June 25 - Commission Meeting Highlights

The Jefferson County Commission met, vetted, and approved 58 resolutions this week. Highlights include the following. You can view both the Pre-Commission and Commission meetings in our online livestream archive.

In Pre-Commission on Tuesday there were two presentations of note:

1. One from the Chief Information Officer, Sri Karra, on the current state of the County's IT services.
2. The Second was from Josh Johnson, Director of Development Services, on Data Centers. Currently the County does not have any active projects in unincorporated Jefferson County (what the County is responsible for) and does not have any zoning that would allow a data center. At the direction of the County Commission, Josh has undertaken steps to research and develop a plan for the County that addresses them.

At Thursday's Commission Meeting there were 2 recognitions of note: 

Commissioner Tyson recognized Mr. Marion Sterling for over 20 years of service at the Davenport and Harris Funeral Home

The County Manager recognized employees with 30 years of service: 

• Terry Baldwin, Senior Engineering Inspector, Environmental Services
• Michael Crane, Traffic Signs & Marking supervisor, Roads and Transportation
• Wesley Gregory, Chief Civil Engineer, Roads and Transportation
• Jason Guthrie, Traffic Maintenance Worker, Roads and Transportation
• Chris Hill, Project Manager, General Services
• Daren Lanier, Deputy County Manager, County Manager's Office
• Carl Ray, Senior WRF Maintenance Worker, Environmental Services

There were no public hearings

Commissioner Community Grants:

Commission District 1 - Lashunda Scales

• Community grant to the Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution for $2,500 for Air Quality Education & Awareness programs. 
• Community grant to the Forestdale Community Development Association for $3,387.26 for mowing services at Holiday Hills Park. The park property is owned by Jefferson County and licensed to the Forestdale Community Development Association. Scheduling and scope of work to be handled by Roads and Transportation.

Commission District 2 - Sheila Tyson

• Community Grant to the Birmingham Zoo to allow Jefferson County students the opportunity to explore the zoo.

Commission District 3 - Jimmie Stephens

• Community grant with the Hueytown Arts Council for $10,000 to support Hueytown Cityfest and theatre projects. 
• Community grant with Warrior River Fire & Rescue for $30,000 to assist with communications upgrades, including the purchase and instillation of new radios.
• Community grant with the Town of Mulga for $25,000 to assist with improvements to the Mulga Fire Station
• Community grant with Oak Grove Memorial Park for $124,367.83 for the purchase of playground equipment
• Community grant with Concord Fire District for $55,296 to help with the purchase of a Wildland Brush Truck Response Unit.
• Community grant with Aldridge Gardens for $5,000 to assist with funding Hydrangeas Under the Stars.
• Appointment of Robbie Roberts to fill the unexpired term of Jennifer Andress on the Jefferson County Greenway Commission (term expires Feb. 6, 2028)

Commission District 4 - Joe Knight

• Community grant to Alabama historic Ironworks for $40,000 to assist with Tannehill State Park's purchase of vehicles for ground maintenance
• Community grant with Trafford for $50,000 to assist with revitalization of the town's ballpark. 
• Community grant with Palmerdale Fire District for $4,000 to help with the purchase of LifePak cardiac monitor/defibrillators.

Commission District 5 - Mike Bolin

• Community grant to the Megan Montgomery Foundation for $5,000 to assist in educating students on the escalating risks of unhealthy relationships.