Commission hears from resident, potential county coroner candidate
The Shelby County Commission had two individuals come by its April 24 meeting to speak during the public comment period.
Rob Thornton, a resident of the Mountain Crest Subdivision off of Alabama 119 near Caldwell Mill Road, came to ask the commission to intervene in a matter regarding the roads in his neighborhood.
The developer of the property left roads in the neighborhood incomplete, and those roads are deteriorating and causing safety and drainage issues, Thornton said. The road had been in limbo since the developer left, Thornton said, and in 2008 the developer got an extension from the county. In 2011, homeowners started the process of obtaining a legal judgment against the developer, and that was obtained in 2015.
“We have several concerns,” Thornton said, adding that minor falls have required children to get stitches due to the “gravely” nature of the road and potholes cause a road hazard for drivers.
“We understand this is not the county’s fault,” Thornton said. “It’s not our fault. We’re all the victims of a flaw in our state laws, that allows developers not to fulfill their obligations to homeowners.”
Homeowners have started raising money, Thornton said, and he asked the commission to help them complete the road. Commission Chair Jon Parker thanked Thornton for attending the meeting and noted that Mike Vest is chair of the roads and transportation committee, and that their neighborhood resided in Commissioner Lindsey Allison’s district.
David Warren also spoke to the commission, expressing interest in running for the county coroner position. Warren said he has worked as a court deputy for Shelby County, served for more than 20 years in the Montgomery Police Department, served on the city council when he lived in Tuscaloosa County and has pastored in his church.
As he was working to prepare to run for Shelby County Coroner in 2018, Warren said he learned Coroner Diana New made her resignation effective April 30. He has since created his resume, notified county officials he intends to run and submitted his resume to the appointment secretary of the governor’s office.
“I am interested in that position, and I intend fully to run for it,” Warren said.
During his report to the commission, County Manager Alex Dudchock said an easement was obtained for the cooperative district on Dunnavant Valley Road, across from Mt Laurel.
The commission also updated the county’s emergency operations plan. FEMA requires the county update its plan every two years, said Emergency Management Agency Director Hub Harvey. The emergency operations plan is an all-hazards plan for the county.
“If you think of it, we have to cover it within this,” Harvey said.
This year, the primary areas the county looked at were hazardous materials, ice and snow storms and wind storm management, Harvey said. After every major event the county faces, Harvey said they will sit down and plan updates to the plan.
“We try to do it in time, as we’re going throughout that 24-month period,” Harvey said.
The commission also:
Approved an alcohol license for Starz Karaoke Lounge.
Approved a resolution regarding excess funds in regard to property taxes. Property Tax Commissioner Don Armstrong told the commission the resolution is approved every year by the commission and is no different from previous years.
Approved a resolution for paving, in the amount of $2,470,500.18, to Dunn Construction Co., Inc., the lowest responsive bidder. “We got an excellent price this year,” said County Engineer Randy Cole.”
Approved a bid for correction apparel and accessories for the Sheriff’s Office.
Approved a resolution requesting the appointment of Laura McAnany and Kirk Mancer to the Region 4 Central Workforce Board. The board is for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act local area designation. During the March 13 meeting, the commission approved a resolution authorizing the execution of creation documents for the board.
Approved ALDOT contracts for resurfacing and other work on AL 25 from County road 61 to U.S. 280 and on U.S. 231 from U.S. 280 to the St. Clair County line.
Held a work session to discuss a list of ongoing and potential roads projects in the county.