STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF GENEVA  REGULAR SESSION February 26, 2024  The Geneva County Commission met in regular session on Monday, February 26 Chairman Seay called the meeting to order and welcomed guests present. Commissioner Wilks opened the meeting with prayer. Chairman Seay led the group in  2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the Geneva County Courthouse in Geneva, Alabama.  the Pledge of Allegiance.  There were no elected officials requesting to make public comment. There were no citizens requesting to make public comment. Chairman Seay called the roll, and the following members were present: Commissioners Weston Spivey, Bart Wilks, and Wade Fulford. County Attorney, Phil Eldridge; Engineer, Justin Barfield; Assistant Engineer, Mike Shirah; Sheriff, Tony Helms; EMA Director, Brian Smith; Revenue Commissioner, Mary Ann Ellison; and County Administrator, Cindy Williams was also present. The following business was  transacted:  MINUTES OF THE MEETING  NEW BUSINESS:  1.4 Approve Minutes of] February 12, 2024. Commissioner Spivey made a motion to approve the minutes of February 12, 2024. Commissioner Wilks seconded the motion. 2. Board Appointments - Commissioner Wilks made a motion to reappoint Ms. Kelli Brannon to the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Board. There is also one more vacant seat on the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and  Vote was 3-0  Commissioner Fulford seconded the motion. Vote was 3-0. Development Board that they are asking the Commission to fill.  Recorded In: OFFREC Book: 1223 Page: 153 Recorded: 3/14/2024 11:04:53 AM Toby Seay, Probate Judge Geneva County, Alabama Inst Num: 20025405 - 14 Pages No Tax Collected Fees: $0.00 Total: $0.00  OLD BUSINESS: None STAFF REPORTS:  Sheriff: Sheriffl Helms had nothing new to report.    STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF GENEVA  REGULAR SESSION February 26, 2024  County Administrator: Administrator Williams shared information from the ACCA regarding the Legislative Session to date. The ACCA has also asked that everyone pay close attention to their email and text messages in case there is a discussion that needs The ACCA is asking all Commissioners to please participate in one oft the County Days Mrs. Williams updated the Commission on the discussion from the last meeting regarding County Engineer: Engineer Barfield stated that as ofl last Wednesday the advertisement for his open EOII positions ended and they received one application. At the last meeting, the Commission allowed ai modification for a Motor Grader contract position. The individual came in and worked two days, but it did not work out. There is one contract worker interested in coming on full time employee status. Attorney Eldridge stated that hel had prepared and given Administrator Williams a copy ofa form for contract workers to sign stating they understand they all not county employees and do not have any benefits, they are: responsible for paying their own taxes and they release the County from any liability. There is currently a vacant Motor Grader position and one of the contract workers has applied for the position. The Engineer's plan is tol hire him full time. The The striping contactor on the Rebuild paving project came last week and put down the stop bars and rumble strips. All that is remaining is the raised pavement reflectors. The Engineer requested that two plotters be declared surplus and sold on GovDeals. The plotters are a Canon Image PrografiPF670 and an HP designjet 500. Commissioner Fulford made a motion to declare the two plotters at the Road & Bridge department as surplus and allow them to be listed for sale on GovDeals. Commissioner Spivey seconded the motion. Vote was 3-0. Commissioner Wilks asked ift the bleachers listed on GovDeals sold to which the Engineer stated they did not sale. An individual in the County that is opening ai rodeo arena asked about them and they have been relisted on GovDeals. Mr. Barfield presented a resolution for a Congressional directed spending program for critical infrastructure needs. The County has al bridge that, per our inspections and critical need list, is in need a replacement. The bridge on. Poole Road is our number one bridge on aj paved road that needs replacement. The Engineer spoke with Senator Tuberville's office and was told the only requests they could take would be an item on Alabama's Stilth safety plan. He contacted ALDOT and explained we had al bridge in critical need of replacement, and hej provided the information to them to be placed on the Stilth list. Once iti is listed, we would be eligible for the program. Thej project would be $616,000.00, and itwould be an 80/20 cost project. That would be a cost to the County of $123,200.00 for the bridge replacement. Commissioner Fulford made a motion to approve the resolution for the Congressional directed spending program to: replace the bridge on Pull Road. Since the last meeting progress has been made with the improper installation damages created by the fiberinstaller, to County Road 99 and Tom Fain Road. The contractor has submitted for two permits to reinstall the fiber, on these roads. Through investigation three more areas of damage have been discovered on the west end of the County.  immediate attention regarding contacting the local Representatives.  this year during the Legislative Session. employees having insurance.  department still has three vacant positions.  Herbicide spraying is beginning this morning.  Commissioner Wilks seconded the motion. Vote was 3-0.  2    STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF GENEVA  REGULAR SESSION February 26, 2024  Several cross-drain replacement projects are planned on Gopher Ridge Road this week. Commissioner Fulford asked ifit was a state requirement to have a CDL for al Motor Grader operator. Mr. Barfield stated he had removed that requirement a year or sO ago because of employment issues. Commissioner Fulford stated iti is his understanding the public is under the assumption they must have a CDL for any employment in the Road & County Attorney: Attorney Eldridge stated that Sheriff Helms had asked him to review some items to see ifthey qualified for use ofthe Opioid Recovery funds. The first item is flyers advertising the dangers of fentanyl use. The only thing the Attorney recommends is adding the Geneva County Commission to the flyer along with the Geneva County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff agreed with that suggestion. Mr. Eldridge stated the quote for those materials was $1,180.00. This would be an allowable expense for the Opioid Recovery Funds, and he has given the materials and a copy of the list of opioid remediation uses, to the Administrator to place in the Opioid Recovery Fund file. The other item is an unlocking device for cell phones. This will be used by the Criminal Investigator and the Drug Investigator. The past twelve months the Criminal Investigator has worked 123 cases and the Drug Investigator has worked 101 cases. When broken down the Drug Investigator has worked 45% of cases and the Criminal Investigator has worked 55% of the cases. The Sheriff stated that the majority oft the telephones they download are from drug cases. The Criminal Investigator is currently working a case on an opioid overdose case and they are attempting to try and determine where the drugs came from which would allow the individual to be charged with manslaughter. In his opinion some oft the Criminal Investigator cases could also be charged to Opioid Recovery Fund. The cost oft the device is $15,500.00. The Attorney stated that 45% of the cost could be justified as an allowable expense. The training cost would be $9,000.00 and half oft that cost could be an allowable expense. That would be a total cost of $11,475.00 from the Opioid Recovery Fund. He has prepared a statement for the Sheriff to put with the documents ifhe decides to proceed with the purchase. Chairman Seay asked ifthe Sheriff would like to proceed with the purchase to which the Sheriff responded yes it would be a great asset for his department. The expense was not in his budget but ift the money can be found he would like to proceed with the purchase. Commissioner Fulford asked what the current expense was for unlocking these cell phones. The Sheriff replied there is no expense, the phones are sent to the State, but it can take one year or more to get the phones back. Commissioner Wilks asked ift there are other counties that we may could partner with for the remaining cost. The Sheriff stated that most counties are getting their own device to avoid the current delays. Covington County has one and they would assist us, but it will be when they have time after their cases are complete which again is a waiting game. Commissioners Wilks and Spivey asked ifthe cities ini the County may partner with the County on the cost. The Sheriff will check with the local Police departments to see ift they would like to partner with the County in the expense of the device. Commissioner Fulford made a motion to allow the Sheriff to proceed with the purchase oft the cell phone unlocking device and training with $11,475.00 ofthe purchase coming from the Opioid Recovery Funds and the remaining from the General Fund ifit can manage the expenditure, or from a partnership with the local Police departments.  Bridge department.  Commissioner Wilks seconded the motion. Vote was 3-0.  3    STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF GENEVA  REGULAR SESSION February 26, 2024  Attorney Eldridge stated that the Commission had asked him to represent the Probate Judge in a case where he was named and should not have been. Mr. Eldridge fileda motion with the Circuit Court to dismiss and the Judge entered an order dismissing the Commissioner Fulford had requested the Attorney research whether ai road through a piece of property in his district had been a county road in the past. Mr. Eldridge researched the property deeds and, in the descriptions, found no reference oft the road, however it looks like the attorney that prepared the deed for the current property owner gave a description that did not reference a road but put Harvest Time Road after the description. Attorney Eldridge also looked at the deed to the property north ofthe property in question and there is no reference to a County Road. It appears to bej just a The Attorney previously provided the Engineer with a copy ofl Montgomery County's utility permitting for right of ways. They require bonding. At some point the Commission most likely must change the policy to require bonds. Engineer Barfield stated that will be the next step where there is no pre-existing relationship with a contractor. He is also Commission Chairman: Chairman Seay stated the mini-split units have been installed This Thursday there is an OAC meeting with JMR+H and the contractor at the 10:00 am at the Farm Center. In a few weeks there should be a color board meeting. Last week they held Poll Worker school, and the election is next Tuesday. Maintenance workers are currently working on the County owned voting precincts getting them ready Last week a letter was received from the Geneva Reaper stating March 13, 2024 would be the last printed edition oft the paper, the paper will be going digital. This will only affect the County on public notices. Depending on what the law states, some notices can bej posted in the Courthouse and some on the website but some state they must be published in print in the nearest newspaper. This will result in an increase in advertising There are two voting precincts that were made temporary voting precincts for the last election cycle, but they require a vote temporarily moving the precincts for this election cycle. It will be published in this Wednesday' 's newspaper and signs will be out at the old voting precincts stating where the voting is and the new voting precinct. After this election cycle hopefully, we can vote to move these precincts permanently. Commissioner Spivey made ai motion to adopt the resolution and order to move the voting place of Precinct Number 5, Box Number 1 be temporarily changed for the 2024 Statewide primary election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the 2024 Statewide primary runoff election to be held on April 16, 2024 and for the 2024 Statewide general election to be held on November 5, 2024, from the Slocomb National Guard Armory, 322 South State Highway 103, Slocomb, Alabama 36375, to the First Baptist Church, 225 North Dalton Street, Slocomb, Alabama 36375 because of the condition of the Slocomb National Guard Armory. Commissioner Wilks seconded the motion. Vote was 3-0. Commissioner Fulford made ai motion to adopt the resolution and order to move the voting place of Precinct Number 13, Box Number 2 and 3, be temporarily changed for  Probate. Judge from the case.  field road.  going to do some updates to the website regarding permitting.  in the Flat Creek and Lytle Centers.  for election day.  cost.  4    STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF GENEVA  REGULAR SESSION February 26, 2024  the 2024 Statewide primary election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the 2024 Statewide primary runoff election to be held on April 16, 2024 and for the 2024 Statewide general election to be held on November 5, 2024, from the Samson Senior Center, 33 East Sellers Street, Samson, Alabama 36477, to the Samson First United Methodist Church Adams Center, 204 West Main Street, Samson, Alabama 36477 because of the condition of the Samson Senior Center. Commissioner Wilks seconded the motion. Vote was 3-0. Revenue Commissioner: Ms. Ellison had nothing new to report. Chairman Seay asked her ift the advertising would affect her tax sale. She stated that would not affect her this EMA Director: Mr. Smith stated that last week when the autistic child went missing, he sent out an alert (like an Amber alert) within a one-mile radius of his disappearance. Should anyone ever contact the Commission regarding the alerts it does show the alerts  year because she is going to the tax lien sale.  are from the Geneva County Commission. Solid Waste Director: Mrs. Smith was not present.  E-911: Mr. Williams stated the new radio system went live this past Thursday. A two- channel site will have to be placed on the tower behind the Geneva Police department due to the city being in a bowl. Outside oft that, the system is much better than the old system and the coverage is better than anticipated. They are migrating the east side Fire and EMS  services this week and then will migrate the west side. Auburn Extension: Ms. Marks was not present.  Commissioner's: Commissioner Spivey asked ift the old sign at the Industrial Park was being removed since the new sign is in place. Chairman Seay stated it would be removed Commissioner Spivey made ai motion to adjourn. Commissioner Wilks seconded the The above constitutes the minutes ofthe meeting oft the Geneva County Commission held  by the Road & Bridge department once they have the opportunity.  motion. Vote was 3-0.  on Monday, February 26, 2024. A4  GAV Sukin  Seay   Cindy Williams County  :  Administrator  Commissioner Weston Spivey Batlik Commissioner Bart Wilks  vb Commissioner Wade Fulford HLAKE  5    COUNTY OF GENEVA 586 COUNTY ROAD 41 HARTFORD, ALABAMA 36344 February 26, 2024  Office of County Engineer  We have two plotters to declare as surplus:  Canon Image Prograf1PF670 Serial No. BACP0309 HP designjet 500 Model No. C7770B Serial No. SG2853203S    STATE OF ALABAMA GENEVA COUNTY  RESOLUTION AND ORDER  WHEREAS, the Geneva County Commission has received a request that the voting place of Precinct Number 5, Box Number 1, be temporarily changed for the 2024 Statewide primary election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the 2024 Statewide primary runoff election to be held on April 16, 2024, and for the 2024 Statewide general election to be held on November 5, 2024, from the Slocomb National Guard Armory, 322 South State Highway 103, Slocomb, Alabama 36375, to the First Baptist Church, 225 North Dalton Street, Slocomb, Alabama 36375, because of the condition of the  Slocomb National Guard Armory.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED, pursuant to this request and $17-6-4, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended, and local law $45-31-110.02, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended, by the Geneva County Commission that the voting place of Precinct Number 5, Box Number 1, be and same is hereby temporarily changed for the 2024 Statewide primary election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the 2024 Statewide primary runoff election to be held on April 16, 2024, and for the 2024 Statewide general election to be held on November 5, 2024, from the Slocomb National Guard Armory, 322 South State Highway 103, Slocomb, Alabama 36375, to the First Baptist Church, 225 North Dalton Street, Slocomb, Alabama 36375. That a copy of this Resolution and Order shall be filed with the Geneva    County Probate Judge and the Geneva County Board of Registrars and posted on the bulletin board at the Geneva County Courthouse, and the Geneva County Probate Judge shall give notice of same as  required by law.  Commissioner Spivey moved that the foregoing resolution be adopted and spread upon the minutes of this meeting, which motion was  seconded by Commissioner W.VG  and upon the motion  being put to vote, the following vote was recorded:  YEAS:  NAYS:  Commissioners: Weston Spivey Todd Brannon Bart Wilks Wade Fulford  The chairman thereupon announced that the motion for adoption has  been unanimously carried. STATE OF ALABAMA GENEVA COUNTY  I, Toby L. Seay, Chairman of the Geneva County Commission, hereby certify that the above is a true, correct and exact copy of a Resolution duly and legally adopted by the Geneva County Commission, at a meeting on the 26th day of February, 2024.  LMw  Chairmah of Geneva County Commission    STATE OF ALABAMA GENEVA COUNTY  LEGAL NOTICE OF TEMPORARY CHANGE OF VOTING PLACE  OF PRECINCT NUMBER 5, BOX NUMBER 1  This is legal notice that the Geneva County Commission has temporarily changed the voting place of Precinct Number 5, Box Number 1 for the 2024 Statewide primary election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the 2024 Statewide primary runoff election to be held on April 16, 2024, and for the 2024 Statewide general election to be held on November 5, 2024, from the Slocomb National Guard Armory, 322 South State Highway 103, Slocomb, Alabama 36375, to the First Baptist Church, 225 North Dalton Street, Slocomb, Alabama 36375, because of the condition of the National Guard Armory. All voters in Precinct Number 5, Box Number 1, shall vote on March 5, 2024, April 16, 2024, and November 5, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, 225 North Dalton Street, Slocomb, Alabama 36375. At all future elections after November 5, 2024, voters in Precinct Number 5, Box Number 1, shall vote at the Slocomb National Guard Armory,  322 South State Highway 103, Slocomb, Alabama 36375.  DONE AND DATED this the 26th day of February, 2024.  L TOBY Ls SEAY  Geneva County Probate Judge  To Publisher of the Geneva County Reaper  Please publish the above notice one time in said newspaper on  February 28, 2024.  TOBYLSEAY hloy  Geneva County Probate Judge    STATE OF ALABAMA GENEVA COUNTY  LEGAL NOTICE OF TEMPORARY CHANGE OF VOTING PLACE  OF PRECINCT NUMBER 5, BOX NUMBER 1  This is legal notice that the Geneva County Commission has temporarily changed the voting place of Precinct Number 5, Box Number 1 for the 2024 Statewide primary election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the 2024 Statewide primary runoff election to be held on April 16, 2024, and for the 2024 Statewide general election to be held on November- 5, 2024, from the Slocomb National Guard Armory, 322 South State Highway 103, Slocomb, Alabama 36375, to the First Baptist Church, 225 North Dalton Street, Slocomb, Alabama 36375, because of the condition of the National Guard Armory. All voters in Precinct Number 5, Box Number 1, shall vote on March 5, 2024, April 16, 2024, and November 5, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, 225 North Dalton Street, Slocomb, Alabama 36375. At all future elections after November 5, 2024, voters in Precinct Number 5, Box Number 1, shall vote at the Slocomb National Guard Armory,  322 South State Highway 103, Slocomb, Alabama 36375.  DONE AND DATED this the 26th day of February, 2024.  4L1 TOBY 1. SEAY  Geneva County Probate Judge    STATE OF ALABAMA GENEVA COUNTY  RESOLUTION AND ORDER  WHEREAS, the Geneva County Commission has received an emergency request that the voting place of Precinct Number 13, Box Numbers 2 and 3, be temporarily changed for the 2024 Statewide primary election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the 2024 Statewide primary runoff election to be held on April 16, 2024, and for the 2024 Statewide general election to be held on November 5, 2024, from the Samson Senior Citizen Center, 33 East Sellers Street, Samson, Alabama 36477, to the Samson First United Methodist Church Adams Center, 204 West Main Street, Samson, Alabama 36477, because of the unsafe condition of the Samson Senior Citizen Center  Building.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED, pursuant to this request and $17-6-4, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended, and local law $45-31-110.02, Code of Alabama 1975, as amended, and based on this emergency request, by the Geneva County Commission that the voting place of Precinct Number 13, Box Numbers 2 and 3, be and same is hereby temporarily changed for the 2024 Statewide primary election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the 2024 Statewide primary runoff election to be held on April 16, 2024, and for the 2024 Statewide general election to be held on November 5, 2024, from the Samson Senior Citizen Center, 33 East Sellers Street, Samson, Alabama 36477, to the Samson First United Methodist Church    Adams Center, 204 West Main Street, Samson, Alabama 36477. That a copy of this Resolution and Order shall be filed with the Geneva County Probate Judge and the Geneva County Board of Registrars and posted on the bulletin board at the Geneva County Courthouse, and the Geneva County Probate Judge shall give notice of same as  required by law.  Commissioner Fulford moved that the foregoing resolution be adopted and spread upon the minutes of this meeting, which motion was  seconded by Commissioner wlKs  and upon the motion being  put to vote, the following vote was recorded:  YEAS:  NAYS:  Commissioners: Weston Spivey Todd Brannon Bart Wilks Wade Fulford  The chairman thereupon announced that the motion for adoption has  been unanimously carried. STATE OF ALABAMA GENEVA COUNTY  I, Toby L. Seay, Chairman of the Geneva County Commission, hereby certify that the above is a true, correct and exact copy of a Resolution duly and legally adopted by the Geneva County Commission, at a meeting on the 26th day of February, 2024.  Chairman oE Geneda County Commission  JMilwy    STATE OF ALABAMA GENEVA COUNTY  LEGAL NOTICE OF TEMPORARY CHANGE OF VOTING PLACE OF PRECINCT NUMBER 13, BOX NUMBERS 2 AND 3  This is legal notice that the Geneva County Commission has temporarily changed the voting place of Precinct Number 13, Box Numbers 2 and 3, for the 2024 Statewide primary election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the 2024 Statewide primary runoff election to be held on April 16, 2024, and for the 2024 Statewide general election to be held on November 5, 2024, from the Samson Senior Citizen Center, 33 East Sellers Street, Samson, Alabama 36477, to the Samson First United Methodist Church Adams Center, 204 West Main Street, Samson, Alabama 36477, because of the unsafe condition of the Samson Senior Citizen Center Building. All voters in Precinct Number 13, Box Numbers 2 and 3, shall vote on March 5, 2024, April 16, 2024, and November 5, 2024, at the Samson First United Methodist Church Adams Center, 204 West Main Street, Samson, Alabama 36477. At all future elections after November 5, 2024, voters in Precinct Number 13, Box Numbers 2 and 3, shall vote at the Samson Senior Citizen Center, 33 East Sellers Street, Samson,  Alabama 36477.  DONE AND DATED this the 26th day of February, 2024.  TOBY L. SEAY MALANI  Geneva County Probate Judge    STATE OF ALABAMA GENEVA COUNTY  LEGAL NOTICE OF TEMPORARY CHANGE OF VOTING PLACE OF PRECINCT NUMBER 13, BOX NUMBERS 2 AND 3  This is legal notice that the Geneva County Commission has temporarily changed the voting place of Precinct Number 13, Box Numbers 2 and 3, for the 2024 Statewide primary election to be held on March 5, 2024, for the 2024 Statewide primary runoff election to be held on April 16, 2024, and for the 2024 Statewide general election to be held on November 5, 2024, from the Samson Senior Citizen Center, 33 East Sellers Street, Samson, Alabama 36477, to the Samson First United Methodist Church Adams Center, 204 West Main Street, Samson, Alabama 36477, because of the unsafe condition of the Samson Senior Citizen Center Building. All voters in Precinct Number 13, Box Numbers 2 and 3, shall vote on March 5, 2024, April 16, 2024, and November 5, 2024, at the Samson First United Methodist Church Adams Center, 204 West Main Street, Samson, Alabama 36477. At all future elections after November 5, 2024, voters in Precinct Number 13, Box Numbers 2 and 3, shall vote at the Samson Senior Citizen Center, 33 East Sellers Street, Samson,  Alabama 36477.  DONE AND DATED this the 26th day of February, 2024.  TOBY  Geneva County Probate Judge  JALARy  To Publisher of the Geneva County Reaper  Please publish the above notice one time in said newspaper on  February 28, 2024.  ML MAA TOBY L. SEAY  Geneva County Probate Judge