Previous Jackson County License Inspector back in jail after failing drug test

The Saga Continues - Jackson County man back in jail after failing drug test - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

Jackson County's previous license inspector, Bradley Tyler Smith, Grandson of Commissioner Jack Smith, is back in jail after a failed drug test. Smith was terminated in January of this year after questions were raised by citizens and some on the commission concerning Smith's hire. Commission Chairperson Sadie Bias appointed him to the position of license inspector last year stating, "he deserved a second chance."

Previous articles about the license inspector issue: http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/license%20inspector

Daily Sentinel article on issue:  http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_ec0a81be-79e9-11e1-8440-0019bb2963f4.html  (For whatever reason the article will not form a link, cut and paste in browser to view article.)

Jackson County Commission & Scottsboro City Council Meeting

Jackson County Commission
New Business: 1) Appointment of a member to the Marshall Jackson County MRA Board was tabled. 2) 3 temporary hire employees for the County Park were approved. 3) 3 highway improvement projects were approved: a. Bellefonte entrance on Hwy 72; b. CR67 designated as a high risk road for improvement. c. Cty Rd 11 approved for 3.766 mi. between Hwy 72 & Hwy 35. 4) Surplus property declaration Pak-Mpr rear trash loader. 5. authorization to allow the county engineer to declare metaldumpsters surplus. 6. April 6th 2012, Good Friday declared a county holiday. 7) American Red Cross Month Proclamation signed for April 2012.

City Council Meeting
1) Shriners Road Block approved for April 1, 2012 . 2) 13 items approved for surplus property in the Stret Department. 3) Gail Moore was selected for the Industrial Development Board vacancy. 4) City Engineer Charles King was appointed to the Architectural Review board. 5) Vacancy on the Commercial Development Authority to finish term of Mr. Bob Cuthbertson which expires in March 2013. Applications must be submitted by Apr. 12, 2012 by 4:30PM to the City Clerk. Mr. Smith opened discussion concerning funding of the CDA. 6) Mayor Potter and Councilman Spears was appointed to a committee to provide feedback to the city council regarding the North Broad St. railroad crossing. 7) The city council meeting was continued until next Monday for the purpose of voting on the Board of Education appointment.

Scottsboro City Council Work Session Report

The big issue at Monday's City Council work session was a suggestion to close the rail road crossing at North Broad Street in Scottsboro. The Norfolk and Southern Rail Road had been in contact with the city and has requested that 2 crossings be closed.

Mr. King, City Engineer

Scottsboro City Engineer Charles King spoke about the issue. 2 rail road crossings were considered for closing. The Kyle Street crossing and the North Broad Street Crossing. Mr King suggested that only the North Broad Street crossing be closed. It was discussed Monday and last Monday night that the North Broad Street crossing is dangerous due to its track elevation and low approach to the track.

18 North Side residents were present at the work session to express their concerns and demonstrate unity. Mrs. Tiajuana Cotton, speaking in behalf of the Voters League, stated: "The people of the North Side Community feel we are being disenfranchised. There has been one death as a result of blocked rail road crossings. We are very concerned and appalled that any crossing would be closed."

Mrs.Tiajuana  Cotton, Voters League Spokesperson

Mrs. Cotton reminded the council about the several North Side Community residents whose homes were flooded in August 2010.  "The Maple Street flooding issue has not been resolved." Note figure 3-2 in the Flood Mitigation Plan Map, Scottsboro's 2004-2020 Plan at this link Strategic Plan - 2020 - City of Scottsboro, Alabama  Figure 3-2 does not include the Maple Street area as a flood zone. The red asterisks indicates the end of the FEMA flood consideration area at or before the rail road tracks. Maple Street is the street immediately above the rail road tracks. The area north of the middle red asterisk was the area which flooded pictured below.

Figure 3-2 Scottsboro's 2004 2020 Development Plan

 (reference flooding issue: http://blog.al.com/breaking/2010/08/drainage_problem_in_scottsboro.html and http://arklite.blogspot.com/2011/01/scottsboro-city-council-meeting-maple.html ) Mrs. Cotton continued, "what message are you sending to the community concerning north side residents?" Mrs Cotton closed with the sentiment that it seemed the city council had already decided on closing the rail road crossing.

City Council Member Gary Spears. Mr. Spears stated, "a final decission has not been made to close the crossing."

City Council Member Gary Spears spoke about the possibility of an under or overpass at one of the rail crossings, he also spoke about long waits at crossings.  City Attorney Steve Kennamer stated the issue of an underpass or overpass has been an issue that has been discussed for 40 years.

City Council Member Thermon Bell

City Council Member Carol McCrary

Council Members Bell and McCrary voiced their concern about the rail crossing issue. Both assured citizens there would be no immediate decision made and "we hear your concerns."

City Council President Matthew Hodges

Mr. Hodges stated that the council will need to consider these matters further at another work session to include considering community needs. He assured citizens that no decisions would be made until we look closely at the rail crossing situation.  Daily Sentinel article concerning the issue: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_42812886-72d8-11e1-9505-001871e3ce6c.html

Other Agenda Items: 1) Industrial Development Board position to be filled at Monday's council meeting. 2) Shriner's Roadblock event to collect charitable contributions to be placed on Monday's agenda; date April 1, 2012 8AM to 12PM. 3) Street Department excess property discussion, 13 items to be declared excess property. Sale of property proceeds to be utilized for the Street Department capital expense purchases. 4) Board of Education appointment will not be made next Monday.

Jackson County Election - Vote Tabulation Problems?

Election Results link from the Daily Sentinel: http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_c1348302-6d7f-11e1-b546-001871e3ce6c.html

Problems were encountered with the Unity electronic display. Seems there was an official that was not aware of how to work the equipment. Persons who regularly operated the equipment could not do so as they were running for office, a lack of training was evident. Another disturbing question - some persons appeared to have inside information concerning the voting boxes in outlying areas (Stevenson & Bridgeport) before they were posted, which raised questions of why and how did that come about?

Voting Results - reported to be absentee tabulations. Some members of the press seem to be given access to this data while others were not. There was considerable confusion.

Problems with equipment.

By 9PM it began to come together.

Dennis Miller wins the Democrat primary.

Ken Ferrell wins the Jackson County Circuit Court race. Now he can deal with the County Commission attempting to move the court records without his permission. Daily Sentinel article:

http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_dbb0a210-6ac3-11e1-abe2-0019bb2963f4.html

Scottsboro City Council Report

Monday was a regular city council meeting. 1) 3 vacancies on the Historic Preservation Board. Questions concerning eligibility for this board should be addressed to the City Clerk at 256-574-3100. Applications for the positions must be submitted to the city Clerk no later than 4:30PM March 30, 2012. 2) Alcoholic Beverage License hearing and license approvals for Busters Pub & Grill- 3509 S. Broad St. and The Bait and Tackle Grill at Goose Pond Colony; both licenses were approved pending required inspection approvals. 3) Budget amendment for police vehicle purchases, a. $72, 000 for patrol vehicles; b. approval received to use FTA funds, $55,382.00 for purchase of 2 SUV "command vehicles." Both requests were approved, old vehicles are to be sold on gov-deals to assist in financing the accessory equipment for the vehicles. See previous council work session entry: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2012/03/scottsboro-city-council-work-session.html  4) Cemetery Department budget amendment was approved for the purchase of 3 mowers totaling no more than $15,000.

Mayors Report: Ms. M.M. McKinnon has resigned from the Scottsboro School Board due to a move out of the area. Interested citizens to fill the position should contact the Scottsboro City Clerk no later than March 22, 2012 4:30PM. Mayor Potter also discussed the positive aspects of Bass Fishing Tournaments and Golf tournaments in the area. Goose Pond Colony Bass and Golf Tournament Schedules and Events may be found at: http://arklite.blogspot.com/2012/02/scottsboro-parks-and-recreation-board.html

Jackson County Commission Meeting

Monday March 12, 2012 was a regular meeting of the Jackson County Commission.

The big issue: The Jackson County Commission went into Executive Session to decide on postponing the decision concerning the TVA in-lieu-of-tax issue legal dispute between the Commission and the Legislative Delegation. Judge Little, Madison County, was the Circuit Court Judge which heard the issue before the court. Both Jackson County Circuit Court Judges recused themselves due to a conflict of interest. There was a decision reached in August 2011 but as of February 2012 a final legislative bill had not been finalized (see news articles below).

The current commission decided yesterday to allow the next seated commission to deal with the issue. It was also stated that it was doubtful the issue would be finalized during the current legislative session. Mr. Porter was authorized to approach the Court and Legislative Delegation concerning postponing any final decission until the next commission is seated. Judge Little will have to approve any actions.

Daily Sentinel articles-  August 1, 2011- "Commission delegation to sign agreement"  http://thedailysentinel.com/news/local/article_87c5492a-bc87-11e0-a505-001cc4c03286.html  and Aug 8, 2011- http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_ddfcdcc8-c1d6-11e0-afad-001cc4c002e0.html   Feb 2012- "TVA Bill yet to be crafted" http://thedailysentinel.com/news/article_03bd4476-51e1-11e1-b46d-0019bb2963f4.html

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

Commissioner Horrace Clemmons donated $3928.00 from his salary to move the Section, Alabama School Zone lights, item G on the agenda.

Commissioner Clemmons, District 4, has donated his entire salary for charitable and immediate needs within the county during his 4 year term as a county commissioner. Mr. Clemmons has stated he will serve 1 term and no more.