By Sherri Blevins
On August 9, 2022, the DeKalb County Commission passed four resolutions allocating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to county water projects. Several other actions were approved, and County Road Superintendent Tom Broyles updated the Commission on his department’s activities.
Before entering into official business, Commission President Harcrow introduced and welcomed Mr. David Cox of the Sand Valley Landfill and the landfill’s new manager Clay Chitwood. Cox introduced Chitwood as the new manager for the landfill, stating that in the past, they had tended to have a type of “rotating door” in the manager position. Cox said, “We have a new manager for the Sand Valley Landfill. He actually started at Sand Valley. He has been away for a while in Arkansas and Tennessee with Republic. He is one of yours, from Rainsville, Mr. Clay Chitwood.”
President Harcrow said the Commission was glad to have him in the County. Chitwood replied, “I am glad to be here. If you all need anything, feel free to reach out to us.”
Road Superintended Tom Broyles then updated the Commission on the happenings in his department. Broyles said, “We have almost finished up our part on Hwy 865. I was hoping I could say we had finished it, but we were off of that project for a couple of weeks.” Broyles explained that his department had equipment breakage that caused the delay in the Hwy 835 project, but he hopes to be finished before the bids for the paving and guardrails are completed.
During the downtime of the Hwy 835 project, the department reclaimed some of the roads in District I that had been put on the back burner for the last couple of years. Broyles said he hoped to continue that work soon if the parts to repair the damaged equipment became available. He said receiving needed parts had been a real issue this year.
Next, the EMA Communications Officer asked the Commission to authorize County Administrator Sharp and Commission President Harcrow to enter contract negotiations and sign contracts with the selected bid vendors recommended by the EMA committee for upgrading the current communications system. He said he didn’t ask for a blank check but that the Commission follows the budgetary constraints provided by Administrator Sharp and any other funds received from municipalities, other agencies, and or grants awarded for these projects. Recently, the Commission participated in a work session with local EMA officials and agencies involved in emergencies that explained all the intricate parts of the communication upgrade project. The Commission agreed to the officer’s request.
The Commission approved ARPA resolutions that addressed water projects across DeKalb County. Commissioner Kuykendall explained the need for the Fort Payne Water – Culpepper Road Project Resolution. He said, “ This is a project that we have worked with in conjunction with the City of Fort Payne Waterworks Board to improve the quality and volume of the water on the Lookout Mountain area from Hwy 35 North to Fischer. This is one of several phases that will have to be done over the next several years. This resolution will allocate $350,000.00 to the project.” The Commission approved the resolution.
Commissioner Black requested the approval of the Section-Dutton Water- Generator Project Resolution. Black explained that this generator would boost the power to pump water in emergencies to the Fyffe and Geraldine area. If the power goes off during an emergency for an extended time, the generator will keep the water supply flowing. The Commission approved this resolution.
Commissioner Harris asked for the approval of the Crossville Water – Hwy 68 Waterline Resolution appropriating approximately $300,000.00 to the project. Harris said this funding would help the small water company meet the needs of its customers. The resolution was approved.
The Commission amended one resolution adding $125,000.00 to the North East –County Road 180 Waterline Extension Project for its completion.
In other business, the Commission approved the following items:
Appointment of Emory Ashley to replace Denny Middlebrooks and Roger Hurtt to replace Darvin Hurtt on the Dogtown Fire Department Board
The hiring of John Degen as a security revenue officer
The transferring of Miles Underwood from a full-time jail position to a full-time deputy
Accepting the resignation of Alan Lawson and Sergeant Tim Smith from their positions at the county jail
Hiring Gary Chapman, Michael Freeman, Zachary Hatchet, and Jamie Alonzo at the Sheriff’s Department
Promoting Joann Gentry to Sergeant
Approving the Opioid Litigation McKennson and J & J Settlement Resolution
County Administrator Sharp said he would like a work session to discuss the proposed budget. Sharp said the $25 and ½ million budget would be level-funded and include a 4% cost of living adjustment for County employees.
The next meeting will be at 10:00 am on September 13, 2022.