The Dallas County Commission tore through several regular business items Monday afternoon in their first meeting as a new council.

At the meeting Probate Judge Johnny Jones announced the county would be part of a statewide recount of votes cast for/against Constitutional Amendment Two

The recount will begin on Nov. 29 at 8 a.m. at the Dallas County Courthouse Annex Building, 102 on Church Street.

The Commission heard from Dr. Fredrick Jackson of Primary Eyecare Association who has an office in Selma.

Jackson talked to the council some of the pros of LASIK eye surgery.

Commissioner Kim Ballard expressed an interest in Jackson and his group performing their eye surgeries here in Selma rather than take clients back to Montgomery.

Jackson, who works out of the Montgomery office, replied that his group had encountered difficulties in finding access to the local facilities to perform the surgery because local doctors are given preference.

The commission approved, contingent on state reimbursement, a request for from the Chairman of the Board of Registrars for mileage on a trip to Auburn for official purposes.

The commission heard an update on elevator maintenance in both the annex and the courthouse.

The commission has approved Bagby Elevators to replace Otis, but because of a contract obligation that they were unaware of, the commission will have to pay both companies for the elevator in the annex until January.

Despite that cost, the commission noted they will still save over $5,000 in the change.

The commission voted to develop a policy regarding employees donating leave time to fellow employees who in emergency situations have used up all of their time.

The commission approved a new hire in the road department as well as a salary increase. They also approved a separation from employment in the jail and the sheriff’s department.

The commission ratified Cougar Oil’s bid to provide the county with diesel fuel.

Cougar beat out Jones Oil for the contract.

The commission heard of an agreement with ALDOT that will pay the county $39,112 in funding for debris removal and erosion control after Hurricane Ivan.

The commission

heard a report from EMA Director Brett Howard.

Howard said he’d received a letter from the National Weather Service announcing Dallas County has received the Storm Ready designation.

Apparently only 20 counties in the state have earned the honor, and none in this area have it.

Essentially, it means that the county is certified by the NWS as having completed all the requirements to brace itself for storms such as Ivan.

“It’s not easy to get,” Howard said.

Howard also thanked the City of Valley Grande for their recent donation of $5,000 to the EMA’s operation center.

He also noted that the City of Orrville is talking about a donation.

Attorney John Kelly suggested the commission officially adopt a meeting schedule.

They approved the same schedule on meeting the second and fourth Monday of every month.

They also heard an update from Kelly on a county resident refusing to move their mobile home two feet so they would meet FEMA regulations on distance from the river.

The county heard they have been awarded $102,000 in grants from ADECA.

Commissioner Roy Moore addresses a termite problem in Jim Minor Homes.

The problem is covered by original contractor, but Moore said it was necessary to protect other homes not covered as well.

Moore estimated the county’s cost at $13,000.

Moore also updated on the Homes status saying, “We’ve gotten rid of some of the trouble making people.”

Commissioner Ballard said the jail has four cameras out that need to be replaced.

“We don’t need those pods uncovered,” Ballard said.

The Commission followed up with questions on whether or not they should be covered by the subcontractor.

They promised to find out further details on the matter.

Commissioner Curtis Williams suggested that county workers be given off Dec. 24th and 27th “in the Christmas spirit.”

The commission approved.

Local engineer Ray Hogg updated the commission on a grant application request for Craig Airport Authority. Hogg said the ADECA grant requires matching funds from the county, but he said the authority take care of the cost.