Updated 2-18-21 9:03 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission passed a resolution Thursday evening approving the resurfacing of County Road 1301 from near Monk’s Flooring in South Vinemont on U.S. Highway 31 east to County Road 1319. The project will be funded by a $300,000 High Risk Rural Road (HRRR) grant funded by the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
The project will also include some safety upgrades to the roadway. Cullman County Engineer Bryan Cheatwood said, “There’s some safety improvements like widening the shoulders and trying to reduce some of the runoff accidents.” Cheatwood said he is hopeful that work on the project can begin in the late summer.
Cullman County Parks and Recreation camping rates will increase for the first time in six years beginning March 1. After comparing current rates with those charged by other parks and locations in and around Cullman County, Cullman County Parks and Recreation Director Doug Davenport explained, “We found out we are like $8 under everybody else so we would like to see an increase from $22 to $30 a day.” Weekly and monthly rates will also be slightly increased. Davenport said the increased costs to the park for fuel, water and other services to operate the RV parks also factored into the rate increase.
The commission also terminated the local emergency declaration put into place at a special meeting Monday due to the inclement wintry weather. Cullman County EMA Director Phyllis Little reported said State’s declaration is set to expire Friday afternoon.
In other business, the commission took the following actions:
- Tabled the ratification of the City of Cullman abatement for ST Holdings, LLC by the Cullman Economic Development Agency
- Approved Apel Machine & Supply Co. to fabricate 72 cell window screens with one coat of industrial enamel paint for the Cullman County Detention Center at a cost of $20,120
- Passed Resolution 2021-10 authorizing a grant application for Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Funds for Stony Lonesome OHV Park
- Approved the surplus and authorized sale by best means possible of 17 vehicles from CARTS
- Approved the surplus of a 2007 Ford Cutaway Van from CARTS to be disposed of as scrap
- Approved payment of CARES Act funds received from the Department of Corrections to the sheriff’s office for housing state inmates in the amount of $345,745.25
- Approved the transfer of a Ford F-150 in the amount of $36,940 and a GMC Terrain in the amount of $19,206 from the sheriff’s office to the Cullman County Commission
- Approved Tradition Gutters, lowest estimate, to complete the gutter and downspout project at the County Garage in the amount of $11,900
- Authorized distribution of request for qualifications for an architect/engineer to review County buildings and parks regarding ADA compliance
- Approved request to have a prayer gathering on the front steps of the Cullman County Courthouse Feb. 20, 2021 at noon by Jesus in the World Ministry.
- Approved Swamp John’s food truck to use the south parking lot of the courthouse Feb. 25, 2021 from 3-8 p.m.
- Approved electronic filing of meetings minutes beginning Feb. 18, 2021
- Approved refinancing of 2015 and 2016 water sewer bonds
- Approved funding for the additional cost of design and construction required to maintain the 100-foot runway pavement width at the Cullman Regional Airport as part of the runway construction project. Estimated cost $647,000 to be split with the City of Cullman
- Approved the funding for replacement of Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS) at Cullman Regional Airport
- Authorized John Bullard, county administrator, to work with Wesley Moore, city clerk, on financing options for airport runway and AWOS project
- Authorized Little to purchase a tent under ADPH Grant- cost $17,000 (100% reimbursable) covered by GSA contract
- Authorized Chairman Jeff Clemons and the county attorney to sign the Federal FY 2021 Certifications and Assurances for FTA Assistance Programs
- Reappointed Linda Cabri to the Regional Housing Authority for a 5-year term to expire 2/1/26
- Authorized County Attorney Emily Johnston to negotiate a purchase price for commercial property associated with the grant application approved in Resolution 2021-09
- Approved the reimbursement for a washing machine to the Cullman County Detention Center at a cost of $12,450
- Awarded Bid no. 1299 extension for guardrails to Alabama Guardrail
- Awarded Bid no. 1319 extension for bituminous plant mix (product only) to Good Hope Contracting
- Awarded Bid no.1335 for lease of one or more current model backhoe(s) to Warrior Tractor
- Awarded Bid no. 1338 for lease of one or more excavators to Warrior Tractor
- Awarded Bid no. 1339 for bituminous plant mix (installed) to Good Hope Contracting
- Awarded Bid no. 1340 for cement for full depth reclamation to National Cement
- Awarded Bid no. 1341 for herbicides and adjuvants to Helena Chemical
- Awarded Bid no. 1342 for polypropylene pipe to Bear Concrete Products
The next Cullman County Commission meeting will be March 16, 2021 at 6 p.m. in the commission meeting room.
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