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

April 22, 2011 

District News and Events

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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON

 

Spring is certainly a busy time of year in Mobile County. Please be sure to check out the Calendar of Special Events in this newsletter. There are plenty of great opportunities! A true strength of Mobile County is the sense of community volunteerism among our citizens. Our quality of life is directly impacted by all those who so freely volunteer their time and energy to help their neighbors and communities on a variety of community improvement projects. There are always opportunities to get involved and our Spring Calendar offers a wide range of events and projects in which to participate.  

Happy Easter

CITY OF SEMMES INCORPORATION FORMALIZED 

 

As of 12:01 a.m. on May 1, 2011, the City of Semmes will become the newest incorporated municipality in Mobile County. As a result of the formal incorporation, Probate Judge Don Davis will set the City of Semmes municipal elections to elect a Mayor and a five-member Council elected at-large. Once the governing body is elected, they will immediately adopt municipal ordinances to govern the new municipality.

 

The City of Semmes will include a 1.5-mile police and fire jurisdiction and a 5-mile planning jurisdiction. Click below for mapping attachments.   


New Semmes Fire Jurisdiction 

New Semmes Police Jurisdiction  

Mobile Planning Jurisdiction 

 

Public safety in the City of Semmes and its police and fire jurisdictions will be provided by the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, The Mobile County Emergency Management Service and the Semmes Volunteer Fire Department. According to Semmes Volunteer Fire Chief Terry Sexton, the Semmes VFD has an ISO (Insurance Services Organization) rating of 6, whereas the ISO rating in the Semmes areas previously served by the City of Mobile Fire and Rescue Department was a 10. The transition in service to the Semmes VFD will likely result in the reduction of fire insurance premiums for homeowners in these areas.

 

Applications for subdivisions and commercial site plan approval outside the corporate limits of Semmes, which were previously submitted to the Mobile Planning Commission, must now be submitted to the Mobile County Engineering Department. Applications within the City of Semmes must await approval from a newly formed Semmes Planning Commission that will be appointed by the new Mayor and Council.

 

The Semmes Incorporation Committee has planned a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 in the Mary G. Montgomery High School Auditorium for all Semmes area residents to discuss the municipal transition and to answer questions.


DISTRICT 2 ROAD  

PROJECTS UPDATE

 

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

 

*John Shinn Road- MCR-2004-205 Currently under construction. 99.9% complete.

 

*Cody Road- MCR-2006-010

Complete.

 

*Jeffrey Road and Wiggins Lane- MCR-2008-203 98% complete.

 

*Malone Road- MCR-2010-203

Currently in design.

 

*Albert Evans Road North- MCR-2010-205 Currently in design.

 

*Glenwood Road Extension- MCR-2010-207 Currently in design.  

 

* Schillinger Road North (Moffett to Lott Road)- MCR-2008-005 Currently in design.

 

* Ward Road West & Grady Dunn Road West- MCR-2004-207 Complete.  

 

*Ziegler Blvd

City of Mobile and ALDOT Project

Forest Hill to Athey Drive expected to go out for bid June of 2011.

Schillingers Road to Cody Road expected to go out for bid June of 2014.    

 

*Old Shell Road- Mobile County and ALDOT Project

99% complete.

 

Update: County funded road projects in the City of Mobile 


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, according to Nick Amberger, City of Mobile Engineer. 

 

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

 

YOUTH CITIZENS' ACADEMY

 

If your child is interested in a career in law enforcement or if they are interested to see what police officers do from day to day, you may register them now for the Mobile Police Department's Youth Citizens' Academy. This six-session academy, open to all youth 10 to 19 years old, will begin June 14, 2011 and meet once per week through July 16, 2011.

 

During this free academy, participants will learn about the police department and the role of law enforcement in the City of Mobile. Topics of instruction include, but are not limited to, fire-arms training, patrol operations, radar demonstrations, narcotics and vice, juvenile law, crime scene investigation, and hostage negotiation. Additionally, the participants will have the opportunity to take field trips to the Mobile County Metro Jail and Strickland Youth Center.

 

Interested youth may obtain applications at the Mobile Police Department Training Academy located at 1251 Virginia Street in Mobile. To visit the Department website Click Here and click the "In the Community" link at the top of page. Shirt size should be included on the application.

 

Class size is limited. Background checks will be required and no applicant with a felony conviction will be admitted to the program.  

All applications must be received by 4 p.m. Monday, June 1. For more information, please call 251-208-2732.

COUNTY FINANCES AT A GLANCE

 

The 02/28/2011 budget report reflects general fund revenue and expenditures for the first five months (42%) of fiscal 2011. Through February, we collected 49.84% of budgeted revenues. Property taxes and business licenses are both paid in the first half of the fiscal year. The budget report shows budgeted and actual expenditures by function. Through the end of February, 39.24% of the budget was expended. We expended 79.35% of budgeted debt service payments which is consistent with debt amortization schedules.


Financial Update as of February 2011

MOBILE COUNTY BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION LOGO CONTEST

 

With the celebration of the Bicentennial of Mobile County in 2012, The Mobile County Bicentennial Committee is looking for local talent to submit art in a logo contest. The logo should best incorporate Mobile County's heritage over the last 200 years. The logo will be used online, in print, and on all branded merchandise. If you are a local artist and a Mobile County resident 18 years of age or younger, you are welcome to enter with a parent or guardian's signature. The contest is open only to individuals, not to companies, clubs, organizations, etc.

 

The designer of the winning logo will receive a $250 savings bond certificate and public recognition. Submissions must be received by June 1, 2011. A winning design will be anounced at a date and time to be determined.

 

Click Here for more information on participation and design guidelines or to contact chairwoman Tammy Sams by email Click Here or call 509-6665.



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

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT 

 

The Mobile County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) is responsible for supporting compliance with environmental laws and regulations, developing and implementing county-wide environmental management programs, coordinating activities to support transportation and community development projects undertaken by Mobile County and application and management of federal environmental grants.

In addition to ongoing duties, MCESD staff maintain open lines of communication with representatives from federal and state agencies to keep up to date on possible changes to national standards, training requirements and environmental reporting procedures.

One of the many grants the MCESD seeks and manages is the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) which authorizes funds to be distributed to Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas producing states for the conservation, protection and preservation of coastal areas, including wetlands. Under the CIAP, the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to distribute to producing states and Coastal Political Subdivisions (CPSs) $250 million for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2010. This money is shared among Alabama, Alaska, California, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas and will be allocated to each producing state and eligible CPS based upon allocation formulas.

One of the more recent CIAP projects in County Commission District 2 was the purchase and mitigation of the Laurendine Wetland Tract located along the Escatawpa River. The MCESD purchased the parcel of land as part of the Clean Water Act to manage the wetland area and conduct stream impact mitigation. Another CIAP project currently in the early stages of planning is the construction of a Recycling Drop-Off center in the West Mobile area.
Laurendine Wetlands

Pictured are the Laurendine Wetlands in early stages of mitigation by the MCESD. Federal CIAP funds are helping to protect your drinking water


DISTRICT TWO

SPRING CALENDAR


FRIENDS OF THE MOBILE DOG PARK HOSTS HOGS AND DOGS EVENT 

 

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23 

Where: Harley Davidson, 3260 Pleasant Valley Road to Medal of Honor Park, 1711 Hillcrest Road 

 

Beginning with a motorcycle ride from Harley Davidson on Cottage Hill Road to Medal of Honor Park, this event will offer chances to win raffle items, BBQ plates for sale from The Shed BBQ, and a walk around the future site of the park. Proceeds will benefit the proposed Julien Marx Dog Park in Medal of Honor Park. 

 

For more information Click Here or visit Friends of the Mobile Dog Park on Facebook.  

 

BROWN BAG IN BIENVILLE


When: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, through May 8
Where: Bienville Square, Downtown Mobile

The Brown Bag Concert Series is sponsored by The City of Mobile, Catt's Sunday Jazz Brunch, Radio Avalon, and WZEW radio. This free lunch time event features local and regional artists playing a mix of Blues, Pop and Jazz. This spring's line-up includes: April 6 - Shad and the Gang; April 13 - Faulkner State; April 20 - Delta Reign; April 27 - Excelsior Band; May 4 - Jim Armstrong; May 11 - Lisa Mills May; 18 - Joe Occhipinti; May 25 - Roman Street.

For more information Click Here or call the City of Mobile's Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1550.

 

BEST ROBOTICS COMMUNITY NIGHT

 

When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 28 

Where: Davidson High School, 3900 Pleasant Valley Road, Mobile 


To celebrate 10 years since the very first BEST robot was built on the Gulf Coast, Jubilee BEST Robotics will host a BEST Community Night to showcase how the program has evolved into a sustainable education and workforce development program. Sponsors that have supported the program through the years will be recognized by BEST.

For more information on Jubilee BEST Robotics and the event Click Here or call Director Robin Fenton at 379-1034.

 

AVNET LPGA CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT 

 

When: Thursday, April 28 to Sunday, May 1

Where: Robert Trent Jones Magnolia Grove Golf Course, 7001 Magnolia Grove Parkway, Mobile

 

Ladies Professional Golf Association Players will tee off to win up to 1,300,000.00 dollars. Click the below links for more information on how to participate in the tournament. 

 

Avnet LPGA Classic Website

Tournament Schedule

Ticket Information

Volunteer Application 

 

14TH ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY AND COUNTY ADDRESS


When: noon to1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 4
Where: Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center, 2195 Water Street, Mobile

The event will feature an update on city and county happenings from Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood and City of Mobile Mayor Sam Jones.
Reservations are required by contacting Carolyn Wilson at 251-431-8606 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Cost: $20 Chamber Members
$30 Potential Members
$190 Table of Ten
All prices include lunch.

For more information Click Here or call the Mobile Chamber of Commerce at 431-8606.

HONOR FLIGHT RETURNS TO MOBILE

 

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 4

Where: Mobile Regional Airport 

 

Honor Flight South Alabama (HFSA) is a non-profit program established to recognize and honor the tremendous service and sacrifices of our World War II (WWII) Veterans. HFSA will fly these American heroes to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at their memorial.

For more information please Click Here or contact the founder of HFSA, Dr. Barry Booth 626-3211.

 

TANNER WILLIAMS MAY DAY


When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7
Where: Tanner Williams Historical Building, 13745 Tanner Williams Road, Wilmer

The Tanner Williams Community May Day Festival is sponsored by the Tanner Williams Civic and Historical Society. Items sold at the festival will benefit historical preservation in Tanner Williams. Entertainment will be provided and activities will include a parade, the crowning of Mr. and Mrs. Tanner Williams, and old-fashioned sweets, ice-cream and games.

For more information call the chairwoman, Connie Paulsen at 645-1196.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES CENTER SPRING OPEN HOUSE  

 

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7 

Where: Environmental Studies Center, 6101 Girby Road, Mobile

 

The Environmental Studies Center is a natural sciences education facility designed to provide unique learning experiences. Featuring over 500 acres of rich woodlands, the Center affords the general public an opportunity to experience firsthand the natural environment. The open house will include an environmental fair, hay rides, animal exhibits, and more!

 

For more information on the Environmental Studies Center Click Here or call 221-5000.

 

MOBILE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6 COMMUNITY MEETING

 

When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 12

Where: West Regional Library, 5555 Grelot Road, Mobile 

 

Councilwoman Rich has invited guests from the City Traffic Engineering Department and Enhanced Neighborhood Police (ENP) officers from the 2nd and 4th precincts. Also representatives from the City's Fire Rescue Department will be in attendance.  

 

For more information contact the City Council office at 208-7441.

 

THE PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PRESENTS "BYE BYE BIRDIE"


When: 7:30 p.m. Daily and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, May 13-29
Where: Playhouse in the Park, 4851 Museum Drive, Mobile

Based on the award-winning stage and film musical about fictional 50's rock'n roll star Conrad Birdie's publicity visit to Sweet Apple, Ohio. Birdie bestows a farewell kiss on local teen Kim MacAfee before he goes into the Army, resulting in mayhem & hilarity throughout the small town.

Cost: Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens.

For more information Click Here or call 602-0630.

 

HANDSON SOUTH ALABAMA HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL SHRIMP COOK-OFF 


When:
10 a.m. Saturday, May 14
Where: Bienville Square, Downtown Mobile

This fundraiser gives the community a way to enjoy delicious seafood, while supporting HandsOn South Alabama's (HOSA) programs, such as the Volunteer Guardian Program and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). Professional, amateur and non-profit divisions will be judged on categories ranging from team themes to the best all-around shrimp dish.

To learn more about their community programs, purchase a ticket or to register a team Click Here or call HOSA at 433-4456.

 

SEMMES HERITAGE DAY 

 

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14  

Where: Semmes Heritage Park, 3871 Wulff Road, Semmes 

 

Semmes Heritage Day will benefit the 1902 Semmes school house, a landmark as the oldest continuous in-use school in Alabama. There will be music, singing, a square dancing demonstration, story telling, displays of antique tools, a car show, antique tractors, horse-drawn carriage rides and old-fashioned children's activities. The Azalea Trail Maids and the Oakleigh Belles will be in attendance.

Cost: Admission is free with donations accepted for the 1902 school house. 


For more information,  Click Here or call the chairwoman Jeanette Byrd at 649-1647.

 

DEDICATION OF THE VILLAGE OF SPRING HILL POCKET PARK


When: 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 16
Where: Old Shell Road adjacent to the Spring Hill branch of Regions Bank, Mobile

The Village of Spring Hill has raised funds to construct a pocket park to beautify and add green space to the Spring Hill Village area. The park dedication will be followed by a  reception at Shamrock Rose and Thistle Tea Room and Gastro Pub, which is located in The Holiday Place at 4513 Old Shell Road.
Village of Springhill

For more information on this event or the Village of Spring Hill Click Here to visit their website or contact Bradley Sanders at 895-2494.

 

CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 7 COMMUNITY MEETING


When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 23
Where: Museum of Art, Mobile

Councilwoman Gina Gregory has invited guests including District Attorney Ashley Rich and several representatives from the public safety sector. They will be discussing crime and public safety issues.

For more information contact Deanna Day in the City Council Office at 208-7441.

 

9TH ANNUAL PENELOPE HOUSE HAT AND PEARLS LUNCHEON


When:
11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 2
Where: West Ballroom of the
Mobile Convention Center

This luncheon will feature entertainment and a fashion show with local celebrities modeling the latest in fashions. Proceeds will benefit Penelope House which is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing safety, protection, and support to the victims of domestic violence and their children through the provision of shelter, advocacy, and individual and community education.

Cost: $60 Single Ticket
$400 Table of Eight

For more information on the Penelope House Click Here or contact Tonie Ann Torrans at 342-2809.

 

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



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

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