Marla Jones, Managing Editor
FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- (Full video on Southern Torch Facebook) The DeKalb County Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting on April 12.
District II Commissioner, Terry Harris along with Commission President, Ricky Harcrow presented plaques to members of Mr. Don Brown’s Boy Scout Troop, in recognition of those who obtained the rank of Eagle Scott.
“Don has changed a lot of young men's lives over the years. I didn't know he had that many Eagle Scouts. He has had over one hundred Eagle Scouts. I'm not sure how many other Scout Masters that can say that,” stated Commissioner Terry Harris.
Those who were recognized with a plaque by the Commission were: Brice Mays, Cameron Haney, Hunter Sisk, Levi Doty, Parker Higgins, not present was Cole Garrett.
Commission President Ricky Harcrow also took the time to express appreciation to Don Brown.
“I doubt there is a Scout Master in the State of Alabama, or anywhere else for that matter, that has been as successful in these kinds of programs, as Don Brown has. Mr. Brown, we want to thank you for being such a contribution to our County and to the lives, as Mr. Harris has said, of so many,” stated Harcrow. “Whoever comes along to take your place will never fill your shoes. They may be in the same position but they can never fill your shoes.”
DeKalb County Road Superintendent Tom Broyles gave the commission an update on County Road 835 (Old Highway 35).
“We are still working on CR 835 project. Even with all the rain we have had, we still continue making pretty good progress on that. We are actually starting building the drainage plain” stated Broyles. “It's gonna take a while to do it…once that part is completed, the rest should of it fall together a lot quicker than what it has been. I’m not going to try to set any kind of timeline on it because they are just many things beyond our control” concluded, Broyles.
Broyles also updated the Commission on the Spring Auction of Road Department vehicles. According to Broyles, the sale was good and with the proceeds, he felt the department should update their wheel loaders. He stated that the loaders could be purchased through Sourcewell without the need for a lengthy bid process.
The Commission approved the purchase of three loaders. One would have a forklift accessory, at the price of $231,411. The other two would be $221,749 a piece.
DeKalb County Engineer, Ben Luther asked the Commission to make a Bridge Emergency Declaration for CR 24. The current bridge was built in the early 1960s. There are drainage issues that are deteriorating the masonry back wall. The Commission made the Emergency Declaration.
Luther also stated that Right of Way acquisitions was underway for CR 835. A parcel of over an acre was being donated to the County and a .75 parcel would be purchased for $260.
Luther advised that one pipe liner proposal from Lambert was received for CR 52 and CR 89, in the amount of $41,380.
Luther requested that an insurance claim, for a busted wheel and tire, be forwarded to the insurance carrier.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden requested that Danielle Hampton be hired as a full-time dispatch.
Candace Bearden, Devin Harris, Taylor McBrayer, and William Blosson were hired as jail personnel.
In other business:
- Vicky Knight was hired as Senior Center Manager at Fyffe
- Continued Education was approved for Leslie Ledbetter, of the DeKalb County Animal Shelter, for August
- Chip Kerby will replace James Coker, who was able to fulfill his term on the DeKalb County Economic Development Board
- A new sales tax software was approved for purchase in the amount of $65,000.
The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on May 10.
