Jackson County Commission Meeting

The Jackson County Commission meets twice monthly on the 2nd and 4th Monday at 4:30PM.

Today 4 people meet with the Commission. 1) Ken Tolar meet with the Commission to discuss the replacement of Courthouse windows. It was suggested that an architect be hired to consult on the replacement of the windows in the courthouse. The Commission approved bringing in an architect to make proposals on services for window installation. Mr. Tolar also mentioned that the gazebo was nearing completion and that a spire will be placed on the top in the next few days. 2) Randy Webster, Solid Waste Manager meet with the Commission to discuss distribution of garbage containers in the county. There was discussion concerning replacing of containers due to storm loss. Mr. Webster reported that he currently has approximately 400 containers on hand. He also reported that he needs to hire 2 office workers, one to replace Deborah Cleaver who is resigning as Office Manager and another administrative office employee. The Commission approved the resignation of Ms. Cleaver and the hire of her replacement and another administrative employee. 3) John Parsons of Scottsboro Computers made presentation for computer maintenance services. Christopher Haston also submitted a proposal for computer maintenance services. Apparently during the last Commission meeting another proposal for services was made. John Parsons of Scottsboro Computers was awarded the contract for computer services. 4) Judy Weaver made announcement of events during Black History Month. There will be displays at the library and a youth rally at the Rec-Com on 23 Feb from 6-8PM. $500 was requested and approved for Black History month expenses. 5) Jail Maintenance Staff was approved to receive overtime pay. These workers are hourly wage workers and have not been receiving overtime when called in or required to work overtime. They were authorized to receive compensatory time off as overtime was not authorized according to Mr. Tidmore, Commission Chairman, they will now receive overtime pay as other maintenance workers receive when working overtime. 6) There were 7 items in the consent agenda which was approved.

New Business: 1) A resolution for establishing a speed limit on Co Rd. 60 at 45 mph was approved. 2) An agreement with the Department of Public Examiners of Public Accounts to Audit Federal Assistance Funds received by the county was approved. The audit is scheduled to begin next week. 3) Engineers recommendation to hire Tim Bell for HMT1 position that James Carson did not except was approved, effective Mar. 3, 2008. 4) County advertisement in the State Fair Catalog was approved. 5) A resolution was approved recognizing the Scottsboro Wrestling Team's winning the State Wrestling Championship. 6) Recognition was given to the many folks who assisted and are still helping in the cleanup of storm damage on Sand Mountain. 7) It was stated that Jackson County has not been declared a Disaster Area for the receipt of public assistance funds for disaster relief. Requests have been submitted but not approved. 8) 13 campers were picked up from the state EMA to house homeless victims of the storm. The county Commission agreed to be responsible for the campers. In accordance with state law a charge must be made for the camper usage. It was decided that a contract for 6 months for camper usage would be required with a monthly charge of $1.00 (one), if longer time was needed that would be approved in 6 month increments.

Tornado Help Center

A tornado help center has opened in Pisgah, Alabama for the citizens on Sand Mountain that were effected by last week's storm. http://blog.al.com/breaking/2008/02/new_tornado_help_center_open_i.html

1 Fatality, Injuries and Severe Damage in Jackson Co.

Storms that moved thru Jackson County Alabama in the early hours of the morning cut a wide path of destruction extending from the Marshall Co line on Hwy 79 up to Sand Mountain. The most severe damage is located in the Pisgah/Rosalie Community. Reports indicate there is one death and several injured. A county wide emergency was declared and Emergency Responders from all over Jackson County responded to the Pisgah/Rosalie area. Emergency Responders from Dekalb County and Madison County have responded to this emergency. One name has been released as a fatality, Linda Tinker of the Pisgah community. Damage photos by David Brewer of the Huntsville Times http://blog.al.com/breaking/2008/02/jackson_county_residents_surve.html Huntsville Times update http://blog.al.com/breaking/2008/02/pisgah_woman_dies_as_tornado_h.html Story and photos from The Clarion http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=863&Itemid=1 The Daily Sentinel picture and story http://www.thedailysentinel.com/

(top photo link: http://wallpapers.jurko.net/pic/1130/ )

Animal Control Shelter

It looks like this will be the site of the new Animal Control Shelter. This site is between Recycling for Scottsboro and the Scottsboro Police Department Pistol Range. The two previous sites were unsuitable. The site west of the Scottsboro City School Bus Barn was in a low area and would have required considerable fill to have been placed before construction. The other site between the Bus Barn and Recycling for Scottsboro contained a considerable amount of garbage from the 1950's and 60's mixed with fill dirt. That site was considered unsuitable due to the garbage mixed with fill dirt.

The Mayor announced at last nights City Council Meeting that construction will begin on Feb. 11, 2008. Construction will be performed by the Alabama Department of Corrections utilizing inmate labor which will result in decreased costs of construction.

Bandstand, Some Say Gazebo, Near Completion

The remodeled bandstand, some say gazebo, on the north side of the Courthouse is nearing completion. There will be a brick garden area surrounding the bandstand/gazebo, that portion is not complete. Ms Judy Weaver, Director of the Scottsboro/Jackson County Heritage Center, tells me there will be a dedication of the bandstand/gazebo planned for April. Tolar Construction performed the remodeling.

update, 11 Feb: Ken Tolar reports that the base will receive a new coat of paint and a spire will be added.

Scottsboro City Council Meeting

Tonight's City Council Meeting was conducted in 2 parts, a Work Session and a Special Call meeting.


Work Session: 1) Black History Month discussion and presentation by Ms. Sheila Washington. There will be a youth rally at the Rec Com and a Display at the City Library. 2) Don Glasgow of Driftwood Shores made another presentation concerning opposition to zoning opposed by land owner and developer Sonny Barnes. This concerns the property at the end of Snodgrass Road which was approved by the zoning commission to be zoned from Agricultural, Manufacturing and R-1, single family dwellings to P-1, planned community development. 3) Sonny Barnes spoke to the issue of the rezoning. Council President Keith Smith has scheduled a Community meeting on this issue on Thursday, Feb. 7 @ 6PM at the City Hall Council Chambers. The issue should be decided at the next Council Meeting on Feb. 11, 2008. 4) Street Scape program discussion concerning Engineering and Testing Services. Cost will be $60 per hour, $47,000 has been set aside for the testing and engineering services. 5) Citizen presentation concerning hunting in and around the new Goose Pond Island development. The gentleman made a presentation in objection to hunting in the area. He claimed there was deer hunting that was occurring in the area. He stated spotlighting was occurring and that Alabama Fish and Game had been contacted. He also complained about duck hunting, stating that all the hunting was disturbing him and other home owners. At one point the speaker stated, "...it was like we were in Iraq..." refering to the shooting. The City Attorney pointed out that hunting regulations are established by state law and that hunting at night or unauthorized hunting on private property was already against the law. Council President Keith Smith pointed out that hunting was a southern tradition, however illegal hunting would be dealt with. The Mayor requested that, apparently in support of the citizens concern, no hunting signs be posted. It was pointed out to the Mayor that it was not the city's responsibility to post signs on private property. The concerned citizen stated that maybe a gate placed on the road to prevent entry would be an answer to the problem. (The roadways in Goose Pond Island Developed area are public roads, this is not a private roadway area.) 6) Discussion on Rec Com pool filtration system, costs will be $12,242.50. 7) Discussion of Organization Chart for Street Department. Mr Dolberry requested that an unfilled driver position be converted to an Office Assistant. Mr. Dolberry also requested that the Street Dept. budget be amended for $5000 for purchase of a new vehicle instead of a used one with 200,000 miles. $20,000 had already been approved for a used vehicle. It was stated that for $5000 more a new vehicle could be purchased. 8) Discussion concerning Airport Manager new job description. 9) General Maintenance Technician job description and salary discussion. Mr. Smith mentioned that he thought the position should be an appointed position. 10) Discussion by Police Chief Ralph Dawe concerning commemorative plaques at the old city hall. 11) Mayor Deason requested an amendment to the budget for $1030 for office furniture for his secretary. It was stated that this was not discussed or requested at the budget hearings.


City Council Special Call Session: 1) Approval of the Street Scape Engineering and Inspection Contract. 2) Rec Com pool filter approved for $12,242.50 3) Street Department budget amended for $5000 4) Organizational Chart change was approved for Street Department.


Reports: The Mayor stated that the construction of the Animal Control Shelter will begin on Feb 11. He also disclosed there has been a new site selected which is between the old baler facility and the Police Firearms Range. The other site between the old baler and the bus barn was found to contain garbage and is not suitable for the project. The site west of the bus barn was stated to be in a low area. (I'll go out to the area tomorrow and get some pictures of the new area.) Council President Keith Smith reminded folks to vote tomorrow. The voting site is at the Rec Com.