Photo shows Chad Floyd, left, and John Lang, right.
CULLMAN – The Cullman County Commission met Tuesday morning at the Cullman County Courthouse for a regularly scheduled meeting, where County Engineer John Lang saw his contract extended five years and Chad Floyd was named County Attorney.
The commission authorized an employment contract with County Engineer John Lang for an additional five years. The county engineer position is a state requirement.
When addressing the authorization of attorney Chad Floyd’s employment contract, Floyd himself joked that “I’m in favor of this one!” Floyd has worked as outside counsel for Cullman County since October, and with the new contract, will be the in-house counsel.
After calling the meeting to order and welcoming guests, Chairman Kenneth Walker turned the floor over to County Clerk Charlotte Slatton who, during roll call, referred to Commissioner Kerry Watson as “Kerry Hicks,” an error which drew laughter from the packed meeting room.
Commissioners Kerry Watson and Garry Marchman were in attendance and minutes from the last commission meeting were approved.
In new business, the commission proclaimed Tuesday, March 15, 2016 to be National Ag Day, which will be an annual event. The commission was thanked for its support of the local farming communities.
QHA Metal Products in Baileyton was issued its second tax abatement for $325,000 for building and construction costs. Seth and Brad Hadley are listed as the proprietors of the new business.
The new county employees’ personnel handbook was made available to department heads in the past two weeks and human resources specialist Judy Bradford requested several changes to the handbook effective immediately before it goes to print. The proposed changes were approved.
The contracts from American Behavioral, the employee assistance program (EAP) provider from Birmingham, were received and reviewed by the commission and county attorney. The EAP is a requirement of the county’s insurance policy and the commission voted to authorize Chairman Walker to sign the contract.
Two agreements were passed allowing for two upcoming racing events at Stony Lonesome OHV Park, with the first being held the weekend of March 11-12. That agreement is with Southern Rock Racing Series (SRRS, LLC) and is expected to be the largest event in Stony Lonesome’s history. Scheduled for May 21, the second authorized event’s agreement is with Dustin W. Robbins, dba Full Throttle Power Sports. Full Throttle held its first race at the OHV park last month and drew a record attendance of 1,700 spectators. Additional parking has been implemented to accommodate the crowds.
With resolution 2016-13, the commission agreed to the resurfacing and striping on County Roads 1339 (Childhaven Road) and 1354 from County Road 1343, the Vinemont Super Saver intersection, south to Highway 157.
In additional business, the chairman was authorized to sign for fees from 2015 Water Warrants and to sign the 2016 Water Warrant Purchase Agreement with Piper Jaffray and Co., underwriter. Payments from a Sep. 9, 2014 contract with Government Service & Associates for the revenue department’s personal property audits for the amounts of $12,550 and $11,150 were approved. Lastly, an agreement was signed for a new company, Online Collections, to collect outstanding balances on old accounts for the Cullman County Water Department.
The next commission work session will be held on Tuesday, March 22 at 8:30 a.m. in the commission conference room with the commission meeting following at 10 a.m. in the commission meeting room. The meetings are open to the public and input is welcome.
