May 24, 2021 - Scottsboro, Alabama - Jackson County Commission Regular Session and Work Session - Link to Facebook Live Session and Agenda

 

Jackson County Courthouse North Entrance photo by G. Morgan

Jackson County Commission, May 10, 2021 - photo by Jackson County Commission, cropped by G. Morgan. Fair Use for Non-profit News reporting and commentary. 

AGENDA

(Click on image to enlarge.)

JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSION FACEBOOK VIDEO LINK:   https://www.facebook.com/JCCommissionAL/videos/302281251607824/  

May 24, 2021 - Scottsboro, Alabama - May 24, 2021 Scottsboro City Council Regular Session and Executive Session Recognition Awards to Scottsboro High School Students for High Academic Achievement and Track and Field Team Excellence Awards - Bass Masters Banner Presentation - May 20-23, 2021 for the Berkley Bass Master Elite Tournament at Lake Guntersville, at Goose Pond Colony, Scottsboro, Alabama.

 

Scottsboro City Hall photo by G. Morgan

Scottsboro City Council Student Recognition Awards

PHOTOS

Recognition Awards to Scottsboro High School Students for High Academic Achievement. photo by G. Morgan

Recognition Awards to Scottsboro High School Students for Track and Field Team Excellence. photo by G. Morgan 

Bass Masters Banner Presentation - May 20-23, 2021 for the Berkley Bass Master Elite Tournament at Lake Guntersville, at Goose Pond Colony, Scottsboro, Alabama. --- Report from Business Insider, Bass blow'n it up on the Bluegill. - ""I think what happened was when all of those bluegill got done spawning, they moved out to the mats. Every day I'd hear bluegill going nuts (eating insects) in the mats and I'd see bass blowing up on them. Those bass just stayed under those mats and ate bluegill all day." https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/kuphall-closes-wire-to-wire-win-at-bassmaster-elite-event-on-guntersville-1030457389 (photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA

VIDEO OF COUNCIL MEETING

May 17, 2021 - Scottsboro City Council Work Session - Agenda and Video - Important Topics: Item 1) Proposed Amendments to Zoning Ordinance - Item 6) Rezoning of Property on Bob Jones Rd. ( Old Custom Transportation Garage) - Item 8) Alleged NextSite LLC Agreement, Claim for Alleged Future Development Contract - Citizen Presentation by the Deacon Regarding Incomplete Work on The Storm Shelter at Hollice Memorial Chapel on South Broad Street

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan 

AGENDA

Item 6) Proposed change of property from R-2 residential zoning to C-3 commercial zoning Photo from Google Earth Pro of 2983 Bob Jones Rd. Scottsboro, Al. This property was utilized for a trucking company for more than 25 years. Hazardous materials have been utilized on this property. The question which comes to mind, how did this property come to be R-2?

2014 image from Google Earth of 2983 Bob Jones Rd, Scottsboro, Al. Fair use of image for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

Item 8) NextSite LLC is claiming the City of Scottsboro owes them money, $15,000.00, for locating businesses for the area. apparently The Jackson County EDA, Economic Development Authority and the Scottsboro CDA, Commercial Development authority have paid money to the Next Site corporation as discussed in the city council meeting, the city council never signed a contract. According to the Mayor and Council President this involves the new development involving the proposed Publix and other businesses at the Hwy 72/Hwy 35 location. Property closing/purchase of property - it has been stated that closing has not occurred, but is expected to occur at or about the end of June 2021. 

About NextSite LLC: Nextsite | Commercial Development Advisory Firm 

 

The Deacon and the Storm Shelter

 

A church Deacon, indicated the Storm Shelter behind the Chapel has not been completed after 6 months while the shelter at Goose Pond colony had been completed.. 

 Story from WAFF-TV about the shelter in August of 2020 https://www.waff.com/2020/08/31/new-storm-shelter-underway-jackson-county/

Once complete the storm shelter will be similar to the one behind Randall's Chapel Church on Veterans Dr., Scottsboro, Al. (photo by G. Morgan

VIDEO

Scottsboro, Alabama - May 10, 2021 - Scottsboro City Council Regular Meeting - Review of Scottsboro's 2020 Audit Approved

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

AGENDA

SCOTTSBORO CITY COUNCIL MEETING 

Monday, May 10, 2021 - 5:00 P.M.

I.          Call to Order   -Council President Pro-Tempore Mike Ashburn

a)                  Invocation 

b)                  Pledge of Allegiance

c)                  Roll Call

II.        Adoption of the Agenda

III.       Approval of Previous Minutes  April 26, 2021                                                                                  

IV.       Old Business: - NONE

V.       New Business: **All agenda items were approved.**

 1.      Consider Resolution 2021-05-11: Bynum Foundation Grant Application

 2.      Consider Resolution 2021-05-12: Surplus Street Department Property

 3.      Consider Resolution 2021-05-13: Surplus Police Department Property

 4.      Consider Seasonal Part-Time Aquatics Assistant for the Recreation Department, budget amendment of $2550.00

 5.      Consider Approval of Airport Manager Job Description

 6.      Consider Budget Amendment for Agreed Upon Procedures Engagement with MDA Professional Group, P.C. - Review of 2020 Audit - cost not to exceed $8,000.00

 

VI.       Reports and Announcements

a)      Delegations;  b)   Mayor; c)   Council

VII.     Adjourn

VIDEO

Scottsboro, Alabama - May 10, 2021 - Jackson County Commission - First Meeting of New Chair of Commission, Bill Nance, Jr.

 

Jackson County Courthouse North Entrance, photo by G. Morgan

AGENDA

JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSION AGENDA 

CHAIRMAN BILL NANCE 

MAY 10, 2021 

I. CALL TO ORDER, 

WELCOME – 

II. CALL OF ROLL TO ESTABLISH QUORUM, PRAYER, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – 

III. APPROVE AGENDA OF MEETING – MAY 10, 2021

 IV. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS –

 V. PUBLIC COMMENT – MEETING 

VI. NEW BUSINESS – 

PUBLIC HEARING FOR ROAD CLOSURES

**All agenda items were approved.**

a. MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 27, 2021 MEETING AND CONTINUANCE ON MAY 3, 2021

 b. MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT VOTING MACHINES.

 c. MOTION TO APPROVE CHAIRMAN AS SIGNATORY AT FIRST SOUTHERN STATE BANK. d. MOTION TO APPROVE SURPLUS AND PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND TRUCKS AT PUBLIC WORKS AS PRESENTED BY COUNTY ENGINEER.

e. MOTION TO APPROVE 2 POSITIONS AT PUBLIC WORKS FOR HMT1 POSITION

f.  MOTION TO APPROVE ROAD CLOSURES AS DESCRIBED IN PUBLIC HEARING

g. COMMISSION CHAIR POINT OF CONTACT FOR ENGINEERING FIRM, WORK AT COUNTY PARK

WORK SESSION 

VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS – a) COMMISSION - 1. SMALL BUSINESS APPLICATIONS FOR TARCOG - FUNDS FOR UPGRADE OF 911 SYSTEM/FOOD BANKS FUNDING/ SMALL BUSINESSES

 

VIII. REPORTS FROM STAFF: A. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR; B. COUNTY ENGINEER ( comment on CR17);  C. COUNTY ATTORNEY; D. OTHER 

IX. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSION 

DISTRICT 4, KEVIN MCBRIDE;  DISTRICT 3, AJ BUCKNER;  DISTRICT 2, JASON VENABLE; DISTRICT 1, DANNY RICH; CHAIRMAN, BILL NANCE 

X. NEXT MEETING DATE – MAY 24, 2021 

XI. ADJOURN MEETING –

VIDEO

Scottsboro, Alabama - May 6, 2021 - UPDATE - JUNE 9, 2021 - JUNE 1, 2021 - March 31, 2021 Order of the UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHE RN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA NORTHEASTERN DIVISION Case No.: 5:18-cv-1983-LCB - THE BELLEFONTE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2 - REVIEW AND UPDATE OF DOCUMENTS AND STATUS - GRAVE RISK TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY - HISTORY OF THE ZOMBIE NUCLEAR REACTOR SCHEME, EXPERT TESTIMONY INDICATING CORRUPTION, DECEIT, VIOLATIONS OF LAW, REGULATION AND POLICY - MONEY BEFORE HUMAN HEALTH AND LIF - UPDATE - August 26, 2021-Final Judgement - UPDATE September 2, 2021 - Expiration of the NRC Construction License, Side Bar - Don't fall for the "Trick Zombie" - UPDATE - July 18, 2022 U.S. District Court Final Decision"

 THE NUCLEAR ZOMBIE and DON'T FALL FOR THE "TRICK ZOMBIE"

Bellefonte, a nuclear zombie!

The Nuclear Zombie by Edwin Vasquez published in The Nation in an article by Christian Parenti on aging nuclear plants https://www.thenation.com/article/zombie-nuke-plants/

Fair Use for non-profit news reporting and commentary.

---NRC LICENSE TRANSFER STATUS---

CURRENT NRC STAUS AND DOCUMENTATION ON THE LICENSE TRASFER - TVA to Nuclear Development, LLC

Link: https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/new-reactors/bellefonte-constr-permits.html (This link along with my summary is listed at the bottom of this page.)

Chattanooga Times Free Press article by Dave Flessner on Yahoo

(Fair use for non-profit news publication, education and discussion.)

https://news.yahoo.com/end-era-tva-gives-construction-080000912.html

Note TVA CEO Jeff Lyash's comment: " . . .  other nuclear power technologies should be better."

U.S DISTRICT COURT UPDATES

Side Bar - Don't fall for the "Trick Zombie."

My Thoughts - Don't count on Bellefonte Nuclear Facility being dead. The reason Nuclear Development, LLC lost their case regarding the purchase of the nuclear facility was due to the requirements to have a comprehensive Quality Assurance Plan required by law and monitored by the NRC. Cancellation of the NRC construction license opens the sale up without the restrictions of NRC oversight as required by law, as stated in the court documents. This may free up the sale of Bellefonte to Haney or another buyer without the oversight of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). However, if nuclear construction is to be renewed the NRC licensing and oversight process would begin, and the licensing process has changed from the old process.

The opportunity exists for sustainable energy projects such as large scale solar, run of the river power generation and other hydro projects such as pumped storage generation.

UPDATE - September 2, 2021 - TVA's Notice to the Court - (1) The construction permits issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) for Units 1 and 2 at the Bellefonte site expire on October 1, 2021. . . (2) TVA sent a letter on August 31, 2021, requesting that the expiration date of the Bellefonte construction permits be extended. (3) TVA intends to inform the NRC on or after September 10, 2021, that as a result of the Court’s Final Judgment, TVA is withdrawing its request for extension of the expiration date of those permits.

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.alnd.168540/gov.uscourts.alnd.168540.251.0_1.pdf

UPDATE FINAL JUDGEMENT

August 26, 2021 - "(1) Judgment is entered in favor of the Tennessee Valley Authority on Counts One, Two, and Three of the Amended Complaint. (2) Purchase and Sales Agreement, judgment is entered in favor of Nuclear Development in the amount of $22,950,000, plus prejudgment interest at a rate of 7.5% per annum, running from December 30, 2018 to the date of this final judgment."   https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.alnd.168540/go  v.uscourts.alnd.168540.247.0_1.pdf

UPDATE - June 9, 2021 - TVA claims Nuclear Development LLC, ND, attempting to 'stick' TVA ratepayers with "Luxury Jet" and "Luxury Limousine," described as "luxury travel services" for Haney and guests travel around his home town, including locations and people not associated with legitimate business expenses. Pages 28-30 TVA vs ND, Case No.: 5:18-CV-01983-LCB,  UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA NORTHEASTERN DIVISION   https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.alnd.168540/gov.uscourts.alnd.168540.229.0.pdf

UPDATE - JUNE 1, 2021 - March 31, 2021 Order of the UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA NORTHEASTERN DIVISION Case No.: 5:18-cv-1983-LCB - THE BELLEFONTE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT, UNITS 1 AND 2 Link to court document, of note are the numerous redactions depriving the public of the judiciary process relevant to the safety of the Bellefonte Nuclear Facility:   https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.alnd.168540/gov.uscourts.alnd.168540.161.0.pdf

Note Pages 51 thru 55 in this document, Referring to the loss of Quality Assurance due to cannibalization of the facility after surrender of the Construction License - quote: "[Quality Assurance] Requirements are not optional . . . 10 CFR 50.54(a), “Conditions of Licenses,” and 10 CFR 50.55(f), “Conditions of Construction Permits,” which require that a quality assurance program be implemented; 10 CFR Part 50, Appendix B, which requires that all activities performed to establish, maintain, and verify the quality of plant construction be addressed in the licensee's quality assurance program; 10 CFR Part 50, Appendices A and B, which require that certain quality records be retained for the life of the plant; 10 CFR 50.55(e), which requires reporting of deficiencies in design, construction, quality assurance, etc.; 10 CFR 50.71, which applies to the maintenance of records; and 10 CFR Part 21, which applies to reporting of defects and noncompliance. Those NRC regulatory guides that endorse the ANSI N45.2 series of standards, “Quality Assurance Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants,” also are applicable and include Regulatory Guides 1.28, 1.37, 1.38, 1.58, 1.88, and 1.116." 

"Because the transfer of the Bellefonte site without NRC approval would have been unlawful under Section 101 of the Atomic Energy Act, the closing condition set forth in Section 6(a)(v) was not satisfied, and Nuclear Development’s motion for summary judgment is denied."

It is of interest to note in the latest filing on April 7, 2021 by Nuclear Development LLC (ND) maintains the Court Erred, of course they do. It appears ND is grasping for elusive straws.

UPDATE: NOTE ITEM 51 at this link regarding Quality Assurance. TVA can't satisfy Quality Assurance as the nuclear reactor under construction had it's construction license terminated per request of the owner, TVA. All Quality Assurance ceased when Units 1 & 2 were stripped and cannibalized of critical parts and systems with large holes cut into the facilities to remove components as described in ITEMs 3 thru 8, describing parts removed and the non-operable condition of the plant. Thus, ITEM 51 is misleading and not accurate as Quality Assurance was terminated and cannot be satisfied in accordance with law and regulatory purpose during the period of the termination of the NRC license to construct, 2005 thru 2007.

Listing of the Case (This is page 1 there are 2 pages):   https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/8410732/nuclear-development-llc-v-tennessee-valley-authority/?page=1 

*************

OVERVIEW - 13 YEARS OF ALL THINGS BELLEFONTE ON THIS BLOG:   https://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Bellefonte%20Nuclear%20Power%20Plant

Expert Testimony - Declarations  

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

 DOCKET NOS. 50-438 and 50-439

Expert Testimony and Declarations, Document includes sworn testimony of nuclear power experts and NRC Officials. Link -  

https://cleanenergy.org/wp-content/uploads/BLN12DeclarationGundersen050609.pdf

Quote (pg14): ". . . licensure and operation of TVA’s Bellefonte Units 1 and 2 pose a grave risk to public health and safety without an entirely new construction permitting process, Quality Assurance Program, and environmental data analysis. . . "

 NRC Senior Project Manager Joseph Williams also identified these very same broad quality assurance weaknesses in reinstating the construction permits for Bellefonte Units 1 and 2. In his analysis Williams said, ". . . it is apparent that the facility has not been preserved in the same state it was when the construction permits were terminated. As noted, these activities were not conducted in a manner consistent with NRC regulations." 

Published accounts show that members of TVA’s own staff questioned the foolishness of stripping the Bellefonte Units of their valuable nuclear components and leaving the plant open to natural environmental degradation.  Quote Regarding the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant Cannibalization: "Dr. Bob Doggart, a former senior engineering specialist at TVA who now serves as the managing lead assessor for the British Institute of Nondestructive Testing LLC said. “To allow outsiders to come in and remove key equipment for virtually nothing was unbelievably foolish.” Chattanooga Times Free Press on March 29, 2009"

In summary - Mr. Gunderson, a nuclear engineer and former nuclear power executive, describes 21 important points in his sworn testimony of why the Bellefonte Nuclear Facility construction permit is faulty and problematic as to violations of law and policy regarding construction and operations of the Bellefonte Nuclear facility, pages 2-14 in the report linked above, which includes testimony of the NRC own experts revealing critical faults regarding Bellefonte Nuclear Operations. 

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING THE EXPERT TESTIMONY TO THE NRC, NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION, REGARDING THE FAILURES OF LAW, REGULATION AND POLICY WHICH CREATES A THREAT TO THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF CITIZENS IN JACKSON COUNTY ALABAMA AND THE TRISTATE AREA.

TROUBLE AT BELLEFONTE - POLITICS AND UNSCROUPOLUS, CORRUPT FINANCIAL PRACTICES IN THE ATTEMPT TO UNLAWFULLY INFLUENCE THE ISSUE OF NUCLEAR LICENSING OF BELLEFONTE

Congressman Mo Brooks comments on unscrupulous financial activity regarding the Bellefonte Nuclear Construction license transfer - http://www.waff.com/story/38802403/wall-street-journal-connects-bellefonte-project-to-former-trump-attorney

  

9 August, 2018, Wall Street Journal - Prosecutors in the Trump Investigation have called on Franklin Haney to answer questions about the money involvement regarding Trump/Cohen and others in the Bellefonte deal. WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-top-trump-donors-dealings-with-michael-cohen-trigger-scrutiny-1533850870

CURRENT NRC STAUS AND DOCUMENTATION ON THE LICENSE TRASFER - TVA to Nuclear Development, LLC

Link: https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/new-reactors/bellefonte-constr-permits.html 

UPDATE - July 18, 2022 - U.S. DISTRICT COURT DECISION

1. TVA’s Motion to Vacate the Order holding the Parties to their Joint Stipulations (Doc. 250) is Granted; 2. TVA’s Motion to Alter or Amend the Final Judgment (Doc. 254) is Granted 3. Nuclear Development’s Motion for New Trial (Doc. 260) is Denied 4. Nuclear Development’s Motion to Alter / Amend (Doc. 259) is Denied. 5. An Amended Final Judgment reflecting the correct pre– and post– judgment interest rates will be entered contemporaneously with this Order. DONE and ORDERED July 18, 2022. LILES C. BURKE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE  

In addition, July 18, 2022 the TVA's rate of interest regarding the "Earnest Money" was amended to 6%.

To Summarize: Shortcuts, corrupt practices, human reliability failures in violation of law and policy regarding construction, transfer of licenses, and operations at the Bellefonte Nuclear Facility "pose a grave risk to public health and safety." 

       Latest Update on TVA's Bellefonte  Nuclear                 Boondoggle

August 24, 2023 WHNT News Huntsville, Al. : https://whnt.com/video/tva-sets-stage-to-give-bellefonte-nuclear-plant-site-new-life-august-24-2023-news-19-at-5-p-m/8937704/

Scottsboro, Alabama - May 5, 2021 - More on the "Guffey Affair" - *** April 30, 2021 - Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts - Special Report on the Jackson County Commission*** UPDATE - May 10, 2021 - Commission Attempts to Censor and Limit Speech on Facebook Regarding Venable Video

Former Commission Chair Tim Guffey, resigned in December 2020 (photo by G. Morgan)

A study of history reveals the coverup of public corruption and/or criminal activity is often worse than the original corrupt or criminal act. When the Jackson County Commission received this official report they had a responsibility to report this to the public, the citizens of Jackson County Alabama, they failed to do so. The report was released officially via the Alabama Department of Public Examiners Friday, April 30, 2021, 5 days ago. Poor judgement on the part of the commissioners in this case is not a criminal act, it certainly is a consideration for the voters of Jackson County come time for reelection

APRIL 30, 2021 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC EXAMINERS SPECIAL REPORT REGARDING NONCOMPLIANCE WITH POLICY AND LAW, MISUSE OF PUBLIC FUNDS VIA ISSUED COUNTY CREDIT CARD INVOLVING THE FORMER JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIR, TIM GUFFEY.

SUMMARY

April 30, 2021 -  Quote from the Department of Public Examiners: “Official demand was made on the former Chairman requesting payments totaling $3,918.11."

 The former Chairman failed to appear at a meeting before the Chief Examiner and show just cause why the amounts should not be repaid; therefore, relief is accordingly denied as evidenced by the Order of the Chief Examiner contained in this report. After the Order of the Chief Examiner was issued, the charges were repaid in full. Alabama Department of Public Examiners Report - 21-236 - 04/30/2021 - Jackson County Commission-Special - County Audit - 08/24/2018 to 12/04/2020   LINK TO AUDIT:  https://examiners.alabama.gov/PDFLink.aspx?IDReport=6098

21-236 A -  Department of Examiners of Public Accounts

SUMMARY

Special Report on the Jackson County Commission August 24, 2018 through December 4, 2020 

The Jackson County Commission (the “Commission”) is governed by a five-member body elected by the citizens of Jackson County. The members and administrative personnel in charge of governance of the Commission are listed on Exhibit 1. The Commission is the governmental agency that provides general administration, public safety, construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges, sanitation services, and health and welfare services to the citizens of Jackson County.

This report presents the results of a special examination of the Jackson County Commission and a review of compliance with applicable laws and regulations in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts under the authority of the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 41-5A-12. We performed an examination of credit card transactions and other expenditures made by the Commission to determine whether inappropriate use of public funds occurred. 

FINDINGS

Instances of noncompliance with state and local laws and regulations and other matters were found during the examination, as shown on the Schedule of Findings and they are summarized below.

♦ 2021-001 relates to the former Commission Chairman’s noncompliance with requirements prescribed by the Chief Examiner of Public Accounts and the county’s travel policy regarding credit card usage and documentation of credit card charges.

♦ 2021-002 relates to the former Commission Chairman’s failure to provide an adequate reason for mileage claimed for travel.

21-236 B  - CHARGES AGAINST OFFICIAL

As reflected on Exhibit 2, the charges against the former Commission Chairman resulted from noncompliance with requirements prescribed by the Chief Examiner of Public Accounts and the county’s travel policy related to credit card usage and documentation of credit card charges, as well as the failure to provide an adequate reason for mileage claimed for travel. Official demand was made on the former Chairman requesting payments totaling $3,918.11.

The former Chairman failed to appear at a meeting before the Chief Examiner and show just cause why the amounts should not be repaid; therefore, relief is accordingly denied as evidenced by the Order of the Chief Examiner contained in this report.  After the Order of the Chief Examiner was issued, the charges were repaid in full.

EXIT CONFERENCE

The Commission members and administrative personnel, as reflected on Exhibit 1, were invited to discuss the results of this report at an exit conference held via teleconference. Individuals in attendance were: Commissioners: Danny Rich and Jason Venable; and Bob Manning, County Administrator. Also, in attendance was a representative from the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts: Dixie Broadwater, Special Projects Manager. The results of this report were also discussed individually via telephone with the former Commission Chairman, Tim Guffey.

NEWS ARTICLES RELATED TO THIS ISSUE

Jackson County Sentinel:     http://jcsentinel.com/feature_story/article_211688d4-ada8-11eb-9d5e-dbf8c9f98ffd.html

WAFF-TV: Former Jackson County Commissioner pays nearly $4,000 back to county for misuse of funds (msn.com)

WHNT-TV: Former Jackson County commission chairman repays county for improper credit card usage | WHNT.com

WAAY-TV: Audit found questionable spending by former Jackson County Commission chairman (waaytv.com)

From the Clarion on Facebook, Statement of Jackson County Commissioner Jason Venable:   https://www.facebook.com/JCCommissionAL/videos/6281725705171203/

May 5, 2021 - "Guffey Affair" - Fair Use Copy of Jackson County Commission Acting Chair Person Jason Venable Video

  Mr. Venable does not accurately portray the seriousness of this event in his statement, Clarion's Facebook link above, and all that surrounds Guffey's resignation. Quote from the Chief Examiner in the audit report: "Instances of noncompliance with state and local laws. . ." The near $4000 of credit card abuse may have been repaid; who repaid the tax payers of the county for the auditors cost ($5,000-$10,000 maybe more), who has repaid the county for Guffey setting at home doing nothing for 4 months, December 2020 thru April 2021, at tax payers expense, approximately $19,000, per commission approval, for his alleged illegal and unethical behavior regarding sexual harassment and creation of a hostile work environment, including alleged criminal behavior investigated by state law enforcement investigators? What is the outcome of that investigation?  What type of actions is the county taking to insure sexual discrimination and creation of a hostile work environment will not reoccur?

COMMISSION ATTEMPTS TO LIMIT AND CENSOR SPEECH RELATED TO THE GUFFEY AFFAIR AND ACTING CHAIR JASON VENABLE'S VIDEO OF SPECIAL REPORT AUDIT

Photo capture on Jackson County Commissions Facebook site by G. Morgan. Identifying names removed. (Click on image to expand.)

Jackson County Commission attempts to limit and censor citizen speech relating to Commissioner Venable's questionable comments, discussed below, via a video he posted on the Jackson County Commission's Facebook site regarding the recent State of Alabama Department of Public Examiners Audit disclosure of former Commission Chair Guffey's misuse of county funds.

Unfortunately, the Jackson County Commission has placed this notice to the video posting of Mr. Venable on the Commission's Facebook Page, quote: ->"JACKSON COUNTY COMMISSION LIMITED WHO CAN COMMENT ON THIS POST." <-

Commissioners, you are the stewards of the citizens of Jackson County Alabama. You have no right to limit the comments or censor speech from one or more citizens, unless it is a threat or violates law. Your page on Facebook is the Public Square and a Public Forum of the government entity.

The citizenry, whom you work for have every right to express their discontent or dissent with your actions. Including those actions when placed on a public forum, such as the Jackson County Commission's Facebook site. The limitation of speech regarding your actions are directly violating the Constitution of the State of Alabama, and your oath of office.

Quote: "Alabama Constitution - SECTION 4

Freedom of speech and press.

That no law shall ever be passed to curtail or restrain the liberty of speech or of the press; and any person may speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty."

The Guffey Affair:     https://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Guffey%20Affair

 

Scottsboro, Alabama - May 3, 2021 - Scottsboro City Council Work Session - Compliance or Forensic Audit, Proposed Auditing Firm

 

Scottsboro City Hall, photo by G. Morgan

AGENDA

Proposed Auditing Firm brought forward - MDA Professional Group, Local Government Audits, costs discussed, $4K-$8K.

Link: http://mdacpa.com/local-government-units/

VIDEO

Scottsboro, Alabama - Update - May 4, 2021 - Swearing In Ceremony of Commission Chair - May 3, 2021 Jackson County Commission Meeting Continuation from Tuesday, April 27, 2021 - Alabama Governor Kay Ivey Appoints Retired Major General Willie B. Nance, Jr. as Chair of the Jackson County Commission - May 5, 2021 UPDATE - Then there is the Department of Public Examiners Report, The "Guffey Affair" Link at Bottom of Page.

 

 UPDATE MAY 4, 2021 - Swearing In Ceremony of Commission Chair, Willie B Nance, Jr., Major General, U.S. Army, Retired, Mrs. Johnnie Nance Holds Bible, Presiding Circuit Court Judge, The Honorable John Graham Administers the Oath of Office. (photo by G. Morgan)

VIDEO OF CEREMONY

PHOTOGRAPHS OF CEREMONY

MG.(Retired) Willie B. Nance Jr., Jackson County Commission Chair (photo by G. Morgan)

Left to Right - Commissioner. McBride, Commission Chair Nance, Commissioner/Former Acting Chair Venable, Commissioner McBride (photo by G. Morgan)

Commission Chair Nance, Mrs. Nance and Judge Graham (photo by G. Morgan)

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey appointed MG Nance yesterday, May 3, 2021, Governors appointment letter is contained within the WAFF TV link below.

Outgoing Acting Chair Jason Venable received many praises for a job well done during a difficult time. (photo by G. Morgan)

Jackson County Courthouse North Entrance, photo by G. Morgan

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey appointed Retired Major General Willie Nance, Jr. to serve as the Jackson County Commission Chair. The Swearing-In Ceremony will occur at the Jackson County Courthouse, Courtroom 1, at 12 noon May 4, 2021

Attribution Source - Jackson County Commission, Fair Use for Non-Profit News and Commentary

Military Bio of Major General (Retired) Willie B. Nance, Jr.: Major General Willie B. Nance Jr., Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame Inductee 2011, U.S. Army Ordnance Corps 

WAFF-TV With Governor's Appointment Letter -  https://www.waff.com/2021/05/03/gov-ivey-appoints-new-jackson-county-commission-chairman/

WHNT-TV https://whnt.com/news/gov-ivey-appoints-new-jackson-county-commission-chairman/

AGENDA

https://www.jacksoncountyal.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04272021-137 

VIDEO

Will this be the end of the "Guffey Affair"? (NO) Update May 5, 2021)

https://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Guffey%20Affair

Regarding Guffey Affair and allegations by Jackson County Employee source stating knowledge of events. Reference April 27, 2021 posting this blog linked above, "Guffey Affair." - May, 3, 2021 - Interviews with Commissioner Buckner and Commissioner Rich separately. - Both Commissioners emphatically deny that any meeting occurred in secret or otherwise, with them participating, regarding decision making to remove any information, evidence, etc. regarding video or photographs of female persons which may have been allegedly photographed or downloaded by former Commission Chair Guffey contained on Jackson County data systems or computer systems. 

Discussion with  former Acting Chair Venable today, May 4, 2021: Commissioner Venable state he welcomed any law enforcement investigation. Any information which was discovered was turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency via the county attorney. Commissioner Venable further stated, paraphrased: "There was no wrong doing on my part, I always acted within the law."

MORE ON GUFFEY AFFAIR

PUBLIC EXAMINERS REPORT

(Guffey's corrupt intent apparent.)

 The former Chairman failed to appear at a meeting before the Chief Examiner and show just cause why the amounts should not be repaid; therefore, relief is accordingly denied as evidenced by the Order of the Chief Examiner contained in this report. After the Order of the Chief Examiner was issued, the charges were repaid in full. Alabama Department of Public Examiners Report - 21-236 - 04/30/2021 - Jackson County Commission-Special - County Audit - 08/24/2018 to 12/04/2020   LINK TO AUDIT:  https://examiners.alabama.gov/PDFLink.aspx?IDReport=6098