Proclamations to Accusations the Calhoun County Commission Meeting’s Wild Ride 2/24/2022

• Call to Order
  • Fred Wilson – Present
  • Danny Shears – Present
  • Carolyn Henderson – Present
  • JD Hess – Present
  • Lee Patterson – Present
• Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
• Adopt Agenda – Unanimously Approved
• Proclamations

• • Dr. Almena Free – Black History Month –

WHEREAS, since 1976 the month of February has been celebrated as Black History Month to recognize the many achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our country’s economic, cultural, and spiritual development; and

WHEREAS, to commemorate this event the Calhoun County Commission is pleased to salute an outstanding citizen and leader in our health community, Dr. Almena L. Free; and

WHEREAS, since 2015 Dr. Free has been affiliated with Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center and Stringfellow Memorial Hospital, and is currently serving as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer; and

WHEREAS, she earned a BA degree in Biology and Chemistry from Indiana University, an MD degree from Morehouse School of Medicine, and an Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine from Cleveland Clinic Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Free has research experience with Pinnacle Research Group; and was published numerous times, including a 2021 article in the New England Journal of Medicine on Early COVID-19 Treatment;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Calhoun County Commission, all members concurring, hereby commends Dr. Almena L. Free for her outstanding accomplishments and devotion to health care in Calhoun County.

PRESENTED this 24th day of February 2022.

• • Arbor Day

    

 WHEREAS, the economic and aesthetic welfare of people are largely dependent on the trees and forest lands of the state; and

WHEREAS, everyone benefits either directly or indirectly from trees and forest lands; and

WHEREAS, trees provide jobs, products, habitat for wildlife, and recreational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, trees provide oxygen, help purify the air, play an important role in the water cycle, help neutralize waste water, and stabilize the soil; and

WHEREAS, trees are an invaluable physical and psychological addition to Alabama, provide shade, cool the air, and reduce noise levels and glare; and

WHEREAS, trees are an economic asset, attract tourism, increase property values, and enhance shopping patterns; and

WHEREAS, the management of trees increases their benefit to our communities through planning, planting, maintenance, timely removal and replacement; and

WHEREAS, well-maintained trees benefit present and future generations;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Calhoun County Commission hereby declares February 25, 2022, as ARBOR DAY in Calhoun County and encourages each citizen to participate in tree planting activities.

DONE, this 24th day of February 2022.

• Elected Official/Department Head Comments – No Comments
• Adopt Minutes – Unanimously Approved
• Old Business
  • Nuisance Abatements – Unanimously Approved (no owners present)
    • 1014 W 32^nd Street, Anniston – Smith
    • 413 Mountain Drive, Jacksonville – Reaves
    • 2310 West C Street, Anniston – Gohde
  • Nuisance Dismissal – Unanimously Approved (no owners present)
    • 310 Merrellton Road, Jacksonville – Brooks
  • Nuisance Invoices
    • 514 Airport Road, Oxford – Stovall – Unanimously Approved (no owners present)
      • Invoice amount $401
    • 1341 Dogwood Lane, Piedmont – Murphy  – Tabled Until Further Discussion
      • Owner was present and stated that the work was not completed as expected
    • 91 Shadow Trace, Anniston – Reynolds – Unanimously Approved (no owners present)
      • Invoice Amount $1,826
• New Business
  • Bid Extension Resolutions
    • Coca-Cola Bottling Co. – Woodland Park – Unanimously Approved
      • One year extension
    • Grass Cutting – Various Locations – Unanimously Approved
      • Maddox Lawn LLC/D&B Lawn Service for grass cutting and maintenance is extended for one year
        • Wellborn Sportsplex – $780.00 per month
        • Cedar Springs Community Park – $310.00 per month
        • Thankful Pappy Dunn Park – $875.00 per month
        • Blue Mountain Community Center – $209.00 per month
        • Alexandria Community Center – $330.00 per month
  • ADEM Recycling Grant Application Resolution – Unanimously Approved
    • The grant application is for 2 power tilt mowers for a total of $45,070
  • Surplus Property Resolution – Unanimously Approved
    • All surplus materials are from the highway department and EMA
  • Tyler Technologies, Inc. Agreement – Munis Software – Unanimously Approved
  • McClellan Development Authority Board Appointments – Unanimously Approved
    • Sara Pritchett and Jamie Jordan were each appointed for a three year term
  • Road Acceptance – Bow Lane/Signal Point Lane – Unanimously Approved
    • These roads are in District 3
• Public Comments
  • Audrey Maxwell with the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce shared that the Small Business Bootcamp is taking place at this very moment, but there will be a series of events running through the spring. She also mentioned on March 1st the Chamber will have a breakfast meeting hosted by ServePro at the Chamber. There will be an Economic Forum at JSU’s Merrill Hall on March 9. The Lunch and Learn will also be March 9th and will be on Emergency Preparedness.
  • Myles Chamblee with the Calhoun County EMA shared that COVID numbers still continue to decrease. RMC is down from 30 patients last week to 14. Stringfellow is down from seven to two. Last week there were 68 new cases reported in the county verses 233 over the last two weeks and in mid January there were 1,400 reported cases in one week.
  • Jared Sims from the Water Authority thanked the Commission for their support.
  • Jerry Roach with the Back County Horsemen of America, McClellan Chapter wanted to share that Best of America by Horseback will be revisiting to do another episode. This is the first time they have ever visited the same place twice. They said the reason for the secondary visit is that Calhoun County has the best facilities. Mr. Roach went on to address the store that allows visitors to eat, the fireplace at the pavilion, and the 36 secure stalls. He also mentioned the upcoming Sassy Tails event. The horsetails have currently had visitors from 15 states as well. Mr. Roach also thanked the commission for their support.
  • Commissioner Carolyn Henderson wanted to acknowledge that her grandson, Mason, is visiting to see her in action.
  • Julie Moss, MDA Director, spoke to share her disappointment in the commission for putting politics over what is best for the region. She stated she emailed requesting that Bill Robison’s term be extended and was ignored. Mr. Robison also made this request and was ignored. She stated that the MDA was founded because of mismanagement with the previous JPA and the MDA was founded to be a nonpartisan group. There was no consideration to members who are heavily involved in large projects. *for more on this store click here
• Adjournment – Unanimously Approved
  • Next Meeting:  Thursday, March 10, 2022, 10:00 am