CULLMAN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 11, 2009
CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME
A regular meeting of the Cullman County Commission was held Wednesday, February 11, 2009 in the County Commission Office Conference Room. Chairman Graves called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. and welcomed all visitors.
CALL OF ROLL TO ESTABLISH QUORUM, INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Charlotte Slatton, County Clerk, called the roll; present were Chairman James Graves, Commissioner Doug Williams, Commissioner Wayne Willingham and Attorney Michael Fuller. The invocation was given by Chairman Graves and Commissioner Wayne Willingham led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 27, 2009 MEETING, APPROVE APPROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, REQUISITIONS, TRAVEL EXPENSED; AND APPROVE ALL JOURNAL ENTRIES TO BE POSTED.
Commissioner Wayne Willingham made the motion to approve the January 27, 2009 minutes, approve appropriations, expenditures, requisitions, travel expenses and approve all journal entries to be posted. Commissioner Doug Williams made a second to the motion and upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mr. George Mann made comments on the progress of the Vietnam War Memorial located at Sportsman Lake Park. He stated they are waiting for bids for the building; as soon as weather allows foundation work can be done. He is hopeful there may be some volunteers to help with labor cost. Chairman Graves suggested that Mr. Mann schedule a time for discussions of additional needs and to update the Commission on proposed plans for the Veterans Memorial.
NEW BUSINESS
TO CONGRATULATE THE CULLMAN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (EMA) ON THEIR STORMREADY RECOGNITION
Chairman Graves read a letter from the U.S. Department of Commerce congratulating EMA on Cullman County’s StormReady recognition. Cullman County’s EMA has worked closely with the National Weather Service to meet the criteria to be eligible to become recognized as StormReady. The current StormReady recognition for the County will be valid for three years, expiring January 7, 2012. Phyllis Little, EMA Director, stated they have received a plaque for this achievement.
RENEW THE CATASTROPHIC INMATE MEDICAL INSURANCE
Mr. Gary Teichmiller, County Administrator, stated during the previous year approximately $80,000.00 was refunded to the County in medical claims. He recommended approval of the Catastrophic Inmate Medical Insurance with the carrier United HealthCare-OptumHealth with a premium of $40,000.00 which is an increase of 7.5%. Commissioner Willingham made a motion to accept the Catastrophic Inmate Medical Insurance policy. Commissioner Williams made a seconded to the motion, and upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
CONSIDER AWARDING BID NO. 929 TO TAG GRINDING SERVICES, INC. FOR DISASTER DEBRIS REMOVAL, DISPOSAL, AND REDUCTION
Mr. Fred Penn, County Engineer, stated this is a one year extension of the County’s current contract with the same contractual obligations. He recommended extending the contract. Commissioner Doug Williams made a motion to extend the contract with TAG Grinding Service, Inc. for disaster debris removal, disposal and reduction for one year. Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVE A REQUEST TO INSTALL A 4-WAY STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF AL HWY 74 (US HSY 278) AND COUNTY ROAD 1117 AND COUNTY ROAD 831
Mr. Penn requested approval to send a request to the State asking for a 4 –way stop at the intersection of Al Hwy 74 (US 278) and County Road 1117 and County Road 831. Commissioner Willingham stated residents of the area have requested a 4-way stop be installed at this dangerous intersection and made a motion to approve sending a letter of request to the State. Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER RESOLUTION 2009-13 AUTHORIZING THE CONVERSION OF UNUSED SICK LEAVE TO RETIREMENT SERVICE CREDIT
Chairman Graves stated that many counties convert unused sick leave to retirement service credit as a reward to employees who have not abused sick leave. It will be necessary to contact the Retirement System of Alabama (RSA) on the regulations regarding conversion and the County’s responsibility for funding. Commissioner Williams made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the Resolution authorizing the conversion of unused sick leave to retirement service. Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
AWARD THE PAPER BID
Mr. Teichmiller stated due to the quantity of copier paper used by the County, it is now bid as to receive the best price. He recommended accepting Office Equipment Company’s bid, lowest bid of the two bids received. Commissioner Williams made a motion to accept the paper bid from Office Equipment Company. Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
SURPLUS SMITH LAKE PARK EQUIPMENT
A request to surplus a 1991 Chevrolet Cheyenne truck, VIN # 1GCDCZ4Z5MZ211090 and a 1989 S-10 Chevrolet truck, VIN# 1GCC514Z7K8232298 from Smith Lake Park was made. Chairman Graves stated these would be listed for sale on govdeals.com. Commissioner Willingham made a motion to surplus the equipment. Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
APPROVE SURPLUS OF MISCELLANEOUS OLD COMPUTER EQUIPMENT FROM THE DATA PROCESSING DEPARTMENT
Mr. Joey Martin, IT Department Director, stated this is old equipment that is no longer in working condition. Hard drives and any parts that might be reused have been removed. All surplus will be sent for recycling. Commissioner Williams made a motion to surplus the old computer equipment. Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
APPROVE RESOLUTION 2009-06 TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN TO SIGN AN EXTENSION OF THE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF ALABAMA STPTE-2000(19) S2
Chairman Graves stated this is an extension of an agreement with the State of Alabama for funding for the restoration of Clarkson Bridge. The project will consist of disassembling the bridge, replacing dry rotted wood or other parts that are not structurally sound and reassembling the bridge. Commissioner Willingham stated currently the bridge is being supported with cables. Commissioner Willingham made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the extension of the agreement with the State of Alabama for the grant for Project STPTE-2000(19) S2. Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
CONSIDER EXTENDING THE FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS WITH THE LOCAL CABLE COMPANIES
Mr. Teichmiller stated there are three (3) cable companies providing service in the county. These companies have not contacted the County concerning the renewal of their franchise agreements; however all payments to the County continue to be made. He requested a sixty (60) day extension in order for the companies to be contacted. Commissioner Williams stated he favors holding the franchise fees to the current rate; any increase in fees would be passed along to the consumer in higher rates and in the current economic situation he does not feel a higher tax is advisable. Commissioner Willingham made a motion for a sixty (60) days extension for the franchise agreements with the local cable companies. Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
APPROVE A PROPOSAL WITH ALMON ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR AN ENGINEERING STUDY ON THE CLARKSON BRIDGE
Commissioner Willingham made a motion to approve a proposal for an engineering study on Clarkson Bridge with Almon Associates, Inc. of Birmingham, Al, with regard to ALDOT projects HCBPP-2200(211) and STPTE-20009(19). Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF THE POSSIBLE PURCHASE OF THE CULLMAN SAVINGS BANK BUILDING
Chairman Graves stated the Commission has looked at several properties for the purpose of relocating the Probate Judge and Revenue Commissioner Offices. The population of Cullman County has grown to more than 80,000 in recent years and additional services are required. These two departments need additional space in order to provide expanded services. The desire is to find a location that would be in close proximity to the Courthouse and be convenient for the public to transact business at both locations. The Commission is currently in negotiations with representatives from Cullman Savings Bank; however no decisions have been made and other options are still being considered.
OLD BUSINESS
APPROVE NEW BY-LAWS FOR THE COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP
Chairman Graves stated after a meeting with the Community Action Partnership, there are still some reservations concerning the by-laws with regard to the appointment of Board Members. However, they feel most questions have been answered and recommended approval of the new by-laws. Commissioner Willingham made a motion to approve the adoptions of the new by-laws for the Community Action Partnership. Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF THE PROPOSED ONE HALF CENT SALES TAX FOR EDUCATION
Chairman Graves stated there have been discussions with the Superintendent of Education concerning cuts in the education budget. The Commission wants to wait to see if adequate funding for education might be included in the federal government stimulus package, making the need for additional sales tax unnecessary. Commissioner Willingham requested additional detailed information from Superintendent Allen. Chairman Graves said the Commission would send a letter to Mr. Allen with questions concerning the sales tax issue.
THE NEXT COMMISSION MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 10:00 A.M., FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2009, IN THE COMMISSION CONFERENCE ROOM.
The change in the Commission Meeting date is due to the commissioners being out of town.
ADJOURN THE MEETING
Chairman Graves asked if there was further business to consider and there was none. Commissioner Williams made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Willingham seconded. Chairman Graves adjourned the meeting at 10:38 a.m.
__________________________ ______ (ABSENT) ____________ ________________
James D. Graves, Chairman J. Douglas Williams Wayne Willingham
Associate Commissioner Associate Commissioner