The Madison County commission gathered on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. After items were added to the agenda and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved, the floor opened up for public comment. Walter Shaw approached the board requesting that they do something about the semis going up and down his road by River Road, as they are causing huge plumes of dust around his property. Shaw informed the board that the Sheriff's Department was “kind enough to stop night-time traffic,” but he needed assistance to get the issue taken care of. “We can't keep [the semis] from delivering goods,” said Chairman Rick Davis. After much discussion, Lonnie Thigpen of the Public Works Department agreed to look into the situation. Reggie Daniels took the podium next to ask the board if there could be given more appreciation to major league baseball player and Madison native Lorenzo Cain around the community. “I encounter many residents who often express a deep concern in regards to Madison's failure to do something significant for their recent hometown hero,” said Daniels. Clerk of Court Tim Sanders informed Daniels that last year there was signage on the courthouse lawn expressing appreciation for Cain. The board agreed to put that sign up.
Field Representative to Congresswomen Gwen Graham Alex Quintana finished up public input and announced next that Graham's office hours for Nov. 18 through Dec. 16 are 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Greenville Town Hall. Thigpen presented the board with the news that there are currently five bids for the front end loader, and the paving of Wonderwood should be finished in January. The sinkhole on Celosia Drive is also still in the process of being filled. Next, the board began to discuss the consideration of request to accept out-of-district solid waste in Aucilla Regional Landfill (ARL.) Madison is the host county of the ARL, so the County Commissioners were given the decision whether to approve this request or decline in the previous meeting on Oct. 14. While this request was approved, the board requested a few changes to be made. The county would have to pay $100,000 one-time fee in order to accept out-of-county solid waste. A counter proposal was presented with changes added. Aucilla offered that the county receive a one-time payment of $100,000 within 30 days and an additional $50,000 after the first contract is signed instead of the original established payment of $100,000, and the counter proposal also suggested that the contract run until Nov. 30, 2041 instead of the previously proposed date of Nov. 30, 2026. “I feel comfortable with [the contract],” said Commissioner Ronnie Moore. “It's money to us but we have to keep in mind if we cancel it, we owe money back.” If the contract is cancelled, the county will owe back the one-time payment of $150,000. Commissioner Justin Hamrick disagreed with Moore. “I just feel like this is a big decision made,” said Hamrick.
“I don't think it's a good idea.” The board approved the counter proposal for the ARL; the motion was carried 3-1. To conclude the meeting, the Statewide Survey for Fiscal Year 2014-2015, TEC Grant for Barn Quilts, TEC Grant for Storytelling and ship local housing incentives were all approved. The next meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. since Wednesday, Nov. 11 is Veteran's Day.