Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting – October 21, 2025

The Baldwin County Commission held its regular meeting on October 21, 2025, beginning with a pre-meeting work session at 9:00 AM and the regular session at 10:00 AM at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse. All four commissioners were present: James E. Ball (District 1), Matthew P. McKenzie (District 2, Chairman), Billie Jo Underwood (District 3), and Charles F. Gruber (District 4). The meeting included a consent agenda, three public hearings on rezoning requests, presentations, and commissioner comments. The meeting adjourned at 10:58 AM.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the consent agenda in a single motion (4-0), which included:
  • CA1: Alcohol license (30-day special retail) for Bottles Up Mobile Inc. d/b/a Medieval Village in Robertsdale, for November 5 – December 1, 2025.
  • CA2: Resolution #2026-010 adopting space allocations in the Foley Satellite Courthouse, repealing Resolution #2020-067.
  • CA3: Settlement agreement with Curtis A. Wescott regarding real property in Summerdale.
  • CE1: Change Order #1 ($100,687.00) for Baldwin County Resurfacing Projects 2025 Group #2 with Ammons & Blackmon Construction.
  • CE2: Award of bituminous materials bid to Wiregrass Construction and Advanced Asphalt Products.
  • CE3: Purchase of a 2025 Hyundai Elantra Limited for the Sheriff’s Office for $28,000 from Eastern Shore Hyundai.
  • CE4: Allowance Authorization #6 ($3,450.00) for outdoor atrium construction at Bay Minette Courthouse (from contingency).
  • CE5: Change Order #1 ($162,348.80) for River Road Drainage Improvements with Murphree Bridge Corporation.
  • CE6: Authorization to begin negotiations with Hydro, LLC for watershed modeling services.
  • CE7: Authorization to begin negotiations with 5020 Engineering Resource Group for low-impact development tool services.
  • CE8: Resolution #2026-012 amending FY 2025 budget.
  • CH1: Interoperability communications system agreements with Gulf Shores and Spanish Fort through October 21, 2028.
  • CJ1: Law enforcement services contract with Town of Magnolia Springs for October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.
  • CL1: Certificate of exception from garbage pickup for Bruce Armstead.
  • CL2: Approval/denial of low-income garbage fee exemptions: 4th quarter 2024 – approve 7, deny 5; 1st quarter 2025 – approve 9, deny 3; 2nd quarter 2025 – approve 18, deny 2; 3rd quarter 2025 – approve 7, deny 7.
  • CL3: Social Security garbage fee exemptions: 2nd quarter 2024 – approve 3, deny 2; 3rd quarter 2024 – approve 1, deny 1; 4th quarter 2024 – approve 208, deny 15; 1st quarter 2025 – approve 201, deny 45; 2nd quarter 2025 – approve 2, deny 3; 3rd quarter 2025 – approve 4, deny 0.
  • CM1: Resolution #2026-011 authorizing Chairman and Clerk/Treasurer to sign bank documents for FY 2026.
  • CN1: Alabama Department of Youth Services grant agreement for $353,735.00 (Juvenile Court) and service agreement with The Bridge Inc.; period October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026.
  • CN2: Confirmation of grant application ($85,000) for Coroner’s Office accreditation (submitted prior to approval due to deadlines).
  • CN3: Extension of professional services agreement with LaBella Associates for 60 days (Nov 4, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026) for Foley Courthouse ventilation improvements.
  • CN4: Reallocation of $95,465.30 in ARPA funds from County Road 65 paving to River Road drainage improvements (Resolution #2026-013).
  • CO1: Acceptance of 0.018 acres donated right-of-way on County Road 28; authorization to execute IRS Form 8283.
  • CO2: Acceptance of 0.025 acres donated right-of-way on Sherman Road; authorization to execute IRS Form 8283.
  • CO3: Resolution #2026-008 and funding agreement with ALDOT for intersection improvements at U.S. 98 and County Road 91.
  • CO4: Authorization to sell surplus equipment on GovDeals.com.
  • CO5: Transfers of vehicles and message boards between highway divisions at no cost.
  • CR1: Promotion of Ron Arneson to BRATS Training Coordinator (effective Nov 3, 2025).
  • CR2: Updated position description for Bridge/Project Manager.
  • CR3: Promotions and new hires in Highway Department (Silverhill) – multiple positions effective Oct 27 or Nov 3, 2025.
  • CR4: Employment of Daniel Pastrana as Traffic Control Technician II (effective Oct 27, 2025).
  • CR5: Reclassification and promotions at Juvenile Detention Center (effective Nov 3, 2025).
  • CR6: Promotion of James Swearingen to Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation (effective Nov 3, 2025).
  • CR7: Employment of Emily Kernells as Probate Court Administrator I (effective Oct 27, 2025).
  • CS1: Acceptance of resignation of Chuck Harris from Environmental Advisory Committee; appointment of Philip Jennings (District 2, term to Sept 3, 2027).
  • CS2: Resignation of Diane Burnett from Planning and Zoning Commission; appointments of George Watters (through Nov 17, 2026), Michael Fletcher (through Nov 17, 2029), and re-appointments of Brandon Bias, Reid Key, and David Gregory Seibert (each to four-year terms ending 2029).
• Item GA2 (Sheriff’s Office – Gulf Coast RC&D Council grant of $20,000 for TruNarc project) was removed from the consent agenda and voted separately. Motion passed 3-0 with Commissioner Underwood abstaining due to her membership on the RC&D Council.

Public Comments & Testimony

• ES1 – Temple Property Rezoning (Z25-42): No public comment registered; the applicant, Johnathen Temple, briefly requested the rezoning. No opposition.
• ES2 – Kramer Property Rezoning (Z25-43):
  • Jay Broughton (applicant’s representative) expressed support, stating planned lot sizes of 40,000–50,000 square feet, pedestrian paths, low-impact development, and shared driveways to minimize traffic.
  • Jacqueline Engelman opposed the rezoning, citing loss of wildlife habitat, historic structures, and increased pollution from traffic.
  • Nancy Harmen opposed, raising concerns about infrastructure strain, builder quality (one-star rating), school bus service, and safety at Wilson Road.
• ES3 – Schonemann Property Rezoning (Z25-44):
  • Chris Lieb (applicant’s engineer) stood ready to answer questions but did not elaborate.
  • Ronald Vontroba (adjacent property owner, Saddlebrook) requested clarification of RSF-1 vs. RSF-2 lot sizes and expressed concern about future subdivision access and safety.
• No other public comments were made during the public comment period (Section H).

Discussion Items

• Solid Waste Disposal Authority Update: Terri Graham, CEO, reported on operations: over 50,000 customers, 1,500 curbside recycling customers, 4,500 service orders monthly, and 7,600+ tons processed weekly. The Fairhope CHaRM opened in August (600 customers in September). The Magnolia CHaRM will open November 15, 2025 (America Recycles Day). The Orange Beach CHaRM received $1.5 million in GOMESA funds. Curbside recycling subscription rates were lower than expected (7% in Daphne pods vs. 30% goal). The waste-to-energy plant has sold 57,000 MMBTUs of natural gas since February. Unauthorized dump remediation resulted in 53 identified sites, 44 violation letters, and 22 cleanups. Commissioners expressed appreciation and suggested improved social media outreach.
• ALDOT Intersection Improvements Presentation: Assistant County Engineer Mark Acreman presented a funding agreement for a new traffic signal at U.S. 98 and County Road 91, a $2.5 million project split 50-50 with ALDOT, including left-turn and right-turn lanes. Design is 80% complete. Commissioner Gruber noted his direct work with ALDOT Director Cooper to secure approval. Commissioners thanked all involved.
• Retiree Recognition: Forrest Overstreet (Landscape Technician I, Parks and Recreation) was recognized for 25 years of service. Director Caleb Hacker and commissioners commended his loyalty and dedication.
• Commissioner Comments:
  • Commissioner Gruber thanked Chairman McKenzie for his leadership, and noted a proclamation for Cancer Awareness Month dedicated to the Blevins family; also reported the first Southwest Alabama ACCA district meeting in Bay Minette with over 50 attendees.
  • Commissioner Underwood thanked staff, emphasized property rights and the updated subdivision regulations, and expressed pride in the commission’s direction.
  • Commissioner Ball thanked McKenzie and highlighted the importance of conservative leadership, fair rules, and stewardship; he encouraged direct communication over social media criticism.
  • Chairman McKenzie thanked staff for their help and closed with a motion to adjourn.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 4-0, with GA2 voted separately (3-0, Underwood abstaining).
• Minutes of October 7, 2025: Approved 4-0.
• Payment of Bills (BA1): Approved 4-0.
• Ratification of Interim Payments (BA2): Approved 4-0.
• Public Hearings:
  • Temple Property Rezoning (Z25-42): Resolution #2026-001 adopted 4-0 to rezone 3.77 acres from M-1 to RR.
  • Kramer Property Rezoning (Z25-43): Resolution #2026-002 adopted 4-0 to rezone 18.44 acres from RA to RSF-1.
  • Schonemann Property Rezoning (Z25-44): Resolution #2026-003 adopted 4-0 to rezone 30 acres from BCZ to RSF-1.
• Adjournment: Motion carried at 10:58 AM.