Houston County Commission Meeeting

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
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Date: Dec 09 2019 10:32 AM

HOUSTON COUNTY:    10:00 AM    The Houston County Commission met this morning for their regular scheduled meeting. Chairman Mark Culver and all members of the conty commission were present to the meeting.

Chairman Mark Culver opened the meeting with an announcement the County Commissioners were in Auburn last week for the Alabama Asociaiton of County Commissioners Conference. Chairman Culver said he appreciated all being present for that meeting where they discussed the 2020 Alabama Legislature,

Chairman Culver said the Commission would be operating a little different since the Commission did not hold an Administrative Meeting this past Thursday. Chairman Culver said anyone wishing to address the commission were allowed to do so "before" the meeting was called to order.

George Trooter addressed the commission about a special recognition for Rehobeth High School and Mr. Greg Yance in the recognition of the BETA Students.

At 10:06 AM Chairman Mark Culver called the meeting to order. This means the official meeting minutes begin at this time.

The meeting opening prayer was led by Commissioner Ricky Herring. The Commission said the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

The miutes of the last commission meeting were approved.

Chairman Mark Culver wished everyone a very Merry Christmas. Chairman Culver said this will be the only meeting in December. Normally the meeting falls during Christmas and they normally do not hold the second meeting in December. Chairman Culver said remember the reason for the season, the Birth of Christ. The commission wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Chairman Culver welcomed Ms. Cynthia Pleasner, Director of the Library, who has been serving since June. Chairman Culver thanked the Library for the working partnership.

Chairman Culver said a lot of parties, Senior Citizen functions, encouraged everyone to enjoy this time of the year.

Chairman Culver encouraged everyone to shop locally.

Commissioner Sinquefield thanked everyone that made the employee appreciation dinner a success last week.

The Houston County Commission approved the publishing of the Financial Statement in the newspaper. This is required by law.

Approve a $ 5,000.00 appropriation for the Census 2020. The count will start in March 2020 to report to the Census. People this year can report through the phone. This will go through the summer. In 2010 Alabama had a 72% participation rate. Alabama could loose a House of Representative Seat so it is very iimportant everyone participate. A lot of funding for schools, grants, ALDOT is based on population. Each person in Alabama the state receives $ 1,600.00 for each person.

The census is nothing to be feared but something that helps our area and the state as a hold. The purpose of this MSA funding is to have someone in the community to encourage everyone to participate. Chairman Culver said a 74% count rate is not going to be adequate this time. We stand a chance to loose a Congressman and Chairman Culver said that would not be good for Alabama or our area.

Chairman Culver said all areas of the population needs to be counted. This is a big job and we need someone focused on this. This is a partnership with other counties and municipalities. Commissioner Shoupe made the motion and Commissioner Herring second. And the vote was unanimous.

Publication of 202 voter list to the bidder meeting specs. This is require dby law. Chairman Culver said until a law was passed to allow the advertisement on line.

Homeland Security Grants were approved. EMA Director Chris Judah said these are public safety pass through grants. These grants go to Dothan Police and Dothan Fire Department from Homeland Security. EMA Diretor Judah is in charge of the Homeland Security grants. Director Judah said hopefully there will be more for the Sheriff Department.

Approval of improvements $ 266,000.00 plus or minus for improvements to the sewer plant at the Industrial Center on State Line Road. The sewer treatment plant that has been in place for 20 years for the Industrial Plant at State Line Road and Alabama Welcome Center. Chairman Culver said a little over budget but the engineer recomended other imporvements. Chairman Culver said this is the first real update to this plant. 

Request from Wicksburg Volunteer Fire and EMS for work on the construction site where a new facility on Highway 84 West. Commissioner Shoupe made the motion and Commissioner Herring second. Commissioner Shoupe said this station will help to better serve the community. This approvement is site work only.

Request to place miscellaneous supplies and equipment from Proabte on Gov.deals.

Approve shared space at the City of Dothan - Houston County Communications District for Emergency Management to be in the building. There is a fixed amount and a varying amount. Commissioner Sinquefield made the motion and Commissioner Herring approved.

Houston County Engineer Barkley Kirkland said area of South Park and County Road 81 will be closed for pipe replacement.

Commissioner Sinquefield asked for a update on North Broadway in Cowarts. Engineer Kirkland said waiting on easements and permits.

Chairman Culver again said Merry Christmas. Also encourageed you to support The Salvation Army.

The meeting adjourned at 10:30 AM.

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