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Mobile County Commission District 2
News & Events
Commissioner Connie Hudson
June 29, 2012 |
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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON
Today, we've just learned that the RESTORE Act, which will potentially direct billions of dollars to Alabama Gulf Coast communities affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010, has been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. It now only awaits the President's signature to become law. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby co-authorized the Act. The total amount of funding to be allocated to the Gulf Coast States under the Act remains to be determined through ongoing legal proceedings. Many thanks to Senator Shelby and Alabama's delegation including Senator Sessions and Representative Bonner for their tireless effort toward the RESTORE Act's passage!
Last week, I presented the State of the County address at the annual State of the City and County Luncheon. As we enter the last quarter of the 2012 fiscal year, I am very proud of and pleased with the progress that the County has made in the areas of financial management and infrastructure project development. Just yesterday, the County received word from Standard and Poor's bond rating agency that the County's rating had been upgraded to a stable outlook and is expected to be upgraded again in the near future as our performance is further evaluated. This is great news for Mobile County! To access the State of the County address and the Bicentennial reflection video highlighting 200 years in Mobile County Click Here.
Happy 4th of July everyone! May you and your families and friends enjoy all the fireworks festiviites and the backyard cookouts that have long been a tradition in celebrating our nation's freedom. This year, the Mobile Pops will perform at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park beginning at 7 p.m. for a Mobile County Bicentennial Concert prior to the 9 p.m. fireworks display. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and plan to enjoy this free and family friendly community event.
Have a safe and happy 4th!
Warmest Regards,
Connie
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Commissioner Hudson is pictured with the recipients of the Mobile Area Education Foundation Fund-A-Star grant awards provided by District 2 Educational Funding. The checks were presented May 17, 2012 at Governent Plaza. |
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NEW MOBILE COUNTY PARKS BROCHURE |
Mobile County parks and recreation facilities encompass over 1,177 acres of beautifully designed properties that offer scenic viewing of Mobile Bay, hiking, Frisbee areas, golf, picnic areas, and softball and baseball fields. The County's new brochure provides a comprehensive resource for all of these amenitites.
To view the new Mobile County Parks and Recreation Brochure Click Here for information on all County parks and recreation opportunities to view the new Mobile County Parks and Recreation Brochure. |
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MOBILE COUNTY APPROVES SALES TAX HOLIDAY ON SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS ITEMS |
Mobile County Commissioners voted unanimously to participate in Alabama's 2012 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 6 and ending midnight Sunday, July 8. State law gives local municipalities the option of participation.
Citizens can purchase a wide variety of items, including any portable generator and power cords selling for $1,000 or less per item. In addition, the following items selling for $60 or less per item are allowable:
*AAA-cell, AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6- or 9-volt batteries, excluding coin batteries and auto and boat batteries;
*Cellular phone batteries or cellular phone charger;
*Portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weather band radio or NOAA weather radio;
*Portable self-powered light source, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns or emergency glow sticks;
*Tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths or other flexible, waterproof sheeting;
*Ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope or tie-down kit;
*Duct tape;
*Plywood, window film or other materials designed specifically to protect window openings;
*Non-electric food storage container or water storage container;
*Non-electric can opener;
*Artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs or reusable ice;
*Self-contained first aid kit;
*Fire extinguisher, smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector;
*Gas or diesel fuel tank container. |
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NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION EXTREME WEATHER INFORMATION |
Click Here to view an information sheet which includes contact information for national, state, and county agencies that you may need to contact during or after severe weather, a reverse-lane hurricane evacuation map, and a listing of local radio stations that would provide necessary information in the event of severe weather.
For more information contact the NOAA National Coastal Data Development Center at 866-732-2382 or Click Here to visit the website. |
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MOBILE DOG PARK CLOSED FOR UPGRADES |
The Friends of Mobile Dog Park (FOMDP) are excited to announce the park's closure for upgrades. Starting the afternoon of Sunday, July 1st through Wednesday, July 4th, the park will be closed to all users for planned upgrades. These upgrades will include adjustment to pavement and sidewalks to enable the City of Mobile and this park to better comply with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Among other benefits, this will result in the dog park being more wheelchair accessible. Funding for the upgrade was provided through Mobile County Commission District 2.
If you would like more information about the dog park, are interested in purchasing a brick paver, a t-shirt, or to make a contribution Click Here. |
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VOTE TO IMPROVE COUNTY COMMUNITY GARDENS |
Diane Baldwin, pastor at Georgetown-Chunchula United Methodist Church, asks that everyone vote for the Gulf Coast Interdenominational Community Garden Network to win a $15,000 grant to help expand the community gardens in our area. You can only vote through the month of June. Click Here to place your vote! |
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NEWS UPDATE FROM THE CITY OF SEMMES |
- The City of Semmes will close next week on a 9-acre parcel of property for a future fire station! This station will be located on Schillinger Road North between Moffett and Lott Roads. According to Mayor Judy Hale, placing a station in this location will help the City to better provide fire and rescue coverage to the east side of the City as well as citizens living in the northern part of the police and fire jurisdiction. This has been a long-term project with the acquisition of the property being the first step. Next, they will begin to work on the design and layout of the station.
- The City also recently purchased additional fire equipment for use by the Semmes Volunteer Fire Department. This equipment was necessary to obtain a better ISO rating (which results in lower home insurance rates). The Fire Deptartment underwent an ISO audit on June 18 and will learn of the new rating in October. Also this month, the City purchased an AED (automated external defibrillator) to treat life threatening cardiac arrhythmias through defibrillation. It was essential that the fire fighters carry an AED since so many of the calls are medically related.
- The Planning Commission has contracted with Traffic Solutions to identify possible solutions to the traffic issues in five areas of the City. These solutions will be implemented as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan. The results from the study will be shared with citizens over the next couple of months.
- The City of Semmes will be participating along with Mobile County in the "Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday" the first weekend in July.
- The City of Semmes has authorized academic grants (based on the number of teachers/classes) to the Mobile County Public Schools in the Semmes jurisidiction totaling $35,040! These grants will be presented in July to the principals of Allentown Elementary ($6,480); Semmes Elementary ($5,160); Semmes Middle ($10,560); and Mary G. Montgomery ($12,840).
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DISTRICT 2 SUMMER CALENDAR | |
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLECE YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP
 When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 30
Where: Municipal Park, Mobile
This football camp sponsored by the St. Paul, Williamson, and Blount coaching staffs feature fundamentals of youth football, basic skills, practice drills, and several guest speakers. Children ages 4 to 13 are welcome to register to attend.
Cost: Early registration $25; Day of camp registration $30
For more information contact Anthony Lewis Sr. at 463-4918 or by email mraqlewis@yahoo.com
PET ADOPT-A-THON
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 30
Where: Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest Road, Mobile
Over 10 local animal rescue groups are partnering to host this large scale adoption event. Dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, and ages will be available for adoption.
Click Here to view an informational flyer for this event.
DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMEN 55TH ANNUAL NATIONAL FINALS
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 30
Where: Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive, Mobile
Mobile will host the 55th Distinguished Young Women National Finals this month. More than $140,000 in cash scholarships, millions in college grant scholarships and the official gold medallion are all up for grabs as 50 of the nation's top young women travel to Mobile to participate.
For ticket information call 438-3621 or Click Here to view the DYM website.
"STRANGE MATTER" AT THE GULF COAST EXPLOREUM
When: Now through September 3
Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Mobile
Something strange is taking shape at the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center this summer! Strange Matter lets visitors catch a glimpse of where the future of materials research might take us. The hands-on technologies and interactive experiences reveal the intriguing and remarkable properties and applications of modern materials that appear in such high-tech fields as cardiac surgery and the space program, as well as items used in everyday life.
For more information contact the Exploreum staff at 208-6880 or Click Here to visit the website.
ART BLAST 2012 SUMMER CAMP AT THE MOBILE MUSEUM OF ART
 When: Now through August 3
Where: Mobile Museum of Art, 4850 Museum Drive, Mobile
Students ages 4 to 19 can enjoy hands-on art projects, gallery tours and meeting new friends at Art Blast 2012. Certified experienced art educators will teach art classes with themes such as Animals in Art and Under the Sea. Classes run weekly, with four, two-hour classes offered daily.
For costs and more information about this program Click Here or contact Kim Wood at 208-5212.
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS AND HOME
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Now through July 25
Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore
Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature among 65 acres of blooms!
Cost: Adults, $12; children 5-12, $6.50; and children 4 and under are free. Additional charges for Home Tour and/or Riverboat Cruise.
For more information Click Here or to make reservations contact BGH at 973-2217.
CELEBRATE FREEDOM EVENT
When: 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 3
Where: Mary G. Montgomery High School, 4275 Snow Road, Semmes
This community-wide event sponsored by Orchard Assembly of God Church as well as many area businesses, features free admission, a car show, a kid zone, a craft show, live entertainment and fireworks.
For more information Click Here to view an informational flyer.
CHICKASAW ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 4
Where: Ben Brooks Park, Chickasaw
Food, cold drinks, music and activities to include entertainment for all ages will make up this fun family event. The evening will end with a fireworks show.
Call Sam Rawls at 452-6475 for exhibit space rental.
INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS
 When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 4
Where: USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, 2703 Battleship Parkway, Mobile
The City of Mobile will host the annual fireworks presentation at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The Mobile Pops will perform a Mobile County Bicentennial Concert at 7 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the event. Alcoholic beverages and grills are not permitted in the park. This is a free and family friendly event.
For more information please contact City of Mobile Special Events at 208-1150.
REDROVER RESPONDERS VOLUNTEER TRAINING WORKSHOP
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 14
Where: Mobile County Sheriff's Department, 510 South Royal Street, Mobile
With more than 2,700 active volunteers in the U.S. and Canada, RedRover responds when communities become over-burdened by a crisis involving a large number of animals, such as a natural disaster, puppy mill bust or a hoarding case. Volunteers come from all walks of life and levels of experience. Once our unique and fun volunteer training is completed, volunteers join the RedRover Responders volunteer network and are eligible to deploy to emergency sheltering situations. Volunteers also participate in disaster preparedness education and community planning.
RedRover Responders volunteers witness puppy mill dogs touch grass for the first time in their lives....They reassure emaciated, hoarded animals that they won't go hungry again....They take care of evacuees' pets during disasters and witness emotional reunions....Each RedRover Responders deployment is as unique as the amazing volunteers who make the work possible.
Cost: $50 includes T-shirt, volunteer handbook, and ID badge
For more information on RedRover Click Here or to view an informational flyer on the volunteer training event in Mobile Click Here.
54TH ANNUAL ROY MARTIN YOUNG ANGLERS TOURNAMENT
 When: Saturday, July 14
Where: Dauphin Island
This tournament is for children 15 years and younger and it typically attracts more than 1,500 young anglers. The one-day event features 31 categories with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all categories. One Master Angler is awarded. All participants receive a Zeigler hot dog, a Coca Cola, a Blue Bell ice cream, and a certificate. Winners will receive Mobile Bay Bears tickets. All proceeds benefit the Mobile Jaycees Children's Christmas Shopping Tour.
For more information or to register for this event Click Here or call 471-0025.
79TH ANNUAL MOBILE JAYCEES ALABAMA DEEP SEA FISHING RODEO
When: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 20
Where: Dauphin Island
The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, a Project of the Mobile Jaycees, is the oldest and largest multi-species saltwater tournament in the country. The Rodeo is a 3-day Captain's Choice tournament and a Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) sanctioned event. The total awards package is valued at over $400,000 and anchored by two each of boat, motor, and trailer packages. The 3-day event features 30 categories with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in all categories. One Master Angler is also awarded along with cash prizes for King Mackerel (Open and Recreational), Speckled Trout and Big Game Jackpots. The Rodeo has donated over $150,000 to the University of South Alabama Department of Marine Sciences and annually funds academic scholarships.
For more information or to register for this event Click Here or call 471-0025.
For more information on City of Mobile events Click Here. |
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SPOTLIGHT ON COUNTY SERVICES
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Each edition of the District 2 E-Newsletter will highlight an area of service, service agency, or a county service that is funded by the Mobile County Commission.MOBILE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY AND HOMELAND SECURITY
The Mobile County Emergency Management Agency was originally established in 1952, as the Mobile County Civil Defense. In response to federal, state, and local guidelines, the Mobile County Commission passed a resolution on June 8, 1987, that established the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency (MCEMA), as the coordinating agency for disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was created and MCEMA became Mobile County's Homeland Security single point of contact.
Mr. Ronnie Adair is the Director of the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security (MCEMA/HS). He manages an agency budget of over $1 million and employs nine personnel. MCEMA/HS administers many various FEMA and Homeland Security grant programs. These grant programs have allowed the county and local jurisdictions to strengthen the local capabilities to respond to and recover from disasters.
MCEMA/HS has the primary responsibility for development of plans to provide protection for our citizens and property in all emergencies that may affect our county. In order to do that, they have tasked themselves with doing the following to help protect life and property:
M - otivate county residents to plan and prepare for all emergencies.
C - oordinate and communicate vital information in a timely manner.
E - ducate the public about hazards and response planning.
M - obilize the needed resources to respond to any situation.
A - ct swiftly and efficiently when disasters do strike.
Be ready by preparing a family disaster plan in advance so your family knows what to do and where to go. It is also helpful to create a disaster supply kit including the below items:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Baby supplies (formula, diapers, bottles, medication, etc.)
- Sanitation supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.)
- Documents (insurance papers, birth certificates, wills, deeds, etc.)
- Portable radio with extra batteries
- First aid supplies
- Medication and prescriptions
- Food and snacks (canned/boxed,packaged, manual can opener)
- Bottled Water
- Blankets, towels, pillows, sheets
Please review the MCEMA/HS website and discover a wealth of information available as you prepare for the upcoming hurricane season and learn more about other hazards that may affect our area. You will find family and business disaster plans, flood insurance information, evacuation routes, facts about contraflow, cutting-edge research on tornado damage, discussions of tsunamis and rogue waves, hazardous materials information, port security updates, wildfire response and much more!
There are also links to local, state and national news as it relates to emergency management and the monitoring of weather conditions as well as resource links to FEMA, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and other social service agencies. Finally, the website also has a document lounge where you can download FEMA paperwork, disaster plan templates, evacuation routes including hotels and restaurants, responding to healthcare special needs during an emergency - even pet care information.
The Mobile County Emergencey Management Agencey strives to provide the materials you need to educate and inform your family about potential hazards in our area and how to respond appropriately.
For more information on MCEMA/HS Click Here to view their website or call 460-8000. |
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MOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATE |
The April report reflects general fund revenues and expenditures for 14 biweekly payrolls. Through April of 2012 we expected to see no more than 54% to 55% of the biweekly personnel budget utitilized. Expenditures for monthly payroll should not exceed 58%. Salary reimbursements from grant funds often lag by a month.
Operating expenses also lag by nearly a month. We expect operational expeditures to be below 58% in this report. Through April we expended 53% of the utilities category, 97% of the capital budget, 18% of the debt service budget and 70% of the appropriation budget. We expended 53% of the total budget through the month of April. Mobile County is within acceptable ranges in the general fund as a whole.
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DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE
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District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. Please Click Here to view a complete list of ongoing road projects in Mobile County Commission District 2. |
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DISTRICT 2 ALDOT AND CITY OF MOBILE
ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE | |
Please Click Here to view updates from the Alabama Department of Transportation on the Zeigler Blvd. project (Forest Hill Road to Athey Road and Schillinger Road to Cody Road ALDOT and City of Mobile Project), the Highway 158 extension and Schillinger Road North of 98. |
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DID YOU KNOW? MOBILE COUNTY HISTORICAL FACTS... | |
The Great Fire of 1839 destroyed Mobile's remaining colonial architecture. It also burned the U.S. Hotel before it had a chance to open. Built to accommodate cotton merchants, it would have been the largest hotel east of the Mississippi at that time. Volunteer fire companies were called to the scene, but the blaze was more than the members could handle. The modern Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel stands on the site of the ill-fated U.S. Hotel.
Courtesy of the historic mobile preservation society archives. |
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KUDOS & CONGRATULATIONS! | |
Congratulations to the Annuniciation Greek Orthodox Church of Mobile, founded on January 26, 1912 in the City of Mobile, which is celebrating it's centennial anniversary this year!
Congratulations to the Davidson High School's Jubilee BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Robotics Team who recently received recognition from the Business Council of Alabama for being the highest-ranking BEST robotics team in the state of Alabama. |
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CONTACT COMMISSIONER HUDSON
|  Commissioner Connie Hudson Mobile County Commission
P.O. Box 1443
Mobile, Alabama 36633 Office: (251) 574-2000
Office Fax: (251) 574-2001
Mailing Address: 205 Government Street, 10th Floor
Mobile, Alabama 36602
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