CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission on Tuesday morning appointed Assistant County Engineer Jon Brunner as interim county engineer following the resignation of John Lang at the commission’s Nov. 26 meeting. Brunner has been an engineer for Cullman County since 2007.
He said, “I was the county engineer but stepped down to assistant when Lang came.”
Brunner’s appointment will become effective Jan. 4, 2020.
The commission also passed a resolution declaring Dec. 31, 2019 a County holiday. The holiday will not interrupt sanitation schedules, according to Commissioner Kerry Watson.
Chairman Kenneth Walker said, “This is our only meeting in the month of December, and from my family to each and every one of y’all’s families, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”
Cullman County EMA Director Phyllis Little gave an update on the expected winter weather moving in Tuesday afternoon. She reported that although the National Weather Service is predicting the possibility of a light dusting, the rain and current temperatures should hinder any snow from accumulating.
Icy patches might develop, but she said, “We don’t expect any widespread travel issues.”
Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 40s by noon Wednesday.
John Seagle, a resident of County Road 351, asked during public comments for any update on possible repaving of his road.
He explained, “It’s a short road, but it’s in bad shape.”
Seagle acknowledged Commissioner Garry Marchman and his efforts in keeping the road patched, but added, “The mix doesn’t stay in there long.”
Marchman addressed Seagle: “We have a list of roads we are looking at and of course 351 is on that list. If you are asking me what’s the status of the road, it is the same as it was, and I know that’s not a good answer.”
The commission has rejected all bids for replacing the courthouse HVAC system. The bids for the project came in high due to asbestos concerns. Walker had tiles from the building tested for the presence of asbestos and the tests were negative.
In other business, the commission approved the following:
- Authorized Walker and Little to sign the Alabama SMORT grant for $12,000
- Authorized Walker and Little to sign the Alabama Cache A Communications Grant for $8,000
- Authorized Walker to sign a short-term lease with the Cullman County Center for the Developmentally Disabled to lease space at the Beech Center to house the Juvenile Probation Office during repairs at the detention center.
- Approved the purchase of a 973 Caterpillar track loader from ADECA for the Road Department for $7,500
The next county commission meeting will be Jan. 14, 2020 at 10 a.m. in the commission meeting room.
Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
