Baldwin County Commission Regular Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Baldwin County Commission held a pre-meeting work session at 9:00 AM and a regular meeting at 10:00 AM on March 3, 2026, at the County Administration Building in Bay Minette. All four commissioners (Ball, McKenzie, Underwood, Gruber) were present. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, public comments on a proposed solar farm and a zoning referendum, a facilities assessment report, and an executive session on pending litigation.

Consent Calendar

• Adopted the minutes of the February 19, 2026, regular meeting.
• Approved payment of bills (635 invoices, total distribution of $3,153,989.87) and ratified interim payments (86 invoices, total distribution of $5,485,889.94) as allowed by Policy 8.1.
• Approved the consent agenda, which included 30+ items: annexation notifications from Daphne and Fairhope; support for the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery 2026 Memorial Day Event (providing BRATS transportation for $402.00 and event equipment for $2,662.50); appointment of Phillip Karagan to the Orange Beach Water, Sewer & Fire Protection Authority; use of interest from the Edeltraud “Judy” Jordan donation for half-priced adoptions and spay/neuter programs; submission of an Alabama Tourism Department grant for a Christmas Lights Drive Through Display; extension of tree removal bid with RDA Service Company; change order #1 ($5,659.50) for Central Annex renovations; allowance authorization #4 ($1,200.00) for mental health holding cells; certificate of substantial completion for Phase II Sheriff’s Office renovations; contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates ($400,000) for a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan; purchase of a 2026 Ford Escape ($31,235.50); rental of five copy machines from Sharp Electronics; enforcement agreements with the Town of Perdido Beach for building code and floodplain ordinance; letter of understanding with HiComp for data hosting; certificate of exception from garbage pick-up for John Sanders; road acceptances for South Bend Village Phase 2, Iron Horse Phase 1, and Autumn Lakes Phase 2; approval to advertise the CDBG-DR County Road 65 Extension project; reimbursable utility agreements with Riviera Utilities for the County Road 20 Extension (total estimated in-kind cost $405,003.80); speed limit changes on six roads; personnel actions (employment of William Wilson, Jennifer Cooley, Linda Addicks, and promotion of Joseph McFerrin); reappointments to Boards of Adjustment #1 and #2; and acceptance of notice of intent for Planning District 3 zoning referendum. The consent agenda also included addendum item GA1 (letter of support for Gulf Alabama Industrial Center Advantage Site application).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Work Session (9:00 AM): John Hillman, a resident of Perdido, expressed concern about the proposed solar project near Stockton and Jacobs Engineering’s involvement. He questioned Jacobs’ impartiality due to their ties to data centers and stated that even a 1% risk of failure in the Delta is too high. He asked how citizens could help protect the Delta. Commissioners responded that the County has limited authority on permitting, and any permit application would be reviewed by ADEM and the Corps of Engineers; Jacobs serves as a third set of eyes. Commissioner McKenzie encouraged continued citizen involvement. Commissioner Underwood recommended elevating concerns to state/federal agencies. Chairman Ball expressed confidence in the permitting process.
• Regular Meeting (10:00 AM) – on CS3: Three residents spoke in support of the zoning referendum for Planning District 3:
  • Susan Burger (Stockton) described the area’s historic character and requested zoning to retain the unique quality of life north of I-65.
  • John Murphy (Stockton) expressed concern about the environmental impact of the proposed solar farm, noting it would involve cutting 2,400 acres of trees and installing 700,000–900,000 solar panels, an area comparable to 4,000 football fields or slightly smaller than Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
  • Georgene Conner (Stockton) called Stockton the “front porch of Baldwin County” and thanked the commissioners for considering the referendum.

Discussion Items

• Facilities Assessment Report: Jessica Stonesifer, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, presented her initial 30-day assessment. She reported that different entities track inventory inconsistently, and a centralized inventory system is being refined. She plans to centralize project management, improve work order processing, implement preventive maintenance tracking (e.g., chillers, boilers), and develop a 5-year facilities master plan. She noted that the maintenance team is competent but lacks standardized processes. She has already initiated bi-monthly facility management meetings, a training program, and purchased specialized tools (e.g., flexible camera, anemometer). Commissioners thanked her for her leadership and quick progress, noting improved morale and the importance of proactive maintenance.

Key Outcomes

• The work session adjourned into executive session at 9:26 AM to discuss pending litigation and legal options (motion passed 4-0). The work session did not reconvene.
• The regular meeting began at 10:02 AM. Chairman Ball allowed public comments on CS3 before the regular agenda.
• All motions during the regular meeting passed unanimously (4-0).
• The consent agenda was approved as amended, including replacement item CS3 (boundary change) and addendum GA1 (letter of support for Gulf Alabama Industrial Center).
• Commissioner comments included updates on the National Association of Counties (NACO) legislative conference in Washington, D.C., where Baldwin County presented on Gulf States collaboration and RESTORE Act projects; appreciation for staff; and prayers for military personnel and first responders.
• The regular meeting adjourned at 10:21 AM.