October 4, 2022 - The Shelby County Commissioners met with the Veterans Service Officer in executive session during their September 21, 2022, meeting and returned to open session with updates relating to signage and parking.
Immediately following the opening of the meeting at 9:30am, the commissioners went into executive session and remaining in the courtroom with them was Sherry Riley, Veterans Service Officer (VSO). The meeting returned to open session at 10:02am.
There was no detailed explanation upon returning to executive session why it was necessary; however, Judge Allison Harbison said that during the executive session there was clarification on previous conversations and that Riley has successfully moved to the AgriLife building. The office is located just inside the front door, the commissioners will be working on the parking lot and signage will be installed at the location.
As the commissioners considered the weekly expenses for approval of payment Ann Blackwell, County Treasurer, remarked on two large payments. The new audio and video equipment recently installed for the courtrooms in the courthouse to Encore Music was for $28,382.00. Blackwell did say she expects one more payment to GrantWorks for their work, however, she didn't indicate for how much.
A motion carried to approved paying the weekly expenses.
Richard Lundie, VFW Post 8904 Commander, addressed the court about September being suicide prevention month for veterans. He described how many who enlist in the military, and who are deployed overseas are in for their three years and then after completing their required time in they get out of the military. Depending on what circumstances they were exposed to, they may not know how to deal with what they faced during their service.
Lundie explained how many that stayed in the military for longer periods of time, learn how to make adjustments, and some develop substance abuse issues.
Lundie says that when he meets someone that has just gotten out of the military and even if they don't have any known issues, he encourages them to reach out the the Veterans Service Officer so they can be examined by a doctor to insure any issues may be addressed if needed.
He thanked the commissioners on behalf of the VFW for providing an office for the VSO where veterans can go and get assistance. He encouraged any outreach from the county to help reaching veterans and making sure they get any help they need.
Lundie reminded the commissioners that VFW Post 8904 gathers on the Center square and recognizes every major war and conflict and he encouraged the commissioners to attend.
The potential purchase of COPsync software for Constable Precinct 5 was on the agenda and Karren Price, District Attorney, gave her opinion on the software and possible alternative.
"What I know about the COPsync program is that it is duplicative of what we already have, perhaps twice, because the sheriff has a management system for law enforcement and as the court knows you all approved and we have in my office a tech share program that we pay for every year," said Price. "He has access, as does every other officer in the county to that system."
Price explained the software her office has provides real time availability to her office and every other officer in Shelby County and an officer just needs to sign on utilizing their portal.
"That's what COPsync is, it's a management system. I'm not sure what his proposal is, or what advantage he might have to it, but I'm sure it's not free and that you all are interested in how much money you're spending on these things," said Price.
If Josh Tipton, Constable Precinct 5, were to explain his need for the software, Price said she might change her position on the software.
A motion carried by the commissioners to table the software issue until Constable Tipton can address the court.
Commissioner Bellmyer stated Taylor Fanguy, Constable Precinct 4, uses the COPsync software and he has spoken with him about his use of the software.
Bellmyer said he doesn't know the comparison between any of the different software, but he does know Fanguy has access to a lot of data through the COPsync system. He encouraged having Constable Fanguy also present when Constable Tipton is there to gain his input on the software.
Following discussion over American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received by the county from the federal government, a motion was carried for $1 million of those funds to be distributed to the commissioners at $250,000 each to purchase equipment only.
The county received $4,909,178 in ARPA funding of which, $2,246,161.75 was previously allocated before this particular meeting for other projects. Those projects include the roof of the Shelby County Jail ($386,275); Huber water well ($300,000); Power generators for the courthouse, annex, and county clerk office ($1,014,200); Election equipment ($196,978.75); New Precinct 3 County Barn ($142,808); GrantWorks administration fee ($205,900).
Shelby County continues to have issues with its emergency communications and Judge Harbison attributes some of that issue to Shelby County not being a participant in the DETCOG Regional Response system.
"I just think we need to refocus and go a different way instead of building two towers and spending a million or $2 million of this money and still not having anything better than what we've got," said Judge Harbison. "The reason I say all this is to bring to the fact that we really eventually have to buy new equipment, radio equipment."
According to discussion, there are time constraints on the ARPA funds and they will need to be designated for specific purpose within a certain time frame.
Roscoe McSwain, Precinct 1 Commissioner, wasn't present for the meeting. All commissioners present, with the exception of Bellmyer, desired to use ARPA funds for purchases which already have purchase orders; however, information from GrantWorks says they could not use funds for those previously ordered items.
The meeting adjourned at 10:45am.
Agenda items approved during the meeting include: 1. Pay weekly expenses. 2. Sheriff and Constable Fees. 3. Pending and prospective ARPA Projects. 4. Resolution calling for additional Measures to Secure the Border, Stop the Invasion at the Border, and Protect Our Communities. 5. Adjourn. Agenda items tabled during the meeting include: 1. Constable Pct. 5 to discuss purchase of COPsync program.
