News and Events for District 2 - Connie Hudson, County Commissioner
February 8, 2011 
District News and Events

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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON

 

It's hard to believe that we're already into the month of February and Mardi Gras festivities begin in only a couple of weeks. There's certainly never a dull moment in Mobile County! Please take the time to check out our calendar of upcoming events. If you know of a community  or neighborhood event that you'd like to add to the next e-newsletter, please contact my office at 574-2000 with the event details. Also, don't forget that Commission pre-conference and conference meetings are now televised on Comcast Channel 6 on Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. They air on MediaCom channel 87 continuously.  

As you receive this newsletter, there is a small technical problem with MediaCom which is expected to be cleared up in the next week.

 

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY MARDI GRAS!  

Commissioner Hudson at Alacare

Commissioner Hudson presented the Employee of the Month award to Alacare Home Heath and Hospice employee Joesph Chatom, Office Manager and LPN. Also pictured is Anthony Martinez, Administrator.    

Commissioner Hudson at Go Red

Commissioner Hudson was recognized as the first Go Red for Women Symposium  honoree at the February 4, 2011 luncheon. 

Commissioner Hudson at LCS 10th Anniversary

Commissioner Connie Hudson is pictured presenting a county Resolution to Gold Crew LST-325 Captain Bob Jornlin (L) and the Mobile  Navy Port Coordinator Captain Hal Peirce (R) at the 10 year reunion recently held at the downtown Holiday Inn. 


WILMER COMMUNITY SEEKS FIRE DISTRICT STATUS

 

Wilmer residents and Fire Department volunteers are seeking petition signatures from Wilmer residents to establish a Wilmer Community Fire District. This petition, requiring the signatures of 100 landowners, would be presented to the Mobile County Commission in order to formally request a "Fire District" designation. Once the Fire District designation is granted, voters within the Wilmer Fire District boundary would be given the opportunity to vote for a Fire District assessment. Any assessment, if approved by voters, would be levied for the specific purpose of supporting the Wilmer Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) with safety equipment and other needed resources.

 

According to Alabama law, the Fire District would be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of five members elected at large within the Fire District. The Board would be responsible for setting VFD policy and approving annual budgets. Wilmer VFD currently utilizes 30 volunteers and, at present, receives no reimbursement for medical supplies used in patient care. There are over 80 calls per month and typically 65% of them are medical calls. The call volume, according to Wilmer VFD Deputy Chief Bill Donovan, has increased dramatically over the past two years due to responses to medical calls, fires, wrecks, and emergency citizen assists.

 

Seventy five percent of the Wilmer volunteer firefighters are trained first responders and include CPR instructors, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), a fire investigator and instructor, and a Hazmat instructor. Volunteer firefighters enrolled in paramedic and EMT training pay training expenses out of their own pockets.

 

According to Deputy Chief Donovan, several members of the department are qualified to do technical rescue but cannot perform a technical rescue because the department does not have the necessary equipment.

 

"The source of funding that can be obtained by a Fire District through community support and a commitment to public safety can make the difference in a life or death situation." - Deputy Chief Bill Donovan

 

Please contact Laura Ayers at 605-0137 for petition information.

 

DISTRICT 2 ROAD  

PROJECTS UPDATE

 

District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. A summary follows:

 

*Firetower Road- Mobile County Project Number MCR-2008-202

The project's construction is substantially complete, with the exception of having a firm stand of permanent vegetation on the shoulders. Final documentation is 95% complete. In the spring vegetation will be established.

 

*John Shinn Road- Mobile County Project Number MCR-2004-205

Currently in design and construction for minor drainage modifications. 99% complete.

 

*Cody Road- Mobile County Project Number MCR-2006-010

Finishing placement of the remaining wearing surface, pavement striping, and establishing vegetation. 85% complete.

 

*Jeffrey Road and Wiggins Lane- Mobile County Project Number MCR-2008-203

Began work in January. 10% complete.

 

*Mack Hinton Road- Mobile County Project Number MCR-2008-204

Project is in design and bidding is anticipated to begin in early spring, 2011.

 

*Ziegler Blvd- City of Mobile and ALDOT Project

Forest Hill to Athey Drive 60% of design completed. Schillingers Road to Cody Road 40% of design completed.   

 

*Old Shell Road- Mobile County and ALDOT Project

Anticipating completion in mid-April. 90% complete.

 

*Hwy. 98- ALDOT Project Improvements from Big Creek Lake to the Mississippi state line will begin this spring. This four-phase project has an expected completion date in late 2012.

*Big Creek Lake Bridge extension will begin in the spring of 2011.

*The Glenwood Overpass and the Connector (which will connect Schillinger to the end of the Big Creek Lake Bridge) phases are expected to begin in late 2011.

*The final phase is a base and pave project that is expected to be completed in late 2012.

 

UPDATE: COUNTY FUNDED ROAD PROJECTS IN THE CITY OF MOBILE

 

According to City Engineer Nick Amberger, improvement or resurfacing road projects in the city limits of Mobile, paid for through the Mobile County Pay-As-You-Go Program, are tentatively scheduled to start construction as early as May.

 

"We are grateful for the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Program and for the direction of dollars into City infrastructure. It has advanced the resurfacing needs significantly," said Amberger.

 

Click Here to view a complete list of the streets within the city limits of Mobile included in the PAYGO program using the Mobile County PAYGO funding.

 

COUNTY FINANCES AT A GLANCE

 

According to Michelle Herman, Mobile County Finance Director, the County General Fund ended fiscal year 2010 with revenues of $121,757,350.76. The budget was amended during the fiscal year as result of a 2% budget reduction. The County ended the fiscal year with a 2.12% positive variance to the amended budget. Click the links below to view a breakdown of the County's year end financial update.


Executive Summary EOY Report 2010
General Fund Revenues 2010
Sales Tax Chart 2010 EOY
General Fund Budget Report 2010 EOY
Fuel Chart 2010 EOY

PLANNED EXPANSION OF RECYCLING SERVICES

 

Plans are in the preliminary stages to expand recycling services by providing a recycling drop-off facility in or near the densely populated area of west Mobile City/County. Currently, Commissioner Hudson is working with Mobile County Environmental Services personnel to identify a possible location to build a recycling drop-off center. Funding for the project would be obtained through a Conservation Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) federal grant designed to directly or indirectly benefit the natural coastal environment. Once constructed, the center's services would be contracted out to a private or non-profit entity. Stay tuned for progress updates!

MCPSS TAX RENEWAL

VOTE SET FOR MARCH 22

 

Voters will be asked to renew some of the existing taxes that support public schools at a special election set for March 22, 2011. The taxes are not new, but require a vote of the people in Mobile County every 20 years for continuation. The following Q&A provides facts about the re-approval vote.

 

Q: What is the reason for this vote?

A: It is a renewal of three taxes worth 13 mills, or about $55 million annually, for the MCPSS. They were renewed by voters in 1980, to take effect for 20 years beginning in 1991, meaning they expire this year. Mobile County schools get a total of 33 mills of property taxes each year, so about one-third of that is at stake.

 

Q: If this passes, how long will I have to pay these taxes?

A: The taxes would be renewed through October 1, 2031.

 

Q: Is this a renewal of the 2001 tax for schools?

A: No, the tax in 2011, a combination of sales and property taxes, was the first new tax for schools to be approved by voters in decades.

 

Q: Who will vote?

A: All registered voters in the county, including Saraland, will be eligible.

 

Q: Will my taxes go up if it passes?

A: No. This is a renewal, so they will stay the same.

 

Q: What is the money currently being spent on?

A: Much of the money is used to hire teachers whose positions are not funded by the state. These "locally funded" slots may include art teachers, additional teachers to reduce classroom size, and assistant principals. The money also goes towards building and maintaining schools, buying new technology and covering some bus transportation costs.

 

Q: What will happen if these taxes are not renewed?

A: Mobile County Superintendent Roy Nichols said that this school system would lose about 400 teachers. That's on top of the 800 school employees lost since 2008 due to state budget cuts. Additionally, Mobile County schools would lose $25 million in construction funds.

 

For more information on the issue, contact Linda Ingram with the Committee for Children at 476-0002 or Click Here to visit an information website . 



DISTRICT TWO

WINTER CALENDAR

 

2011 MISS MOBILE PAGEANT

 

When: 7 p.m., Saturday February 12

Where: Alma Bryant High School Auditorium, 14001 Hurricane Blvd, Bayou La Batre

 

The Miss Mobile Pageant is an official preliminary to the Miss America Pageant and provides young women between the ages of 17-24 with the opportunity to obtain thousands of dollars in scholarship money to continue their education at the college or university of their choice. The pageant competition focuses on participant service, style, scholarship and success. If you have any questions or would like to support the program, please contact Jane Baker at [email protected]

 

9th ANNUAL SEMMES AZALEA FESTIVAL

 

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday March 19

Where: Mary G. Montgomery High School, 4275 Snow Road North, Semmes

 

The Semmes Azalea Festival features an azalea bush sale, the 2nd annual Azalea Festival 5K Run, the "CruzIn" Car Show, vendor booths from local businesses offering everything from plants to jewelry to birdhouses and other activities for the whole family to enjoy. Entertainment and food will be provided. 

 

For more information Click Here or call the Semme's Azalea Festival Chairperson Terri Nelson at 649-3163.

 

GIANT INSECTS TAKE OVER THE EXPLOREUM IN DOWNTOWN MOBILE

 

When: Now through May 22

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum,

65 Government Street

 

See animatronic insects up to 120 times life-size, a live insect zoo, an insect art gallery and more at the Exploreum Science Center during the Giant Insects, a Robotic Infestation exhibit.

 

For further information and ticket cost, please call 208-6852.

 

7th ON THE HILL BENEFITING THE DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN PROGRAM 

 

When: 11 a.m., Sunday March 20

Where: The Mitchell Center,  

2195 Mitchell Center Dr.

 

This New York style fashion show production, is a chance to mingle and network while raising money for the Distinguished Young Women program (formerly America's Junior Miss).

 

Cost: $250 VIP Front Row Seating $65 General Seating. Call (251) 438-3621 for more information.

 

SILVER CLASSIC 5K AND FUN RUN/WALK REGISTRATION NOW OPEN 

 

When: 8 a.m , Saturday April 16

Where: Mobile Regional Senior Community Center, 3201 Hillcrest Road

 

The Silver Classic, sponsored by the non-profit MRSCC Foundation, benefits the Mobile Regional Senior Community Center (MRSCC) and includes a certified 5K course and one-mile Fun Run/Walk. There will also be fantastic door prizes, a health fair, an art show, line dancing and exceptional food and beverages from sponsors provided after the race. Register by mail or in person at McCoy Outdoor in Mobile or Running Wild in Fairhope or online at www.Active.com. You may also register the day of the race.

 

Silver Classic Registration Form 

 

For more information on City of Mobile events please Click Here.  



SPOTLIGHT ON COUNTY SERVICES

Each edition of the District 2 E-Newsletter will highlight an area of service, service agency, or a county service that is predominantly funded by the Mobile County Commission.

 

MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

 

"It's the finest facility I've seen in the state by far." -Dr. David Hayes, Veterinarian and Inspector, Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, about the Mobile County Animal Shelter. 

 

The Mobile County Animal Shelter, located at 7665 Howell's Ferry Road, is required by the State of Alabama to enforce animal control laws. These laws are designed to protect the public's health, safety, and welfare as well as to minimize the suffering of unwanted animals that have been abandoned without sources of food or medical care. The County accepts all animals that are abandoned within the unincorporated areas of the county and in a few municipalities.

 

The Shelter also seeks to promote the adoption of unwanted animals and provides the highest level of care for them that resources will allow. In addition to control and adoptions of unwanted animals, the Shelter is charged with investigation of animal cruelty and dog bite cases.  

 

Currently, the Shelter's daily count averages approximately 200 animals. In 2010, more than 3,200 unwanted animals were adopted .  

 

The Mobile County Commission is currently working on a spay/neuter program which is expected to be launched within the next few weeks and will potentially lower or decrease the overwhelming number of animals abandoned within Mobile County.  

 

How can you help the abandoned animals at the MCAS?  

 

Pet Adoption: Shelter operation hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and, for adoption only 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Click Here to view all of the animals available for adoption. For more information contact the Shelter office at (251) 574-3647. 

 

Foster Care: Become a foster care provider for an animal.Visit the shelter during hours of operation or Click Here for more information and to view all of the animals available for foster care.

 

Volunteer: If you are over the age of 19 and would like to assist the shelter with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, feeding, answering phones, photography, walking animals etc., please contact 574-3647 or stop by the shelter during operational hours.  

 

MCAS Volunteer Manual 

MCAS Volunteer Application 

 

In-Kind & Financial Contributions:  

The following items are needed to care for and enhance the lives of animals at the shelter. Deliveries can be made to the shelter during hours of operation.  

 

- Used bath towels and blankets.    

- Monetary donations for vaccines. (Make checks payable to Mobile County Animal Shelter Donation Account and send to 7665 Howells Ferry Road Mobile, AL 36618 ) 

- Leashes and collars, all sizes.

- Cleaning chemicals such as Dawn and Clorox.

- Artists to add color, life, and pictures of animals to reception area.

- Puppy milk liquids, soft and dry dog food.

- Rubber gloves (reusable and disposable).

- Cap Star flea medication.

- Promeris for skin conditions. 

- Baby cribs used to show puppies.

- Outdoor heaters for play area.

 

According to Dr. David Hayes, 

"Residents of that [Mobile] County need to be proud of a government that makes that kind of facility possible. It's the quality of the people, the quality of the facility, and the quality of the practices."  

 
Connie Hudson, Distric 2 County Commissioner; district2web@mobile-county.net  Office: (251) 574-2000

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