Calhoun County, AL – On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the Calhoun County Commission convened at 10:00 AM for its monthly meeting. The session was attended by various community members and stakeholders, beginning with a call to order followed by the traditional invocation and pledge of allegiance.
Recognition of 4-H Agriculture Events Team
The meeting started with a special recognition of the 4-H Agriculture Events Team, who recently participated in the Southeastern Livestock Exhibition in Montgomery, Alabama. The team, consisting of junior and senior members, achieved significant success, competing against over 450 participants from ten different states. The commissioners expressed pride in the students’ efforts and accomplishments.
Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month
A proclamation was presented to recognize April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This initiative aims to raise awareness about preventing child abuse and fostering safe environments for children. The resolution emphasized community responsibility in supporting families and ensuring nurturing environments.
Adoption of Agenda and Minutes
Following the proclamations, the commissioners adopted the meeting agenda and previous minutes unanimously.
Old Business
The meeting transitioned to old business, focusing on nuisance abatements. Various properties were discussed:
- 820 Lloyd Street and 826 Lloyd Street in Anniston: Reports indicated good progress in addressing nuisance issues.
- 27 Jessee Woodrow Drive, Piedmont: Updates were provided by W & J Rentals LLC regarding compliance efforts.
- Other properties: Reports were given on multiple addresses, with recommendations for action on outstanding nuisance violations. The commission voted to adopt resolutions addressing these nuisances, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining community standards.
Nuisance Dismissals
A series of nuisance violations were dismissed, reflecting property owners’ progress in rectifying issues. The commission unanimously agreed to dismiss cases for multiple properties, highlighting effective community collaboration.
Nuisance Invoices
Invoices for nuisance abatement were presented, with the commission approving payments totaling $6,052 for properties at 905 W. 32nd Street and 901 W. 32nd Street in Anniston, marking the completion of abatement procedures.
New Business
Several new business items were introduced:
- Nuisance Declarations: New declarations were made for various properties, including 45 Fieldstone Way and 5609 Ridgewood Avenue. The commission voted to declare these properties as nuisances.
- Bid Award Resolution for Soft Drink Sales: Coca-Cola was awarded the contract for soft drink sales at the Sports Complex, as they were the sole bidder.
- Surplus Property Resolution: The commission approved the sale of a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria vehicle that is no longer in use.
- Bank Authorization Resolution: This resolution authorized the new chairman, Terry Howell, to manage banking matters.
Homeland Security Grant Resolution
A resolution was approved authorizing Calvin Kenney to apply for Homeland Security grant funds, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and infrastructure.
Changes to Polling Places
The commission reviewed and approved several resolutions related to changes in polling places, including the relocation of the polling site in Ohatchee and the renaming of the Piedmont Recreation Center to Clyde H. Pike Civic Center.
Public Comments
The meeting concluded with a public comment section, where community members expressed their appreciation and concerns:
- Pat Brown, Director of Piedmont Rescue Squad: “I appreciate y’all making that appointment to Ken for the 9-1-1 board. If you don’t know Ken, he was my director for 15 years. He’s a National Registered Paramedic and is very knowledgeable in EMS. He received recognition for holding his National Paramedic License for over 20 years. This will give us two spots on the 9-1-1 board since EMS is a big user of the system. Thank you for your support in this.”
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Johnny Warren, Owner of Anniston EMS: “I want to thank the commission for their support in EMS over the last year. This morning, our paramedics in Alexandria saved a life; it was my children’s mother. Without that service, my kids wouldn’t have a mother this morning. Thank you for the continued support you give us. My children asked me today to thank you for that as well.”
- Audrey Maxwell, Tourism Director: “This month, on April 24th, I will not be present at the next commission meeting because I will be working with the Rails to Trails Conservancy out of Washington, D.C. They are bringing a group to ride the Chief Ladoga Trail, which will come through every municipality along the trail. We are thrilled to have them and cannot express how important it is to know that this is now the longest paved rail trail in the U.S., right here in our community.”
- David West from the County AG Office: “Our Master Gardener class is about to graduate. They have plant sales coming up at the Botanical Gardens on April 25th and 26th and at the Community Gardens on May 10th. We appreciate your support for these events.”
The meeting was adjourned with a reminder for the next commission meeting scheduled for April 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
