Month: August 2017

As a part of ALDOTs improvement project at the AL 14 and AL 143 intersection, the two sets of traffic signals are being replaced and upgraded.
Today the new signal at the intersection of Jackson St and AL 14 was put into operation. Shortly after being put into service, a component malfunctioned and caused traffic to be delayed.
In communications with ALDOT personnel this afternoon, the signal has been taken out of service until the issue can be resolved.
Thanks to all for your patience as ALDOT completes this very important project for our county!
Bart

A portion of this week I spent attending the Alabama Association of County Commissioners conference.  Attendance at these type events enable your commission to stay up-to-date on issues that are of vital importance to you, our citizens. 

Today I received certification for the training I have completed through the Commissioner Education and Graduate Programs administered by Auburn University.

Later this afternoon I am attending the first meeting of the ACCA Leglislative Committee I was recently appointed to by my fellow commissioners to represent Elmore county.

This is the media release we sent out earlier today.

I made a commitment when I was appointed in 2016 that I would be on the 2018 ballot if serving as commissioner didn’t have an adverse effect on my family or our business.  I also wanted to make sure I could make a difference for the county as a commissioner.  Over the past 8 months I have used these two objectives as a litmus test to determine my future plans.  After prayerful consideration I have made a decision.  Please see the attached video for that decision.

We all know the lack of Broadband access to some areas in Elmore County is a real problem. I normally try to read at night before bed and my internet speed  is so slow at home that I get frustrated so I  have started making sure I have something in “Print” nearby. But, at least I have access to broadband because many in our county do not.

I have been working closely with ECEDA in an effort to make sure other Broadband providers know Elmore County is a great place to consider for investment, much like is done with companies in other industries. The business model of a company that provides  broadband access is like any other private business, their investment must result in profit in order to stay in business. Yes, the County does enter into a Franchising agreement but basically all that does is charge a private company a percentage of their revenue for using public land (R.O.W) to install their lines. The provisions set in the franchising agreement are overwhelmingly determined by the Federal Cable Act and not your county commission.

I have posted a copy of a Wetumpka Herald article where I discussed this at a commission meeting in great detail.

With that said, I wanted to share that our efforts are starting to get the attention of other broadband providers. Conversations about the issue are taking place with other broadband providers and we have had a company talk with the Commission this week. The name of the company is Mobilitie and as it has been explained to us, they capture a  commercial grade wireless data signal with a satellite and transmit it to their pole mounted antenna and rebroadcast the wireless data signal about 1-2 miles out. I have asked the Mobilitie representative to meet with myself and an ECEDA representative very soon to find out more about what they do.

I will update you as I know something.

Bart

At the County Commission meeting last night I was honored to be selected by my fellow Commissioners to serve as the representative for Elmore County to the Association of County Commissioners of Alabama (ACCA) Legislative Committee.
The ACCA serves as a technical, legal and policy resource for each county in Alabama.

 This Committee will work with members of the state legislature as well as Gov Kay Ivey and her administration to affect change and guide policy that affects Elmore County.

I appreciate this opportunity in my effort to serve Elmore County and its citizens.

Bart

Polls will be open today from 7:00am to 7:00pm today to start the process of selecting a candidate to fill the Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions.

Please go vote today!!

Bart

This is the work session agenda for the Commission meeting 8-14-17.

The Elmore County Commission meets on the 2nd Floor of the Elmore County Courthouse. Work Session starts at 5:00 p.m. and Commission meeting soon after normally about 6:00 p.m.

If you want to share a thought or have a question on any item please let me know.

Bart

Reminder: County Wide cleanup day is today Saturday August 12

Trucks will be at these locations from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The pick-up sites are for residents to bring amounts of trash larger than the normal residential trash container will accommodate.

Limbs smaller than four feet and no more than six inches in diameter will be accepted but it is not designed to accept trash or clean-up debris from contractors. Items such as batteries, appliances, oils and gases, paints or thinners will not be accepted.
These are the pick-up sites for this Saturday:

CEWSA Redland Facility
Holtville High School

Elmore County Judicial Complex

Emerald Mountain Equestrian Center

Kent – Old Highway Department

Town of Coosada

Any question please let me know.
Bart

Tuesday August 8,20178am

The Elmore County Highway Dept and Wiregrass Construction are working this morning to prepare the culvert project north of Ingram Rd to be opened to traffic. The Elmore County Commission anticipates work being completed so that this section of Ingram Road will be open to traffic by the end of the work day.

An update will be provided when this section of Ingram Road is open for travel.