By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission met in regular session (with minimal attendance due to COVID-19 Social Distancing Restrictions) on Tuesday, December 8, 2020. 

Due to the absence of Road Superintendent Tom Broyles, an update was postponed until the next meeting.

DeKalb County Engineer, Ben Luther brought up the following for approval: 

• CR 218 Speed Limit Resolution: Posting a 25-mph speed limit on CR 218 due to citizen concerns.
• Road Maintenance Acceptance Shankles Ridge Phase 3: Andy and Deborah Shankles asked the County to accept and take over maintenance of the road leading into Shankles Ridge Subdivision (off CR 505). Mr. Luther stated that all requirements have been met concerning this project.
• Damage claim on CR167: Mr. Luther presented a damage claim from Jessica Aiken claiming tar and clay damage to her vehicle while traveling on CR 167. Mr. Luther made a recommendation to the Commission to forward the claim to the County’s insurance carrier.
• CR 386 Bridge Project: Mr. Luther presented an agreement for a bridge replacement project on CR 386 over Cross Creek and requested the Commission’s authorization for Mr. Harcrow and Mr. Sharp to sign and execute the construction agreement.

David Smith of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office asked for the commission’s approval to hire Dawson Bobo to replace Mickey Bowen and to promote Lee Meadows to Executive Assistant (all budget neutral).

Smith discussed the future jail expansion and the need to hire an architectural firm.  President Harcrow stated that in a special work session on Monday he, Sheriff Welden, and Chief Deputy Smith along with all Commissioners and other jail personnel met with GNC Architects to discuss the jail expansion project and that everyone present was in unanimous agreement with GNC’s recommendations for the project. Mr. Harcrow asked the commission to grant Chief Deputy Smith’s request to hire GNC Architect for the expansion project of the jail.

On behalf of Tyler Wilks, President Harcrow made the recommendation to hire Christina Cordova, (TAA) to replace Meny Miraselvas (PT/RC). Miraselvas replaced Joyce Buttram in the Revenue Commission Office. 

President Harcrow presented an Agency Agreement and Resolution from the Secretary of State’s Office required to be signed and passed by the Commission. The Agreement is required under the federal National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) as well as a corresponding state law that mandates every four years (after a Presidential election) a mailing to voters to see what voters need to be removed from the voter rolls for reasons set forth in the NVRA). The Secretary of State’s Office has served as the agent to every county to accomplish the required mailing to voters and it works out the payment of the mailer production and mailing costs so the county is not burdened by these expenses.

President Harcrow addressed the audience and asked that the Commission pass a one-time Special Payroll for county employees. The special payroll would pay $300.00 to full-time employees and $150.00 to qualified part-time employees.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2020.