The Baldwin County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday to approve two grants and discuss a property located at 136 Felton Dr.
The meeting began with a short speech by retired basketball coach James Lunsford, who thanked the commissioners for allowing the use of the Walter B. Williams Jr. gymnasium for summer basketball camp.
Lunsford hosted the camp through a program called “We Care; Stop the Violence.” It is a mentorship program that brings in featured speakers to talk with the participants while also teaching them to play basketball, essentially mentoring them on how to play the game of life and the game of basketball together.
A second speech was given by Coroner John Gonzalez to request the hiring of another deputy coroner. According to Gonzalez, the current three deputy coroners work full-time jobs, so it has been hard to have someone available for weekend calls. The board discussed his request for a while, considering new legislation that may be passed to put deputy coroners on full-time salaries rather than by the call. With that consideration, the board unanimously approved a new deputy coroner to be hired through Dec. 31. They will revisit the issue after the new year, upon seeing what legislation is being considered.
Moving into action items, County Manager Carlos Tobar suggested that the board accept Surface Masters’ bid to pave for the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant. The board, after thorough discussion, voted to unanimously approve the suggestion rather than reject all bids. However, it was suggested that for future bids, bidders should be required to be Georgia Department of Transportation certified.
The board unanimously approved the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant award. The grant will be used to purchase four dive suits, four full-face masks, four communication systems, and one surface station with accessories for the fire department.
The final item on the agenda was a recommendation from Tobar and County Attorney Brandon Palmer to surplus the property at 136 Felton Dr. and put it up for bid.
Under law, the property cannot be made for independent use, which means that nothing can be built on it or parked on it. During discussion of this decision, Palmer informed the board that due to legislation the property cannot be sold or given directly to the neighbor. Considering that, the board eventually agreed and unanimously approved the recommendation to surplus the property and put it up for bid.
The next board of commissioners meeting will be held Aug. 20 at 6 p.m.