Sunset on Big Creek Lake courtesy of Rob Nykvist.
Mobile County CommissionMobile County Seal
District 2
News & Events

Commis
sioner Connie Hudson
July 12, 2013

message
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER
CONNIE HUDSON

Plains Southcap, LLC Pipeline
 

Mobile County officials, along with officials from the Cities of Mobile and Semmes, as well as local environmental organizations recently learned that a crude oil pipeline project is slated for construction within a portion of the Big Creek Lake watershed, the major supply of drinking water for the Mobile area. The pipeline company, Plains Southcap, LLC is constructing a 24-inch diameter crude oil pipeline from the existing Plains Southcap Ten-Mile Terminal facility in Mobile to the Chevron Refinery in Pascagoula, Mississippi.  

 

Representatives from the Mobile County Commission, the City of Semmes, and the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) met with Plains Southcap representatives last week to express concerns about the encroachment of the pipeline into the Big Creek Lake watershed, to request a pipeline realignment to move the pipeline out of the watershed, and to discuss overall pipeline safety and monitoring concerns.

 

The Mobile County Commission retained the services of an environmental attorney to assist local officials with providing advice, regulatory information, and to determine legal options to protect the watershed from potential pipeline oil spill hazards. Local statutory authority on any "interstate commerce" pipeline project is extremely limited and local officials are apparently not, in most circumstances, consulted about a pipeline alignment prior to project commencement. The Mobile County Commission, working in conjunction with MAWSS and the City of Semmes is exploring every option to insure that adequate environmental impact studies have been done and have been fully considered in this process, and to continue to push for relocation of the pipeline outside of the Big Creek Lake watershed.

 

At present, we are awaiting a comprehensive pipeline safety study commissioned by MAWSS that is in progress. We are also awaiting information requested from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding an environmental impact study and the process the Corps used to assess the pipeline project when it issued a permit for construction through the watershed.  

 

Plains Southcap representatives did express an interest and a desire at the meeting last week to consider community concerns and propose some changes based on the discussions as well as the forthcoming MAWSS safety study information. Discussions between local officials and company representatives are expected to continue as soon as all information is received.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Warmest Regards,

Connie  

   
 
Join the E-Newsletter Mailing List
 
 
IN THIS ISSUE
 
Voting2013 CITY OF MOBILE MUNICIPAL ELECTION VOTING INFORMATION

 

The last day to register to vote in the City of Mobile Municipal Election is Friday, August 16. If you are not registered to vote Click Here for more information and to complete and submit a voter registration form to the Board of Registrars.
   

The last day to submit the form to complete an absentee ballot is Thursday, August 22. This application must be received by the Absentee Election Manager by August 22. Click Here for more information and a printable application for an absentee ballot. 

 

Click Here and enter your address to find the Voting Center location where you will vote in the City of Mobile's municipal election for Mobile city council members  and the mayor. The elections will be held on Tuesday, August 27.

 

For more information on this election, to view a sample ballot, or to print necessary voter registration forms Click Here

 salestaxBACK TO SCHOOL SALES TAX HOLIDAY SLATED FOR THE WEEKEND OF AUGUST 2 


Beginning at 12:01 a..m (CST) Friday, August 2 through midnight Sunday, August 4 Mobile County will participate in the eighth Alabama annual Sales Tax Holiday giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing free of state sales tax. Local sales tax may apply. Retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are legally tax-exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday.

Click Here for information on items included and excluded.
petweekFEATURED PET AT THE MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
"MAX
"    

Max is a 4-month-old male Lab/Terrier mix that was dropped off at a church in Citronelle along with his siblings. He has been at the Mobile County Animal Shelter since June 16 looking for his forever family.  He is playful, loving and full of spunk. If you are interested in adopting Max please contact the Mobile County Animal Shelter at 574-3647. The adoption fee is $65 and that includes spaying, rabies vaccination, first set of shots and a dewormer.

 

For more information on the Mobile County Animal Shelter or to view a list of all current adoptable pets at the MCAS Click Here.  

 

petsupplydriveANGEL'S ARMS PET SUPPLY DRIVE
 
RachelRay2013 ASPCA RACHEL RAY $100K CHALLENGE    
Mobile County Animal Shelter Staff and Volunteers.
 

The Mobile County Animal Shelter (MCAS) has been named one of only 50 shelters in the country to compete in the 2013 ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge. We'll be competing by getting the community involved in helping us save as many lives as possible this June, July and August. Working with you to save lives can help us win anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 in grant money so that we can purchase a mobile adoption trailer, which will allow us to travel and hold adoption events in the unincorporated areas of Mobile County that we serve. The grant also will be used to upgrade our kennels and develop and implement a microchip program for the shelter. Our motto for the challenge is "Filling Happy Homes...One Pet at a Time".

 

You are a very important part of our life-saving efforts and we want you to know that we can't do it without you. At a minimum, to qualify for any grant award we must save 300 more lives than we did last year. The total saved last year during the three months was 562. Our goal this year for the months of June, July and August is 862 - 1000 lives. Yes, it's a very aggressive goal but we are up to the challenge...and hope that you are too! 

 

For more information on the Mobile County Animal Shelter or to view a list of all current adoptable pets at the MCAS Click Here

calendarDISTRICT 2 SUMMER CALENDAR  
MARKET ON THE SQUARE   

 

Market on the SqaureWhen: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays, Now through July 28

Where: Cathedral Square, Downtown Mobile

Shop for the freshest crops in town, including locally grown tomatoes, potatoes, sweet corn, cantaloupe, watermelon, seafood, flowers, plants, baked breads, pasta, casseroles, pies, handcrafted goods and so much more. Stay for live music on the green.

For more information contact City of Mobile's Neighborhood and Community Services at 208-1558

 

   

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AT THE EXPLOREUM 

When: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Now through August 16 (week-long camps) 

Where: Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Downtown Mobile 

 

Kids pre-K4 through 7th grade can enjoy amazing, science-based summer camps! From the arts and sports to forensics and engineering, there is something for everyone! All camps include two snacks each day. Campers may bring their own lunch or they may purchase lunch at the Exploreum Caf�.   

 

Cost: Members $130 first child, $120 for each additional sibling per camp

Non-Members $165 first child, $155 for each additional sibling per camp

 

For more information or to register Click Here or contact Jacqlyn Kirkland, Outreach Education Specialist at 208-6818.

 


WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS
 
When: Wednesdays, Now through July 31
Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road

 

Every Wednesday, enjoy a special program about Bellingrath Gardens and Home, gardening, local history and nature. Wonderful Wednesdays at Bellingrath is the perfect place to bring a friend and spend time among 65 acres of blooms!

Cost: Gardens Admission ($12 for adults & $6.50 for children 5-12) is charged for non-members attending programs unless otherwise listed. There are additional charges to tour the Home and/or to take the River Cruise.

For more information on specific events Click Here or contact 973-2217, extension 110.

 

   

LODA ARTWALK

 

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 12 

Where: Cathedral Square Arts District, Downtown Mobile

 

Second Fridays in downtown have become quite a popular time and place to be! With the LoDa ArtWalk in its 8th year, the event seems to be getting better each month. Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk.  

 

For more information Click Here or contact 208-1550. 

 

EXPLOREUM PARENTS' NIGHT OUT DURING LODA ARTWALK

When:
5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday, July 12
Where:
Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Downtown Mobile 

 

Children ages 4 to 12 can enjoy the best in quality, informal education, entertainment and social development in a secure and structured environment while exploring the Exploreum's hands-on, interactive exhibit galleries, experiencing a kid-friendly feature film, making new friends, and enjoying a popcorn snack with lemonade. Limited space available.   

 

Cost: $10 to $27 depending on date of purchase, membership status and number of children.

   

For more information or to register Click Here or contact the Exploreum at 208-6873.  

 

 

 

 

FLAG RETIREMENT CEREMONY

 

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13 

Where: Woodmen of the World Lodge 1961, 9821 Wulff Road, Semmes 

 

Don't forget the flag! Keep Mobile Beautiful's (KMB) American Flag Recovery Project is partnering with Woodmen of the World, to hold a flag retirement ceremony. Since KMB began their Flag Recovery project, they have collected over 200 faded and tattered flags.

 

For more information contact Keep Mobile Beautiful at 208-6026.

  

 

HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS: KEY CEREMONY FOR CORPORAL CHRISTOPHER MONTGOMERY

 

When: 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14 

Where: 4240 Hamilton Oaks Lane, Mobile

 

Marine Corporal Christopher Montgomery was on his third deployment when he lost both of his legs and severely injured his left arm in an IED blast in the Northern Helmand Province of Afghanistan with 3/5 Dark Horse Marine Battalion on December 7, 2010. Come join in welcoming him to his new "barrier-free" home built with the support of local volunteers and the national organization Homes for Our Troops.

 

For more information on Corporal Montgomery and his story or Homes for Our Troops Click Here.  

 

   

 

CITY OF MOBILE DISTRICT 6 COMMUNITY MEETING & MAYORAL FORUM 

 

When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 18

Where: Christ United Methodist Church, 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile

 

This community meeting hosted by District 6 Councilwoman Bess Rich will feature a mayoral forum. To date, candidates Sandy Stimpson and Dr. Doris Brown have confirmed their participation in the forum.

 

For more information contact Councilwoman Rich's office at 208-7441. 

 

 

80TH ANNUAL MOBILE JAYCEES ALABAMA DEEP SEA FISHING RODEO

 

When: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 19 through July 21

Where: Dauphin Island

 

The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, a Project of the Mobile Jaycees, is the oldest and largest multiple species saltwater tournament in the country. The Rodeo is a 3-day Captain's Choice tournament and a Southern Kingfish Association sanctioned event. The total awards package is valued at over $400,000 and anchored 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 471-00  

PUBLIC CONVERSATION: THE IMPACT OF BIKING ACCESSIBILITY ON THE FUTURE OF MOBILE  

     

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 20

Where: Space 301, Downtown Mobile 

 

Please join the Center for the Living Arts, Alabama Coastal Foundation, Mobilians on Bikes, and Team Share the Road as they join forces to share perspectives about the impact of biking accessibility on the future of Mobile and surrounding areas. Topics of discussion will include: accessibility on the proposed I-10 bridge over the Mobile River, biking safety issues, environmental benefits, and the impact of quality of life. This public conversation is a part of the CLA's investigation of the Futures Project  topic of Environment, Climate Change, Prediction and Politics.

 

For more information on this event and the Futures Project Click Here.

 

 

 

 

GRILLING FOR A CAUSE BIKE RALLY AND BBQ COOKOFF  

 

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 28

Where: 1530 W I-65 Service Road South, Mobile (parking lot of Halls Motorsports)

 

This family-friendly event will benefit the Augusta Evans Special Needs School to assist with their efforts to build a new playground and will include a BBQ cookoff, music, a bike contest and ride, raffles, vendors and more.  

 

Cost: BBQ plates will be sold for $8 or 2 for $15. The BBQ cookoff contest has an entry fee of $100 with categories of ribs, chicken and pork and a grand prize of $1000. The best bike contest has an entry fee of $10. 

 

For more information on this event contact Theresa or Tommy at 660-1005 or Matt at 447-6336. For more information on the Augusta Evans Special Needs School Click Here. 

 

 

WALTER BELLINGRATH BIRTHDAY EVENT

 

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 6

Where: Bellingrath Gardens, Theodore

 

Bellingrath Gardens and Home will celebrate Mr. Bellingrath's birthday with a Founder's Day/Walter Bellingrath Birthday event on August 6. The day will offer free admission to the gardens to all Mobile and Baldwin county residents. Home tours are also available for regular rates.

 

For more information on this event Click Here or call 973-2217. 

 

 

 

MOBILE POLICE DEPARTMENT CITIZENS' ACADEMY

 

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Tuesday, August 6 through Tuesday, October 15 (deadline for application is July 16)

 

The Mobile Police Department is currently taking applications for the next Citizens' Academy. The classes are offered free of charge and help give Mobile citizens an insight into daily police work.

 

In each Academy, police will create mock crime scenes and participants will be able to begin the investigation of the scene.  The class will also participate in a tactical operation scenario and become familiar with some of the equipment and tools used for specialized operations. The classes are taught by police officials with expertise in the given areas of instruction.  All aspects of police work are covered, including patrol functions, tactical operations, narcotics, youth crimes, officer training, community policing and crime scene investigation. Participants also have the option, on a voluntary basis, to ride with a patrol officer and visit several law enforcement facilities, including Mobile Metro Jail and Communications.  In addition, participants have the opportunity to handle firearms at the MPD Pistol Range. There is no cost but seating is limited. 

 

For more information or to register contact 208-2730 or Click Here

 

 

MOBILE FIRE-RESCUE DEPARTMENT CITIZENS' ACADEMY

 

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays, 10 weeks, beginning Monday, August 12  

Where: Fire Training Academy, 860 Owens Street, Mobile (across from the City of Mobile Animal Shelter) 

 

The program will provide participants with an overview of the major divisions within the department as well as a general overview of firefighting and emergency medical services and provide hands-on experiences. Experienced fire and emergency medical personnel, all within the ranks of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, will teach the Citizens Academy curriculum. Activities will include a ride-along with Firefighters/Firemedics, instruction and certification in C.P.R., a visit to the 911 Communications Center, a tour of the harbor on board the fire boat Phoenix, rappelling from the four-story drill tower, hands on vehicle extrication and firefighting demonstration. The class is free and open to anyone 21 years and older.

 

For more information or to register for the class contact 208-2857 or Click Here

   

 

MOBILE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOST MAYORAL FORUM

     

When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 13 

Where: VIA! Mary Abbie Berg Center, 1717 Dauphin Street, Mobile

 

Come to hear where the candidates stand on community issues.  

 

 

 

For more information on City of Mobile events Click Here.

 MOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATEFinance
Through May we have completed 67% of the fiscal year. Our year-to-date revenue through May 2013 was $89,536,838.01. This represents 73.86% of budgeted FY 2013 revenue. Receipt of many of our major revenues lag by one month. Most of the property tax revenue and business license revenue is collected in December and January. The year-to-date expenditures through May are $74,180,404.44. This is 59.84% of total budgeted expenditures for the fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 67% on this report. The health, sanitation and culture and recreation functions are primarily appropriations that are paid quarterly. Through May, both expenditures and revenues are within expected ranges.

Click Here to view the May General Fund Budget Report.
 DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTSrimpupdate 

Current 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.

 

seniorcenterSEMMES SENIOR CENTER NEWSLETTER  

Click Here for the latest edition.
Semmes Senior Center
9635 Moffett Road, Semmes, Alabama
kudos  KUDOS AND CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to the newest members of the Semmes City Council! Mr. Howard Smith was appointed on June 18 to serve in Place 2, and Ms. Renee Fransen was appointed on July 2 to serve in Place 4.
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