Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting – February 19, 2026

The Baldwin County Commission held its regular meeting on February 19, 2026, at the Fairhope Satellite Courthouse, following a pre-meeting work session. The Commission approved a consent agenda, recognized Naval Air Station Whiting Field for national awards, honored a retiring employee, approved a property donation and a solar farm consulting contract, and conducted public hearings on three rezoning cases.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda as amended, removing the Town of Perdido Beach from Item CF1 (Building Inspection agreements). The agenda included routine approvals such as:
  • Adoption of the February 3, 2026, Regular Meeting minutes.
  • Payment of bills (792 invoices, distribution totaling $15,332,799.46) and ratification of interim payments (86 invoices, distribution totaling $5,474.83).
  • Administrative items: CA1 (Tour de L.A.D.R. bike ride), CA2–CA3 (alcohol licenses), CA4 (ceasing tobacco tax to Lower Alabama Search and Rescue), CA5 (ADECA notification).
  • Budget/Purchasing items: CE1–CE13 (including multiple bid awards, contract extensions, ARPA fund reallocation via Resolution #2026-050, and approval of engineering and construction contracts).
  • Building Inspection: CF1 agreements with Elberta and Magnolia Springs (Perdido Beach removed).
  • Communications: CG1–CG3 (data sublicense, interoperability agreements, voice services).
  • Council on Aging: CH1 (indigent burial/cremation contract).
  • Elected Officials: CI1 (Sheriff’s Office Homeland Security overtime agreement).
  • Grants: CN1 (rescinding previous ARPA reallocation and adopting Resolution #2026-057).
  • Highway: CO1 (road acceptance for Driftwood Lakes), CO2 (engineering fee for Baldwin Beach Express II design), CO3 (GOMESA grant for Perdido Bay Park), CO4 (advertising for Lillian Park lighting), CO5–CO6 (letters of support), CO7 (salvage of paint totes), CO8 (surplus equipment sale).
  • Personnel: CR1–CR6 (employment and promotions).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Work Session: No public comments.
• Regular Meeting Public Hearings:
  • ES1 – Bertolla Property Rezoning: The applicant requested withdrawal; no public testimony. Commission accepted the withdrawal.
  • ES2 – Hehman Property Rezoning:
    • Tracey Gambill (self) expressed concern about road paving responsibility, wetlands, consistency with the Future Land Use Guide, preservation of rural character, population growth, and sprawling development.
    • Nicolas Hehman (property owner) stated his plans for an office building and mixed-use development with personal storage, promising a beautiful project.
  • ES3 – Howard Property Rezoning:
    • Tracey Gambill (self) raised concerns about agency comments against approval, environmental conditions, higher density, and impacts to Alabama Beach Mouse habitat, suggesting review of the Future Land Use Guide.
    • Tammy Howard (applicant) explained she wanted to build a small additional structure for family use, noting her family’s long history on the property.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of NAS Whiting Field: Captain Ted Elkins accepted the 2026 Commander-in-Chief’s Installation Excellence Award and U.S. Navy’s Best Small Base Award. He noted Whiting Field is the world’s busiest aviation center, with over 1.1 million flight operations annually, providing 60% of primary flight training and 100% of helicopter training for the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Commissioners thanked him and highlighted the partnership, including sheriff’s training at the base.
• Retiree Recognition: Jeffrey Beck (Operator Technician III, Foley Highway Department) was recognized for 12 years of county service (28 years total public service). Commissioners thanked him for his hurricane response work and dedication.
• GA1 – Donation to Prodisee Pantry: Deann Servos, Executive Director, requested donation of approximately 4.5 acres of county-owned property in Stockton for a food distribution facility. She reported 1,500 family visits and 90 tons of food distributed in north Baldwin County in 2024, and 11,102 family visits countywide with over 1.4 million pounds of food. The facility would also offer legal, medical, dental, and veterans services. Commission approved the commitment to donate and authorized staff to prepare documents.
• GA2 – Solar Farm Consulting: Jay Dickson, Planning Director, explained that no applications for a solar farm in north Baldwin County have been received, but the county wanted to prepare. Scott Jernigan, Jacobs Engineering, described support services including environmental wetlands management, stormwater modeling, and best management practices review. The contract allows staff to engage Jacobs if needed. Commissioner Underwood clarified this is a proactive step to ensure regulations are met. Commission approved the scope of services.
• ES2 – Hehman Property Rezoning: Discussion centered on the property’s location near the Beach Express, surrounding high-intensity development, and the Future Land Use Map’s designation as conservation. Staff noted the map is being updated and is only a guide. The rezoning (RA to B1, least intense commercial) was approved 3-1 (Commissioner McKenzie dissenting).
• ES3 – Howard Property Rezoning: Discussion focused on the request to rezone from RSF2 to RSF3 to allow subdivision. Commissioners noted non-conforming lots in the area, potential wetlands, Alabama Beach Mouse habitat, and the risk of setting a precedent for higher density. The rezoning was denied unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved as amended (unanimous).
• Minutes of February 3, 2026, adopted (unanimous).
• Payment of bills and ratification of interim payments approved (unanimous).
• GA1 – Property donation to Prodisee Pantry approved (unanimous).
• GA2 – Solar farm consulting contract with Jacobs Engineering approved (unanimous).
• ES1 – Bertolla Property Rezoning withdrawal accepted (unanimous).
• ES2 – Hehman Property Rezoning approved (3-1, McKenzie nay).
• ES3 – Howard Property Rezoning denied (unanimous).
• All other items on the consent agenda were approved as listed.