Calhoun County Commission Advances Major Water Projects and Celebrates Community Achievements in October Meeting

Calhoun County, AL – The Calhoun County Commission held a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, October 24th, 2024. 

• Call To Order
  • Chairwoman Henderson – Present
  • Commissioner Wilson – Present
  • Commissioner Shears – Present
  • Commissioner Howell – Present
  • Commissioner Patterson – Present
• Invocation/Pledge Of Allegiance
• Special Recognition – Ella Kate Hegeman, 4-H
  • Dr. David West introduced Amy Hegeman, the new 4-H agent in the county, and expressed appreciation for county support. Mrs. Hegeman shared that her daughter, Ella Kate,  recently competed in the State 4-H Horse Show, advancing to Southern Regionals and achieving top ten finishes in two events at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. Additionally, the local horse judging and hippology club competed at Auburn, with Abigail Cone earning third in oral reasons and seventh in hippology. In recognition of her achievements, Abigail was awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the Calhoun County Commission.Miss Ashley Hall, a volunteer, spoke about her involvement with the Horse Club, emphasizing the value of the facility at Camp McClellan Horserail. She highlighted that 17 young people participated in recent meetings, and efforts are underway to teach them horse riding skills. Dr. West and others praised the volunteers and the facility, noting its importance in recruiting participants and providing educational opportunities about horses.

• Proclamation – Red Ribbon Week, Agency For Substance And Abuse Prevention
  • The Proclamation for Red Ribbon Week, issued by the Carroll County Commission, emphasizes the significant dangers posed by alcohol and drug abuse to the health, safety, and well-being of individuals, families, and communities nationwide. Substance abuse can lead to severe health problems, negatively impact relationships, and increase safety risks in communities, making it essential for the community to unite in raising awareness and preventing drug and alcohol abuse.Red Ribbon Week, observed from October 23rd to 31st, is a time for citizens to publicly demonstrate their commitment to living healthy, drug-free lives. Various groups, including businesses, government agencies, law enforcement, media, health care providers, faith organizations, schools, and community-based groups, will wear red ribbons and participate in prevention activities. The proclamation calls on citizens to engage in educational efforts not only during Red Ribbon Week but year-round, highlighting a strong and unwavering commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

• Adopt Minutes – Unanimously Approved
• Elected Official/Department Head Comments – None
• Old Business
  • Nuisance Abatements: – Unanimously Approved
    • 0 Elston Street, Anniston – Beatrice Robinson c/o Jerom Allen
    • 1320 Leyden Street, Anniston – Louie Miller
    • 5004 Post Oak Road, Anniston – JGM Property Group
    • 31 Carriage Road, Anniston – Wayne Guthrie
    • 407 Morrisville Road, Anniston – Jackqueline Johnson
  • Nuisance Dismissals: – Unanimously Approved
    • 5408 Glade Road, Anniston – Lisa V. Emigh & Jessie Woodard1014 Ivy Street, Anniston – ALBC Properties LLC
    • 211 Russell Avenue, Anniston – Howard, Danny & Darrell Bedford
    • 150 Old County Road 109, Anniston – Michael Dempsey
    • 419 Rowan Street, Anniston – Betty, David & Emily Surrett
    • 80 Bailey Street, Oxford – Jacqueline Kelley & Dianne Green
    • 508 Inglewood Drive, Anniston – Antonia Mora Ramirez
    • 1879 Parkwood Drive, Anniston – Avery Properties LLC
  • Nuisance Invoice: – Unanimously Approved
    • 3519 Gurnee Avenue, Anniston – Dominique Dupree – $6,776.00
• New Business
  • Nuisance Declarations: – Unanimously Approved
    • 1185 Morrisville Road, Anniston – Jacqueline Stewart
    • 2081 Old Choccolocco Road – Reginald Chatman
    • 79 Fieldstone Way, Jacksonville – Brandon & Angela Frost
    • 75 Fieldstone Way, Jacksonville – Mark & Donna Hamlin
    • 65 Fieldstone Way, Jacksonville – Mark & Donna Hamlin
    • 4759 Eulaton Road, Anniston – Larry Sims
    • 88 Church Street S., Alexandria – Joshua G. & Connie M. Starling
    • 304 Rowan Street, Anniston – Charles R. & Loretta A. Mayne
• ABC Board Application – Dollar General Store 30718 – 1st Reading
  • 8145 Alabama Highway 144, Alexandria
• GoFormz License Agreement – Coroner’s Office – Unanimously Approved
  • $864 a year
• Memorandum of Agreement – Jail Nutritionist – Unanimously Approved
  • Agreement with Stacey S. Johnson for a fee of $650 a month.
• Calhoun County Water Authority Agreement – ARPA Project Clark Road – Unanimously Approved
• Inmate Housing Agreement – City of Gadsden – Unanimously Approved
• Sheriff MOU – Inmate Housing disbursement – Unanimously Approved
• Employment Contract – County Attorney – Unanimously Approved
  • Julie Borrelli expressed her gratitude to the entire Commission for the opportunity to serve as the new County Attorney. Acknowledging the challenge of filling the role after Gloria’s departure, she noted that Gloria will be missed. Julie looks forward to collaborating with the County Administrator, CFO, the Commission, and the rest of the staff in her new position.

• Public Comments
  • The Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention announced an upcoming drug take-back event happening this weekend at four locations. They have placed take-back cards on everyone’s seats as a reminder. This event will now include a vape take-back, available specifically at the Walgreens location in Anniston, where both vapes and prescription medications can be properly disposed of. They emphasized the importance of not throwing vapes in the trash due to improper disposal concerns. Additionally, they are raffling off an iPad as part of the event for those who participate.
  • Jakob Williamson from the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce announced a regional business networking event scheduled for Thursday, November 7th, at the Talladega Super Speedway’s Big Bill’s Open Air Social Club. The event will begin with an elected officials reception from 4 to 5 PM, followed by the regional business after-hours gathering. The event is a collaboration involving nine different chambers across five counties, and they are encouraging elected officials to attend.
  • Commissioner Howell highlighted that Saks High School is a finalist in T-Mobile’s Friday Night Lights contest, which offers a grand prize of $2 million for a stadium makeover. Saks High School is the only Alabama school to qualify and is among 16 finalists. The school has already received a $25,000 check, and Commissioner Howell encouraged the community to vote on platforms like Instagram and the school’s Facebook page. He noted that a school in California is currently leading and emphasized the positive impact a win would have for Saks High School, given its strong football tradition and the need for stadium upgrades.
  • Commissioner Shears highlighted the importance of the ARPA project on Clark Road, emphasizing that providing access to fresh, running water is one of the most valuable services the commission can offer. He noted that those who have experienced a lack of running water understand its significance. The county often collaborates with the Cuyahoga County Water Authority and the City of Anniston on such projects. He expressed satisfaction in authorizing the chairman to sign the agreement to support residents on Clark Road.
  • Chairwoman Henderson expressed satisfaction about the progress in ensuring access to ample water. She mentioned that by the end of November, water service will extend to Corning. In her district, a new water tank has been installed to improve water pressure, with a ribbon-cutting planned for November once the project is completed.
• Adjourn – Unanimously Approved

Next Meeting:  Thursday, November 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m.