Anniston, AL – The Calhoun County Commission convened for its regular meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with a full agenda, including several resolutions, agreements, and nuisance-related actions. All items were passed unanimously.
Key Discussions and Actions
Old Business: The meeting opened with the adoption of minutes and the agenda. The commission then proceeded to address various public nuisance abatement issues, approving the abatement of several properties in violation of county codes, including locations on Bynum Leatherwood Road, Alexandria Road, W. 32nd Street, and others. Additionally, nuisance violations at several properties, including those on Noble Street, Eulaton Road, and Newborn Street, were dismissed due to the removal of violations.
Following that, the commission declared several properties as public nuisances, including those on W. Jefferson Street, Alabama Highway 202, Whites Gap Road, and others.
New Business: Several new resolutions were approved during the meeting. These included:
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Alcohol License Applications: The commission approved applications for an alcohol license for retail beer and table wine for Wildwood Grocery, located at 3576 Cedars Springs Road in Jacksonville. The second application for a lounge retail license for the same location was also approved.
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Bid Award Resolutions: Several bid awards were granted, including:
- A bid for public nuisance demolition/removal was awarded to various vendors.
- A bid for sewer dump stations related to the Capitola Horse Trails project was awarded to Hearst Construction in the amount of $116,930.
- A bid for the construction of a temporary parking lot for the National Park Service at Freedom Riders Park, also awarded to Hearst Construction for $91,610.
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Bid Extension Resolution: The commission approved the extension of a contract with Galls LLC for uniform footwear and boots for the Sheriff’s Office.
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Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association MOU: An agreement was signed to sponsor a race at Coldwater Mountain Bike Trails, providing a commission of $5,000 annually for three years.
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Architectural Services Agreement: A contract with Bill Whitaker Architecture was approved for design services related to the roof replacement at the Calhoun County Administration Building.
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Counseling Services Contract: The commission authorized the Chairman to sign a contract for counseling services for prospective law enforcement officers with John Garlick, LPC.
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Local Government Services Agreement: A resolution was passed to assist in negotiating television franchise agreements and revising county driveway permit ordinances.
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Maintenance Agreement with Willo Products Company: A maintenance services agreement for detention equipment at the Calhoun County Jail was approved.
Public Comments:
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Audrey Maxwell, Tourism Director with the Calhoun County Area Chamber of Visitors Center:
- Audrey expressed gratitude for the Commission’s resolution, emphasizing its importance for tourism. She highlighted that fishing tournaments are crucial for tourism and economic growth in the county. Additionally, she encouraged everyone to attend the 45th Annual Heritage Festival at Anniston Museum and Gardens this weekend, thanking the museum for its ongoing contributions to the community.
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Jacob Williamson, Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitor Center:
- Jacob announced a few upcoming events:
- Second Annual State of the County Event: This event, scheduled for Friday, March 7th at 9 a.m. at the Alabama Department of Human Resources on 15th Street, is designed to allow county commissioners to meet with the public and discuss key issues. This will be the second year the event is held, with plans already underway for a successful gathering.
- Public Affairs Committee Meeting on March 12th: The committee will meet with Tony Willis, the new superintendent, who will share insights on the local school system and discuss his observations since taking office.
- Jacob announced a few upcoming events:
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Richard Rybka, Coosa Riverkeeper:
- Richard thanked the Commission for passing the resolution, acknowledging its appropriateness. He expressed concern about the economic impact of local environmental issues, underlining the importance of protecting the Coosa River for both its ecological value and its role in the regional economy.
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Myles Chamblee, EMA Director:
- Myles addressed the upcoming weather risks, noting that the storm risk has been upgraded to Level 2 out of 5 for Saturday night into early Sunday morning. The threat includes potential tornadoes and strong wind gusts, with the storm likely to take the form of a squall line.
- He advised the public to stay prepared by reviewing their family emergency plans, ensuring they have emergency supply kits, and making sure their medications, water, and food are accessible. He reminded residents that the county offers a free alert system, where people can sign up by texting JOIN CALHOUM EMA to 31002.
- Myles also emphasized the importance of having a way to alert yourself to storms at night, as many people will be asleep when the storm hits. He encouraged everyone to stay informed and ensure those around them are aware of the storm risk.
The next meeting of the Calhoun County Commission is scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
