Jackson County Economic Development Authority (EDA) Meeting

UPDATE July 20, 2012: The Jackson County EDA appears to have held a meeting prior to the regularly scheduled monthly meeting at noon on Tuesday, July 17, 2012. A quorum of the EDA were present for the meeting. The "pre-meeting" involved Spectra Energy officials. Spectra Energy has stated, via local press releases, they are considering plans to build a major gas line in the north part of the county. TVA has indicated interest in utilizing natural gas for a combined cycle gas plant to replace shut down coal fired power generators at the Widow's Creek Power Plant between Bridgeport and Stevenson, Alabama.

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.

4) A group of 5 concerned citizens from Larkinsville expressed concern over the proposed Dynetics Test facility in Larkinsville, Al. on the 1500ac tract known as the Moody-Stone Property. Land owners adjacent to the proposed test facility stated in today's EDA meeting they do not want the facility to locate adjacent to their property. (photo by G. Morgan)

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)

Scottsboro City Council Work Session

Tonight was a Scottsboro City Council work session. (photo by G. Morgan)

Agenda outline: 1) Discussion of appointing Mike Ashburn as the Custodian of Voting Machines for the city election. 2) Rate of pay for election officials discussed: $125.00 each for the 3 Inspectors and $100.00 each for the 25 workers. 3) Discussion concerning fee for the election manager as authorized by state law. 4) Appointment of Election Officials discussed.

5) Proposed facade for the Derrick Office building. The Historical Commission and the Architectural Review Board will provide input prior to final approval. Carr Engineering is working with the city on this design. Costs for the facade and future usages are unknown at this time. Council Person Carol McCrary suggested that an inquiry be initiated to determine if students from the Ernest Pruitt Technology Center could provide the brick laying for this job.

6) Discussion concerning 13 acres of land to be purchased for the city landfill at Martintown, total of 18+ acres of which 5 acres have been previously purchased.

City/County Government Report & Municipal Elections Qualifying Report

I'm late with my Scootsboro City Council and Jackson County Commission report. Please read the Daily Sentinel and Clarion's coverage of the governmental entity reports linked under the appropriate picture. Also included are the Municipal Election qualifying reports from The Clarion and The Daily Sentinel.

Jackson County Commission

http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_5d5bd68c-cbad-11e1-bba7-0019bb2963f4.html

From the Clarion: http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4365:county-park-restaurant-to-re-open-soon&catid=55:news&Itemid=143

Scottsboro City Council

http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_dc717c80-cad4-11e1-995e-001a4bcf887a.html

The Bid for the Library HVAC units were approved, $22,850 awarded to Central Air Conditioning Service of Scottsboro. The Library roof bid was approved for $35,000, awarded to Jerry Atkins Construction. There will be a separate bid for the library roof truss system.

Broad Street Paving Costs to City of Scottsboro

Municipal Elections Report

The Clarion: http://www.theclarion.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4424:municipal-election-qualifying-begins&catid=42:clarion-rotation-stories&Itemid=142

The Daily Sentinel:  http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_27873bbe-cc7f-11e1-9e87-0019bb2963f4.html    

Jackson County Commission Work Session, Larkinsville Citizens Express Concerns

Yesterday afternoon the Jackson County Commission held a work session. The hot topic: Dynetics, Test Bed proposed purchase. Several Larkinsville citizens and Scottsboro City Council Member Gary Speers expressed concern at yesterdays County Commission Work Session about the proposed Dynetic's test bed property purchase, story after the brief commission outline.

Items discussed: 1) County Park will need some cleaning up after the wind storm. The City of Scottsboro has agreed to help in the cleanup efforts, overtime will have to be paid by the county for Scottsboro's equipment operators. The commission will decide on this issue in Mondays regular meeting. 2) Discussion concerning speed limit change on County Rd. 331, speed limit to be 35, another item for Monday's agenda. 3) Garbage trucks are breaking down. Solid Waste personnel made a presentation that engine repairs will cost $15-27K on truck. 4) Contract discussion for housing municipal inmates when applicable. New contract will be voted on at Monday's meeting. 5) Joint Bid Discussion concerning regional debris cleanup due to storms. 6) Proclamation for the 100th Anniversary of Flatrock, Alabama will be voted on and presented at Mondays session. 7) Discussion concerning 3 Council of Aging Buses to be declared surplus and sold on govdeals.com. 8) Mapping and Appraisal Office conference discussion, AAAO Summer Conference. 9) Accounting Clerk vacancy discussion.

Larkinsville Citizens, the Jackson County Commission and the EMA Acting Director discuss the Flood Zone and how the proposed Dynetics test bed might impact the underground aquifer in the area. The area has many sink holes and a former Industrial Park project was cancelled due to the unstable geological structure of the Larkinsville area known as Karst Terrain. Karst topography explained:

 Karst Topography - USGS

 Larkinsville Citizens express concern about proposed test bed at the Stones Cove advertised property.
Within the last couple of months Dynetics Corporation of Huntsville, Al. has expressed considerable interest in the "Stones Cove Property" in Larkinsville, Alabama  http://www.outdoorinvestment.com/land-for-sale/Stone-Cove.html . Stories indicate the property will be utilized as a test bed. Previous story on this blog about the issue: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2012/06/jackson-county-eda-meeting-good-bad-and.html 

The EDA does not have an attorney on its staff to advise the EDA Board on this issue and has not had an attorney for several years according to its CEO Dus Rogers. .

 The EDA and Chamber of Commerce are touting the proposed deal as an "Absolute Honor," making claims of patriotism to have such a test facility. However, it is reported the proposed "patriotic deal"  would bring very few jobs to Jackson County, "possibly 2-3." The "absolute honor" propaganda appears to be a tactic to convince the current land owners to sell.under their advertised asking price of $3.9 million for the 1500ac property called "Stone's Cove." Huntsville Times article: http://blog.al.com/huntsville-times-business/2012/06/dynetics_plans_for_test_facili.html

Surrounding land owners say hold it, not so fast. Stating concerns about Karst Terrain, and possible damage to the underground aquifer. Alabama Water program notice about Karst Terrain and the dangers of pollution. http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/faq/faq_results.php3?rowid=3711

All hands point to the Jackson County Flood Plain Map. County Commissioners inquired of the County Attorney John Porter, "can we make determinations concerning usage of proposed land located in a flood plain?" "Yes," was Mr. Porters reply. The commissioners agreed to place an item on Mondays agenda which will formally request a usage statement of the property which is located in a "Flood Plain." Daily Sentinel article: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_3403553e-c7c6-11e1-82b6-001a4bcf887a.html

Scottsboro City Council Member Gary Speers spoke of concerns about a historical cemetery on the property. It has been reported there are possible slave burials and early 19th century burials on the Stones Cove property. Topo map of Pinhook Cemetery  http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lon=-86.12&lat=34.7039

Scottsboro Elections, Early Qualifying

Early qualifiers for the upcoming City Election. Left to right, Bob Starkey for Mayor, incumbent for Mayor-Mayor Melton Potter, City Clerk Cathy O Shields looks on, Candidate for City Council Brent Miller, Council member Thermon Bell registered at 8AM. Daily Sentinel Article: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_d9b9d94a-c49b-11e1-b160-001a4bcf887a.html

Council Member Thermon Bell.

School Board Member Robert Ferrell was at City Hall for early qualifying. 

Mr. Brent Miller was present, Mr. Miller will face Mr. Bell. No other candidates have expressed an interest for this position at this time.

Ms. Carol McCrary candidate for Mayor

Mr. Bob Starkey candidate for Mayor.

Mayor Melton Potter, incumbent.

Campaign Finance reporting: Daily Sentinel- http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_c209a608-c564-11e1-beb9-0019bb2963f4.html 

Scottsboro City Council Meeting

(photo by G. Morgan)

Last evening was a work session of the Scottsboro City Council. Agenda items: 1) Discussion of Bid Opening for the Rec Com, new Soccer Fields and Softball Fields. The Bid Committee recommended that Goff Ventures of Pelham, Al. be awarded the bid, meeting all specifications for the mowing equipment listed. There were lower bidders who submitted a bid but they did not meet the bid specifications.

City Finance Director Rick Wheeler answers questions concerning the bid process regarding the Rec Com equipment bid for the new Bynum Sports Complex. (photo G. Morgan)

2) Resignation of Bressel Matthews from the Water, Sewer and Gas Board received effective on July 1, 2012. Interested parties should apply to the City Clerk by July 18, 2012. 3) Discussion concerning appointing the City Clerk as City Election Manager. 4) Discussion concerning purchase of election supplies from Election Systems Software of Birmingham, Al. 5) Eddie Blizzard discusses C&D cell landfill issues.

Reports: Qualifying begins at 8:30AM Tuesday morning.