BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Monday night was Lee County Probate Judge Bill English’s last Lee County Commission meeting.
English has been serving for 24 years, having taken office in 2001. Newly-elected Probate Judge Jere Colley is stepping into the position.
Many well-wishers came to express gratitude and thoughts to English on his last meeting, including current county employees, past county employees, current county commissioners and past county commissioners.
“[Meeting you], not only did that change the course of my career, but me as a professional and a person,” said former County Administrator Roger Rendleman. “I’m very blessed to live in this great community… you gave me that opportunity back in 2001.”
Rendleman served with English for 20 of English’s 24 years.
There was also critique from some citizens in the county as well about English’s 21 years, and excitement for Colley’s service.
Colley’s responsibilities heading the commission will begin at the next meeting on Jan. 27.
“This has been a wonderful place to work for a very long time… this county is a blessing,” English said. “Judge Colley you’ve your work cut out for you. I’m going to give you this challenge. I have had 567 commission meetings, and I’ve missed one… so I’m going to challenge you not to miss one.”
English, before ending the meeting, passed his gavel to Colley. Other Business:
- The commission acknowledged employee certifications and award from the Lee County Emergency Management Agency.
- The commission heard an update from Lee County EMA Director Rita Smith on the Norfolk Southern EMA Grant Award.
- The commission voted to approve the February free disposal day for Feb. 8 and approved a yet-to-be-set day in March. These will be longer than the previous half-days.
- The commission heard the first reading for board openings.
- The commission carried forward a discussion on the Magazine Avenue & Auburn Street Building demolition which John Marsh requested.
- The commission carried forward a vote on a Resolution of Support for Local Legislation for the Coroner’s Office.
- The commission voted to approve an amendment to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
- The commission heard the Rebuild Alabama Fund Annual Report.
- The commission voted to approve the Lee Road 9 Right-of-Way Vacation.
- The commission voted to approve the Final Plat Approval for R.D. Newman Subdivision.
- The commission voted to approve a Speed Limit Reduction for Lee Rd. 690.
- The commission set a public hearing for the Solid Waste Management Plan for Feb. 24.
The next Lee County Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 27.
