Commission denies toll bridge request
During Monday night’s meeting, the Shelby County Commission voted unanimously to deny a request from Tim James Inc. to construct and operate a toll bridge over the Coosa River.
The bridge has been a hot topic at the meetings as of late, and with this ruling, the project will not be permitted.
County Engineer Randy Cole said that he and his department are working to deliver all the services we normally do while taking precautions to socially distance themselves
“We are attempting to do business as usual and will continue to do that as long as we can,” Cole said. “If that changes will certainly be notified.”
County Manager Chad Scroggins added that the county offices are working hard to keep business operations going and noted the License Offices will close after business tomorrow for a two-week period.
“In conjunction with the Department of Revenue’s provisions, an extension on renewals will be given until April 15,” he said. “We will practice distancing and implement other procedural changes in these high volume traffic areas, taking precaution to protect our employees and the public.”
Scroggins also reported the census response so far was a little behind average at 23.3% but still higher than the state response rate of 20.9% There are mobile signs advertising it and those will be moved into some of census tracks that have lower response.
“We will put them in areas that try to encourage folks to respond online,” Scroggins said. “Everyone is distracted right now, but the census needs to go on. It can be filled out at 2020census.gov
Sheriff John Samaniego was in attendance at the meeting and said his team has been very proactive over the last week to 10 days. They area taking temperatures of every employee as they come to work and if they have a fever, they send them home and have them contact their physician.
The Commission approved a declaration of emergency conditions in Shelby County. This is in conjunction with those processes at the federal and state levels.
“This allows for the movement for process and goods and also any expenses incurred that are FEMA eligible can get reimbursed,” Scroggins said. “This is just part of the process of being able to do that.”
Other resolutions approved include:
- Terra Compact Wheel for Landfill Cleats for $34,9000
- Sheriff’s Office uniform uniforms to the lowest bidder, Municipal and Commercial uniforms
- award bid to Shelby Printing for printing of property tax items
- award bid to Ferguson Waterworks for approved water fittings and accessories
- award bid for HVAC and refrigeration equipment parts and supplies to the only responsive bidder, Johnstone Supplies
- a retail beer and wine license for Dollar General in Vandiver
- honor the month of April as fair housing month
- appoint Yonne Murray to the Shelby County Health Foundation effective May 1
Scroggins said this is an interesting time the county has a tremendous staff from top to bottom.
“Everyone is pitching in to do what needs to be done,” he said. “I am appreciative for every department for what they’ve done.”
The next commission meeting is scheduled for April 13 at 6 p.m.