Photo by Erin Nelson Starnes Media
Shelby County Commission 2/24
Marilyn Hartz, one of many residents of Shelby County, raises concerns about a proposed toll bridge during the Shelby County Commission meeting in Columbiana on Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. Photo by Erin Nelson
The commission chamber was once again standing room only during the Feb. 24 Shelby County Commission meeting.
11 residents that live near the proposed Coosa River Bridge spoke during public comment. When Commissioner Elwyn Bearden asked who was there in opposition to the bridge, everyone stood up.
Comments included that the bridge will affect all citizens, not just those around the bridge; that the developer isn’t publicizing the whole story; that the long term plan is to create a major trucking route through Shelby County; that the bridge would move the area backwards and have a negative impact on its future; this is not in the best interest of the people of Shelby County; and that it is going to hurt a lot of people more than it will help locally.
Stephen Dudley, who is on staff at the Coosa Riverkeeper said the proposed bridge impacts people who move to Lay Lake to enjoy peace and quiet.
“The bridge will bring sanitation, litter, traffic and disruption,” Dudley said.
During the meeting, a resolution was approved to purchase promotional items for the census.
County Manager Chad Scroggins stated that a census card will be mailed in mid-March and for the first time, it can be completed online.
County Engineer Randy Cole reported that the public involvement meeting held last week for the proposed bridge was extremely well attended and they are compiling the results.
“We are still receiving emails from folks,” Cole said. “We want you to have all the information you can as you formulate your decisions.”
Scroggins added that anyone who hasn’t filled out the form on the county’s website can do so up until the time the commission makes their vote on the bridge. Roughly over 1700 people have already responded to the online form, which can be found at https://www.shelbyal.com/civicalerts.aspx.
Restaurant retail liquor licenses for The Point Grill and Bar at Paradise Point in Columbiana, along with retail beer and retail table wine off premises licenses.
Shelby County CFO Cheryl Naugher gave a four month financial review for Fiscal Year 2020.
Scroggins gave an overview and visual presentation on the 280 Shelby County Services Center that is coming to U.S. 280 at Highway 41. The former Blackwatch Sports building is in the process of coming down and prequalifying contractor bids will be opened on March 3.1 Construction will begin once a contractor is chosen. The building is set to be completed by May 2021.
Fredricka Henne, John Wright and Ken Mobley were all approved to be appointed to the Shelby County Department of Human Resources Board.
The next commission meeting will be held Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m. at the Shelby County Administration Building in Columbiana.
