Meeting Minutes

2/12/2007 - Regular Meeting

The Tallapoosa County Commission held its regular meeting February 12, 2007 at the Courthouse in Dadeville, AL at 9:00 a.m. Tallapoosa Publishers was present.

Chairman Coley called the meeting to order.

Public Comments from Citizens:
Dave Heinzen, Chairman of the Finance Committee, addressed the Commission requesting that the Commission meet with the Finance Committee to address the recommendations that were made three months previous. Chairman Coley stated the first set of recommendations was distributed to all Commissioners on November 20, 2006. Chairman Coley stated that at that time, the Commission had been asked not to take action. Chairman Coley also stated that he would redistribute those recommendations so that the Commissioners can review them again.

Curt Bogle addressed the Commission regarding the Ethanol Plant. Bogle stated that he is concerned with the environmental effects of an ethanol plant. Bogle inquired as the whether there would be community hearings on this issue. Bogle stated that the Industrial Park was paid for by the tax payers and they will have their say in the matter, whether it is in a public hearing or on billboards. Chairman Coley introduced the representatives from AREA, Alabama Removal Energy Alliance. Representative Jeff Hill stated that the Ethanol Plant will be using EPA approved emission controlled equipment so environmental effects should not be a concern.

Jim Aldridge addressed the Commission regarding the Ethanol Plant. Aldridge stated that he had several questions and would like to meet with the representatives after the meeting. The representatives agreed to meet with anyone after the Commission meeting to answer questions.

Jim Koeppen addressed the Commission regarding the traffic laws in Stillwaters. Koeppen stated that Stillwaters has grown considerably within the last few years and with growth, there has been an increase in people speeding. Koeppen stated that the Stillwaters Residential Board has adopted speed limits ranging from 20 to 30 miles per hour. Koeppen stated that the Stillwaters Security Guard only has the authority to issue a warning. They are not allowed to issue tickets or levy fines. With the support of the Commission, the Stillwaters Residential Board would like to have legislation passed that allows the Sheriff Department to patrol the roads in Stillwaters. Koeppen stated that the Stillwaters Residential Board will meet with Sheriff Abbett and Representative Betty Carol Graham on February 20th and requested that Commissioner Thweatt attend. Sheriff Abbett stated that Shelby County has recently adopted similar legislation. Abbett stated that as the law stands, certified police officers are not allowed to enforce traffic laws in Stillwaters because it is a gated community. Abbett commented the he believes this legislation should be adopted. Commissioner Coley stated that there will be no action taken on this item today because it is not a Consent Agenda Item. Coley went on to say that if a consensus was reached at the Stillwaters Residential Board meeting, the Commission could call a Special Called Meeting to discuss this item.

Dick Bronson, President of Lake Watch, addressed the Commission concerning an “Outstanding Alabama Water” classification for Lake Martin. Bronson stated that Lake Martin has a tremendous impact on Tallapoosa County. Lake Watch is interested in trying to have Lake Martin declared an “Outstanding Alabama Water”. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management is in charge of assessing the status of surface waters. Bronson stated that he has contacted ADEM and they have agreed to look at Lake Martin. Bronson stated that this classification could have a huge impact on Tallapoosa County. Bronson told the Commission that he will keep them informed of this project. Commissioner Shaw asked if this is a new classification. Bronson stated that this has been around since 1992. There are no lakes in Alabama with this specific classification which shows how special it is. Commissioner Coley asked how Lake Martin is currently classified. Bronson stated that there are seven classifications and that a water source can have one or more classifications. Currently, Lake Martin is classified as a “Public Water Supply”, “Swimming and Other Whole Body Contact Sports”, and “Fish and Wildlife”.

Public Comments from Elected Officials:

Sheriff Abbett stated that Chief Deputy Kenny Sherrer has resigned after 13 years with the County. Abbett stated that the Chief Deputy position has been filled by the previous Chief Deputy David McMichael.

EMA Director Joe Paul Boone invited everyone to attend a program on helicopters. The program will be held February 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Martin Hospital.

Anita Haggerty with E911 informed the Commission that forty addresses were assigned during the month of January.

Chairman Coley called the roll. All Commissioners were present.

Commissioner Shaw gave the invocation.

Chairman Coley led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Coley introduced Blake Beck, the new County Administrator. Commissioner Coley stated that the County is glad to have him aboard. Beck responded that he is glad to be here.

Consent Agenda:
Commissioner Shaw made a motion to approve the January 8th minutes. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Allen made a motion to approve the purchase orders for the Highway Department and warrants for all funds. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Tapley made a motion to appoint Ricky Hunter to the Hackneyville Water Authority Board. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Shaw made a motion to approve the additional 2.5% School Property Tax Levy for the Tallassee School District as required by Act 2005-215. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Tapley made a motion to approve the following sick time transfers:
60 hours from Kenny Sherrer to Erin McWaters
4 hours from Cathy Dubose to Glenda Williams
12 hours from Michael Hanson to Glenda Williams
36 hours from Patricia Guthrie to Glenda Williams
5 hours from Marianne Adams to Glenda Williams
12 hours from Charles Howard to Glenda Williams
Commissioner Allen seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment.

Commissioner Shaw made a motion to salvage Unit 151, a 1994 Dodge Van. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Allen made a motion to award bid #19 (X-Ray Machine) to DNJ Security. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Allen made a motion to approve the contract with J.M. Wood Auction for professional services. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Allen made a motion to surplus all inventory to be sold. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Thweatt made a motion to approve the posting of regulatory speed limit signs on Smith Mountain Road. Commissioner Tapley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Tapley made a motion to extend the temporary foreman position for 90 days. Commissioner Allen seconded the motion. The motion passed with a 4-1 vote. Commissioners Allen, Shaw, Thweatt, and Tapley voted yes. Commissioner Coley voted no.

Commissioner Allen made a motion to table the approval of the Franchise Cable Agreement with Bright House Networks. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Allen made a motion to table the approval of funding for Volunteers Unlimited (formerly RSVP). Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Tapley made a motion to approve the annual pay increase for the County Engineer, raising his salary to a Step 10. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Allen made a motion to approve a 90 Day CPCS Contract for Computer Services (Option 1). Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Allen made a motion to approve the Industrial Bond Agreement: Intent to Engage in Financing to Acquire and Construct a Manufacturing Facility For Use By Kwangsung America Corporation. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Allen made a motion to appoint Vernon Spears and William Roger Welch to the Wall Street Water Authority for six years terms ending March 1, 2013. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Allen made a motion to approve the Tallassee Bridge Resolution. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Allen made a motion to authorize the Application for the USDA Grant. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Allen made a motion to authorize the Grant Contract with Roth, McHugh, and Associates for the Wall Street Nutrition Center. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Attachment

Commissioner Shaw made a motion to authorize Chairman Coley to send requests for proposals for Railspur Engineering Services. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Shaw made a motion to authorize Chairman Coley to send requests for proposals for Courthouse Renovations. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business:
New Business:

Discussion Items by Commissioners:
Commissioner Allen made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss Economic Development. Commissioner Shaw seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Shaw made a motion to return to regular session. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Announcements:
The Courthouse will be closed on February 19th in observance of President’s Day.

Commissioner Allen made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Thweatt seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

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