Calhoun County Commission Meeting Summary: Special Recognition for Chrissy Smith, Nuisance Abatements, and New Agreements – September 12, 2024

Calhoun County, AL – The Calhoun County Commission held a regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, September 12th, 2024.

• Call To Order
• Invocation/Pledge Of Allegiance
• Special Recognition – Ms. Krisy Smith (Mcwhorter & Company)

• • During a special recognition ceremony, Commissioner Terry Howell honored Ms. Chrissy Smith of McWhorter & Company for her significant contributions to the local animal control facility. Howell began by highlighting the importance of community members who make a difference, referring to the many “difference makers” in attendance. He then invited Chrissy Smith to the front, acknowledging her tireless efforts in helping animals.Smith, visibly humbled by the recognition, shared her story of how McWhorter & Company became involved with animal control. Last year, three stray puppies began visiting their downtown Anniston office, seeking shelter during a heatwave. The company provided water, fans, and temporary comfort for the dogs, one of whom was a pregnant female they nicknamed “Minnie.” Despite becoming attached to the dogs, Smith recognized the growing issue and reached out to animal control for assistance.With the help of Naomi, the animal control director, Minnie was relocated to a rescue, and McWhorter & Company sponsored all of her veterinary care. Minnie was eventually sent to a rescue in Pennsylvania, where she gave birth to 11 puppies, all of which were adopted. Smith proudly shared how she received a picture of Minnie, now happy and healthy in her new home, under a Christmas tree.

    Inspired by this experience, Smith wanted to continue making a difference. She and Naomi identified an unused area behind the shelter, and together they arranged for fencing to create a play area for the dogs. Smith emphasized the importance of animal enrichment, explaining that the dogs needed to experience grass, sunshine, and freedom outside of their kennels. The fenced area would give the dogs a place to play, making them more adoptable by showing them in a happier light.

    Commissioner Howell then presented a formal proclamation from the County Commission, praising Smith and McWhorter & Company for their extraordinary generosity. The proclamation detailed their efforts, which included providing all labor, equipment, and materials needed for the fenced-in play area, at no cost to the county. The play area has greatly improved the quality of life for the dogs at the shelter, allowing them to thrive while waiting for their forever homes. The proclamation also commended Smith and her company for embodying the spirit of volunteerism and making a lasting, positive impact on both animals and the community.

    In closing, the Commission expressed deep gratitude for Smith’s kindness, stating that her actions serve as a beautiful reminder of the power of collective goodwill to create meaningful, lasting change. The proclamation was signed by the entire Commission, marking the day as a special moment of recognition for her contributions.

• Adopt Agenda – Unanimously Approve d
• Elected Official/Department Head Comments – No Comments
• Adopt Minutes – Unanimously Approved
• Old Business
  • Nuisance Abatements – Unanimously Approved
    • 805 Corning Street, Anniston – Linda Higgins
    • 811 N. Ledbetter, Anniston – Douglas & Margaret A. Plath
    • 4759 Eulaton Road, Anniston – Larry Sims
      • Neighbors expressed deep concerns about the condition of the property at 4759 Eulaton Road during a meeting. One neighbor, living across the street, explained that the property has worsened over time, with people living there without power or water. They reported police presence and a recent EMS call due to an overdose. Another neighbor, who contacted local officials to address the issue, expressed a desire to see the house condemned, citing the growing amount of trash and disrepair. Several neighbors agreed the situation has been ongoing for years, with efforts to improve the property proving ineffective. They urged officials to take immediate action to address the living conditions and clean up the area. Local officials acknowledged the complaints and promised to investigate further, including determining the status of the original owners.
    • 413 Mountain Drive, Jacksonville – Matthew Williams & Jennifer Ragan Reeves
      • At the meeting, Tawana Taylor, the property manager of 413 Mountain Drive in Jacksonville, raised concerns about the ongoing issue of furniture and trash being dumped at the property. She inquired about the timeline for tearing it down and whether the owners had been contacted. An official responded, explaining that the meeting’s purpose was to gain approval to abate and demolish the property. They agreed to discuss the matter further after the meeting.
    • 245 Smith Street, Oxford – Robert & Donna Hale
    • 1332 Packard Street, Anniston – Curtis & Betty Ware
    • 4833 Saks Road, Anniston – John & Jennifer Smith
    • 2716 Paul Street, Anniston – Sara & Brian Moates
  • Nuisance Dismissals – Unanimously Approved
    • 1625 Marx Street, Anniston – Deborah Ann Tipton
    • 2504 Old Birmingham Highway, Anniston- Betty Smith
    • 1010 Ivy Street, Anniston – Ronnie Heath
    • 29 Lloyds Road, Anniston – Garry & Tammy Watkins, Barbara Robinson, Billy M.  Watkins, Sr. & Linda Robinson
    • 113 Bailey Street, Oxford – Marion Anthony Busby
    • 427 Russell Avenue, Anniston – Delbert & Chandell Worley
    • 1729 Parkwood Street, Anniston – Tommy Allen Tant
    • 801 Dagun Street, Anniston – Kim Belknap
    • 0 Medders Street, Anniston – Howard & Ruby Shell
    • 117 Bailey Street, Oxford – Gloria Goodson
    • 10270 New Liberty Road, Piedmont – Michael D. & Pamelia Austin
      • At the meeting, Pamelia Austin, the owner of 10270 New Liberty Road in Piedmont, expressed that they had worked hard to address issues with the property and completed tasks they had planned. A Code Enforcment Officer, Mr. Mize, acknowledged their efforts, stating that the owners had complied with all requests. The commission thanked them for their cooperation and comments.
• New Business
  • Nuisance Declarations – Unanimously Approved Unanimously Approved
    • 304 Rowan Street, Anniston – Elizabeth Keef
    • 401 Weaver Lane, Weaver – Nell S. Abeyta (Est.)
    • 4500 Asbury Avenue, Anniston
    • 419 Rowan Street, Anniston – Betty, David & Emily Surrett
    • 150 Old County 109, Anniston – Michael S. Dempsey
  • Bid Extension Resolutions: – The county administrator discussed the Bid Extension Resolutions for General Landscape Maintenance, GPS Monitoring Equipment & Services, and Sheriff’s Office Uniforms.
    • General Landscape Maintenance – Unanimously Approved
      • The county administrator briefly mentioned the bid extension resolutions, confirming that the General Landscape Maintenance Services for the administration building, courthouse, patrol, and planes building will continue for a third and final year, running from September 1, 2024, through August 30, 2025, with no changes to the agreement.
    • GPS Monitoring Equipment & Services – Unanimously Approved
      • The contract was extended for a second one-year period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with no changes. The motion was also approved without opposition.
    • Sheriff’s Office Uniforms – Unanimously Approved
      • The contract with Mac Uniform for sheriff’s uniforms was extended for a second one-year period starting on September 28, 2024. The resolution was adopted with no objections.
  • Bid Award Resolutions:
    • Highway Department – Herbicides – Unanimously Approved
      • The bid for herbicides was awarded to Red River Specialties LLC, the most responsible and responsive bidder.
    • Rebuild Alabama – McClellan Road Bridge – Unanimously Approved
      • The contract for the replacement and approaches of McClellan Road Bridge was awarded to Bridge Builders of Alabama LLC at a cost of $631,657.80. This bid was also unanimously approved.
    • ARPA Project – Chief Ladiga Landing Additional Parking  – Unanimously Approved
      • The bid for additional parking at Chief Ladiga Landing Park was awarded to Hearst Construction, LLC. With only one bid received, the contract was negotiated at $174,441.63. This resolution received unanimous approval, and Commissioner Lee Patterson praised the project and its benefits for the community.
    • Public Nuisance & Removal – Unanimously Approved
      • The resolution for demolition and removal of properties declared public nuisances was awarded to three contractors, including Wendy Thornton and Paris Contracting. This bid was also unanimously approved.
  • Surplus Property Resolution – Jail Tilting Skillet – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion about the Surplus Property Resolution for the Jail Tilting Skillet involved declaring a 2019 tilting skillet at the sheriff’s office as surplus because it is no longer functional. The resolution directs that the property be recycled. A motion was made and adopted to approve this resolution.
  • DYS Long Term Detention Subsidy Agreement – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion on the DYS Long Term Detention Subsidy Agreement involved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Youth Services for a long-term detention subsidy contract. Authorization was sought from the chairman to sign the agreement.
  • Bush-hog Agreement – Bailey’s Bushogging – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion about the Bush-Hog Agreement involved considering a contract for bush-hogging work to be performed by Bailey’s Bush-Hoggin, as recommended by the county engineer. The commission was asked to authorize the chairman to sign the contract.
  • USDA Wildlife Services Agreement – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion about the USDA Wildlife Services Agreement involved a cooperative service agreement between the Calhoun County Commission and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for beaver control. Authorization was needed for the chairman to sign the agreement, which is for $6,000.
  • Beaver Dam Removal and Beaver Control Work Agreement – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion about the Beaver Dam Removal and Beaver Control Work Agreement involved a contract for additional beaver dam removal and control services provided by Mr. Tracy Hare, as recommended by the county engineer. Authorization was needed for the chairman to sign this contract.
  • Certified Local Emergency Manager Salary Supplement State Subaward Agreement – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion about the Certified Local Emergency Manager Salary Supplement State Subaward Agreement involved a grant agreement from the State of Alabama Emergency Management Agency. The grant provides a $17,000 salary supplement for the certified local emergency manager program, applicable to the PMA director. Authorization was needed for the chairman to sign the grant agreement.
  • Change Order – ARPA Project – Jail Renovation/Construction Contract – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion involved a compilation of change orders 23, 24, and 25 for Hale Building Company related to jail construction modifications totaling $16,539. These changes were requested by the sheriff and recommended by the architect. Authorization was needed for the chairman to sign the agreement.
  • Change Order – ARPA Project – Jail Medical Wing/Tindall – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion involved Change Order Number One for the construction contract between Calhoun County and Tenville Corporation, which is manufacturing modular units for the jail expansion. This change order extends the deadline for performance to November 15, 2024, without any additional cost. Authorization was needed for the chairman to sign the agreement.
  • Change Order – ARPA Project – Chief Ladiga Landing Restroom – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion involved an additional change order for the Hartman Project at Chief Ladiga Landing Restrooms, covering the provision of underground power service for $2,350. Authorization was needed for the chairman to sign the agreement. The motion to approve was made and seconded.
  • Landfill Solid Waste Disposal Rate Increase Resolution – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion involved a resolution to adjust the payment rate from Arrow Disposal Services for solid waste residential service. The current rate of $38.12 per ton at the transfer station will be increased to $46.50 per ton, as agreed upon by both the county and Arrow Disposal. A motion was needed to adopt this resolution.
  • Solid Waste Share/Stock Purchase Resolution – Arrow/Meridian Waste Alabama, LLC – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion informed the commission that Arrow Disposal has been acquired by Meridian Waste, Alabama. There are no expected significant changes or disruptions to the service. The resolution seeks the commission’s concurrence with this acquisition concerning the contract with Residential Waste Services. A motion was needed to adopt this resolution.
  • Jackson Thornton Arbitrage Engagement Agreement – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion involved an agreement with Jackson Thornton Value and Litigation Consulting to provide arbitrage calculation support for a bond matter. This agreement is recommended by the Chief Finance Officer. Authorization was needed for the chairman to sign the agreement.
  • Building & Earth Agreement – Construction Materials Testing and Inspection Services for Jail Medical Wing – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion involved an agreement with Firm Building and Earth to provide monitoring and testing services for the jail medical wing construction project, totaling $21,300. Authorization was needed for the chairman to sign and file the agreement.
  • ADEM STROW Grant Agreement – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion involved a grant agreement with the State of Alabama Department of Environmental Management for the scrap tire fund. The county can be reimbursed up to $150,000 for costs related to scrap tire programs and cleanup. Authorization was needed for the chairman to sign the agreement.
  • Inmate Telecommunications General Service Agreement – Sheriff’s Office – Unanimously Approved
    • The discussion involved an agreement with Combined Public Communications LLC regarding the inmate telecommunications system at the county jail. Authorization was needed for the chairman to sign the agreement.
• Public Comments
  • Chandi Gordon (ASAP):
    • Expressed gratitude for the county’s continuous support and generous donation to ASAP, emphasizing their appreciation.
    • Reminded attendees about the FBSS conference in Oxford on September 19th and 20th. The event is free and open to faith leaders and community members, offering certification opportunities.
  • Audrey Maxwell (Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitor Center):
    • Announced the Freedom Riders National Monument’s call for public comments on a master plan for the bus burning site on Old Birmingham Highway. Public hearings will be held on September 24th at the bus depot on Gurnee Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and at the Anniston City Meeting Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Mentioned ongoing master plans for the bus depot site to develop it into a visitor center.
    • Welcomed the new superintendent, Dr. Hertz, and a new park ranger assigned to the Freedom Riders National Monument. Plans to introduce them to the commission were noted.
    • Highlighted upcoming events at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, including a show by Air Supply, and various community events organized by Main Street Oxford and Main Street Anniston.
  • Jakob Williamson (Chamber of Commerce):
    • Announced that State Commissioner of Agriculture Rick Pate will be giving the 2024 State of Agriculture address at the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Invited attendees to join the event.
• Adjourn – Unanimously Approved

Next Meeting:  Thursday, September 26, 2024, 10:00 a.m.

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