By Fred Woods
Editor
Lee County is in the midst of the doldrums of the dog days of summer. For evidence look no further than this week’s Lee County Commission meeting where a major item of discussion was a possible change to the regularly scheduled Wednesday noon test sounding of county emergency sirens because they interfere with babies’ nap times.
The commission also heard from Frank Centrallo, of Aufrecht Technologies in Montgomery, and Commissioner John Andrew Harris concerning their desire to establish a small business incubator in Opelika since, they said, Opelika does not have one. There was no mention of Opelika’s Roundhouse Business Incubator or the role of Opelika’s mayor and city council. Commissioner Lawrence did, however, observe that he thought that Opelika’s Economic Development Board should be consulted.
The commission also announced one vacancy on the Youth Development Board and five vacancies on the Industrial Development Authority. Vacancy announcements are required and give notice to interested citizens so they have an opportunity to submit interest forms prior to first readings or nominations to vacant positions.
Commissioners also approved appointments of Bill Scott and Gaines Lanier to the East Alabama Health Care Authority as requested by Terry Andrus, president of EAMC.
In other action commissioners
-scheduled budget work sessions for Aug. 31and Sept. 1, 14 and 25;
-heard from Mr. Rendleman that the commission must first come up with $550,000 in new money to cover cost increases in retirement, health insurance, workmen’s compensation insurance, general liability increases and debt service;
-approved a number of bid extensions for the Highway Department;
-approved transfer of a retail beer and wine license for Stop and Shop on Highway 51 due to ownership change and
-adopted a new Lee County Hazard Mitigation Plan as requested by EMA.