Staff Reports
The DeKalb County Commission approved a request to amend a Memorandum of Understanding with a local industry regarding the number of new jobs its required to bring to the county.
DeKalb County Economic Development Authority Executive Director Dr. Brett Johnson told commission members the original MOU with Valley Joist came in 2019, when the City of Fort Payne, the Fort Payne Industrial Board, the DeKalb County Commission, and the State of Alabama agreed to tax abatements and incentives for the company. As part of the agreement, he said, the company had a specified time to add 50 new jobs.
“Over that time they’ve created a significant number of jobs,” he said, but have been faced with attrition at the same time.
“It was not quite 50, but its not zero, and certainly not in the negative,” Johnson said, “which is a good thing for DeKalb County.” He said the company sought removal of the job number requirement, while it would retain the tax abatements. At last
count, he said, the company’s employment was up by 29 jobs.
Vice President Shane Wootten said the commission appreciated the people hired by Valley Joist, and recent capital improvements made there. He said the company offers wages of around $35 and hour – “a really good wage for DeKalb County.”
The commission approved the recommended change in the MOU.
Commissioners voted to award the low bid for annual road surface treatment work through the Rebuild Alabama program to Charles Watts. The bid totaled $2,058,640, and is down about 4% on double treatment and 6% on single treatment. County Engineer Ben Luther said that was unexpected, but he was glad to see it.
Approval was given to surplus a county drone and replace it with a new one. The drone has more than 7,000 hours flying time and has covered roughly 336 miles, putting it in the “high-use” category. The county has two licensed drone pilots and two drones, which have thermal capabilities and have been used for search and rescue missions, missing persons cases, people on the run from law enforcement, and for “overwatch” at big events like Boom Days, where they can help law enforcement to maintain perimeter security.
The commission gave Robert Keef, of R and J Keef Properties a permit for a major subdivision development off County Road 180. The plans submitted are in compliance for the development, with Phase 1 involving eight lots, about 600 feet of new road and a temporary cul-de-sac for future development.
The road department had requested bids and received on for the sale of four 2024 Trail Boss Silverado pickups, but on the recommendation of County Administrator Matt Sharp and the sheriff’s office, the truck instead will go to the sheriff’s office and some older, higher milage vehicles will be surplused.
In other action the commission approved:
Moving one road department employee from District 1 to the yard, and moving the tire man, Dick Harbin, to replace him, then moving Luke Jones from mechanic to tire man, and hiring Kevin Spurlock as a mechanic, and to back up Jones on tires.
Awarding a bid for spraying herbicide on roadsides to Chempro Services of north Florida, with the low bid of $128,570.
Accepted a resignation in the sheriff’s office and hired a part-timer to work full-time to fill the vacancy.
Hired as correction officers: Andrew Ingebrigtsen, Stephanie Allen, Taylor Pendergrass, Jareth Crowe, Sabrina Garmon, Ethan Wright, Katlynn Waldrop, Adam Santiago.
Hired for nursing staff: Lawanda Pike and Danny Powell, RN positions
Accepted the resignation Cody Dupree
Laterally transferred Kindell Blevins to administration sergeant
Promoted Bruce Vaughn to shift sergeant to replace Blevins
Accepted the retirements of Ronnie Brooks and Jean Clark, effective April 1
Approved changes to the Mack truck leasing program so that rather than one lease for all equipment, whether it is immediately available or not, the county could lease four road tractors, which are supposed to be here at any time for $773,000 total.
Approved a resolution to for a CAT Finance grader lease.
Approved TARCOG’s request to reappoint Arnold Blevins to its board.
Vice President Shane Wootten, who headed the meeting in Ricky Harcrow’s absence, announced the county’s Spring Clean Up program. Dumpsters will be available for county residents to dispose of household waste from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 2-5 and April 9-12, as a service provided by Republic Waste and the DeKalb County Commission. Tires, paint, batteries and hazardous waste are not allowed.
“This is good program. It’s really beneficial to people,” Wootten said.
The commission’s next meeting is at 10 a.m. April 8.
