CULLMAN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
July 30, 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 Michael Fuller for the law firm of Fuller and Willingham. The invocation was given by Chairman James Graves and Commissioner Wayne Willingham led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JULY 16, 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 July 16, 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
Cherrie Haney from the Economic Development Office thanked the Commission for their support in the annual County/City Blood Drive. The County collected 107 units of blood with the City collecting 122 units.
Nancy Schaffer, a resident of County Road 715, stated there is a large cougar or mountain lion that has been seen by several residents. They have been informed it is a protected endangered species. Commissioner Williams stated he would contact the Conservation Office to determine what can be done.
NEW BUSINESS
Randall Shedd informed the Commission on new services for seniors
Randall Shedd, Director of the Commission on Aging, thanked the Commission for the support they give to the numerous programs offered to the seniors of Cullman County. There are two new programs, brain exercise and physical fitness. These two programs will be offered at the Senior Center at Sportsman’s Lake by September 1, with plans to expand the program to the fourteen senior centers operated by the Commission on Aging. Mr. Shedd recognized organizations and individuals that have been instrumental in the development of these programs, several of whom were present.
Bill Drinkard from Senator Zeb Little’s office stated the Senator regretted he was unable to attend but was glad he was able to appropriate funds for the program.
Chairman Graves stated the Senior Centers would accept any used exercise equipment that individuals might wish to donate.
Authorize the Chairman to sign all documents for the Grant 5311 funding of C.A.R.T.S.
Chairman Graves stated this is the annual federal funding for C.A.R.T.S. Commissioner Willingham made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign all documents for the 5311 Grant. Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
Discuss extending the agreement with Jimmy Hamrick for mowing the Mudd Creek Channel
Gary Teichmiller, County Administrator, stated Jimmy Hamrick has had the contract for approximately 10 years; no other bids have ever been submitted. His price of $11,500.00 is an increase from $10,000.00 but still falls below the threshold of $15,000.00 requiring a bid. Mr. Teichmiller recommended awarding the contract. Commissioner Williams made a motion to allow the Chairman to sign the agreement with Jimmy Hamrick for the mowing of the Mudd Creek Channel. Commissioner Willingham seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
Consider approval of surplus equipment from the Sanitation Department
James Rollo, Manager of Sanitation, stated the department has two twenty-five (25) yard rear loader trucks for surplus; a 2002 and a 2004. These are in the five year plan for replacement. He requested they be declared surplus and placed on govdeal.com for sale. Commissioner Willingham made a motion to surplus the two trucks from the Sanitation Department. Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
Discuss allowing Loretto Volunteer Fire Department to access and maintain barricaded area off old Highway 69
Tony Barnett, Chief of the Loretto Volunteer Fire Department, requested the Commission consider allowing the Fire Department controlled access to the barricaded area at the end of old Highway 69 that leads into Smith Lake. He stated the Fire Department would be willing to maintain the area in order to obtain access. Chairman Graves stated an agreement would need to drawn up. Commissioner Willingham made a motion to table until an agreement can be drafted by the County Attorney. Commissioner Williams seconded. The matter was tabled.
Discuss video franchise request from Brindlee Mountain Telephone Company division of Otelco
Phil Thorn, General Manager of the Brindlee Mountain division of Otelco, requested a non-exclusive franchise for video service of the Brindlee Mountain customers that are currently serviced in Cullman County. This video service is comparable to cable service but delivered through different technology. The company is currently providing this service in neighboring counties. He presented the Commission with a proposed franchise agreement, but stated this was a starting point to which modification could be made. Current telephone lines would be used so very little new construction would not be required. Mr. Thorn requested that the franchise fee charged to Otelco be equal to the fees charged other companies doing business in Cullman County.
Gary Teichmiller, County Administrator, stated he has reviewed the proposed agreement. It is more detailed than the current franchise agreement the County has with other providers and he recommended that the County Attorney have an opportunity to review the agreement. Chairman Graves stated the franchise agreement would be reviewed by the County Attorney and discussed in a future meeting.
Consider plat for Bradford Subdivision, Phase II located in District 3, County Road 1417
Keith Creel, Assistant Engineer, stated the original subdivision plat was approved in May 1996. Phase II is approximately fifteen (15) acres that will be divided into three (3), five (5) acre tracts. It has a county maintained road and meets the requirements for a minor subdivision. Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve Phase II of the Bradford Subdivision located in District 3 on County Road 1417. Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a voice vote, the motion passed unanimously.
Consider awarding Bid No. 1010 – One (1) or more new, mid-size Sports Utility Vehicle(s)
Gary Teichmiller, County Administrator, stated the low bidder for the SUV was Eckenrod Ford with a bid of $20,825.00. Commissioner Williams made a motion to award Bid No. 1010 to Eckenrod Ford for one (1) or more mid-size SUV(s) for the Revenue Department. Commissioner Willingham seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Chairman Graves stated that due to the decrease in tax revenues several areas of reduction are under consideration for next year’s budget; there will be no pay raises, department heads will be informed of an approximate 10% decrease in their budgets and the number of employees will be reduced through attrition.
Chairman Graves announced the next meeting of NARCOG will be August 26, 2009 at the Decatur office of NARCOG.
NEXT REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2009
Chairman Graves announced the next regular Commission Meeting will be Tuesday, August 11, 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 10:38 a.m.
__________________________ ____________ ________ ______ __________________________
James D. Graves, Chairman J. Douglas Williams Wayne Willingham
Associate Commissioner Associate Commissioner