Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting and Work Session - July 16, 2025

The Baldwin County Commission held a pre-meeting work session at 9:00 AM and a regular meeting at 10:00 AM on July 16, 2025, at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse. Commissioners present: James E. Ball, Matthew P. McKenzie, Billie Jo Underwood, and Charles F. Gruber. The regular meeting included adoption of minutes, consent agenda approval, presentations, public hearings on six zoning cases, and a public comment on stormwater flooding. A major item was approval of the 30 Cubed Program intergovernmental agreement with Spanish Fort for roadway improvements.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved unanimously (4-0) after corrections: Item CE11 background corrected to reference Baldwin County Board of Education (not Orange Beach), and Item CO7 replaced by removing George F. Young, Inc. from the standard on-call contract per vendor request.
• Key consent items included: Appointment of Dan W. Cummings to Ono Island Water, Sewer & Fire Protection Authority; award of multiple competitive bids (e.g., concrete crushing to Cross Environmental Services, paint striping materials to Crown USA/Ennis-Flint/Pittsburgh Paints/Potters Industries, finished road signs to Vulcan Signs, bottled water to Ladd Supply); lease of two storage units in Bay Minette ($1,560/year); lease of postage machines (Robertsdale $9,332.28/year, Bay Minette $12,218.52/year); change orders for drainage improvements (County Road 68: $27,657.87, Surfside Drive: $14,010.00, County Road 99 paved shoulders: $51,564.00); sales and use tax collection agreements with Baldwin County, Gulf Shores, and Orange Beach Boards of Education (effective Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2028); budget amendment Resolution #2025-145; coroner’s office communications agreement; termination of software agreements with Delta Computer Systems; C Spire business service agreement ($354/month for 36 months); sale of surplus equipment; vehicle transfer; equipment auction; right-of-way agreements for Gigapower cable installation; speed limit changes (Monk Rd to 35 MPH, County Road 3 lowered to 35 MPH, County Road 65 set at 45 MPH); employment of Caleb Hacker as Director of Parks and Recreation (salary $65,897/year); personnel changes; insurance renewal premiums totaling $1,774,697.94 (property, inland marine, auto, canine, drones); and amended subrecipient agreement for stream gauge monitoring.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Wiggins (property owner on County Road 181) described flooding of his property after two culverts were installed by the county. He asked for resolution before impending rains to avoid home flooding. Assistant County Engineer Mark Acreman explained that one culvert has been plugged and a drainage easement has been secured with a church to divert water to a detention pond; both culverts will be plugged once diversion is completed.

Presentations

• Retiree Recognition: Rhonda Wilson (Highway Department, Silverhill) was honored for 20 years of service. Commissioners and staff thanked her.
• Introduction of New Parks Director: Caleb Hacker was introduced as the new Director of Parks and Recreation. He expressed gratitude and excitement for the role.

Discussion Items

• Alabama Forestry Commission Presentation (Work Session): Forester Andy Reier reported that Baldwin County has 719,000 acres of forest land. In FY2025, the Commission responded to 40 wildfires burning ~1,000 acres, conducted 14 educational events reaching 842 citizens, burned 423 acres of prescribed fire, sprayed 178 acres of invasive species (mostly cogongrass), installed 105,600 feet of fire breaks, and managed invasive species control. Discussion included concerns about cogongrass spread, the need for balanced solutions regarding log truck axle weight limits to protect infrastructure while supporting forestry, and funding for updated equipment. Commissioners expressed support for forestry but emphasized protecting public infrastructure.
• Long-term Debt Management Plan: County Administrator Roger Rendleman reported that administration, budget, and finance departments met with Stifel Public Finance to develop a plan combining future facility and infrastructure improvements. A plan will be presented later.
• 30 Cubed Program – Spanish Fort Roadway Improvements (Item GA1): County Engineer Frank Lundy presented a $7.1 million project connecting Eastern Shore Boulevard to Old Highway 31 to improve safety and connectivity. The City of Spanish Fort will pay 50% of costs, the county 50% via the 30 Cubed Program. The project includes a roundabout, right-in/right-out at US 31, multi-use trails, and a potential BRATS transit hub. City of Spanish Fort Mayor Mike McMillan expressed support, noting the project has been in development for three years. Commissioners praised the partnership and approved the agreement unanimously (4-0), contingent on Spanish Fort City Council approval.
• Public Hearings:
  • ES1 & ES2 – Point Clear Golf Club (McLean Property Rezoning & PRD Conceptual Plan): Trey Jinright (Jade Consulting) presented a 548-acre planned residential development with 126 units, a golf course, wellness center, and trails. Density is 0.42 units/acre, with 233 acres of open space. Adjacent property owner Mike Saucier expressed strong support for the low-density, high-quality project. The commission approved both the rezoning (Resolution #2025-148) and PRD (Resolution #2025-153) unanimously (4-0).
  • ES3 – Wolf Creek Industries Rezoning (40 acres, RA to RSF-1): Planner Cory Rhodes noted the area has transitioned to residential use. Adjacent owner James Robbins expressed concerns about density, stormwater, and lack of specific plans. Planning Director Jay Dickson explained that subdivision regulations will address stormwater and traffic at a later phase. Applicant representative Aaron Collins showed preliminary plat with nine one-acre lots. Commission approved (4-0) (Resolution #2025-149). Commissioner Underwood commented on the challenge of zoning creep.
  • ES4 – Davis Property Rezoning (2 acres, RA to RSF-1): Richard Davis, agent for the applicant, explained the request is to allow two homes on an 87,000 sq ft lot adjacent to a family subdivision. Commissioner Underwood opposed, citing leapfrog/spot rezoning and opposition from neighboring property owners Clevertons. The motion to approve failed 2-2 (McKenzie and Gruber in favor; Ball and Underwood against).
  • ES5 – Wooley Property Rezoning (2 acres, RSF-E to B-1): Adjacent property owner Don Wheatley expressed concern about having a business in a residential area. Potential owner Chris Dean stated he plans to use the property as a lay-down yard for his lawn business and will refurbish the existing house. Commission approved unanimously (4-0) (Resolution #2025-151).
  • ES6 – Brantley Property Rezoning (0.98 acres, RSF-2 to B-2): Sean Odom (GMA Engineering) represented the applicant, who wants to build a lease building for his business. Commission approved unanimously (4-0) (Resolution #2025-152).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved (4-0) with corrections.
• 30 Cubed Program Agreement approved (4-0); Spanish Fort to maintain new road segments after completion.
• Public Hearings: Three rezoning cases approved (ES1, ES3, ES5, ES6); one PRD approved (ES2); one rezoning failed (ES4, tied vote 2-2).
• Retiree Recognition: Rhonda Wilson honored; Caleb Hacker introduced as Parks Director.
• Executive Session: The work session adjourned at 9:25 AM into executive session to discuss economic development negotiations (trade/commerce). The regular meeting proceeded at 10:01 AM and adjourned at 11:39 AM.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for the first week of August 2025.