The no-texting rule will be in effect by the time kids return to school this fall.

Springville is now one of the few cities in Alabama to pass an ordinance against texting while driving.

Rep. Jim McLendon, (R—St. Clair and Shelby counties) spoke to the city council Thursday night about his bill to stop drivers from texting. He encouraged the mayor and council to take action.

“Texting while driving is worse than drunk driving, according to data,” McLendon said. “It’s the perfect storm: eyes off the road, hands off the wheel and mind off driving.”

He said it would not be difficult to enforce. He applauded the council for wanting to pass the ordinance.

“When people drive without their seat belt, they put themselves at risk,” McLendon said. “When people text while driving, they put all of us at risk.”

Cities like Jacksonville, Vestavia Hills, Gadsden and Roanoke have already passed bills against texting while driving, and fines are given to those seen texting. The council approved an ordinance against texting while driving, and they decided to post signs stating it is illegal to text and drive in Springville. It will go into effect after being posted.

“It will empower the parents,” said Brian Skinner, District 7. “It might save a life.”

The council also addressed the city’s personnel policy regarding substance abuse. Mayor William “Butch” Isley said there has not been much testing while he has been mayor, but that is about to change. An outside firm will give random drug tests to city employees.

Elected officials must undergo a different type of test, which they must complete online. They must complete these online classes and tests because Springville accepted federal funding.

“If you flunk it, you lose your position,” Isley said.

Another topic of discussion was the path at the park. Many speculated how many laps made up a mile at Big Springs Park, and now there is an answer. Skinner measured the laps and found three laps equal one mile. They will place a sign stating the length at the park. They will also place a sign instructing people to clean up after their dogs while at the park.

A retaining wall at a basketball court in District 1 was knocked down after a strong rain. Earl Peoples, Director of the Public Works Department, said the wall would cost about $2,500 for repair. The council approved for money to be spent to replace the wall.

The council also approved buying surplus generators for different Springville stations that will cost about $10,000—but are worth about $85,000.

The council voted to reappoint members to the Board of Adjustment: Charles Griffin, Allen Crawford and Kris Bishop for one year and Anita Corbin for two years. They also reappointed Roddy Barrett for one year to the Planning and Zoning Board. Gena Mullen will be replaced on the Planning and Zoning Board.

They said they would discuss moving the voting poll from First United Methodist Church to the Armory at the next meeting, but it did not affect voting on Tuesday. The council also tabled talks about the police department’s take-home vehicle policy and proposed police promotions until the next meeting.

There will be a public hearing at the beginning of the council meeting on July 19 to hear about a property that needs to be repaired.