BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Editor’s note: To view the meeting work session and meeting, follow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAe8mYBS7Zc
Monday, the Elmore County Commission approved and executed a resolution concerning World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The day is recognized internationally on June 15.
Michelle Wood, director of Elmore County Department of Human Resources, was a special guest and invited to speak on the importance of recognizing and reporting elder abuse.
“DHR is tasked with the investigation of adult abuse and neglect and exploitation. Unfortunately elders and adult abuse often goes unreported,” she said.
In Elmore County in 2022 alone, 100 reports were investigated. She said there is an average about 16 open cases a month.
Wood encouraged everyone to wear purple this Thursday, to show support to Elder Abuse awareness.
Commission Chair Bart Mercer said, “We appreciate you being here and bringing attention to this, that unfortunately takes place in society.”
Mercer also recognized members of Boy Scout Troop 185 who were attending the meeting as part of their work to obtain badges.
The commission discussed and approved a request from Seman Community Center and Seman Congregational Christian Church to move the election voting center from the church in Eclectic to the community center on Central Plank Road.
COO Richie Beyer said the commission followed up with the community center and the church. The request meets all of the requirements. He said officials agree this is a good move and would take place in the 2024 election cycle.
In other business, the Commission discussed awarding a bid to complete Phase II for the 17 Springs Project to Stone Building Incorporated. This item is also on the agenda tonight for the Millbrook City Council.
Commissioners also discussed using funds from the American Rescue Plan with maximum funding of $150,000 for road work. The funds would buy materials for culvert replacements on Rifle Range Road, Prospect Cut Off and Antioch Road. The county would match funding using their own equipment and labor to make the repairs. It is hoped the work will begin before the end of this year.
In reports to the commission:
Beyer said there will be an upcoming meeting involving the second phase of Quality of Life projects in the county. The meeting is set for June 22 with Commission joining representatives from ECEDA, Eclectic, Tallassee, Elmore Board of Education, and Tallassee City Schools. They will be discussing and looking at recommendations for additional quality of life projects for the near future.
Commissioner Hines: Update from Highway Department, mowing season is in full swing. He urged caution among drivers when mowers are present.
Rebuild Alabama – a lot of roads are, or will be, seeing major improvements thanks to Rebuild Alabama.
Quality of life projects – a lot of interest from the community on the future.
Commissioner Daugherty – Regarding quality of life projects, he said for the past three or four years 17 Springs has been under way. There may be a perception that everything is happening on the west side of the county. “Now we can also put focus on other areas, including Tallassee and Eclectic to plant seeds of what they would like to see in their area.”
Commissioner Hill – Said there are some changes in Elmore County Schools when it comes to principals. Wes Rogers, principal at Eclectic, is retiring. His replacement is Jason Eason who was formerly at Wetumpka Middle as Asst. Principal.
Dr. Robbie Slater is leaving as principal at Wetumpka High School and moving to central office. He will be replaced by Kyle Futral, formerly the principal of Holtville High. July 1 is the official start date.
Free summer meal service will be at Wetumpka Middle, Elmore County High, Holtville High, Redland Middle and Stanhope Elmore High. Monday through Friday with breakfast between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and lunch is 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. This is open to all children 18 and under.
Commissioner Jackson – Rebuild Alabama has had a dramatic, positive impact on the county in the area of road improvements. She said there are a lot of good plans for fiscal year 2024.
Upcoming Juneteenth celebrations – Saturday Elmore County Civic Improvement League will have celebration at Gold Star Park in Wetumpka from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday there will be a celebration at Ranch Multi-Plex in Elmore County as well.
Commissioner Mercer: So many projects ongoing, and Mercer praised all of the organizations and officials that work together to make them possible. It takes leadership to make improvements for the county, and overall the county has been able to make progress even with limited funds.
June 26 is the next Commission work session and meeting.
