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Irondale council approves consent agenda with dozens of small grants and service agreements
Summary
Council approved a consent agenda that included allocations to local nonprofits, schools and city departments, funding for a $120,000 outdoor fitness court through the National Fitness Campaign, an IT risk review contract and several small service agreements for community programs.
The Irondale City Council approved a broad consent agenda that authorized funding for local schools, nonprofits, safety programs and city services.
Among items approved were a $10,000 service agreement with Heidi’s Kids to provide food and support to low‑income children and families; $5,700 for Shades Valley High School’s Marine Corps JROTC unit; $4,575 for the Irondale Fire Department to purchase residential knock boxes; $1,695 to the Friends of the Irondale Library; $1,300 for Mitch Pledger Youth Development; $1,000 for Irondale Community School’s robotics club; and $5,000 to Help to Others Foundation for water-assistance to low‑income residents. The council also approved a $1,300 allocation to the Exchange Club of Irondale Foundation for child abuse prevention and $1,100 to Public Works to start an anti‑litter campaign.
The consent package included two larger items that staff said have identified funding: allocation of $120,000 from the National Fitness Campaign to install an outdoor fitness court at Beacon Park, and authorization for an IT risk and penetration review with Warren Averett LLC in an amount not to exceed $17,500 plus $1,200 per additional city IP address.
Speakers from several organizations addressed the council during the agenda items. Heidi, representing Heidi’s Kids, described the group’s local services: “We have 2 resource rooms in Irondale, 1 at Grantswood Community and 1 at Irondale Community,” and said the group provides food, hygiene kits and holiday assistance. Steve Beers introduced the Shades Valley JROTC students and thanked the council for support. Trudy Rowlett of Mitch Pledger Youth Development summarized mentorship, human‑trafficking rescue and fitness programs her organization runs; she said the nonprofit also trains first responders.
Public Works assistant director Alfred Menefield spoke in support of an anti‑littering campaign and described routine pickup schedules and staffing constraints. Fire Chief McDaniel said the department had already enrolled nearly 10 participants for the residential knock‑box program and that initial allocations would be used quickly.
The council’s motion to approve the consent agenda passed on an affirmative voice vote; recorded abstentions were noted on a few items where council members had conflicts. Council members repeatedly praised the nonprofit presenters and encouraged residents and businesses to engage with events and support local programs.
