OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting – September 17, 2024: Budget Adoption, Rezonings, and Immigration Resolution

County Commission — Tuesday, September 17, 2024
BodyBaldwin County, Alabama
SessionCounty Commission
DateTuesday, September 17, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:09:06

Transcript — Verbatim
0:05

Call this work session to order.

0:08

It's 8 32 a.m.

0:10

You ready?

0:10

Yep.

0:14

I've asked uh Commissioner McKenzie to lead us in the invocation, and Commissioner Gruber will lead us in the pledge.

0:19

Thank you.

0:20

Please bow with me.

0:21

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this day.

0:23

Lord, as the weather changes, I'm just so proud of the weather, how it's going.

0:27

I love the fall, and dear Heavenly Father, please watch over our first responders.

0:32

Dear Heavenly Father, please just as we make the decision today on county business.

0:37

Let us make the right decisions for the citizens.

0:39

In Jesus' name, amen.

0:40

Amen.

0:42

Please vote for the pledge.

0:48

To the Republic for which it stands.

0:50

One nation under God.

0:52

Indivisible with liberty justice for all.

0:56

Thank you.

0:59

Okay.

1:00

She said this is the work session, which has a little bit shorter agenda than the regular meeting.

1:07

So the first um item business is to set the consent agenda.

1:13

So we will start with the administration items.

1:17

We have three administration items on here.

1:20

Is there any questions or do I hear consent?

1:25

We got consent.

1:27

So what did we decide in on CA three?

1:30

It seems like it what did the commission or what did we decide, Roger?

1:34

Well, it's just the the it archives requested with this kind of the stress and trying to get things to fit in the fact get the things to fit in the budget that the extravaganza that we just didn't know how down to one day that we just not bother with it because they have to track down the lights for part of it.

1:49

They put some of the you know, then they have the extravaganza and then they take another day of more labor having to put the lights back up, and considering that uh uh the North Ballern chamber has their Christmas fest the weekend before or the weekend long thing, it's kind of like almost like a duplication of events.

2:05

So it just made kind of made sense that way we could uh uh have lights those three days, and there is one thing if it wasn't in this, but I did get requests consideration that you know that if we canceled the the event uh the extravagant if you guys go ahead and cancel the event if we could just uh add two days to it from the 20.

2:22

Right now we have it scheduled officially got approved at end of the 21st and added the 22nd, 23rd, which is I mean two days, yeah.

2:29

That's right before Christmas.

2:30

It kind of makes some sense.

2:31

I said I'd I'd bring that up if you want to.

2:33

Yeah, and that's the reason I was gonna ask you about because I got your email, you know, all of us did, and so I was kind of curious about the 20, you know, the 22nd, 23rd.

2:40

I mean, it's already set up, it's not like it's uh you know, it just adds those two nights.

2:43

You know, it because it used to be a month-long event, so it doesn't matter.

2:48

The set the setup and the takedown is exactly about the same amount of time, it's just that you know, instead of being a month long, we've cut it down some, and it is still adding the two days is still a lot shorter than it was uh in the previous years.

3:00

No, so I you know then again, you get closer to Christmas.

3:03

That's when typically typical people like to go out and look at lights and stuff like that.

3:06

So this is logic to add in the 22nd, 23rd, and especially if we cancel the extravaganza, we shouldn't have any problem covering that cost.

3:14

Okay, so do we want to um make a note that we're adding that to this item C A3?

3:20

Yes, ma'am.

3:20

That if you want to that okay with everybody, okay.

3:24

All right, we'll still leave all that on consent with that addition.

3:28

All right, the next set of items is the the ball and rule read the ball and regional area transit system, brats.

3:36

They have six items on there, and I believe we have Miss Ann Simpson in the house today.

3:40

If y'all have any questions, I don't see where we're getting two vans from Scambia County.

3:47

Yes, sir.

3:49

We've already received those and we submitted the invoice to be on camp order and paying on it.

3:57

They're reimbursing us 100% out of the money that is allocated all the it's called okay.

4:04

Good.

4:05

That's awesome.

4:06

Yeah, it's great.

4:07

All right, so consent on the the brats items.

4:11

Then we have budget and purchasing, and we have 10 items on budget and purchasing, and um, unless they've gotten the monitor fixed.

4:19

Um, I was told that we can see Ms.

4:21

Wanda, but she can't see us.

4:24

Is that correct?

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning█████████████████████████████29%
Procedural████████████████16%
Budget Equity Analysis█████████████13%
Transportation Safety██████████10%
Immigration Policy████████8%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Public Engagement███████7%
Public Safety██████6%
Environmental Protection█1%
Summary of Proceedings

Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting – September 17, 2024

The Baldwin County Commission held its regular meeting on September 17, 2024, at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, preceded by a work session at 8:30 AM and the regular meeting at 10:00 AM. All four commissioners were present. The meeting covered a lengthy consent agenda, seven public hearings on zoning and right-of-way vacations, adoption of the FY2024-2025 budget, a resolution expressing solidarity with Israel, and extensive discussion on immigration concerns. Commissioner Ball announced a forthcoming resolution requesting state assistance with the migrant influx.

Consent Calendar

  • CA3 – Christmas Extravaganza: Rescinded previous actions related to the Christmas Extravaganza and extended the Drive-thru Holiday Light Display at Baldwin County Bicentennial Park by adding December 22 and 23, 2024.
  • CD1-CD6 – BRATS: Approved extensions, grant awards, a vehicle transfer from Escambia County, and a pass-through agreement for transit projects.
  • CE1-CE10 – Budget/Purchasing: Awarded bids, approved change orders, and adopted a budget amendment for a generator at the Oak Street building.
  • CH1-CH3 – CIS: Approved management control agreements with the Emergency Communication District and Sheriff’s Office, and authorized sale of surplus equipment.
  • CJ1-CJ4 – Elected Officials: Extended MOU's with funeral homes, approved School Resource Officer MOUs with ten municipalities, and approved tri-party prisoner housing agreements with Bay Minette and Loxley.
  • CK1 – EMA: Approved a $17,000 salary supplement subaward for the Local Emergency Manager.
  • CL1 – Environmental Management: Approved a three-year contract with ADEM for right-of-way litter and scrap tire cleanup, providing $50,000 per year.
  • CM1 – Finance: Adopted Resolution #2024-161 for ACCA Self-Insurance Fund membership and longevity bonus.
  • CN1-CN5 – Grants: Allocated ARPA funds for publication expenses, approved an amendment for disaster recovery, extended a ventilation contract, and adopted the CDBG-DR Local Recovery Plan.
  • CO1-CO3 – Highway: Approved an on-call engineering contract, authorized resurfacing at a transfer station, and adopted revised policies 9.8 and 9.11.
  • CR1-CR12 – Personnel: Approved new position descriptions, hires, promotions, lateral transfers, and health/dental insurance rates for 2025.
  • CS1 – Planning & Zoning: Accepted the resignation of Jason Padgett and appointed Scott Shamburger to the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Work Session Public Comments:
    • Dennis Hutchison and Donald Fredrickson (residents of Geno Road, Gulf Shores) opposed a proposed development using Geno Road for access. They requested the Commission’s support and suggested an alternative access under a new bridge. Frank Lundy, County Engineer, clarified the development is inside Gulf Shores; the County’s only role could be to transfer Geno Road, but no official request had been received.
  • Public Hearings on Right-of-Way Vacations:
    • EO1 (Lincoln Street): Stephen Soto de Mayor, property owner, spoke in favor. Vacated unanimously.
    • EO2 (Alley from Turpin Lane to Haddow Avenue): No speakers. Vacated unanimously.
  • Public Hearings on Rezonings:
    • ES1 (Fincher Property, RSF-3 to RSF-4): Dwayne Smith (applicant) and Charlie Fincher (owner) spoke in favor; Ray Moore (resident) opposed citing density and traffic. Approved unanimously.
    • ES2 (Johnson Property, RSF-1 to RR): No speakers. Approved unanimously.
    • ES3 (Childress Property, RSF-3 to RSF-4): No speakers. Approved unanimously.
    • ES4/ES5 (Bailey Agriculture Rezoning and Sailor’s Landing PRD): Joe Rector (adjacent owner) requested a 40-foot buffer; both cases were approved with that condition. Chairman Underwood thanked the developer for improving the site plan.
    • ES6/ES7 (McCraney Rezoning and Bear Creek PRD): Dwayne Smith (applicant) presented; Allie Doyle (resident) opposed citing emergency access and drainage. The Commission added conditions for a cut-through road, usable open space, and a school bus stop coordination. The planning commission had recommended denial (6-2 for rezoning, 7-1 for PRD), but the Commission approved unanimously.
  • Regular Meeting Public Comments:
    • Ray Moore urged the Commission to improve communication with the Baldwin County Board of Education and questioned the appropriateness of adopting a resolution on Israel, saying the Commission should focus on county issues.

Discussion Items

  • FY2025 Budget Presentation: Budget Director Beth Hodges presented highlights: $20 million in road/bridge funds, $4.4 million for environmental protection, $1.4 million absorbed health insurance increase, 2.85% COLA for employees, 12 new positions for the Sheriff's Office (9 deputies). Total budget increased 7.1% to $250 million (excluding solid waste). Commissioners discussed public safety funding and the potential for a lodging tax in unincorporated areas, which would require legislative action.
  • Commissioner Ball’s Request on Migrants: Commissioner Ball requested a resolution to the Governor’s Office regarding “overwhelming migrant issue” in Baldwin County, citing impacts on quality of life.
  • Open Meetings Act Discussion: Chairman Underwood asked the County Attorney to review if commissioners’ attendance at quarterly Department Head Meetings (without deliberation) requires an advertised public meeting. Recent case law suggests it may not, but a final opinion was pending.
  • Press Questions: Erica Thomas (1819 News) asked about migrant impacts on schools and infrastructure. Commissioners expressed concern, stated they do not support housing refugees, noted infrastructure improvements as a top priority, and mentioned discussions with the new sheriff about the 287(g) program.
  • Resolution on Israel: Chairman Underwood read Resolution #2024-170 expressing solidarity with Israel, noting Alabama’s role in producing the Iron Dome system. Adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Budget Adoption: The FY2024-2025 budget was approved via Resolution #2024-158 and #2024-159. Appropriation agreements with 14 entities (e.g., Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance $440,000, Van Scoyoc Associates up to $114,000) were approved collectively. Resolution #2024-157 appropriated $10,000 from the Commission Discretionary Fund to the USS Alabama Battleship Commission.
  • Zoning and PRD Approvals: All seven public hearing items were approved unanimously, with specific conditions added for Sailor’s Landing (40-foot buffer) and Bear Creek (cut-through road, usable open space, school bus stop coordination).
  • Right-of-Way Vacations: Both Lincoln Street and the alley on Turpin Lane were vacated.
  • Personnel Actions: Approved numerous hires, promotions, and position descriptions effective no sooner than September 23, 2024.
  • Consent Agenda: Approved as modified, including the two additional days for the holiday light display.
  • Upcoming Resolution: Commissioner Ball stated a resolution addressing the migrant issue will be brought to the next Commission meeting.

Meeting Transcript

Call this work session to order. It's 8 32 a.m. You ready? Yep. I've asked uh Commissioner McKenzie to lead us in the invocation, and Commissioner Gruber will lead us in the pledge. Thank you. Please bow with me. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this day. Lord, as the weather changes, I'm just so proud of the weather, how it's going. I love the fall, and dear Heavenly Father, please watch over our first responders. Dear Heavenly Father, please just as we make the decision today on county business. Let us make the right decisions for the citizens. In Jesus' name, amen. Amen. Please vote for the pledge. To the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God. Indivisible with liberty justice for all. Thank you. Okay. She said this is the work session, which has a little bit shorter agenda than the regular meeting. So the first um item business is to set the consent agenda. So we will start with the administration items. We have three administration items on here. Is there any questions or do I hear consent? We got consent. So what did we decide in on CA three? It seems like it what did the commission or what did we decide, Roger? Well, it's just the the it archives requested with this kind of the stress and trying to get things to fit in the fact get the things to fit in the budget that the extravaganza that we just didn't know how down to one day that we just not bother with it because they have to track down the lights for part of it. They put some of the you know, then they have the extravaganza and then they take another day of more labor having to put the lights back up, and considering that uh uh the North Ballern chamber has their Christmas fest the weekend before or the weekend long thing, it's kind of like almost like a duplication of events. So it just made kind of made sense that way we could uh uh have lights those three days, and there is one thing if it wasn't in this, but I did get requests consideration that you know that if we canceled the the event uh the extravagant if you guys go ahead and cancel the event if we could just uh add two days to it from the 20. Right now we have it scheduled officially got approved at end of the 21st and added the 22nd, 23rd, which is I mean two days, yeah. That's right before Christmas. It kind of makes some sense. I said I'd I'd bring that up if you want to. Yeah, and that's the reason I was gonna ask you about because I got your email, you know, all of us did, and so I was kind of curious about the 20, you know, the 22nd, 23rd. I mean, it's already set up, it's not like it's uh you know, it just adds those two nights. You know, it because it used to be a month-long event, so it doesn't matter. The set the setup and the takedown is exactly about the same amount of time, it's just that you know, instead of being a month long, we've cut it down some, and it is still adding the two days is still a lot shorter than it was uh in the previous years. No, so I you know then again, you get closer to Christmas. That's when typically typical people like to go out and look at lights and stuff like that. So this is logic to add in the 22nd, 23rd, and especially if we cancel the extravaganza, we shouldn't have any problem covering that cost. Okay, so do we want to um make a note that we're adding that to this item C A3? Yes, ma'am. That if you want to that okay with everybody, okay. All right, we'll still leave all that on consent with that addition. All right, the next set of items is the the ball and rule read the ball and regional area transit system, brats. They have six items on there, and I believe we have Miss Ann Simpson in the house today. If y'all have any questions, I don't see where we're getting two vans from Scambia County. Yes, sir.

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