Baldwin County Commission Regular - workshop

this work session started. 902. I will let Commissioner Underwood bless the meeting and Commissioner Gruber will do the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thank you. If you please bow with me. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day. We thank you for all the blessings you bestow upon us here in Baldwin County. And Lord, we just ask you to be with us as we conduct the business of Baldwin County. Help us to make the right and fair and good decisions. In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen. Please join me for the Pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank y'all. Thanks. Hi, welcome to the nine o'clock work session meeting. We're going to set our consent agenda. All right. Do you all have any questions on the administrative items? No, I'm good here. Okay. Consent on that. Budget and purchasing. Wow, these microphones are Working good today. I don't know what the deal is. No.

I'm fine.

I'm good. Good. All right. CIS. We got a couple items there.

Good. Good.

Yeah. Elected officials. I'm good.

I'm good.

Good to go.

All right.

EMA. Good.

Good.

Mm-hmm.

Okay.

Highway Department. Five items.

I'm good.

Good. Yep. Good.

We got our personnel items with our starting with CR1 through CR5. I'm good. Good. All right. We got a plan in a zone and 2 to plan in his own and items. Okay, so on that environmental advisory committee resignation, is there a replacement? Okay. Are y'all going to be looking for that or should we, or the commission should be looking for that?

Um, you would submit recommendations to the EAC. Sometimes y'all ask us to look for some, uh, but currently we have two, uh, representatives from each commission district and that's what's required and under discretion, uh, direction of my supervisors, we were not going to replace it at this time. We just have, we have, um, I think right now our total instead of 15 that we're down to like 13, um, members. Okay.

Sounds good. Thank you, Ashley. All right. That's how quick that goes. That was fast. I told Tater today it's going to be rocket docket.

Well, correct.

All right. So next up, we're up to our public comments section.

think we have a somebody sign up to speak okay so mr. Steele I'm gonna let you come up to the podium and speak you know the rules so good morning thank you for your time I guess it was September of last year I was assaulted by City Councilman Matt Franklin arrested At the entrance to the courthouse, this illegal arrest, and Matt here can tell you, you can't arrest somebody for a misdemeanor you didn't witness if you're a police officer. That's why I call it an illegal arrest. Was witnessed by your deputies at the door, was definitely caught on camera. None of the cameras were provided to my defense. None of the video. But more importantly, I had to rock on with my practice or try to. I was doing a civil trial investigating the death of the mayor of Orange Beach's best friend. And obviously when he died, the county coroner pronounced him dead. He was one of the 17 people that we were trying to schedule depositions for. Rob Gottlieb representing State Farm Insurance called your county attorney and tried to schedule this deposition. And on two different occasions, on both occasions he was told that if I was gonna be deposing anyone from the county, it would be in the courthouse with armed deputies there. He made this statement twice. I called Roger Rendleman about it, asked him about it, if he had authorized the county attorney to say that. He never answered me. Well, I have to get back to you. So then I called Mr. Crosby, who's done work for my family and I've known him my entire life, and he says that they did not authorize Brad Hicks to say this, nor does he dictate the comings and goings of public employees, I don't imagine. or elected officials. But the slander occurred. So the question is, did the county commission authorize him to say this, and on what grounds? Thank you.

All right, thank you, Mr. Steele. Do we have anybody else signed up to speak today?

Okay.

All right, any commissioner requests? No.

Okay.

Commissioner Underwood.

There has been a request from University of South Alabama concerning a support for Commissioner Blankenship, and I just wanted to know if there's a consensus to move forward with that request. There is a request to either support, it's all kind of part of an endowed scholarship for DCNRs, One of the best commissioners I think I've paid attention to. There may be other greats before that, but I think he's been a really good commissioner for Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. So I guess I was just seeing if they reached out to the other commissioners and if you guys were in agreement to support the commission. the honor, that they're honoring Commissioner Blankenship with.

I think they're getting- Could we just do a resolution or something? Yeah, I think that resolution would be nice.

No, they wanted a monetary contribution to go towards- Oh, they wanted a monetary one? A monetary contribution. Oh, yeah, that's for the scholarship.

Yes. To start a scholarship, yeah. Yeah, well, I guess we'll address that in the budget.

Well, they need to know because they're having a- What's the amount that we're talking? They asked for $10,000. And it's for, they're having a big celebration on August the 18th to announce this. And I think they had contacted multiple commissioners on this. So I'm trying to not overstep the violate the Open Meetings Act. I just thought I would ask their commissioner request. So is there a... consensus to support Commissioner Blankenship with sure it's not him personally it's an honor in his name and I'm not exactly sure Roger would have to figure out how that has to work they either want $10,000 to support the the event or 10 he said it really is all goes in the same but whichever was easier for our books if it goes towards the event, Sovereign Mobile, on the 18th, which is two weeks from today in the evening. I think that ACCA is going on at that same time. I don't even know if anybody can be there, but they wanted to kind of honor recognize all that were in support of commissioner blankenship and i don't think anybody that that knows how much he has supported ball and county and actually the gulf coast um i think it's a a good thing to do so i guess we if it's good with you guys i just wanted to make sure that move forward this is not a billy joe thing this is something that came from usa and um be an endowed scholarship for the university of south alabama something to do with i don't know exactly we can get more details but i think it would be good if we could have that our next commission meeting put it on a fairhold meeting for a couple weeks from now and then this task

staff with i mean if there is a interest to this you know we between now and that meeting we can verify as far as how it to do and exactly what we can do and where we identify yeah that's why it's a request to see if there's a consensus amongst the commissioners to move forward with this and staff could have it by the next meeting good all right um senior staff reports Yes, sir. I do have one. Tara is asked her to come forward and basically give you guys a kind of an update on our peak procurement card. The progress are actually kind of we had to take a couple steps back, but now we're moving forward again on the procurement card. We started a while back and we had to kind of reassess, but we're back on track and I want her to kind of give you an update on that since it's been a little while.

Sure, absolutely. Good morning. Good morning. I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to speak about this this morning. I'll start very briefly and give kind of an overview of the program very briefly so that anyone in the audience or otherwise listening knows what it is, and then I'll go to the update. The PCAR program is designed to make every purchase more streamlined for our departments while still meeting all state procurement requirements. It allows staff to take care of routine items like office supplies, small repair materials, uniforms, or other approved travel and training costs via the purchasing card. Even though the cards create efficiency, they do not allow unrestricted spending. Each card is set up with a very specific purchase categories based on job duties and anything outside those categories remain blocked. So all spending limits, approvals, documentation requirements, and audit controls stay fully in place. Before a card is issued, each cardholder must complete a brief online training and pass a quiz to ensure they understand what can be purchased, what requires pre-approval, how receipts must be attached, and only after completing the training and receiving final approval will the card be activated. So as part of the implementation and as Roger referred to, we made a midstream transition to a new online platform called SpinClarity. And though the switch was unplanned, the new system, I believe, will support the program very well. One of its most helpful features is the mobile app. It allows cardholders to take a photo of the picture, a photo of the receipt right at the checkout. So we really like that feature. So once the purchase is made, the cardholder is or a designated staff member attaches the receipt, enters a short description, verifies the GL coding, and from there the transaction moves through purchasing for approval, then finance before it's posted to our system. So the workflow is very clear, organized, and easy to monitor. So we are now finishing up our initial testing phase, and I want to thank Brian Peacock and Team CIS for assisting us in that first round or rounds rather. And after working through several early hurdles, we are close to beginning phase two, which will issue cards to two facilities management supervisors. From there, we will gradually expand to additional departments. And if everything continues as expected, we anticipate steady progress over the next couple of months and aim to have the program fully operational by year end. So we'll roll it out in phases and make sure everything is good. Are there any questions about this?

No. Good, good.

So I think this program really will help us operate more efficiently, strengthen our internal controls, and improve our documentation. And I appreciate your continued support of it.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Anything else, Roger? County attorney.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We actually have two executive session matters today. So if you're ready, I will get us there. Okay. I would recommend the commission adopt a motion to adjourn this work session and convene an executive session. to discuss with your attorney the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated, or imminently likely to be litigated if the governmental body pursues a proposed course of action. I am an attorney licensed to practice law in Alabama, and this exception is applicable to the planned discussion. And after the vote, just announce that we will not reconvene the work session, and we'll see everybody at 10 o'clock.

Right. You have heard our attorney's advice.

I'll make that motion. We'll go into executive session.

We got a motion and a second to go into executive session. Any further discussion? All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. We will not reconvene until after at the 10 o'clock meeting. Commission meeting, 10 o'clock, regular meeting minute. So we've got, we're here with us today from Coastal Church in Bayman, Alabama. We've got Pastor Charlie Stafford with us. He's going to deliver our invocation, followed by a pledge of allegiance by Commissioner McKenzie.

Father, we come to you in Jesus' name, and Lord, we thank you that in your great wisdom and discernment, Father, you have allowed us to live in the greatest county in the world. And Lord, we thank you for that. Thank you for the beauty and the prosperity of our county. Lord, we would lift up our commissioners to you today, and Lord, knowing that it's you and you alone who have placed them in charge and in authority over us. So, Father, we pray for them today that you would give them a double portion of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and discernment. Father, as they lead us in the way that you would have us go. So, Father, bless them above and beyond that which they could ever expect or imagine. And, Father, we'll be careful to give you the praise and honor and glory. And again, Lord, thank you for letting us live in Baldwin County. God, where folks drive for hours and days, God, to visit. that you would let us live here. We thank you for that in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen.

Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.

All right. First order of business is the adoption of the July 21st, 2026 regular meeting minutes.

Mr. Chairman, I make a motion that we approve the minutes from the July 21st, 2026 regular meeting.

I'll second. Got a motion and a second to approve the minutes for July 21st, 2026 regular meeting. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. All right. Commissioner Gruber.

Okay, Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion, and we pay the bills totaling $5,737,135.16, which includes 670 invoices. I'll second it.

Got a motion and a second to pay the bills. Any further discussion? All right, hearing none, all those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye.

Mr. Chairman, I'll also make a motion that we ratify the interim payments as allowed by Policy 8.1 with a total of $3,512,416.99, which incurs 68 invoices. I'll second it. Motion and a second to ratify the interim payments as allowed by Policy 8.1. Any further discussion?

Hearing none, all those in favor say aye. Aye. Commissioners, next up is your consent agenda that we set during the pre-work session. I'll make a motion that we approve our consent agenda.

I'll second it.

I have a motion to approve the consent agenda and a second. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all in favor say aye. Aye. That moves us to our presentations today, Commissioner Gruber. We're doing a proclamation, DA1. It's a proclamation that we do every year honoring National Purple Heart Day is August 7th, 2026. And today we've got Commissioner Gruber that's gonna be presenting this proclamation as well as a presentation on this as well.

So, Commissioner Gruber. Please come forward. Okay. Good morning, everyone. This morning I want to do a proclamation on August 26th as National Purple Heart Day and the month of August 2026 as the National Purple Heart Month in Baldwin County, Alabama. Whereas the Purple Heart originally established as a badge of military merit by General George Washington in 1782 is the oldest military decoration still in use and Whereas the Purple Heart was the first American service award or declaration made available to common soldiers and is awarded specifically to members of the United States Armed Forces who have been wounded or have paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat, with a declared enemy of the United States of America. And whereas Ballin County, Alabama is home of a highly decorated veteran population including numerous Purple Heart recipients. And whereas Ballin County Commission has long demonstrated steadfast support for the military veterans community. And whereas the Ballin County Commission deeply appreciates the sacrifice of Purple Heart recipients made in defending our freedoms and recognizing their courage and extending the honor and support they have so rightfully earned. Whereas, August 7th of each year is normally recognized as Purple Heart Day. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed, by the Baltimore County Commission in regular session assembled August 7th, 2026, is hereby set aside the National Purple Heart Day in the month of August 2026, is hereby set aside as National Purple Heart Month in Baltimore County, Alabama, and encourage all citizens of Baltimore County to learn about the history of the Purple Heart and to honor and express their appreciation for members of the armed forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart. Thank you all much.

Firstly, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Dr. Andrew DelGaudio, and I am the senior vice commander for the nation for the military or the Purple Heart. Firstly, I'd like to extend my thanks to the leadership here at Baldwin County, to the commissioner specifically for doing this award annually for the Purple Heart recipients. As the commissioner mentioned in the citation, the badge of military merit, as it was first called, was awarded by George Washington on the 7th of August 1782, it would take nearly a year for its first awarding to its first three soldiers. The first three soldiers that were awarded this award, this award was given to them a whole year prior to the final Treaty of Paris in 1783. General Washington realized that he did not have the money or he did not have the land or he did not have the commissions to offer his soldiers, so this was the best that he could give in recognition for the work that was done with his Continental Army in the years prior during the Revolution. The Purple Heart as we've come to know it today, on the 200th anniversary of Washington's birth in 1932, General Douglas MacArthur, the Chief of Staff of the United States Army, recreated the award as we know it today with the image of General George Washington on the front of the heart with the family crest of the Washington family above it. It was backdated. to all the soldiers, sailors, and Marines that were injured in the First World War. Those were our first recipients. And from that time forward, the Purple Heart, as we know it today, has continued to be awarded to our Gold Star families who lose children in contact with the enemy, as well as those of us who have been injured. I do think it's important to remind everybody that Purple Heart recipients wear this medal not for themselves, but we wear it for the many that did not return. And we wear it in their honor because none of us went forward by ourselves. I'm gonna tell you a very quick local story that I'm gonna talk a lot more about on the 7th when we do our event at the Daphne Civic Center. But we have a very interesting local connection. The power of the Purple Heart is what brings people together. It truly does. I'm going to tell you a very quick story about our commander who's coming from the state of Wisconsin. He is the state commander for the military of the Purple Heart. Unbeknownst to us, I had the opportunity to meet him at our national convention in New Bern, North Carolina, a few weeks ago. This gentleman has been coming every year to see one of his comrades that he lost in March of 1969 during Vietnam. He's been coming every year to see him. So we're literally going to reunite him with some of this sergeant's kin at this ceremony. They're coming together for the first time. But this is an opportunity that this sort of award brings, not only for us, but that's something that is an honor to the entirety of the community. And it's going to be a national event. I appreciate the time this morning to have a word with y'all. I appreciate the support of our combat wounded, and thank you.

Yeah. Yeah.

All right.

Okay, commissioners, I need a motion to accept this proclamation. I'll make that motion.

I'll second it.

Is there any discussion? Do you all want to say anything?

Do you mind if I? Absolutely. Mr. Chairman, I received a call from Ms. Teresa from Barry Moore's office yesterday afternoon, and it kind of gave me chills because she sent me a text because I couldn't answer the phone. Anyway, she made a little comment. She said, are you screening your phone calls? I said, yes, I am because I don't recognize the number. But she texted me and she said, look, I need an escort. I need a trooper escort. from Pensacola to Mobile. And it was about a MIA, was it Korean War? Yeah, the Korean War. And they finally found the body. And it just gave me chills to be able to do this and to make that contact. And it's an honor. And I'm so happy that the family's getting some closure for this. So I just want to say, what was their name? I don't know if I got it. Yes, so I just want to tell the family if I can't make it Friday, just tell them I'm so happy for them that they get a little bit of closure on this. Yeah, I don't, Mr. Chairman. But I just want to say this and I'll finish it up, but I just want to say thank you to all the recipients of the Book of Art. Thank you for your sacrifice for our country. So thank you.

Appreciate it. To add to that, at the event, 7 August, obviously, at Daphne Civic Center, Steve Carey, the president, will be presenting the family with the Purple Heart, and so that'll be nice, too. First of all, I want to thank the commissioners, and I want to thank the county of Baldwin County. My name's Phil Quigley. I'm the vice president of marketing. for the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission. And really quick, when the Veterans Commission started, it was basically about Veterans Day, the parade. This year, Steve Carey challenged Fran Barber and myself, who is the secretary and treasurer, that it's about more. It's about days throughout the year. So we started with our first one in April at the Battleship Park, and that was the 107th birthday of the American Legion. then we did another and that led us to something special that we really wanted to do and that was put on a Purple Heart salute which that is obviously 7 August 5 to 7 at the Daphne Civic Center but more importantly than that we appreciate all the support from the cities of that are in Baldwin County and obviously the county itself but one thing that I just want to leave it with that's very important to us and then we have a quick video is we want the youth to understand how important veterans are and what it means to this country. And so we've got a lot of the, uh, youth involved. We have the Baldwin County youth orchestra. We'll be playing troop 87. Love y'all know Joe Bushell at the Alabama veterans Memorial cemetery. That's his troop that will be doing the flag folding. And we also will have the JROTC from Daphne High School, which Spanish Fork comes over and they're a part of. They will be our honor guard. And each one of these will get to escort out the 50 to 65 recipients that we have that are coming. As Dr. Gaudio said, from all over the country. This has turned into a national or nationwide event. But we appreciate all of your support. And Fran, have I left anything out? But thank you again. And we appreciate it. And we hope to see everyone there. And I believe we have a quick video.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you all for presenting that. We're still on comments about this. Commissioner Gruber?

I just, again, thank you all for coming today and receiving that approximation. And, you know, we do have a lot of veterans here in Baldwin County. Probably more so than a lot of other areas. You know, and a lot of them are Purple Heart veterans. So, I mean... We take pride in honoring our veterans, Purple Hort recipients, and just all of them, you know, because they are very important to our nation. And it's like they say, you know, some came, some and gave all, you know, so we just need to remember them in our prayers and everything. Thank you.

Thank you. Yeah, that's right.

Yeah, I've seen that and that's remarkable having, you know, Dr. Hawkins, you know, at that, you know, he's a remarkable person.

Thank you for giving that history. I love history, and George Washington is one of my favorite ones to study. And with the America 250 celebration, it seems like we've had a lot of George lately. But it is never too much. To me, history is just like reading the Bible. Every time you open it up, you learn more. And so... You know, hopefully what we study and read is accurate, but I really appreciate you giving that historical background on that. And this event, I'm sure, is going to be fantastic because that Daphne Civic Center is a great venue. For those of you, I saw some of you at the America 250 Celebration. recently, and hopefully their AC is still pumping as good as it was back then because August is hot in Baldwin County. But I really appreciate you guys coming here. It makes our meetings, when we have something like this, even though it's a somber thing, it's also a good thing. And so it makes our meetings more meaningful to have something like this. It's really means a lot. You know, we, we have to do mundane things, you know, like pay the bills and all these other kinds of things. And those are, those are the things that we, we have to do, but to get to do things like this, this is what makes it joyful. So thank you for being here today.

Yeah, absolutely. Um, this is always a great, I remember when I was running for office in 2017, uh, seeing this event in this chamber and how exciting it is to recognize you guys. And something interesting I found out, because I've got some younger friends that's a lot younger than me that received Purple Hearts from the Afghan and Iraq campaigns that we have. And I didn't know that some individual chooses not to receive a Purple Heart. You know, and I found this out that he was so dedicated to his service and what he did that he didn't want any recognition for. I mean, it's not that saying he's not on the list, but he just said he did his job and and definitely got wounded doing it. So. I don't know if that's something Y'all have ever heard about, but it surprised me. And in my commissioner comments later on, I'll be remembering a family here in town where we had an event happen last week where our famous restaurant burnt down here. And Mr. Eugene Overstreet is a Purple Heart recipient as well from the Vietnam War. So he's always been a proud recipient. Everywhere you go in his restaurants, you will see Something about the Purple Heart. So hopefully, I don't know if his family, somebody can get him to this event, but this is going to be a great event on August 7th. Hopefully, I did not RSVP by August 3rd, but if I show up, I'm sure y'all will let me in. So I would really like to attend that event. So thank you guys for what you're doing again. Thank you for always great, giving a great presentation and a very short historical concept of how this award came about. I don't think many people understand the significance of that timeframe and how George Washington just came up with something to all, like you said, all he could to commission those officers and, and what, Look at it now. I mean, it is like you said, it brings so many people together. That's unexpected. And you just never know who you meet in life. And that connection story that you're talking about is going to be quite a scene to see. And that's one of the things that's now attracted me to. I want to get down there and see that historical reenactment. So my dad was in Vietnam and was there in 1961. 7 and 68. And I wish I could always search for people to reunite him with. You can never find any. So he was not a Purple Heart recipient, but he was there. And that's going to be a, I know that he would have liked to have been reunited with some of the folks and family members of his troop. But I appreciate it again, which I'll do. It means a lot. So we have a motion and a second to accept this proclamation. We've discussed it. And since there's no further discussion, all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All right. That proclamation passes. All right. So we have no public hearings today. Other staff recommendations? None of that. Thank you guys for coming. See you all August 7th. Press questions. Commissioner, comments?

I'll throw it out there.

Again, thank the staff for all that they do to get this meeting taken care of so that we can present it to the public. You know, today we honored the Purple Heart folks. And just don't forget, on August 7th, if you get a chance, go to Daphne Civic Center and participate in the celebration that they're going to have at the Civic Center, you know, to honor our Purple Heart recipients. And thank you very much.

that people think we just brush over. It's not so. We do a lot of prep work. I think I have had meetings with constituents and people almost every day of the last two weeks. It's just a lot happening. And I want to thank staff that has assisted me plus the other commissioners and all the questions that we're being tasked with right now. And I think we only have about a half a dozen more meetings at this actual commission, but I'm thankful for Each one of you for your willingness and your ability to work together because that's what we're here for is to do the jobs that we were elected. So thank you.

I just want to say echo some of that what they said. Thank you to the staff. I just want to say thank you. The teachers are back at work. Finally, I can relax now. My wife's back at work. So, you'll start seeing me more around the office and out in the field. So, but this, you know, be mindful of the teachers there at their back at school and students start, I think. The 11th or 12th of August, and it's going to be hectic on the road. So. Especially the 1st, couple of days, but just want to say, thank you. Thank you commissioners and you all have a blessed day. Thank you. Yep.

And I concur with everything those 3 said when it comes to thinking our staff. And then, of course, there's no surprise that the news is out that our local restaurant that's been here since 1986 has burnt down. Just prayers for the Overstreet family as they recoup these losses. You know, everybody's asking. what they're going to do next. I mean, they don't even have time to absorb what's happened. So I will say that there is a GoFundMe account if anybody's interested in helping donate to the employees that have lost their jobs there. So it's not many, but there are a few that depended on working there every day for their livelihood. So if anybody considers donating some money, you can go on to their GoFundMe page for that. I don't know what the name of it is, but I'm sure it's on Facebook. someplace where I do not reside anymore. But anyway, I just thought it was interesting to write up on Fox 10 did a great article on it of the history of the restaurant. It's been here since 1986. And so it's a staple in our community for breakfast, lunch, and supper for most local families. So They have been scattered throughout town now. I've seen some of the little local establishments packed out during the night and day, which is always good to see other people picking up the baton and keeping our people who don't cook fed. So there's a lot of people, especially on Sundays, and the tourists. It's just heart-wrenching to see that iconic restaurant the way it is now. And hopefully, God willing, they do rebuild it bigger and better. Who knows what's going to happen. So just prayers for that family. And that's all I've got. We adjourn.