By DRUW GIAMALVA The Reporter
Marshall County Commission held its last meeting for July and discussed topics of engineering, Council on Aging, revenue commission, and appraisal.
Two speakers came forward with a problem about chert mining. Cathy Phillips and Kelly Cox spoke to the council about the chert mining operation.
Phillips and Cox spoke about the surrounding area of Murphy Hill Road, as a peaceful community that was being ruined by an alleged illegal chert mining operation. Phillips told the Commission about how the mining operation, which is located near the “Trail of Tears” and about a quarter of a mile from Lake Guntersville, was polluting land while also destroying eagles’ nests and other animals from their homes. She also explained that the operation was a disturbance to her and the neighborhood. Phillips also mentioned to the Commission that workers of the operation admitted that they were being used to mine chert. The site of the alleged operation had a suspicious deep pit with many dump trucks.
On July 17, the owner of the dig site land was fined for two charges, but they were not related to chert mining. An investigation report sent out claimed “No evidence of burning or improper solid waste disposal was observed. Construction or mining activities had not taken place at this site as of the inspection. Heavy equipment was not present onsite.” The Department of Labor also states that the operation is legal, as long as it is limited to five acres of land. Kelly and Cox have gathered over 100 signatures to petition against the alleged chert mining dig site.
Leigh Dollar, the Mayor of Guntersville, was satisfied with the commission’s meeting and the approvals that were made.
“I was very satisfied with today’s meeting. I am very pleased with the committee, as they passed the jail agreement that now the city of Guntersville will get to vote on that jail agreement. I think working together with them that we will accomplish great things together and the relationship will work for both sides,” Dollar said.
Approvals:
Engineering - Approve to award bid #58-23 for a used 2020 or newer Broce Broom for District 1
Approve Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Douglas PY2021 CBDG water and roadway improvements
Approve 36-month Xerox Contract with Visual Edge for 1 Alta Link Copier Model C8135; $172.00 month with Excess Rate .0066 for b/w copies and .045 for color copies
Commission - Approve 36-month Xerox Contract with Visual Edge for 1 Alta Link Copier Model C8155; $209.81 month with Excess Rate .0056 for b/w copies and .045 for color copies
Council on Aging - Approve 36-month Xerox Contract with Visual Edge for 1 Versa Link Copier Model B7135; $114.57 month with Excess Rate .0066 for b/w copies
Revenue Commissioner - Approve 36-Month Xerox Contract with Visual Edge for 1 Alta Link Copier Model C8145; $178.30 month with Excess Rate .0062 for b/w copies
Approve hosting agreement with Nitorco, Inc
Appraisal - Approve 36-month Xerox Contract with Visual Edge for 1 Alta Link Copier Model C8145; $178.30 month with Excess Rate .0062 for b/w copies
Approve extending board appointment application period for the North Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association Board; 2-year term from October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2026
Approve Direct Support FY2024 to Boaz Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6837; $1,000 General Fund fund balance
Sheriff - Approve FY25 annual support agreements to Southern Software, Inc; $34,246.00 will be included in Sheriff’s annual budget
Approve to enter into updated agreement with City of Guntersville regarding housing city inmates at $40 per day per inmate.
