Baldwin County Commission Work Session – March 19, 2024

The Baldwin County Commission held a pre-meeting work session on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 8:43 a.m. in the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse. Commissioners reviewed and discussed items from the Regular meeting agenda, set the Consent Agenda, and received staff reports. The session concluded with a motion to enter executive session at 9:12 a.m. to discuss pending litigation.

Consent Calendar

• CA4 was removed from the agenda.
• CC1 (License Agreement with Historic Blakeley Authority) was amended: the term was changed from one to three years, and the staff recommendation was revised accordingly.
• CC3 (Request to meet with Town of Summerdale) was removed from the agenda.
• CE2 (Provision of Heavy Duty All Steel Trailer Tires): the company name in the staff recommendation was corrected to Southern Tire Mart, LLC.
• CE9 (Resolution #2024-072 – Additional Funding for Purchase of Vehicles) was replaced due to a revision that removed funding for the Reappraisal Department after a change in vehicle prices.
• CN1 (ARPA funds for Sherman Road drainage): the project number was corrected to HW22026.
• All other consent items (CA1–CA3, CB1, CC2, CD1–CD2, CE1, CE3–CE8, CH1, CN1, CO1–CO5, CR1–CR7, CS1) were set for approval without further discussion.

Discussion Items

• CC1 – License Agreement Term: Commissioner Ball proposed extending the license term from one to three years, stating it was not necessary to limit it to one year. The Commission agreed to amend the agreement accordingly.
• CO5 – Road Transfer to Foley: County Engineer Frank Lundy explained that Item CO5 authorizes the transfer of portions of certain roads to the City of Foley after annexation of both sides of the road, per state law. Commissioner Gruber asked for clarification; Mr. Lundy confirmed the general rule and noted exceptions for special agreements.
• CS1 – Letter of Intent for Fort Morgan Shoreline Erosion Study: Ashley Campbell (Natural Resources Planner) presented the item, noting the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) had worked for 2½ years to address shoreline erosion on the northern shore of Fort Morgan. The first $100,000 of the study would be federally funded; if the Corps of Engineers decides to proceed, the county would seek grants and partners. Brett Gaar (EAC Chairman) expressed support, highlighting risks to roads, property, endangered species, and Indian mounds. Clark Strong, a fifth-generation resident, testified that he spent $108,000 on a living shoreline that is already gone, and that 270 feet of depth has been lost on the bay side since 1954. He urged the study to determine the cause, suggesting the Intercoastal Waterway tie-in may be a factor. David Newell (USACE Coastal Program Manager) stated the Corps has not studied that area and that this notice of intent opens the door to a federal interest determination. He noted the potential for beneficial use of dredge material. Commissioner Ball and Commissioner Gruber voiced support, noting the visible erosion and the value of the project. The Commission received the information favorably; no vote was taken on the agenda item itself (it remains on the consent agenda for approval).
• FC1 – Bicentennial Park Update: Mike Bunn, Chairman of the Bicentennial Park Advisory Committee, provided an update. The committee is working to help the park reach its full potential as a heritage tourism, educational, and event facility. Phase one includes a self-guided driving tour (“Baldwin’s Beginnings”), telling stories of the colonial period to 1900s, including the story of enslaved people, Native American villages, early settlers, and the Mississippian period (tied to a proposed kayak launch). Phase one also includes permanent infrastructure improvements (stage, utilities) for public events. Phase two would add additional features from a wish list. Commissioner Underwood thanked Mr. Bunn for his volunteer service and the update.
• BRATS Driver Recognition: Ann Simpson, BRATS Director, announced that two bus drivers from the Bay Minette hub – Shannon Dumas (high-top van division) and Steve Huggins (bus division) – each won first place in their divisions at the ALDOT State Transit Driver Roadeo. The competition tests driving, customer service, ADA knowledge, and vehicle knowledge. As first-place winners, they earn a scholarship to the ALDOT National Transit Driver Roadeo in West Palm Beach, Florida in June. Ms. Simpson noted that the drivers are excellent ambassadors for BRATS and the county, and that recent hires have come from interactions with passengers on routes.

Key Outcomes

• The Commission set the Consent Agenda for the Regular meeting, with amendments: CA4 and CC3 removed, CC1 term changed to three years, CE2 company name corrected, CE9 replaced, and CN1 project number corrected.
• No other items were pulled for discussion.
• No commissioner requests or public comments were made during the work session.
• The Commission approved a motion (4–0) to adjourn the work session into executive session at 9:12 a.m. to discuss with their attorney the legal ramifications of pending or imminent litigation, per Code of Alabama §36-25A-7. The work session did not reconvene.