Federal, state authorities raid Jefferson County bingo halls

By Erica Thomas 1819 News

JEFFERSON COUNTY

— The Alabama Attorney General’s Office confirmed bingo halls in Jefferson County were raided Tuesday morning.

Cameron Mixon with the AG’s office said details on the raids and locations would be released soon.

Witnesses said they saw three black SUVs and a gray Dodge Charger at the front door of one bingo hall off Pinson Valley Parkway. Others said they saw FBI agents on the scene, although the AG’s office could not confirm which agencies were responding.

Late last year, Attorney General Steve Marshall told

1819 News the Supreme Court made it clear bingo halls were illegal, but locations in Jefferson County continued to operate. He also said those operations were “ground zero” for more serious crimes, including money laundering.

For years, attorneys general in Alabama have been fighting against illegal gambling. But charging those involved in illegal gaming is up to local law enforcement, and Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway has previously said he had more significant concerns to deal with.

In 2019, Pettway released a statement saying it wasn’t worth the time, effort and money required to confiscate machines and track down misdemeanor offenders when he had serious violent crime to address.

Jefferson County Commission president Jimmie Stephens previously voiced concerns over bingo halls in the county, saying he wanted to see them all shut down. However, he said the sheriff had shown “no willingness or desire to act on any” illegal bingo halls.

Stephens said the county will assist the AG’s office with securing the buildings and with whatever they need to complete the investigation.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has not responded to a media request about the raids.

To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.

Center Point

sued a proclamation during the regular meeting Thursday night, April 6.

The proclamation is part of an effort by the Birmingham Association of REALTORS® (BAR) to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the signing of the Fair Housing Act by getting 55 proclamations during the month of April.

The Birmingham Association of REALTORS® covers 6 counties: Blount, Chilton, Clay, Jefferson, Randolph, and Shelby and has, to date, received 27 of the 55 municipal proclamations as of press time.

Fair Housing Month is celebrated nationally each year in April. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a proclamation in February recognizing Fair Housing Month statewide. BAR issued a release on the local effort.

“In 1968, in the wake of the assassination of Dr. King the passage of this landmark Act was a huge step in the right direction. Over the years, the Act has been amended to address additional issues, which is just a testament to how far we have come as a Nation, but still have a long journey ahead,” said 2023 BAR Diversity and Fair Housing Vice Chair Scott Ford.

The Fair Housing Act was part of the 1968 Civil Rights Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson one week after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In other business, the city filed a lien on a property located at 205 Sun Valley Road for abatement of weeds and grass cutting in the amount of $159.80 including court costs. The Council also approved prices for abatement at 21 other properties ranging from $134 to more than $1000 for debris removal, trash and grass cutting.

Pinson Farmers Market

The Council approved a contract with Motley Corp. for $23,198 for demolition and debris removal at two properties located at 520 Sunhill Road and 1816 1st Street NE. approved a contract for $38,000 with TNZ Construction for bridge work at the Center Point Senior Center at 335 Polly Reed Road.

In other business, the Council renewed its contract with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society for animal control in the city and approved a request from Center Point High School to assist with grass cutting at the ball fields used by the high school and middle school.

The Center Point City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at City Hall at 2209 Center Point Parkway. The next meeting will be held Thursday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. The Council has set a public hearing for 6:30 p.m., May 4, on tattoo shops and medical cannabis dispensaries.

presented the financial situation of the city, starting with highlights of the finances in 2022 compared to the previous year. The report showed that the net position of the city improved, rising from $8.9 million to more than $10 million.

“This is largely due to your investments,” Polmatier said. “Investments in capital assets and items in the city. So what you pay for out of cash, no borrowing. In fact you have minimum debt and liabilities overall.”

In the operational statements there was an overall $154,000 increase in the fund balance, including the debt service fund, for the year, which he said was good. In the general fund there was an $84,000 excess before the transfer to cover the 2021 warrant payments.

The unassigned fund balance of the general fund was just under $2 million, he said. This reflects an unrestricted reserve balance of approximately six months of operations. Polmatier said that this was also good and showed growth.

He spoke of an operational statement of the general fund for the past six years. In 2017 the total revenue was just under $3 million. That revenue grew to $5.3 million. The expenditure growth rose from $2 million to $5.2 million. $1.4 million was spent, with some of this coming from grant money.

Among his final notes was the ARP examination report that stated that there were no discrepancies or “unallowable” disbursements of funds.

Later in the meeting the council passed several items on the agenda. Among these was signage for the Pinson Public Library. The council approved the purchase of signs that would help clarify where the library is located since moving from its location at City Hall to the Rock School some years back. The purchase was approved for $2,557.

During public comments

Pinson Valley Arts Council

President KeiDie Ruff suggested that the city begin a regular first Friday event as other cities have adopted. She recommended having the free events take place on Main Street where there would be live music and other kinds of entertainment.

Ruff said that she wanted to bring more attention to the city with a first Friday event.

“The reason I wanted to do this is that I tour all around the world and I see this happening all around the world,” she said. “And as an arts councilor not only did we do our first movie here in Pinson now we’re trying to do this –we’re trying to do everything we can to bring attention to Pinson. We live here and even though we tour in and out the country this is where we live and we want people to know about Pinson.”

With no vote necessary, the council approved Ruff’s suggestion.

Afterwards Pinson Public Library Director Allison Scanlan delivered some updates, saying that they are partnering with the Parks and Recreation department to put on a “Great Bunny Hop” games event for children on April 22 at Bicentennial Park from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Additionally, the library will implement “silver spots” and “tot spots”, which are tablet devices that can be checked out for seniors and children respectively. The library is also preparing to kick off its summer reading program titled “All Together Now” and a launch party is scheduled for June 3.

In other business the council: Approved the purchase of laptops and accessories for $6,970, and Accepted a bid to purchase fencing for the Public Works storage yard for $32,468.

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.

William Ramage (11/1/90), Steven Bookout (12/1/90), Gordon Flynn (12/1/90), William Hyatt (12/1/90), Wesley O’Brien (12/90), David Crawford (5/1/91), and Jimmy Burns* (5/1/91). (* denotes current members)

Highlights in History:

June 2, 2008. This club is one of about 50 in the central Alabama district. Club member Mary Jean Sanspree was installed as District 6860 Governor. District Governor Phil Fowler and his wife Diane visited the club. Mary Jean was also the first female president of the club (199899). Women were not always allowed to be members of Rotary. The 1989 Council on Legislation voted to admit women into Rotary clubs worldwide, a monumental moment in the history of Rotary. Today almost 25% of this club is female.

July 9, 2008. The Club is 100% Paul Harris Fellows, which means every member of the Club contributes to the Paul Harris Foundation. Paul Harris was the founder of Rotary in February 1905. The Foundation provides grant opportunities for local clubs, so contributions come back to the club for community projects.

July 1, 2014. Club name officially changed to Rotary

Club of Trussville Daybreak. 2020-21. The Club did not stop meeting during the pandemic. The format just moved to a virtual one until they felt it was safe to meet in person. And when most clubs saw a decrease in membership, this club membership grew! 2023. The Club completed its first strategic plan to help determine its future over the next five years. Spearheaded by Eddie Seal, the club worked for several months to determine goals, projects, and also to update its bylaws. Club Presidents. These Rotarians have served as club presidents.

May – June 1990 - Owen

Lawless 1990 – 1991 - Owen Lawless

• 1992 – 1993 - David Wideman

• 1993 – 1994 - Van Horne

• 1994 – 1995 - Martin Woosley

1995 – 1996 - Darrell Summers 1996 – 1997 - Kenny Apperson

• 1997 – 1998 - Roy Long

• 1998 – 1999 - Mary Jean

Sanspree

• 1999 – 2000 - Bob Baker

• 2000 – 2001 - Jimmy Burns

2001 – 2002 - Mark De- nard 2002 – 2003 - Tim Cart- wright

• 2003 – 2004 - Gordon

Flynn

• 2004 – 2005 - David Cork

• 2005 – 2006 - John Pettry

– 2007 - Matt Holdbrooks

– 2008 - Jef Freeman 2008 – 2009 - Linda Burns

• 2009 – 2010 - Pat McTamney

• 2010 – 2011 - Pat McTamney

• 2011 – 2012 - John

– 2013 - John Pat-

2013 – 2014 - Alan Taylor

• 2014 – 2015 - Danny Cooner

• 2015 – 2016 - Eddie Seal

• 2016 – 2017 - Tommy Trimm

• 2017 – 2018 - Diane Poole 2018 – 2019 - Sandra Vernon 2019 – 2020 - Ken Vaughan

• 2020 – 2021 - Ty Williams

• 2021 – 2022 - Greg Car-

• 2022 – 2023 - Jamie Townes

Projects. The Club has had many projects and fundraising events over its 33-year history. One of its first fundraisers was a golf tournament, which was initially a partnership with the Trussville Noon Rotary Club. Last year was the Club’s 30th annual golf tournament, and it raised about $15K.

The Club recently sponsored a new club in the Springville area which meets on Thursday mornings at 7 a.m. and has members from

Springville, Argo, Moody, and Margaret. This Club continues to grow and to serve these area communities in its own ways.

Other ways the Trussville Daybreak Rotary Club contributes to our community:

• City Fest (volunteer to sell Coke products, members of Rotary on the planning committee) Veterans Appreciation (hanging ribbons at city hall for Veterans’ Day)

• Computers 4 Kids (collected laptops and had them cleaned for school purposes and distributed to the schools at the beginning of the pandemic for kids who did not have them)

• Scholarships (Our Rotary Club gives out one $5,000 scholarship to a Hewitt-Trussville Student every year, as well as a $1000 scholarship to a Restoration Academy Student).

Rotary Young Leaders Awards (R.Y.L.A.) (Our Rotary club sends, on average, eleven students a year to The Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville for a 3-day retreat to learn about leadership and community service, to make connections, and to have a little fun. These students write essays and apply for this every year. Trussville Daybreak generally boasts the largest number of participants.)

Student and Teacher of the Month (Every month during the school year, our Rotary Club recognizes students and teachers from either Hewitt-Trussville or Clay-Chalkville for their outstanding performance.)

• Rotary Readers (Rotarians go into the local elementary schools on Wednesdays to read to the children. We also participate in Read Across America on Dr. Seuss’ birthday where we purchase and distribute a Dr. Seuss book of the teacher’s choice to the students.)

Rotary Clock (Our Rotary raised funds for the Rotary Clock that is located at the corner of Hwy 11 and Chalkville Road to anchor the corner and make it more picturesque.)

• Solar Benches (Our Rotary Club applies for grants with Rotary International in order to finance projects in our community. We have placed solar powered benches in the park on the mall and in the park behind the library so that people can charge their devices while sitting at the park.)

Leadership HT (This year we have used our grant to help fund a project for this group. They plan to construct an outdoor classroom/seating area in Veterans’ Park along the stream.)

• Better Basics Book Nooks (had book nooks built in cooperation with Faith Community Church to put in various communities throughout Jefferson and St. Clair Counties in communities with lower reading and math scores to help increase literacy. These nooks are continually replenished by Better Basics.)

Alabama Fallen Warriors Memorial (major donor to the Alabama Fallen Warriors memorial being built in Veterans Park in Trussville)

• Smile-A-Mile (meals for campers, their families, and staff)

Playground equipment at The Mall

• Benches at the walking track at Cahaba Elementary

• Financial support to Trussville Noon Club’s water project in Mexico Planted trees at Cahaba Greenway The Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club meets at 7 a.m. on Wednesday mornings at First Baptist Church Trussville (128 N. Chalkville Road). For more information on the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club, or to help with one of our projects, please email Diane Poole at dlpoole1225@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page (Trussville Rotary Daybreak).

For all

1430 Gadsden Hwy Ste 116 Birmingham, AL 35235 (205) 661-1188 www.parcelstoo.com

Teacher

From front page on Friday, April 7, 2023. Coleman represents District VII in the Secondary classification.

“Good luck to Ms. Coleman as these 16 outstanding educators are narrowed to the Final Top Four,” TCS stated.

The State of Alabama Department of Education announced the “State’s Sweet 16 Educators Being Recognized for Teaching Excellence” on Wednesday, April 5.

“Sixteen outstanding educators who personify excellence have been selected as finalists for Alabama Teacher of the Year,” the State of Alabama Department of Education’s statement said. “Each excels in the classroom and inspires students through innovative instructional techniques. This year’s 16 state finalists have emerged from a highly professional group of more than 150 top educators who submitted their official applications for this state honor. The Alabama Teacher of the Year Program is one of our state’s oldest and most esteemed recognition programs.”

Alabama State Department of Education – 2023-2024

District Teachers of the Year

• Maegan Gayle: Mobile County School System

– Hutchens Elementary School, District I Elementary Teacher of the Year

• Amanda Talantis: Gulf Shores City School System – Gulf Shores High School, District I Secondary Teacher of the Year

• Logan Faith Rasmusson: Phenix City School System – Sherwood Elementary School, District II

Elementary Teacher of the Year

Ansley A. Godwin: Ozark City School System – Carroll High School, District II

Secondary Teacher of the Year

• Jeffrey L. Norris: Shelby

County School System – Oak Mountain Middle School, District III Elementary Teacher of the Year

• Kevin Pughsley: Hoover City School System – Berry Middle School, District III

Secondary Teacher of the Year

• Dr. Allatesha Cain: Bessemer City Schools –Charles F. Hard Elementary School, District IV Elementary Teacher of the Year

Mychoal B. Woods: Birmingham City Schools –George Washington Carver High School, District IV

Secondary Teacher of the Year

• George Clausell, II: Macon County Schools –George Washington Carver Elementary School, District V Elementary Teacher of the Year Jessica Roberson: Selma City Schools – Selma High School, District V

Secondary Teacher of the Year

• Lauren Murdoch Brascho: Pell City Schools – Coosa Valley Elementary School, District VI Elementary Teacher of the Year

• Katie McGee: Cullman City Schools – Cullman Middle School, District

VI Secondary Teacher of the Year

Kimberly Jared: Hartselle City Schools – Barkley Bridge Elementary School, District VII Elementary Teacher of the Year

• Jennifer Coleman: Trussville City Schools –Hewitt-Trussville High School, District VII Secondary Teacher of the Year

Bonnie Howard: Madison City Schools – Madison Elementary School, District VIII Elementary Teacher of the Year

• Nia Nicole Stivers: Jackson County Schools – North Jackson High School, District VIII Secondary Teacher of the Year

“Alabama’s Teacher of the Year serves as a full-time ambassador for education and the teaching profession, in addition to presenting workshops to various groups.,” the statement said. “Alabama’s representative is also a candidate for National Teacher of the Year. This pool of outstanding educators will soon be narrowed down to the final Top Four. The 20232024 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be announced by the Alabama State Board of Education and Alabama State Department of Education in May.

Reflecting on his experiences as the 2022-2023 Alabama Teacher of the Year, Reggie White said, “One of the greatest achievements in my life is the honor of not only entering the teaching profession but also meeting students who would have an indelible impact on my life. It has truly been an honor to serve as our state’s 20222023 Alabama Teacher of the Year and inspiring others to see that nothing is impossible with great teachers! I celebrate the 16 finalists for accepting the call to teach and for modeling exceptional performance in the classroom. You are all Teachers of the Year.”

From front page byterian Home for Children for 2023.

The Talladega-based Home is one of the few organizations in the state caring for Alabama’s homeless boys and girls, along with their female caregivers, in its Secure Dwellings Program. PHFC also serves teenage girls who have been subject to extreme trauma and neglect, young female adults in crisis, families in crisis through in-home intensive services, and children and youth in rural Wilcox and Marengo counties.

Fritsma has been a Trustee since 2013 and served as Moderator in 2017 when he was instrumental in helping recruit President and CEO Doug Marshall. He has a long history of serving on and leading the Governance Committee in addition to serving on the Executive Committee.

Retired from the UAB faculty since 2007, Fritsma serves as a medical laboratory consultant to the UAB Department of Pathology, a consultant to several diagnostics companies, and as an adjunct associate professor for Michigan State and Rutgers universities. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and chemistry from Calvin University, a Master’s in Medical Laboratory Science from Wayne State University and advanced course work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a member of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis. He and his wife are members of Cahaba Springs Presbyterian Church in Trussville.

Mark D. Feagin of Hoover is Vice Moderator for the Presbyterian Home for Children Board. He grew up in Birmingham and was educated in the Jefferson County and Vestavia Hills school systems and earned a BS in Finance at Auburn Universi- ty in 1985. His professional experience is in the banking industry where he worked for Regions Bank for 23 years as well as Iberiabank, JP Morgan Chase and Community Bank of Mississippi. Previously serving on PHFC’s Audit and Finance Committees, he is now on its Resource Development and Executive committees. Mark and his wife are members of Asbury Methodist Church.

Carol R. Copeland of Athens is the Board’s Secretary and serves on PHFC’s Programs and Executive committees. Copeland has been in the private practice of social work since 1991 after a long career with the Alabama Department of Human Resources. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, Academy of Social Workers, Alabama Conference of Social Work and The University of Alabama Social Work Society, and she is on the boards of Vine Counseling Center in Huntsville and the Athens Limestone Family Resource Center. She is a ruling elder of First Presbyterian Church in Athens and is the past moderator of the Board of the Presbyterian Home for Children, North Alabama Presbytery and North Alabama Presbyterian Women. Newell Witherspoon of Huntsville was re-elected as Treasurer, John Haley, Esq. of Birmingham as Legal Counsel and Missy Jones of Mobile as Member-At-Large. Rev. Joseph Scrivner, Ph.D. of Tuscaloosa will serve as Past Moderator.

Members of the Home’s Advisory Board are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Board of Trustees to serve on various committees. Advisory Board members for 2023 are Mary Otulana, Homewood; Rev. Robin Palmer, Madison; Christi Robinson, Huntsville; Brenda Uptain, Talladega; Chuck Williams, Hiram, Ga.; and Rev. Jonathan Yarboro, Wetumpka.

About PHFC Now in its 155th year of service, Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega, Alabama, is one of few organizations in the state caring for Alabama’s homeless boys and girls, along with their female caregivers in its Secure Dwellings Program. In its Moderate Residential Care Therapeutic Program, the Home also serves teenage girls who have previously experienced extreme trauma or neglect. In addition, the Home serves young female adults in crisis through its Transition to Adult Living Program and serves families in crisis over seven counties through its In-Home Intensive Services, Family Bridges. All its programs are accredited by Social Current (formerly Council on Accreditation) and the EAGLE Accreditation Commission under the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. Our Ascension Leadership Academy features a fully Cognia-accredited academic curriculum focusing on academics and leadership for our residential children and youth in addition to children and youth from the surrounding communities. PHFC is rated 4-Star by Charity Navigator and received a Gold Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly Guidestar).

Nominations for the beneficiary of this year’s ride are now open, and the Trussville Witches Ride board members invite anyone to nominate a Trussville resident who could benefit from the support of the Trussville community through the event.

Irondale

From front page ing of the Irondale City Council to issue proclamations recognizing efforts to make the community a better place for all citizens. In his report, Stewart invited people to support the Heartbeat of Irondale 5K benefitting the Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center and efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.

“I want to encourage everybody to participate,” Stewart said. “We’re doing this for Child Abuse Prevention Month. We really believe that no child should be in a situation where they have to put up with abuse.

“We’re just trying to do our part to be able to support the Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Center,” Stewart added. “The proceeds will go to them to be able to eradicate child abuse.”

John and Linda Schoen, representing the Exchange Club of Irondale, were on hand to accept a proclamation designating April Child Abuse Prevention Month. The exterior of City Hall was decorated by blue pinwheels and blue lighting.

Mayor Stewart awarded two proclamations to students from Shades Valley High School. Lauren Jackson was on hand to accept recognition for being named 2023 Youth of the Year for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama. Jackson is a senior at Shades Valley. Micaiah Freeman was honored with a proclamation from the city for being the youngest person to complete CERT team training. CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team and is a FEMA sponsored program which trains civilians to work with first responders in times of emergency. Freeman is a junior at Shades Valley.

Carmen Vasquez, membership specialist for the Birmingham Association of Realtors, was on hand to accept a proclamation celebrating the Fair Housing Act declaring the month of April Fair Housing Month in Irondale.

In other business, the Council approved: $2000 for ClasTran for paratransit services.

• $2500 for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama

• Up to $2,297.50 for These Guys LLC to conduct a class on bicycle safety laws

Engaged the firm of Wallace, Jordan, Ratliff and Brandt to represent the city in water matters

• Awarded a three-year sewer contract to Phoenix Water Resources Issued a zoning variance for an office building currently under construction

The next meeting of the Irondale City Council will be held at 6 p.m. on April 18 at Irondale City Hall.

“What sets our nonprofit apart from others is that the money that is raised goes towards a need that our community helps to choose,” said Christy McDonald, President of the Trussville Witches Ride Board. “There are families and individuals in our city that are facing major obstacles alone, and I love that the residents of Trussville have an opportunity to bring awareness to those needs so that our board members can choose a recipient whose need is substantial and whose circumstances could be greatly changed by the funds that are raised during the event.”

Nominations opened April 6 and will remain open until May 9, 2023.

“A unique aspect of Trussville Witches Ride is that the board is open to nominations for beneficiaries of all ages and all needs,” said Brittany Elkins, Vice President of Trussville Witches Ride. “Our community has rallied behind the families and individuals that this ride has honored in the past, and I am so excited to find out who the next beneficiary will be. However, that can only happen if we are made aware of the needs of our community, so I encourage everyone to send a nomination in.”

Before nominating a beneficiary, the board recommends reading its FAQ document to help ensure understanding of the nomination process and to verify that the nominee meets the requirements.

“Something that people don’t realize about our nomination process is that when the board receives the nominations, any identifiers are removed by a third party,” said Karli Langner, Public Relations Manager of Trussville Witches Ride. “The board truly has no idea who the nominees are. We gather and go through each nomination and decide which need seems to be the greatest, and from there we request the nominee’s name and contact information that was given in their nomination. It’s a really cool way to make sure there’s never any bias and that all needs are equally considered.”

To keep up with what the Trussville Witches Ride board is brewing up for this year’s event, be sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Council on Monday, April 10, for their state championship win in February.

Before the team was recognized, the council heard reports from department heads for the month of March. Police Chief Reese Smith reported 1,034 calls for services, 35 traffic accidents, 92 citations, 86 reports completed, 88 misdemeanors, 30 felonies and two juvenile cases. The department spent $19,399.95 on vehicle maintenance.

Fire Chief Larry Horton reported 181 total responses, eight fires (two residential, three vehicles, and three woods, grass and rubbish), 93 emergency medical calls, eight vehicle wrecks, 17 public services, 25 lift assists, 30 false alarms, mutual aid given twice and received once. There were 75 annual inspections, one reinspection and one pump inspection.

Afterwards, the council recognized the team. Those recognized were Blaine Burke, Charlie Kitts, A’mon Lane, and Kellen Talley. Their coach is Raphael Greaux.

“It’s getting to be more often for state championships at Moody High School,” said Mayor Joe Lee. “We’re very proud of them.”

The council then approved a request from Smith to promote an officer, Johnathan Melton, from the rank of Sergeant to the rank of Lieutenant. Smith said that Melton has been with the department for more than 10 years.

“He’s a great asset and a great teammate of mine,” Smith said. “I couldn’t have done it without him and I’m happy to promote him to lieutenant.”

After Melton’s promotion, the council approved Smith’s request to promote Brodie McGuffie from Officer to Sergeant.

In other business the council:

• Approved a request from Smith to purchase four tires for car #359 for $680,

• Approved a request from Library Director Sara Roberts at a cost not to exceed $9,000,

• Approved a request from

Horton to purchase firefighting tools for $3,150, Approved a request from Councilman Lynn Taylor to remove two fire pump caps at Moody Industrial Park for $4,822. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at step in the process establishing a Planning and Zoning Commission in the city.

Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave. Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@ gmail.com.

Six Argo residents were chosen from 24 applicants who were introduced during the March 27 meeting. The board was officially created by ordinance 2023-02-13, which was approved in February. The board will consist of nine members including an administrative official appointed by the Mayor and one city council member elected by the Council to serve as an ex officio member.

The six Argo residents appointed to the commission are: Randy Hettich, Lanie Kendrick, Matt Vincent, Bob Carter, Chase Gober and Michael Stanley. Members will serve six-year terms although some seats will face earlier reappointment to stagger future appointments to the board.

“Everybody that filled out an application was great. I wish we could put them all on the zoning board,” said Mayor Bradley. “If you didn’t get chosen for the zoning board, you may still get chosen for the zoning board of adjustments, which is just as important as the zoning board.”

City Clerk Tiffany Westbrook was appointed by Bradley to fill the administrative role on the board. Council member Thomas Suggs was elected by the Council to fill the ex officio role.

Mayor Bradley will serve as the final member of the commission. The terms for Bradley and Suggs will coincide with their terms in elected office.

Members of the board will elect a person to serve as chair and individual roles and responsibilities and establish terms of eligibility for future reelection.

A special public meeting has been scheduled for April 18, at 6 p.m., specifically to discuss zoning based on the Argo Comprehensive Plan. The plan was produced by the City of Argo, the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, and the consulting firm of Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC). Representatives from GMC are expected to be present to answer questions about zoning proposals.

The Council also approved the creation of a Building Inspector position and $1,300 for certification for the role.

In other business, the Council moved into executive session to discuss issues related to development of the former Crazy Horse restaurant location at 8885 Gadsden Hwy. Developers are planning to create a gym, children’s play gym and office space in the former restaurant. The building once served as a fire station and City Hall for Argo. The request to make changes to a promissory note on the property was tabled in March but was approved unanimously after executive session.

The Council also approved payment of $1,131 to O’Cet for work done on roads at Cedar Creek.

Council member Dennis Griffin as voting delegate at the annual meeting of the Alabama Municipal Insurance Corporation.

Argo joined other cities in around Alabama by issuing a proclamation to declare the month of April to be Fair

Housing Month. The proclamation is part of an effort by the Birmingham Association of REALTORS® (BAR) to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the signing of the Fair Housing Act by getting 55 proclamations during the month of April. Lewis Pitchford, Government Affairs Coordinator for BAR, was present to accept the proclamation.

The Birmingham Association of REALTORS® covers six counties: Blount, Chilton, Clay, Jefferson, Randolph, and Shelby and has, to date, received more than 30 of the 55 municipal proclamations. Argo is located in Jefferson and St. Clair counties.

Fair Housing Month is celebrated nationally each year in April. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued a proclamation in February recognizing Fair Housing Month statewide. BAR issued a release on the local effort.

“In 1968, in the wake of the assassination of Dr. King the passage of this landmark Act was a huge step in the right direction. Over the years, the Act has been amended to address additional issues, which is just a testament to how far we have come as a Nation, but still have a long journey ahead,” said 2023 BAR Diversity and Fair Housing Vice Chair Scott Ford.

The Fair Housing Act was part of the 1968 Civil Rights Act, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson one week after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The next regular meeting of the Argo City Council will be April 24. The meeting begins immediately following the 5 p.m. work session.