Leah Ingram Eagle
Shelby Co Commission Jan. 13
County Engineer Randy Cole addresses the commission at the Jan. 13 meeting.
The topic of a proposed bridge over the Coosa River was addressed at the Shelby County Commission meeting on Jan. 13.
County Engineer Randy Cole sent out a press release last Monday, Jan. 6, in regards to misinformation and rumors that had been circulating about a potential toll bridge project over Lay Lake on the Coosa River System.
The developer, Tim James, had previously sent proposed concepts to Cole, who has had preliminary discussions with the developer's project engineers to obtain additional information and answers to questions regarding proposed routes, road improvements, upgrades to existing roads and other engineering issues of concern to the County.
“I haven't heard anything from them since before Christmas,” Cole said. “There has been no back and forth dialogue going on and I have nothing new to report.”
Prior to any decision being made, both Cole and the commission will evaluate whether the proposed project is beneficial for Shelby County and its residents. The public will also have the opportunity to provide their input during this review process and when the final concept is received, before the commission considers any proposed final project concept or the granting or denial of any licenses or approval for the project to move forward.
“Once the county has received sufficient information to review, the project materials will be released to the public,” the statement read. “At this time, such details and information are simply not available, and it is premature to provide anything as the developer continues to make changes to the proposed project. Currently the County Engineer has not been given sufficient information to provide to the Shelby County Commission to consider any possible action.”
One resident, Leon Hill, spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting and said he is against the bridge.
The proposed bridge is in Commissioner Kevin Morris’ district. He said he has been receiving his share of phone calls and emails and is keeping track of them. He also recently attended a public meeting put on by the community there.
“There was some press indicating that this project was a done deal,” Morris said. “A public process has not taken place, and if and when it does and we may not continue to go forward in that.”
Morris said that he gave a personal statement with his personal concerns, as he lives in that area.
“I am one of nine on this commission, and we will do the right thing for all constituents in my district, and hear their voice and concerns. As of now, nothing has been approved by Shelby County.”
The Talladega County Commission will have a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 13. Even if they are for the bridge, it can’t be built unless Shelby County is also for it since it will affect the roads in both counties.
“We are trying to clear up the public misconception- this is not a done deal,” Morris said. “Mr. James is still seeking a permit in Shelby County from us.”
During the County Manager’s Report, Alex Dudchock shared that the Chilton Shelby Mental Health Center has changed its name to Central Alabama Wellness.
Dudchock said that the center has made significant investments in the past fiscal year in children and adolescent services. Children & adolescents represented a 150% increase in clients served since FY18, going from 234 to 584. Individuals served went from 3,792 in 2018 to 4,374 in 2019, including 882 new people including adults, children and adolescents.
“By increasing services, it provides accessibility to behavioral health in our county,” Dudchock said.
One resolution was passed during the meeting, was the Lead Remediation Project at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office Training Center and Firing Range Complex for the removal of lead fragments from the three firing ranges at the county's training complex in Columbiana. The bid award was made to the lowest responsive bidder, Recoil, LLC at no cost to the county. Recoil, LLC will retain the lead value for the first 45,000 pounds with the value of the lead over 45,000 pounds to be split between the contractor and county.
The next Shelby County Commission meeting will be held Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. at the County Administration building in Columbiana.
