Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting – May 20, 2025

The Baldwin County Commission held its regular meeting on May 20, 2025, at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse. The meeting began with a pre-meeting work session at 9:00 AM and the regular session at 10:00 AM, adjourning at 11:41 AM. Commissioners unanimously approved the consent agenda, adopted two proclamations, recognized employees of the quarter, and held public hearings on four zoning and ordinance matters. A major highlight was the introduction of the "30 Cubed" transportation partnership program and approval of the first project with the City of Gulf Shores.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval – Adopted the May 6, 2025, regular meeting minutes with a correction to the account number in Resolution #2025-110 (Item CE15). Vote: 4-0.
• Payment of Bills (BA1) – Approved as listed. Vote: 4-0.
• Ratification of Interim Payments (BA2) – Ratified payments approved by the Clerk/Treasurer and Chairman. Vote: 4-0.
• Consent Agenda – The following items were approved en bloc (including Addendum GA1):
  • CA1: Loan Agreement with Historic Blakeley Authority ($3,000,000 for park improvements).
  • CA2: Order granting license for Foster Family Cemetery in Stockton.
  • CE1: Award of resurfacing bid to Wiregrass Construction Co. ($2,397,850; 60 working days).
  • CE2: Change Order #1 for HVAC equipment at Foley Courthouse ($8,677; using ARPA funds).
  • CE3: Allowance Authorizations for new District Attorney building ($55,673).
  • CE4: Authorization to re-bid bituminous adhesive.
  • CE5: Certificate of Substantial Completion for protective partitions.
  • CE6: Change Order #1 ($155,331.50) and Allowance Authorization #1 ($21,795.74) for Sheriff’s Office HVAC.
  • CE7: Resolution #2025-121 amending FY2025 budget.
  • CE8: Resolution #2025-136 establishing Back to School Sales Tax Holiday (July 18-20, 2025).
  • CH1: Renewal of subscription with FinQuery, LLC ($48,850.92 for 36 months).
  • CJ1: Appointment of Al Thompson as temporary member to Board of Equalization (up to 45 days).
  • CJ2: Change order and budget amendment for Sheriff’s Office computer program ($28,365 total).
  • CJ3: Transfer of nine surplus Sheriff’s Office vehicles to be sold on GovDeals.com.
  • CM1: Renewal of Fiscal Agent Agreement with Hancock Whitney Bank (July 2, 2025 – July 1, 2028, with one renewal option).
  • CN1: Resolution #2025-120 approving Amendment #3 to Subrecipient Agreement with City of Loxley (ARPA water project).
  • CO1: Intergovernmental Service Agreement with City of Foley for intersection improvements at County Road 26 and S Hickory Street; authorization to bid.
  • CO2–CO5: License agreements with Gigapower, LLC for cable installation on Fell Road, Freedom Way, Totsch Lane, and Rose Road in Elberta.
  • CR1: Leave of absence for CIS employee #194283 (up to 3 months).
  • CR2: Employment of Donna Minchew as Custodian ($14.71/hr).
  • CR3: Employment of Archie Flowers as Engineering Technician I ($21.00/hr).
  • CR4: Promotion of Michael Szilagyi to Operator Technician II ($20.60/hr).
  • CR5: Employment of Thaxton Steadham as Traffic Control Technician II ($19.17/hr).
  • CR6: Reclassification of three positions and personnel changes in Probate Office, including lateral transfer and promotion.
  • CR7: Promotions of Nathan Henderson and Cullen Holobaugh to Real Property Appraiser I ($22.50/hr each).
  • CS1: Subrecipient Agreement with Dauphin Island Sea Lab/MBNEP for stream gauge monitoring (May 20, 2025 – April 30, 2026).
  • GA1: Resolution #2025-137 approving bonds of the Industrial Development Authority of Baldwin County (Novelis project; not to exceed $1.25 billion, initial issuance ~$400 million).

Presentations

• 30 Cubed County/Municipal Transportation Infrastructure Partnership Program – County Engineer Frank Lundy introduced the program, a locally funded partnership designating $30 million from the county to be matched by municipalities for capacity and connectivity projects, aiming for $60 million in projects under contract by 2030. The first project is an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Gulf Shores for improvements at County Road 6 and State Route 59 (adding turn lanes and a five-lane section). Gulf Shores will assume maintenance after completion. Mayor Robert Craft expressed strong support, calling it a joint solution for joint problems. Commissioners praised the program and the partnership. The commission then unanimously approved the Intergovernmental Roadway Construction Agreement with Gulf Shores. Vote: 4-0.
• Proclamation – Baldwin County BEach SAFE Week (May 19-26, 2025) – Commissioner Underwood read the proclamation. Brett Lesinger (Beach Safety Division Chief, Orange Beach Fire Rescue), Chief Mark Sealy (Gulf Shores Fire Rescue), and EMA Director Tom Tyler spoke about beach safety education and the importance of rip current awareness. Tyler recognized Jessica Waters for her work. Commissioners discussed the demonstration of a rescue and safety signage. Proclamation adopted unanimously. Vote: 4-0.
• Proclamation – Emergency Medical Services Week (May 18-24, 2025) – Commissioner Gruber read the proclamation. Brad Jernigan (Operations Manager, Medstar) thanked the commission and noted Medstar’s growth, including a new training center, telemedicine, and a third helicopter. Commissioners highlighted the importance of EMS and the value of additional helicopters. Proclamation adopted unanimously. Vote: 4-0.
• Employees of the Quarter – 1st Quarter 2025 – Personnel Director Deidra Hanak presented certificates to Michael Campbell (Engineering Technician II, Highway Department) and Timothy Butler (Operator IV, Highway Department). (A third recipient, John Harville of CIS, was unable to attend.) Commissioners thanked the employees for their service.

Public Hearings

• Case Z25-07 – Jim & Donna Enterprises LLC Property Rezoning – Applicant John Farley requested rezoning 44.25 acres from RA (Rural Agricultural) to RSF-2 (Residential Single Family) in Planning District 22 for future residential development. Staff recommended approval. The applicant presented arguments about conformity with future land use and preliminary traffic studies. Commissioner Underwood expressed concern about adding density in a rural area and the presence of wetlands. The motion to approve failed 1-3 (Gruber in favor; Ball, McKenzie, Underwood opposed).
• Case Z25-20 – Terrazas Property Rezoning – Applicant Arturo Terrazas requested rezoning 1 acre of his 9.7-acre property from RSF-1 to RR (Rural District) to operate a welding shop. Staff recommended denial, citing incompatibility with surrounding residential uses and future land use. Discussion included noise concerns and lack of buffer requirements. Commissioner Underwood noted similar issues in unzoned areas. The motion to deny passed 3-1 (McKenzie opposed; Ball, Underwood, Gruber in favor).
• Case Z25-22 – Curtis Property Rezoning – Applicant Scott Curtis requested rezoning 2.1 acres from RR to B-3 (General Business) for office/warehouse and drone business, arguing that nearby uses (dirt pits, RV park) are commercial. Staff recommended denial, noting compatibility issues. Commissioner Underwood stated that existing non-conforming uses should not be exacerbated and that the rezoning would be against planned growth. The motion to deny passed 3-1 (McKenzie opposed; Ball, Underwood, Gruber in favor).
• Case TA25-02 – Amendments to Baldwin County Zoning Ordinance – Planning Director Jay Dickson presented amendments for Planning District 26 (Point Clear area) allowing PRDs with a minimum of 250 contiguous acres and at least 50% open space (golf, equestrian, etc.), plus a correction to allow fitness centers/gyms in B-1 and B-2 districts under conditional use. A town hall meeting with Point Clear residents received positive feedback. Two public speakers (Heather Delapp and Veronica Bishop) asked about density, environmental studies, and documented community support. Dickson explained that the amendment only sets zoning rules, not specific development approvals, and that multiple public hearings had been held. The motion to adopt passed unanimously. Vote: 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda – Approved unanimously (4-0) with 36 items, including the addition of GA1 (IDA bonds).
• 30 Cubed Program First Project – Intergovernmental agreement with City of Gulf Shores for County Road 6/State Route 59 improvements approved unanimously (4-0).
• Proclamations – BEach SAFE Week and EMS Week adopted unanimously (4-0 each).
• Rezoning Denials – Z25-07 (Jim & Donna Enterprises) failed 1-3; Z25-20 (Terrazas) denied 3-1; Z25-22 (Curtis) denied 3-1.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments – TA25-02 adopted unanimously (4-0).
• No public comments or press questions were received.
• Commissioner Comments – Commissioners congratulated graduates, reminded the public of Memorial Day’s significance, and thanked staff.