By Fred Woods
Editor
Last week, in an extremely abbreviated regular meeting the Lee County Commission heard Mrs. Talitha Norris express concern that fallen trees on county road rights-of-way, and even extending out into roadways were sometimes slow in being removed. Commissioner Robert Ham explained that the county had bought chain saws for county volunteer fire departments in return for their help in this matter. Ham commented, “Looks like we need to buy some more chain saws,” and promised Mrs. Norris the county would investigate her concerns.
Commissioners also heard Rev. Anthony Shealey discuss programs, progress and needs of Loachapoka’s Family Enrichment Center, a 501 (c) (3) organization which is the primary, if not only, source of programs for seniors and young people in Loachapoka. The Center is seeking some financial support from the county.
The commission also held the first reading (nomination) for three vacancies on the East Alabama Health Care Authority Board: Wayne Alderman, Lucinda Cannon and Stephen Lock. Alderman and Cannon already serve on the board while Lock will replace Dr. Bill Garrett, who has “aged” off the board.
The commission also received applications from Mary Henry and Bob Holley for vacancies on the Lee County Emergency Communications District Board (popularly known as the 9-1-1 Board). Henry, of Smiths Station, already serves on the board while Holley, Assistant Chief of Police in Opelika, would replace retired Opelika chief, Tommy Mangham.
All positions on the Lee County Cemetery Preservation Board expire this year but no applications/expressions of interest had been received by the time of the meeting.
Following the meeting, the commission held its first work session on the FY 2017 budget. A second work session will follow the next commission meeting on Aug. 30.