The commission unanimously approved a resolution authorizing purchase of 80 percent of the property, from two of its owners. The total price of the purchase is $59,280, or the appraised value of the property.
“This is something that has been on our plate for about 30 years,” said commission chairman Stan Batemon. “It’s a very historic site.”
The site is located in the Ten Island area of St. Clair County, just below Lock 3 on Neely Henry Lake. The fort was a stockade built by Gen. Andrew Jackson in the early 1800s as part of the Creek Indian War. The current site does have an inscribed stone marker detailing what took place there.
How the county will go forward with the purchase of the remainder of the site was unclear Tuesday. Attorney Bill Weathington did tell the commission that purchasing the bulk of the property will help.
“It will be easier to deal with the remaining 20 percent once we have the 80 in hand,” he said.
The entire property is appraised for $74,100.
In other business, the commission:
• Approved a general fund budget amendment of $20,529.20, to reimburse the Gas Tax fund for the clearing and construction of shelter pads at Shoal Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
• Approved a $1,000 contribution to the Pell City Board of Education, earmarked for the Thursday premiere of “Hell and Back Again” at the Pell City Center.
• Approved the recommendation of engineer Dan Dahlke to hire Gregory Gambles and Curtis Wofford as part-time Road Worker I flaggers for the summer, and Doyle Stephens as a Superintendent.
• Approved a declaration of emergency sick leave for Tommy Steapleton.
• Approved bids on heavy equipment rental.
• Approved the flood damage prevention ordinance, as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
• Approved a resolution entering into an agreement with the state of Alabama for ATRIP funds to improve St. Clair 26.
• Approved putting out a public works bid for a bore to replace the crossdrain on Sanie Road.
• Approved creation and posting for a part-time advanced clerk position, to work in the probate office.
• Approved a declaration of emergency sick leave for Josh Wyatt.
• Approved the request of circuit judge Jim Hill to scrap outdated books from the law library.
• Approved $1,000 for the St. Clair County Board of Education, to appropriate for the Special Olympics.
• Approved a request to use the lawn at the county courthouse in Pell City for a candlelight vigil, to remember the sexually abused women at Tutwiler Prison. The vigil will take place June 21 from 7-9 p.m.
• Set a public hearing for July 10 for public transportation funds. The hearing will take place in Ashville prior to the commission’s regular meeting.
• Approved a resolution recommending county administrator Kellie Long, to receive the designation of Certified County Administrator.
• Approved a resolution recognizing Sara Owen, St. Clair County Library Board Chairperson, for over 25 years of service.
• Approved a resolution authorizing a $2 mailing fee, to be added to online and mail-in tag renewals, effective Oct. 1.
• Approved a lease with Neopost for postage machines at both the Pell City and Ashville courthouses, for a total cost of $473.94.
• Approved the list of insolvents, errors and taxes in litigation for 2011, as well as uncollected insolvents and taxes in litigation for previous years, at the request of Revenue Commissioner Elizabeth Mealer.
• Approved a contract with Schindler Inspection for services on the elevator at the former St. Vincent’s St. Clair.
• Approved the minutes of the May 8 regular meeting.
• Approved payment of monthly bills.
• Adjourned into executive session, to discuss pending litigation.
Contact Will Heath at wheath@thestclairtimes.com.
