Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting – November 6, 2025

The Baldwin County Commission held a pre-meeting work session at 9:00 AM and a regular meeting at 10:00 AM on November 6, 2025, at the Baldwin County Administration Building in Bay Minette, Alabama. All four commissioners were present. The meeting included recognition of law enforcement for child rescue operations, approval of a consent agenda with modifications, public comments on child welfare, and adoption of a 30 Cubed roadway improvement agreement with the City of Robertsdale.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of Minutes (October 21, 2025 regular meeting): Approved 4-0.
• Payment of Bills (26-0125): Approved 4-0.
• Ratification of Interim Payments (26-0124): Approved 4-0.
• Consent Agenda (Items CA1–CA5, CC1, CE1–CE13, CJ1–CJ3, CK1, CN1, CO1–CO8, CO10, CP1, CQ1, CR1–CR7, GA1, GA2): Approved 4-0 after pulling Item CO9 (Mateja Road license agreement) and adding Addendum Items GA1 (Employment Contract for Legislative Delegation Clerk) and GA2 (Tax Abatement Acknowledgment for Segers Aero Corporation and Elpizo Corporation).

Presentations

• Recognition of Sheriff’s Office and Partner Agencies for Child Rescue – Sheriff Anthony Lowery highlighted two cases: (1) On September 28, 2025, K9 Deputy Artie (bloodhound) and Deputy Joseph Hughes located a missing 6-year-old autistic child on Old Robinson Road, saving the child’s life. (2) A 3-year-old girl was abducted from Orange Beach on September 22, 2025, taken to Mexico. Through coordination with federal agencies (HSI, FBI, US Marshals) and elected officials (Senator Chris Elliott, Senator Katie Britt, Representative Barry Moore), the child was recovered on October 4, 2025. The commission recognized multiple personnel and partners.
• Recognition of Mayor Robert A. Wills – Outgoing Mayor of Bay Minette was honored for 13 years of distinguished public service. Commissioners praised his contributions to the community and the county.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Armstrong (Vice President, General Galvez Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution) requested the Commission support installation of commemorative historical signage along Interstate 10 recognizing American Revolutionary War battle sites in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. The Commission directed County Engineer Frank Lundy to coordinate a letter of support and research funding.
• James Fuson, Yancey Burnett, Melissa Hera, Jessica Saxton, Cody Harrison, Kristen Bankster, Chantel Harrison – Multiple speakers expressed concerns about the Baldwin County Department of Human Resources (DHR) child welfare practices. Allegations included wrongful removal of children, lack of due process, placement in foster care rather than with relatives, and perverse financial incentives (Title IV-E funding). Attorney Yancey Burnett reported winning 85% of his DHR cases and returning nine children to families that week. Family advocate Melissa Hera described police assisting DHR without warrants. Civil rights advocate Jessica Saxton served the Commission with affidavits of criminal conspiracy against three judges, citing federal law. Cody Harrison read a public notice alleging state laws violate the U.S. Constitution. Kristen Bankster and Chantel Harrison shared personal stories of fighting to regain custody. County Administrator Roger Rendleman clarified that DHR is a state agency; the county provides office space but no funding. Commissioner Underwood advised speakers to contact state legislators for change.

Discussion Items

• Work Session – Item CO9 (Mateja Road License Agreement) – The item was pulled after public opposition from Josh Riggan, Karen Baker, and Charlie Riggan, who cited increased traffic, safety hazards for children, and potential for vehicles getting stuck in a wet bottom. County Engineer Frank Lundy explained the request was to remove a few trees from an unopened right-of-way for farm equipment access. Discussion revealed an existing gate and fence across the public right-of-way, which is illegal. The item was removed from the agenda and will be revisited at the November 18, 2025 meeting.
• Commissioner Request – Rails to Trails – Commissioner Underwood proposed exploring the L&N Railroad line (Foley to Bay Minette) for a “Rails to Trails” designation. County Engineer Lundy agreed to provide a map of available right-of-way sections. The Commission voted to have staff study feasibility.
• Senior Staff Report – National Walk and Roll to School Day – Jessica Mayo, MPO Transportation Planner, reported 13 participating schools in 2025 (up from 7 in 2022, an 86% increase), with an estimated 130 students per school. The event was held October 8, 2025. Commissioners thanked her and discussed encouraging schools to build in walkable neighborhoods.
• FO1 – 30 Cubed Program with City of Robertsdale – County Engineer Lundy presented the sixth project under the 30 Cubed program (30 million county, 30 million municipal funding by 2030). The project will add turn lanes and pedestrian crossing signals at Palmer Street (County Road 65) and Alabama Highway 104. Mayor Ruthie Campbell thanked the Commission for the partnership. The motion passed 4-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda Approved with modifications (CO9 removed, GA1 & GA2 added).
• FO1 (30 Cubed Agreement with Robertsdale) approved 4-0.
• CO9 (Mateja Road) deferred to November 18, 2025 meeting.
• Rails to Trails study authorized; staff to provide map and feasibility analysis.
• Historical signage support directed to County Engineer for coordination and funding search.
• Executive Session held during work session (9:36 AM) for real property discussions; not reconvened.
• Meeting adjourned at 11:37 AM.