The Madison County Commissioners gathered in regular session on Wednesday, June 8 at 9 a.m. with a hefty agenda.
In petitions from the public, Benjamin Wyche took to the podium with several requests for the commissioners. He mentioned that a few months ago, he requested that the agenda be posted on the Wednesdays before an upcoming meeting instead of the Fridays before a meeting; however, the commissioners came to the conclusion that the agenda was so fluid that posting it on Wednesdays was not feasible. Wyche also stated that the agenda had not been posted on the Friday before the scheduled meetings.
“I understand things happen...and circumstances change, but it kind of puts [the commissioners] in a bad light,” said Wyche. “It may give the perception that [the commissioners] are trying to hide something... I'm not against you, I'm for you... I just wanted to put this on the record.” The commissioners later commented that the agenda was not put up due to Sherilyn Pickels' absence.
Wyche also requested that the agenda material packets that the commissioners have during the meetings be made available to the public online. Wyche pointed out that putting the materials online will give “transparency” to the board. “Good government is transparent,” said Wyche.
Lastly, Wyche commented that he was told that the county commission did not post their agenda because they didn't have a scanner and requested that up to $200 go towards buying a quality scanner.
“I'd like to see if we can post not only the agenda but also our minutes [online],” said Chairman Rick Davis.
Next in petitions for the public, a member of the public came forward with one question for the each of the commissioners: “Starting right now, what role do you intend to play in economic development in Madison County?”
“In my perspective, I discuss economic development on a weekly basis,” said Davis. Davis, who is a representative for the economic development board, stated that he discusses economic growth regularly for local businesses as well as new.
Commissioner Wayne Vickers stated that he “help[s] local businesses grow and support[s] new industries.” Commissioner Justin Hamrick said he ensures that incentives are put in place in order to help Madison compete with other counties.
Commissioner Ronnie Moore, who is a representative for CareerSource of Madison, stated that CareerSource provides a lot of resources for potential job seekers and also offers an incentive package for new businesses.
“I feel like it's real hard to get jobs to come to Madison,” said Commissioner Alfred Martin. “We do need to get jobs but I don't know how.”
In defense for Madison County's job rate, County Coordinator Allen Cherry mentioned that Madison has brought several new businesses to the county and in turn provided a lot of jobs for citizens. Although Cherry stated that he was aware of how difficult it is to get jobs in a small rural community like Madison County, he assured that the county commission is working “everyday” to bring jobs.
The board then agreed to update the public regularly on how the economic development within the county is going.
In new business, a public hearing was held in regards to an ordinance amending Madison County Land Development Code to allow governmental and private facilities which are principally for military and/or law enforcement type training including, but without limitation, training and exercises in stationary and mobile shooting and combat method tactics, by Special Exception in the Agriculture 2 land use district. Jeanne Bass came forward and provided recommended ordinance revisions from the Planning and Zoning Board, which included a change to the definition of target/recreation shooting. The commissioners will look over these proposed changes and hold a second and final public hearing on Wednesday, June 22.
Next in new business was the discussion of the contract with Brian Kauffman to hire as County Coordinator. Kauffman's contract is similar to current Cherry's contract. Kauffman will get severance provision for one year after he is finished serving as County Coordinator if not terminated by the board of commissioners. He will also be able to take the first 20 hours of sick leave and vacation without it being held against him. In addition, the contract stated that because Kauffman is a professional engineer, he will be required to maintain his license, but the county will cover his licensing fees. He will provide engineering services to his own extent. Kauffman will serve as the new County Coordinator starting Monday, June 27. The commissioners approved the contract unanimously.
Crawford Powell updated the commissioners on the economic development of the county, going in-depth on several different projects that are underway. Several businesses out of county have been looking to expand to Florida and heavy conversation has been made about establishing a facility somewhere in Madison County, including several agricultural production groups, gun manufacturing companies and franchises.
Last on the agenda, the commissioners discussed nuisance ordinances, as there have been several complaints about abandoned parcels. Abandoned properties can be a hub for criminal activity, an eyesore for the surrounding neighborhood and can cause an overgrowth of trash and rodents. An ordinance was set up six years ago regarding this issue, but the commissioners wanted to review the ordinance in order to properly decide how to handle issues such as this.
Davis found an issue in a nuisance ordinance from 1996 stating that citizens must pay a $25 fee to file a complaint. Although Cherry assured that this was not a strictly enforced rule, the board agreed to look over both nuisance ordinances, see if they overlap and then decide if one needs to be eliminated or if they should both be combined.
To conclude the meeting, the commissioners voted to approve a budget amendment for expenses for the mosquito control department's roof replacement.
The next county commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 22 at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse Annex.