Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting – November 18, 2025

The Baldwin County Commission held its regular meeting on November 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Fairhope, following a pre-meeting work session at 9:00 AM. The meeting included the recognition of three outgoing mayors, presentations from AltaPointe Health and BRATS, five public hearings on rezoning cases, and public comments concerning traffic safety on Section Street. The Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda (including a resolution to intervene in Simplified Seller Use Tax litigation) and numerous routine items, and took votes on several rezoning requests.

Consent Calendar

• Annexation Notifications (CA1): Acknowledged annexations by the City of Loxley and Town of Summerdale.
• Alcohol License (CA2): Approved restaurant retail liquor license for Fresco of Bon Secour, contingent on health permit and business license.
• Christmas Parade (CA3): Approved route for Gateswood Volunteer Fire Department parade on December 6, 2025.
• Bid Awards & Extensions (CE1-CE9): Extended portable toilet rental with BCC Portable Solutions; awarded traffic signal repair to Bagby & Russell Electric; fiber optic maintenance to B&L Cable Construction; purchased a 2026 Toyota Highlander for Sheriff's Office; approved change orders for mental health holding cells and courthouse atrium; awarded Eastern Shore Trail Extension bid ($2,036,759.80) to McElhenney Construction; awarded voice managed services to Uniti Fiber; amended FY2026 budget; and approved revised appropriation agreement with Alabama Extension Service.
• CIS Contracts (CH1-CH4): Extended IBM iServer support contract with David Pimperl; approved GPS Insight vehicle tracking agreement; approved interoperability agreements with Orange Beach, Summerdale VFD, and Barnwell VFD; authorized sale of surplus equipment.
• Sheriff's Office (CJ1-CJ2): Approved submission of Equitable Sharing Agreement and transfer of six vehicles for sale.
• EMA (CK1-CK2): Approved FY2026 Emergency Management Performance Grant application ($1,148,404) and sale of video wall equipment.
• Highway Items (CO1-CO10): Approved drainage improvements on 5th Street in Lillian; accepted donated right-of-way for Sherman Road and Green Acres Road (Tracts 3-5); approved license agreement for Mateja Road tree removal; authorized advertisement for CR 68 pedestrian safety improvements; adopted resolution for ALDOT Transportation Alternatives Program project; authorized right-of-way acquisition for intersection safety improvements; and approved vehicle transfers.
• Personnel Changes (CR1-CR12): Approved employment, promotions, and leave of absence for various departments, including BRATS bus driver, highway department positions, and probate office staff.
• Addendum (GA1): Adopted Resolution #2026-026 authorizing the County to participate in a consolidated motion to intervene in opposition to the Simplified Seller Use Tax litigation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Section Street Speed Limit: Five residents (Troy Vickers, Dianne Dyar, John Scarborough, Michael Siembida, and Steve Cowles) spoke in support of reducing the speed limit on South Section Street (County Road 3) between Twin Beech Road and County Road 32 from 45 mph to 35 mph, citing increased traffic from new developments, road noise, safety concerns, and near-misses at the four-way stop at Battles Road. They also requested a flashing red light at that intersection. County Engineer Frank Lundy confirmed the department is studying the area and will address the signal separately as an immediate safety concern.

Discussion Items

• AltaPointe Health – Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Program: CEO Tuerk Schlesinger and Coordinator Krista Thronson presented the program's success, noting 3,635 interactions with participants, a reduction from 3,341 days in psychiatric hospitals/jail to 609 days post-enrollment, and a drop from 87 arrests to 23. The annual cost is $384,687. They requested continued funding after ARPA funds expire in December 2025. Commissioners discussed using opioid settlement funds, but staff noted restrictions requiring direct tie to opioid use. Chairman Ball asked County Administrator Roger Rendleman to investigate how other counties use opioid funds for mental health crisis centers.
• BRATS Transit Update: Director Ann Simpson reported FY2025 accomplishments: 80% fleet update, 19% increase in fuel efficiency, 18% increase in ridership after new software launch, and 356 trips scheduled that day. She highlighted the new software's efficiency and passenger testimonials. Goals for FY2026 include a feasibility study for a seasonal circulator in the south end and initiation of the Spanish Fort hub.
• Recognition of Outgoing Mayors: The Commission honored Michael M. McMillan (Spanish Fort, 13 years), Charles H. Murphy (Robertsdale, 33 years), and David P. Wilson (Summerdale, 33 years) with plaques and resolutions from the Baldwin County Legislative Delegation. Commissioners and Mayor Richard Teal of Loxley praised their service and partnerships.
• Public Hearings – Rezoning Cases:
  • ES1 (Roach): Unanimously approved (4-0) rezoning 1.08 acres from BCZ to RSF-2.
  • ES2 (Vaughan): Unanimously approved (4-0) rezoning 0.82 acres from RSF-1 to RSF-2.
  • ES3 (Innovative Building Solutions): Denied (3-1, Commissioner McKenzie dissenting) rezoning 1.97 acres from B-1 to B-3; Commissioner Underwood cited spot zoning concerns.
  • ES4 (Danley): Approved (3-1, Commissioner Underwood dissenting) rezoning 8.21 acres from RA to RSF-E for family division; Underwood expressed concern about spot zoning.
  • ES5 (Little): Unanimously approved (4-0) rezoning 18 acres from RA to RR for a boat dealership.

Key Outcomes

• Votes & Decisions:
  • Consent agenda approved unanimously (4-0), including GA1 (intervention in seller use tax litigation).
  • Rezoning cases: three approved, one denied (Innovative Building Solutions), one approved with dissent (Danley).
  • Approved payment of bills ($2,951,685.02) and ratification of interim payments ($1,933,958.36).
• Directives: County Administrator to contact other counties about using opioid funds for mental health crisis centers; County Engineer to continue traffic studies on Section Street and address safety signal immediately.
• Next Steps: Staff will return with recommendations on Section Street speed limit and traffic signal; AltaPointe funding request to be considered in budget amendment discussions; feasibility study for south-end seasonal circulator to be conducted.