Deliberations under Alabama's Open Meetings law includes discussions or information which may influence members of the public body in their official actions or information or discussions which may come before the meeting at a later time. Alabama's Open Meetings Act may be found in the Code of Alabama Section 36-25A. An Open Meetings Manual for Alabama Public Officials and citizens may be found on the web at http://www.acca-online.org/oml/ag_open_meeting.pdf .
It was confirmed by EDA CEO Dus Rogers that Spectra Energy was present to met with the EDA to discuss issues prior to the regular scheduled meeting. The EDA approved an Executive session at 12:44 PM and was certified by the EDA's Attorney John Porter. Porter was not present at Tuesdays "pre-meeting." .
When I arrived at the regular scheduled meeting at approximately 11:50AM there were 3-4 Spectra Energy Officials departing the EDA. CEO Dus Rogers was contacted to confirm the officials departing were from Spectra Energy.
Jackson County EDA, South Broad Street, Scottsboro, Alabama. (photo from EDA's FaceBook page)
The EDA held its monthly meeting meeting today. Below is the agenda of the meeting. Click on Image for an expanded view. The EDA CEO hired local Attorney John Porter to serve as the EDA attorney.
Several important issues were brought forward. 1) Report on the Forever Wild Board meeting. It was stated 11,000ac were voted to be taken into the Forever Wild Program in Jackson County if the State of Alabama provides funding for the program. "al.com" article about the program: http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/06/forever_wild_gives_go-ahead_to.html 2)ADEM could lose authority to issue water permits due to funding cuts : "al.com" article http://blog.al.com/live/2012/06/adem_could_lose_authority_to_i.html 3) Treasurer was elected for the EDA, Bruce Purdy is the new Treasurer.
Expressed concerns: 1)The property owners concerns included chemicals used in rocket fuels to include testing of the rockets and fuel. 2) Karst Terrain and hydrology, fears were expressed concerning ground water and well water contamination.3) Noise pollution as a result of the test bed and decrease of owners property values. The bottom line, the surrounding land owners and Larkinsville citizens present do not want the test facility located near their homes.
EDA CEO Dus Rogers stated he was supportive of the project. Mr. Rogers also stated Dynetics will be holding a meeting with property owners in the near future.
The citizen group present presented a signed petition to the EDA Board from Larkinsville residents stating they do not want the facility located in Larkinsville, Al. There were a total of 124 signatures of citizens opposed to the Dynetics Test Facility.
A discussion ensued between one board member, Bruce Purdy, and EDA CEO-Dus Rogers about the number of employees which would be hired locally by Dynetics. There was differing information presented. Purdy stated that only one employee would be hired that he was aware-a receptionist. Rogers stated it was his understanding up to 15 employees may be hired locally. It was suggested this should not be discussed in the open meeting. The employment issue was discussed at last month's EDA meeting where it was stated that only 2-3 local citizens would be hired.
Previous articles on this blog concerning the issue involving the EDA and Dynetics: http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Dynetics
The EDA adjourned into an Executive Session at 12:44PM and was certified by Mr. Porter to discuss confidential information relating to incoming or potential incoming industry in Jackson County. The EDA monthly meeting began at 12:01PM.
Scottsboro Attorney John Porter serves as the Jackson County Commission, EDA and Jackson County School Board Attorney. (photo by G. Morgan)
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