2018 named bicentennial year for Shelby County
At its first meeting of the year, the Shelby County Commission took time to recognize 2018 as the year of Shelby County’s bicentennial.
The commission recognized the county’s 200th anniversary in a resolution at its Jan. 8 meeting. According to the resolution, Shelby County was established on Feb. 7, 1818, even before Alabama was established as the 22nd state in December 1819.
The county was named for Issac Shelby, a Revolutionary War hero and the first governor of Kentucky.
“Whereas, the Shelby County Commission recognizes 2018 as the Bicentennial year for the County as a unique opportunity to celebrate and uplift the County during this historic time,” the resolution read, adding that cities and communities within the county “are encouraged to acknowledge and celebrate the Bicentennial during 2018 to educate our residents and visitors on all our County has to offer and to promote lasting initiatives while celebrating our 200th year.”
The commission previously discussed the county’s bicentennial at its Dec. 27 meeting after Commissioner Lindsey Allison said someone brought the upcoming anniversary to her attention.
Also at the meeting, the county was recognized by the Sons of the American Revolution. Jim Price, representing the Sons of the American Revolution, presented the commission and Sheriff John Samaniego with certificates acknowledging the county’s proper display of the American flag.
The county has several installations that follow the guidelines for displaying the flag, including keeping it lit at night if it remains up throughout the night. Price presented certificates regarding the flag installations at the courthouse, sheriff’s office and license office.
Also at the meeting, the county approved two resolutions regarding right-of-way acquisitions. The two resolutions, one regarding the intersection at Shelby County 52 and 93 and the other regarding Shelby County 52, permitted the county engineer and attorney to take necessary actions regarding obtaining right of ways, said County Engineer Randy Cole.
The second resolution relates to right-of-way acquisition that is necessary for an upcoming project — the replacement of the existing bridge and the construction of a new bride over the Cahaba River on Shelby 52.
“It’s a very old bridge,” Cole said, after Commissioner Elwyn Bearden noted a new bridge was needed in that area.
Also at the meeting, the commission:
- Heard an update from water services manager Michael Cain, who said upgrades to the county’s SCADA system are underway. Cain said that some work has already been completed, and they’re looking to see what needs to happen and how to complete that with as little downtime as possible.
- Approved minutes from the Dec. 27 meeting.
- Approved bills, requisitions, check register, government funds and proprietary funds.