Baldwin County Commission Work Session Summary – May 22, 2024

The Baldwin County Commission held a work session on May 22, 2024, beginning at 8:31 a.m. and adjourning at 9:20 a.m. Commissioners reviewed agenda items for the upcoming regular meeting, discussed several substantive issues, and set the consent agenda.

Consent Calendar

• CA4 – Transfer of Megasite Property: Approved transfer of approximately 1,600 acres of the Megasite from the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (BCEDA) back to the county. Lee Lawson (BCEDA President/CEO) highlighted the successful $4.1 billion Novellus project and thanked the commission for their trust. He stated the transfer marked a “happy day” and a “great return” on the county’s investment.
• CE3 – Generator for Sheriff’s Training Facility: A bid for a new 30 kW diesel generator was on consent. Commissioners used this item to raise broader concerns about the lack of full-building generators at the Bay Minette Courthouse and Probate Office, citing recent power outages that disrupted court and services.
• CS1 – Planning & Zoning Board Appointment: Initially pulled for a separate vote due to a dispute over the nominee (Mr. Reed vs. Commissioner McKenzie’s preference for Bill Boer), the item was later returned to the consent agenda after Commissioner McKenzie requested it be added back.
• Other Consent Items: Included routine approvals such as payment of bills, fire tax proceeds, alcohol license, contracts for right-of-way appraisals, personnel changes, and a proclamation for Beach SAFE Week and EMS Week.

Discussion Items

• Generators for Critical Public Facilities: Commissioners expressed strong concern that the Bay Minette Courthouse and Probate Office lack generators capable of keeping operations running during outages. Commissioner Underwood called it “ridiculous” that the current courthouse generator only runs life-safety systems. County Administrator Roger Rendleman committed to hiring an electrical engineer to assess the courthouse’s existing generator and to begin the process of acquiring a generator for the Probate Office this budget year.
• Courthouse Long‑Term Planning: Chairman Underwood reported receiving a letter from Judge Stankoski requesting a meeting to discuss a long‑term solution for the crowded and aging Bay Minette Courthouse. Underwood advocated for developing a three‑ to five‑year plan for a new courthouse, possibly connected to the new jail, and inviting legislators to address the 175‑day limit on bench trials in satellite courthouses. Commissioner Ball cautioned about debt limits and urged a careful approach. Commissioner McKenzie argued that a new courthouse would take much longer and emphasized the need to proceed with ARPA‑funded sally port and atrium improvements as short‑term security measures. The commission agreed to schedule a meeting with judges, legislators, and other stakeholders to develop both short‑ and long‑term plans.
• Megasite Transfer Presentation: Lee Lawson reviewed the history of the Megasite: transferred to BCEDA in 2019 to access the Growing Alabama tax credit, leveraged over $13 million in private funds from Alabama Power, Regions Bank, and CSX, resulting in the Novellus project. He stated that 1,600 acres are being returned to the county, with additional improvements (rail spur, road projects) still to be completed. Commissioner McKenzie requested a map of the property.
• Storm Debris Cleanup: Terri Graham (CEO of Solid Waste Disposal Authority) reported that debris from recent storms was manageable; crews would pick up this Friday and possibly next weekend. She noted that residents can place service orders via the new website for excess storm debris beyond the usual four‑cubic‑yard limit.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was approved with the exception of CS1, which was briefly pulled but then restored to consent by Commissioner McKenzie’s request.
• County Administrator Rendleman will engage an electrical engineer to assess generator needs at the Bay Minette Courthouse and Probate Office.
• A meeting will be scheduled with judges, legislators, and other stakeholders to discuss the Bay Minette Courthouse’s long‑term future and the satellite courthouse day limits.
• The work session adjourned at 9:20 a.m. with the regular meeting to follow at 10:00 a.m.