Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett addresses the Cullman County Commission. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN – Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett this week addressed the Cullman County Commission regarding the re-location of AGCOR Steel from Vinemont to Good Hope. The Good Hope City Council on Monday night passed a resolution allowing Bartlett to enter an agreement with the company. AGCOR, which will build on 53 acres on Industrial Drive, will be Good Hope’s first manufacturer. Bartlett said the company will add up to 20 new jobs and is expected to have annual sales of $8-$10 million.
AGCOR’s move is the result of a joint effort between the City of Good Hope, City of Cullman and Cullman County. AGCOR is spending $400,000 on the project, with the three local governments each providing $133,333 in tax incentives, said Bartlett.
“This is the first time that anything like this has happened in Cullman County where the County and the City of Cullman and City of Good Hope are working in a joint effort to get this to happen and I want to personally thank the commission and the chairman (Kenneth Walker) for what they’ve done. What you’ve done (Cullman County Attorney) Chad (Floyd), to help us and to get the wording correct. I feel like its an honor to have worked with y’all to get this done, first time it’s ever happened.” Bartlett said. “As you know, it’ll be your turn now, and I’m asking you personally if you would move forward and pass your resolution allowing you to sign the contract and have your 772 hearing. Our lawyer Rita Nicholas is drafting a letter today to formally ask you, and then I’m personally asking you now so that we can get the ball rolling.”
The commission set the Amendment 772 hearing date for March 13 to approve the signing of the resolution. Along with the Cullman County Commission, the Cullman City Council will have to pass a resolution so the arrangement with AGCOR will be finalized.
Before discussing new business items, the commission authorized the RAVE message call system with AT&T for another year for the cost of $9,100. Cullman County EMA Director Phyllis Little recommended that commission stick with the system for one more year to try to increase its usage in the public and within the department.
The commission also:
– approved an amended abatement for $3,046,650 over the next 10 years for Topre America
– approved an abatement for American Classic, Inc. in the amount of $1,891,300 for building and equipment
– authorized Walker to enter into an agreement with St. John & Associates to provide engineering services for the proposed bus wash project to be built for CARTS
– authorized the Probate Judge Tammy Brown to enter into a preservation services agreement with Syscon, Inc. for electronically preserving deed books in the probate office with an AMRV grant of $10,000. This grant will allow the probate office to scan in approximately 50 deed books that are in poor condition.
– set a date for a public hearing at the request of attorney Champ Crocker to close a portion of County Road 1614 on April 24
– authorized revisions to park rules and regulations at Stony Lonesome OHV Park. The commission approved the changes in response to the fatal wreck that killed 21-year-old Hannah Bates on Feb. 24, as well as two other deaths that have occurred at the park in the past year. Effective immediately, no coolers of any kind are allowed on the trails and stricter policies regarding wristband checks and safety harnesses are in place. See a full story at www.cullmantribune.com/articles/2018/02/27/changes-coming-stony-lonesome-after-fatal-wreck-father-makes-emotional-plea.
– authorized Sanitation Manager James Rollo to sign a cleaning contract with Cleaning & More for deep cleaning of the sanitation office
– approved the installation of a 3.5-ton gas pack by Alabama Electrical Contractors at the cost of $7,500.
– Chairman Walker appointed Barry Slatton to the E-911 Board of Commissioners to fill the unexpired term of Wells Turner. The term expires Sept. 1, 2019.
– approved the surplusage of six vehicles from the road department to be sold on GovDeals.com, including a 2000 GMC pickup, 1996 Chevy Blazer, 1999 Ford F-150, 1995 Ford F-150, 1991 Ford L900 low-boy tuck, 1991 Fontaine low-boy trailer
– extended bid no. 1232 with Pyro Shows of Alabama for the Fourth of July Smith Lake Park fireworks show
– awarded bid no. 1278 for road resurfacing with bituminous plant mix to Wiregrass Construction
The commission’s next work session will be held Tuesday, March 13 at 8:30 a.m. in the commission conference room, followed by the commission meeting at 10 a.m.
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