CULLMAN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
March 15, 2010
CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME
Chairman James Graves called the Commission Meeting to order at 9:58 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 County Attorney Dan Willingham. The invocation was given by Dan Willingham and Commissioner Doug Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance
APPROVE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 22, 2010 MINUTES, APPROVE APPROPRIATIONS, EXPENDITURES, REQUISITIONS, TRAVEL EXPENSES; AND APPROVE ALL JOURNAL ENTRIES TO BE POSTED.
Commissioner Wayne Willingham made the motion to approve the February 22, 2010 minutes, approve appropriations, expenditures, requisitions, travel expenses and approve all journal entries to be posted. Commissioner Doug Williams seconded the motion, and upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously.
APPROVE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 24, 2010 RECESSED COMMISSION MEETING
Commissioner Willingham made the motion to approve the February 24, 2010 minutes of the recessed meeting. Commissioner Williams seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Frank Freeman, who lives in the Gilleyville subdivision at Johnson’s Crossing, stated a junk business is operating on Highway 31 at the entrance to the subdivision. There are 66 homes in the subdivision that are being affected by the business. He requested any assistance the Commission could give in helping to clean up the area since the residents feel there are health and safety concerns in addition to lowering of property values. Commissioner Williams stated he would talk with the solid waste officer about the problem. The County Attorney also suggested the Health Department could be contacted to evaluate the health issues.
Ron Stone, a resident of the Duck River area, addressed the Commission with concerns about the possibility of the construction of the Duck River Reservoir. He stated residents of the area that would be affected by the construction request the Commission hold a town hall meeting to address the ramifications of the impact on agriculture, eminent domain issues and roadway closures and relocations.
Chairman Graves announced a bid will be awarded by the City of Cullman for a new airport hanger at Folsom Field for the Alabama State Trooper Office at a cost of $322,000.00.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider adoption of the Natural Hazard Plan & Mitigation and authorize the Chairman and EMA director to sign all documents
Phyllis Little, EMA Director, stated the previous natural hazard plan from 2004 expired March 1, 2010. EMA received a grant to update the plan and she recommended adoption of this new plan. This will allow all jurisdictions in Cullman County to be eligible for federal mitigation grants to include drainage project, siren systems, and community shelters. Commissioner Williams made a motion to adopt the plan and authorize the Chairman and EMA Director to sign the documents related to the Natural Hazard Plan and Mitigation. Commissioner Willingham seconded. The motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.
Consider approval for funding of the Town of Baileyton Senior Center
Chairman Graves stated the Town of Baileyton has met the required stipulations for funding assistance from the County for the building of a new senior center. The County will fund 15% or a maximum of $25,000.00. Mayor Dyar of Baileyton has presented documents requesting $25,000.00. Commissioner Williams made a motion to approve the funding for the Baileyton senior center. Commissioner Willingham seconded and upon a voice vote, the motion passed.
Consider approval of extension of Recovery Zone Bonds
Chairman Graves stated these bonds are part of the federal stimulus package. Currently the county does not have a use for the bonds. The extension will make the bonds available till April when another extension can be signed making the bonds available through July 2010. During the extension, the Commission can determine if the County has a use for the bond money or another entity in the county desires to use the bonds. If the bond money is not used, it will return to the State. Commissioner Willingham made a motion to approve the extension of the Recovery Zone Bonds. Commissioner Williams seconded and the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Consider renewal of lease of Fairgrounds to the Cullman County Fair Association
Attorney Willingham stated the current lease is about to expire. The new lease is for an annual rental of One Dollar ($1.00) per year for 49 years with an option for an additional 49 years. Commissioner Williams made a motion to renew the lease of the fairgrounds to the Cullman County Fair Association. Commissioner Willingham seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Resolution 2010-27 – Authorize Chairman to sign agreement with ALDOT for the resurfacing of County Road 1069
Commissioner Willingham stated the resurfacing of County Road 1069 is the federal aide project for this fiscal year. This is six (6) miles of County Road 1069 from County Road 1043 to County Road 1101. He made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the agreement with ALDOT for the resurfacing project. Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a unanimous voice vote, the motion carried.
Consider acceptance of County Road 1567 in Parker Addition to Lakeview North, District 3
Keith Creel, Assistant County Engineer, stated the road was constructed approximately one year ago according to the County’s specifications when the subdivision was built. The 300 foot road with a cul-de- sac is in good repair. He recommended acceptance of the road into the County’s maintenance system. Commissioner Williams made a motion to accept County Road 1567 in the Parker Addition to Lakeview North, District 3 into the maintenance system. Commissioner Willingham seconded and the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Inform the Commission of the 6% water rate increase due to the 16.18% unexpected rate increase from the City of Cullman
David Bussman, Water Department Manager, stated a 5.78% rate increase was passed earlier this year in anticipation of the City of Cullman’s annual rate increase. However, the increase of 16.18% from the City was greater than anticipated; therefore an additional 6% increase to the County’s water customers is necessary to cover the cost. This will be effective April 1.
Authorize Chairman to sign the Agreement between Arley and Cullman County
Chairman Graves explained the agreement between Arley and Cullman County covers a reciprocal agreement for the purchase of water during an emergency, such as a tornado or electrical outage that would leave the filtration plant inoperable.
Attorney Willingham stated the County anticipates additional agreements with other water authorities for the purchase and sale of water under the same emergency conditions. Currently VAW and Blount County are under consideration. He recommended approval of the agreement with Arley with the stipulation of approval of additional agreements as they become available.
Commissioner Williams made a motion to authorize the Chairman to sign the emergency water agreement between Arley and Cullman County stating the County will approval other reciprocal agreements for emergency water with other water systems. Commissioner Willingham seconded, and upon a unanimous voice vote, the motion passed.
Update the Commission on the Chlorine Dioxide Study/Water Age Study being completed by the City of Cullman
Mr. Bussman informed the Commission the City of Cullman began a three month chlorine dioxide study on March 9. It is anticipated this will lower the disinfectant by-product (DBP) by 10%-15%. After the City’s tests are complete, our water department will do a tracer test to determine the age of water in the pipelines.
Approval of the Cullman County Personnel Handbook.
Chairman Graves stated the new personnel handbook is ready for approval. Instead of hard copies being printed for each employee, the new handbook will be post on the county’s website. This will allow for updates as they occur without necessitating reprinting. A hard copy will be provided to each department head. The personnel department will provide training to every department to familiarize employees with the new handbook and procedures. Commissioner Willingham made a motion to approve the personnel handbook effective April 1, 2010. Commissioner Williams seconded, and upon a unanimous voice vote, the motion carried.
Reconsider awarding Bid No. 1032 – Aggregate Hauling, previously rejected in February 9, 2010 meeting
Commissioner Williams made a motion to award the bid for aggregate hauling to all bidders. The location of the work site will determine which hauler will be used. Commissioner Willingham seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote. (See page 051 for bid opening documentation)
Discuss with County Engineer the vacating of Tallyho Road
Attorney Willingham stated Tallyho Road is located from the bowling alley and dead ends at the Peinhardt farm. The residents have requested the county to vacate to last 50 feet of the road. The county engineer was requested to look at the road in conjunction with the possible vacation. At public hearing date of May 11, 2010 was set to allow time for advertising.
Chairman Graves announced the next meeting of NARCOG will be March 24, 2010 at the Decatur office of NARCOG.
NEXT REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2010
Chairman Graves announced the next regular Commission Meeting will be Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 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 10:48 a.m.
_________________________ _____________________________ __________________________
James D. Graves, Chairman J. Douglas Williams Wayne Willingham
Associate Commissioner Associate Commissioner