JAMES MADISON QUOTE - 1822

"A popular government without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives."

SCOTTSBORO WEATHER - SUN & MOON RISE

Friday, July 20, 2012

Jackson County Commission Work Session

Jackson County Courthouse, south side (photo by G. Morgan) Currently the south entrance is closed. This may change soon, Commissioner Jack Allen, who is on the Courthouse Security Committee, requested the reopening of the entrance be placed on Mondays regular meeting agenda for a vote. The Daily Sentinel's report on this issue by Laura Pitts: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_5e3d2b66-d1ff-11e1-a80d-0019bb2963f4.html


Thursday's agenda, click on image for an expanded view.

Agenda outline: 1) Mike Ashburn, Acting EMA Director, requested the commission make an appointment as the County Homeland Security Point of Contact. Ashburn is expected to receive the appointment. 2) Nick Barrantini of Washington National Insurance Co. made a presentation concerning employee insurance benefits.
County Park Manager Carl Barnes (photo by G. Morgan). County Commissioner Jack Smith discussed making Barnes a Department Head with an estimated salary of $40,000. The park manager lives on site in the county's "park manager home." It is estimated this benefit is worth $6000.

3) Carl Barnes, County Park Manager, made presentation on needed improvements for the County Park. Barnes requested the hire of a temporary employees since a permanent employee is out with an injury. A discussion ensued about building and grounds improvements. It was stated improvements will cost approximately $444,000, current income was stated to be approximately $500K. Storm debris cleanup cost reimbursements from FEMA still has not been settled. The County Park no longer has a managing park board, the commission abolished the park board last year. The park board was not an incorporated authority under Alabama Law.
County Engineer Phillip Widner. (photo by G. Morgan)

4)County Engineer Phillip Widner brought forward the following issues for discussion: a) Emergency Generator for Public Works to cost between $225K-$275. b)Southern Oaks Sub-division roads discussion. c) State of Alabama annual debris removal bid discussion. d)Truck needed for Assistant Engineer. e) Bid opening discussion concerning Garbage Truck bids. Bids are expected to be opened late Monday morning and should be voted on at the afternoon session. f) Mailing Services bid discussed, possibly will involve all county departments. It was stated that mailing service will be opened for bids due to exceeding $50,000 dollars and could not be counted as a professional services contract.

Other discussions: 1) Jim Moore's name was brought forward as a candidate for the Jackson County Water Board. 2) Personnel Board policy guidelines issue brought forward by Commissioner Clemmons with input by the County Attorney. 3) Commissioner Clemmons requested the commission always inform the local press when a special or emergency meeting is called. The County Attorney reminded the commission that notifications are required by law. The local press has not been notified when emergency meetings are being called. Daily Sentinel articles on the issue: a) Commission's Personnel Director resigns- http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_5e3d2b66-d1ff-11e1-a80d-0019bb2963f4.html  b) Daily Sentinel Opinion article on the Commission's failure to properly notify the press- http://thedailysentinel.com/opinion/editorials/article_ec110150-d12e-11e1-b7cd-001a4bcf887a.html  c) I submitted a request to the Commission Chairperson to notify me electronically when a Special or Emergency meeting is called by the county commission. A presentation was made to the commission concerning the importance of proper notifications.

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