CULLMAN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
May 12, 2009

CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME

Chairman James Graves called the Commission Meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. and welcomed the 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 Wayne Willingham, Commissioner Doug Williams and Matthew Carter of the Fuller and Willingham Law Firm.  The invocation was given by Chairman James Graves and Commissioner Wayne Willingham led the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 28, 2009 MINUTES, APPROVE APPROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, REQUISITIONS, TRAVEL EXPENSES; AND APPROVE ALL JOURNAL ENTRIES TO BE POSTED.

Commissioner Doug Williams made the motion to approve the April 28, 2009 minutes, approve appropriations, expenditures, requisitions, travel expenses and approve all journal entries to be posted.  Commissioner Wayne Willingham made a second to the motion and upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Kenneth Kilgo, Director of the American Red Cross, announced a blood drive today at the chapter office.  Mr. Kilgo also briefed the Commission on the Two Year College Evacuation Mass Care Plan, which is a plan between the State of Alabama and Wallace State Community College.

Phyllis Little, EMA Director, reported the County has received a Disaster Declaration for storm damage that occurred during the period of April 10-13, 2009.  This is for public assistance which will cover damage to the county parks, debris removal and emergency road openings.  Since the County has a formal agreement with the volunteer fire departments for emergency road openings, the declaration will provide for reimburse on equipment usage and fuel cost to each department.

NEW BUSINESS

Proclamation – Recognizing Week of May 10-16, 2009 as National Hospital Week
Chairman Graves read the proclamation recognizing May 10-16 as National Hospital Week.  The proclamation was presented to Jim Weidner, Administrator of Cullman Regional Medical Center (CRMC).  Mr. Weidner thanked the Commission for their support of the hospital and the Good Samaritan Clinic, a clinic for the uninsured citizens of Cullman County.

Joe Faulk, President of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA), addresses the Commission
Joe Faulk, newly elected President of the ACCA, introduced himself to the Commission, thanked them for their service to the County, and encouraged them to use the ACCA and its resources.

Resolution 2009-29 - Establish supernumerary status for Kay D. Williams-Smith, Revenue Commissioner
Chairman Graves stated on April 30, 2009, Governor Bob Riley signed the necessary documentation appointing Kay D. Williams-Smith as Supernumerary Revenue Commissioner of Cullman County.  She will be receiving 75% of her salary under medical disability retirement for a period of two (2) years.  After the two (2) years she shall receive the amount as established by the Code of Alabama for Supernumerary pay. 

Commissioner Williams clarified these payments will come from the retirement system which Ms. Smith has paid into.  Commissioner Williams made a motion to accept the status of Kay D. Williams-Smith as a Supernumerary Revenue Commissioner.  Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Public Hearing, Cullman County Water Department for waterline upgrades
David Bussman, Manager Cullman County Water Department, stated the $400,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) will be funded through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).   The grant will be used to replace 3” and 4” waterlines with 6” waterlines along five miles of County Roads 1427, 1447, 1332, and 490.
 Buchanan Jackson from the Economic Development Office stated the project must benefit low to moderate income residents.  Of the 92 households located in the project area, the water department’s survey showed 62% qualify as low to moderate income.   Mr. Jackson requested those in attendance at the public hearing sign the sheet available for support of the project.

Authorize the Chairman to sign a two (2) year contract with Johnson Mechanical Services for generator maintenance.
Gary Teichmiller, County Administrator, stated Johnson Mechanical Services has had the contract for maintenance on the County’s generators and recommended continuing with them at a cost of $2,500 per year.  Commissioner Willingham made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the contract with Johnson Mechanical Services.  Commissioner Williams second, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Discussion of BlueCard PPO Insurance for 2009
Gary Teichmiller stated the BlueCard PPO Insurance will benefit the County and the employee.  There is no reduction in coverage.  The enhanced plan will allow employees to use any doctor in the United States and receive the same benefits as using an in-state doctor as long as the out-of-state doctor is a Blue Cross provider.  Additional benefits include hospice care, speech therapy and air medical flight service to return the employee to an area hospital if they are more than 150 miles from Cullman.  These benefits are provided at no additional cost.  Commissioner Williams made a motion to accept the new BlueCard PPO insurance plan.  Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2009-26 – Authorize the Commission to apply for funding through ADECA, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Cullman County Water Department
Commissioner Willingham made a motion to pass the resolution authorizing the Commission to sign the application for CDBG funding of the grant for the Cullman County Water Department.  Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2009-27 – Authorize the Commission to apply for funding through the Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for the Sheriff’s Department
Buchanan Jackson stated this is a 100% formula grant for $67,000.00 to be used for a new equipped patrol vehicle, a narcotics K-9 dog, and various weapons.  Commissioner Williams made a motion to pass the resolution authorizing the Commission to apply for the grant for the Sheriff’s Department.  Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Resolution 2009-28 – Resurfacing and traffic striping County Road 1069
Commissioner Willingham requested the resolution be tabled.

Authorize the County to pay back taxes on property donated to the County
Chairman Graves stated the County has previously accepted the donation of property listed to Robert G. and Mary L. Speegle.  Back taxes are due in the amount of $240.84.  Commissioner Willingham made the motion to pay the back taxes on the donated property.  Commission Williams made second, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Discussion of the High Priority Transportation Projects
Chairman Graves stated Congressman Robert Aderholt is working to get funding for high priority transportation projects.  The County and the City of Cullman are jointly requesting funding for three priority road projects:

• Widening of Alabama Highway 157 from U.S. Highway 31 to Alabama Highway 69
• Widening of U.S. Highway 278 East from 4th Avenue Southwest to Alabama Highway 69 at East Point
• New interchange at County 222 and Interstate 65

Project guidelines require a forum for public comments concerning the proposed projects.  Chairman Graves stated the public can mail or e-mail comments and concerns to the County Commission Office.  All comments will be posted to the County’s website.

Ratification of State of Emergency – Tree Removal
Chairman Graves stated storm damage from the period of April 10-13 required the County to contract for emergency tree removal from the County parks.  Under the state of emergency, services may be contracted outside normal bid laws.  Two bids were obtained, Marshall’s Tree Service for $75.00 per hour and Pruett Enterprises for $125.00 per hour.  Commissioner Willingham made a motion to ratify the emergency tree service removal.  Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Consider awarding Bid No. 1005 – One (1) or more new current model truck-mounted spray injection road repair machine(s)
Commissioner Williams stated there was only one bid from Duraco, Inc. for the road patching system.  The system will be mounted on a vehicle from the state bid list.  Commissioner Williams made a motion to award the bid to Duraco, Inc.  Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Consider awarding Bid No. 1006 – A hydraulic-excavator
Commissioner Willingham stated Warrior Tractor & Equipment Company Inc. met the bid specifications and made a motion to award the bid.  Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Consider awarding Bid No. 1007 – One or more hydraulic –excavator(s)
Commissioner Willingham stated Thompson Tractor met the bid specifications and made a motion to award the bid.  Commissioner Williams seconded.  The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

Consider approval of contract for replacement of putt putt golf course carpet at the parks
Gary Teichmiller stated that Darren’s Carpet Cleaning submitted a price of $8,313.00 for Sportsman Lake Park and $6,078.00 for Smith Lake Park.  This included removal of old carpet, installation and warranties.  Commissioner Willingham made a motion to give the contract to Darren’s Carpet Cleaning.  Commissioner Williams seconded.  With a unanimous voice vote, the motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS

Consider approval of changes to Articles of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Cullman Mental Health Authority – Paragraph IX
Chairman Graves stated approval of the changes of Paragraph IX of the Mental Health Authority Articles of Incorporation was tabled at the previous Commission Meeting to give the County Attorney an opportunity to review the proposed changes.  Attorney Willingham has advised the Commission the changes are in order.  Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the changes to the Articles of Amendment of the Cullman Mental Health Authority.  Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

Raise the speed limit in the construction area of County Road 222 to 40 MPH
Commissioner Willingham stated ALDOT has advised him the work on County Road 222 in nearing completion and the 25 MPH work zone speed limit can be raised.  He made a motion to raise the speed limit to 40 MPH.  Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.

NEXT REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2009

Chairman Graves announced the next regular Commission Meeting will be Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commission Office Conference Room.

ADJOURN THE MEETING

Chairman Graves asked if there was further business to consider and there was none.  Chairman Graves adjourned the meeting at 10:40 a.m.

__________________________        ______ ________ ____________              __________________________
James D. Graves, Chairman                J. Douglas Williams                                    Wayne Willingham
                                                            Associate Commissioner                             Associate Commissioner