Commission approves invoice to Forever Wild Land Trust, more
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By Christa Jennings
Senior staff reporter
During this month’s meeting, the County Commission unanimously approved eight action agenda items for standard business and more.
Among those items, the Commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding and invoice between the County Commission and the Forever Wild Land Trust. That was for an annual payment of funds to the county totaling $18,160.
The total reflects payment of $1.60 per acre for property owned in Coosa County by the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust, as annually assessed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ State Lands Division. This is done annually with the Commission sending the invoice to Alabama Forever Wild.
The Commission also unanimously approved bidding out for a pneumatic dry bulk tanker for the Highway Department, with it being paid out of the road and bridge fund once a bid is approved. It was reported that the tanker would save the county about $96,000 and would ultimately allow the Highway Department to do more roadwork for less money.
In other business, the Commission unanimously approved a lawn care maintenance bid for the Department of Human Resources and Board of Education property. With eight lawn care bids received, the lowest bid was awarded to Lewis Lawn Service for $3,500, which is paid back by the state.
The Commission also approved AltaPointe Health’s recommendations to appoint Paige Adams and Mae Dunham to AltaPointe’s Board of Directors.
In the recommendation letter for Adams, AltaPointe mentioned her being a resident of Coosa County for more than 30 years and bringing more than two decades of experience working in the circuit clerk’s office, as well as her playing a vital role on the Coosa County Children’s Policy Council.
“She is a passionate advocate for the citizens of Coosa County and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to behavioral health and substance use services in our community,” the letter reads. “We are confident that her insight, experience and dedication will make her a valuable asset to our Board of Directors.”
Dunham’s recommendation letter mentioned her being a lifetime resident of the county and working for the County Commission for more than 11 years, as well as being an active member of Kellyton Church of God and being deeply involved in both church and local community initiatives.
“Mrs. Dunham is a passionate advocate for the people of Coosa County and has consistently supported efforts to expand and improve access to behavioral health and substance use services,” the letter reads. “We believe her experience, dedication and strong community ties will make her a valuable addition to our Board of Directors.”
The Commission also unanimously approved four agenda items pertaining to the Sheriff’s Office, including two grant applications.
Sheriff Michael Howell was approved to sign up for the Community Traffic Safety Program grant and to apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance grant for $50,000. There is no required match for either grant.
Additionally, Howell requested that the Commission remove a Hummer from the Sheriff’s Office inventory and donate it to the Marble Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
Howell explained that his office seldom uses the vehicle and that Marble Valley Fire Chief Lester Duke had expressed an interest in it. As such, the Commission unanimously approved the request to donate the Hummer to Marble Valley VFD.
Additionally, the Commission approved removing a 9mm pistol from inventory to be presented to Butch Buttram at his retirement on October 31.
In other business, the Commission also heard from Assistant EMA Director Les Sellers with an update on the hazard mitigation plan, with Sellers explaining that it is currently under review by the state.
In staff reports, EMS Director Hollie Osbourn reported that the Coosa County EMS had 70 calls in September and made 44 transports.
Chair Lamar Daugherty asked her about paying for service calls and the possibility of charging for those. Osbourn said that she would check into it.
The Commission was recessed until noon to conduct interviews and then recessed again until Friday, October 17, as reported in last week’s edition.
The next regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Coosa County Commission will be held at 9 a.m. November 12, because of the regular meeting date falling on Veterans Day.
For an audio recording of the full Commission meeting, click here.
