Commission approves ALDOT contracts

by

The Shelby County Commission approved multiple contracts for Alabama Department of Transportation projects at its March 28 meeting.

The contracts included resurfacing on County Road 99 from State Road 145 to County Road 47 in Columbiana, resurfacing on County Road 30 from State Road 25 to Country Road 145 in Columbiana and a bridge replacement and widening on State Road 53 in Vincent.

"They're chomping at the proverbial bit," said County Engineer Randy Cole about the resurfacing projects. "They want to get started."

All three contracts were unanimously approved by the commission.

At the end of the meeting, Commissioner Corley Ellis commended Lt. Clay Hammac, commander of the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force, for his efforts to make kratom illegal. Kratom is an all-natural supplement that is marketed as an energy supplement, Ellis said, and has been shown to have negative and addictive qualities.

Ellis went to Montgomery when Hammac was presenting against the drug, he said, and he encouraged other commissioners to learn more about kratom.

Also at the commission meeting:

  • Members of the Helena Library Foundation spoke about their efforts to expand the city's library and improve its resources. Commission Chair Rick Shepherd encouraged them to speak with Chad Scroggins, Shelby County Chief Development Officer, for help.
  • The commission awarded a bid for replacement windows at the courthouse. The bid of $119,649 was awarded to Douglas Built LLC.
  • The commission approved an alcohol beverage license to Cigars and More, located on U.S. 280 near Inverness Parkway.
  • The commission approved for Commissioner Lindsey Allison's term on the Shelby County Community Corrections Corporation Board begin on April 1 rather than May 1.
  • Cole discussed a joint effort between Shelby County and Jefferson County for work on Caldwell Mill Road. There will be a public involvement meeting on Tuesday, April 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Altadena Valley Presbyterian Church.