Council “Heart & Sole” Val- looking for something to do on Valentine’s night. Couples are looking to go out to dinner or something like that. Just come to us, bring an extra pair of shoes, and you’re being a blessing as well as being blessed, because we’re going to feed you and entertain you. And bringing socks or shoes –whatever you bring – is being a blessing to somebody else.”

For only $25 per couple, plus a donation of shoes or socks, couples enjoyed catered food from Papa Sal’s in Clay, danced to music provided by DJ Drummergirl, and played games such as Bingo and “How well do you know your partner?” There were also door prizes, and plenty of beautiful decorations made by Pamela Ruff.

Sponsors for the event were Alpha United Ministries, Reginald Daniel LLC entine’s event will become an annual event.

To learn more about the Pinson Valley Arts Council or get information on upcoming events, look them up on Facebook or call DieDra Ruff at (404) 379-0096.

1.1 BID INFORMATION

A. B. C.

Project: Owner: Engineer:

Section 001116 Invitation To Bid

S.R. 174 Water Main Relocation - Rebid The City of Springville Canyon Engineering, LLC

1.2 ANNOUNCEMENT st

A. Your firm is invited to submit a sealed Bid for the project listed above. Owner will receive Bids at the Springville City Hall, located at 160 Walker Drive, Springville, Alabama, 35146, until 2:00 PM local time on the 14th day of March 2023, at which time and place the Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids not received by the indicated time will not be opened.

B. Project Description: Installation of approximately 260 LF of 12” HDPE or FPVC by Directional Bore, 290 LF of 10” D.I., two 12” tapping sleeves and valves, 2 gate valves, removal of 170 LF of 10” water main, and related appurtenances.

C. The Owner requires the Project to be completed in 60 calendar days.

D. Bidding Documents for a Unit Price contract may be obtained from the office of the Canyon Engineering, LLC, 404 1 Street E., Fort Payne, Alabama, 35967. Electronic copies will be a free download to all potential bidders. Paper sets are available upon receipt of a $50.00 non- refundable amount per set.

E. Potential bidders may view the Bid Documents at the office of the Canyon Engineering by appointment only

F Bidders will be required to provide Bid security according to the requirements in Document 002113 - Instructions to Bidders and Document 003100 - Available Project Information.

G. Refer to other Bidding requirements as described in Document 002113 - Instructions to Bidders and Document 003100Available Project Information.

H. Submit your Bid on the Bid Form provided. Bidders are required to submit the bid form, bid bond, and the E-Verify documents at the time of the bid. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope bearing the name and address of the bidder, the bidder's General Contractor's license number, the project name, and bid date. Bidders are asked not to submit the full contract documents and specifications book at the time of the bid.

I. Bidders must carry the Municipal and Utility construction classification as listed in the roster of the Alabama State Licensing Board for General Contractors to be considered for the award of the project.

J. Your Bid will be required to be submitted under a condition of irrevocability for a period of 60 calendar days after submission.

K. Owner reserves the right to waive irregularities and to accept or reject any or all Bids.