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Commission passes landfill
The hot button item was the proposed landfill in the Charity Chapel area. Approximately 20 people were there from that community. They pleaded with their elected officials in emotional voices ranging from anger to begging. Robert Evans brought a cooler of water samples from a public water system, a natural spring and water from a source below the Chastang Landfill. He asked commissioners which they would rather drink. At one point he quoted Scriptures from the David and Bathsheba story and the Prophet Micah. Impassioned questions were raised about traffic congestion, narrow roads, possible destruction of small family cemeteries, run-off into branches and streams, consumption by wild game, which have drunk contaminated water. Commissioner Johnny Johnson, in whose district the landfill lies asked about property values. Richard Johnson, representing the community of Charity Chapel, presented a petition with 290 signatures against the proposed landfill. He said he didn’t want the view from his home to become “a mountain of dirt covering the world’s trash” and asked “why a landfill in the middle of a game preserve?”
Sammie Gray Moseley asked if the Solid Waste Authority was in the red and why wasn’t every household paying? Joe Stanley said, “The county needs a stable income. A landfill is based on tonnage which varies.” As to the dire need of revenue he pled with commissioners, “You have to gain the trust of the people. Nineteen volunteer fire departments went door to door. You have to persuade the people. They only want to understand how their money will be put to use.”
Judge Armstrong answered, “We will deal with the resolution today.” Jim McNaughton, solid waste consultant for Cooper and Associates, told the group that the contractor (Advance Waste Disposal) and the landowner will pick the site for the landfill. He said there would be 25 different studies on any proposed site; among them historical, environmental and archeological studies. The findings will be signed off by a professional engineer. McNaughton believes a landfill reduces costs to businesses and industries, is a good economic development tool, increases the tax base and property values, develops roads, spurs industrial development. He recommended amending the solid waste management plan.
Seeking clarification of the process he asked, “Let me understand here; the Commission passes a resolution to amend the Solid Waste Authority permit. You take this local level action first then this goes to Montgomery?” Whereupon, Judge Armstrong interrupted him saying, “Get you a lawyer. I will not assist you to stop this process.” From around the room voices pleaded, “From McIntosh south, people are in strong opposition to a regional landfill,” and “everyone in the area is opposed to a landfill.” Seemingly frustrated, the Judge said, “But you have no recommendations to help county government.” The Judge stated, “I wholeheartedly recommend this amendment to the solid waste management plan. I will not bring anything in to harm our people.” Then he read the resolution. Commissioner Willie Dixon recommended the resolution to change the solid waste plan. Commissioner Alan Bailey made the motion, which was seconded by Commissioner Hilton Robbins. Armstrong continued, “It would have been easier for me to put this off six months. I chose not to do this in the interest of my county. The resolution passed.” Bates Lake Road residents told to get an attorney A delegation from the Bates Lake Road made their third appearance before the commission. Ronald Knapp, spokesman asked if there had been any changes to the barricaded road situation. Giving his standard response, Judge Armstrong suggested they hire an attorney. Knapp said he had already been in touch with an attorney and requested a certified copy of all the 2006 commission meetings. Robbins seeks grant for dirt work for new health department building Commissioner Robbins advised the commission that he is seeking grants or other avenues to get $50,000 to use toward the dirt work on a new public health department building. “If we don’t do the dirt work, we will lose this building,” he said. “I’d hate to lose a $3 million building because of dirt work. I am going to do everything I can to secure that money.” Resolutions *Sell dump trucks to Richey Brothers; *Highway 34 resurfacing to Asphalt Supply, $58,788.95; *Approve CDBG Invoices and Project Extension; * Johnny Dees hired as medium equipment operator, dist. 4; *Jessie Scarbrough and Shannon Dixon hired as probate clerks *$5,000 appropriated for land option-bond configuration, Calvert area; *Purchase motor grader, $198,916, Dist. 2; *Return title of SUV to District Attorney’s office from WashCo Sheriff’s Department; *Hire Pamela Dennis as jailer and Don Beech as deputy, Sheriff’s Department; *Granted abatement to Ciba expansion at 60 percent of their normal tax rate; Solid Waste Public Hearing Chairman Allen Bailey reported that the Washington County Solid Waste Department has a $35,833.11 balance and a $179,065.25 debt; down from $300,000 to $400,000 this time last year. Jim McNaughton of Cooper Associates gave a brief history of the process to amend Washington County Solid Waste Authority’s plan. He stated that this all began 2 years ago and said there is a “memorandum of understanding between Mobile and Washington County.” Although more than a dozen picked them up, only one company returned a completed proposal packet, which was Advanced Disposal of Jacksonville, Fla. Their plan meets all requirements. The tonnage will be $23.50 per ton and in addition to household garbage, all municipal garbage from Mobile and Washington Counties will be received. Washington County will get a host fee of $800,000, with an additional $750,000 when the average daily tonnage reaches 180 tons per day. Again he recommended the board accept the proposal. In the end, the commission voted to amend WCSWM’s plan with Commissioner Johnson casting the lone “no” vote.
The environmental officer reported on progress collection of old WCSWM debts. Chairman Bailey emphasized that the period to apply for exemption from paying garbage fees is Dec. 28.
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