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Alabama Historic Ironworks Commission Minutes

July 14, 2019

 

The Alabama Historic Ironworks Commission (AHIC) met at the Event Center at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park on Sunday, July 14, 2019. Chairman Doug Behm called the meeting to order at 2:03 p.m. Assistant Attorney General Matt Bledsoe was present via conference call.

ALABAMA HISTORIC IRONWORKS COMMISSION

Doug Behm–Chairman
Jeremy Wright–Vice-Chairman
Walter Anderton
Jack Bergstresser
Johnny Curry
Dr. James Day
Josh Dyer
Martin Everse
Stacye Hathorn
Benjamin Little
Clarence Nevels
Jerry Pow
Wilton Price
Charles Prickett
Jerry Tingle

MEMBERS PRESENT

Doug Behm

Josh Dyer

William Lowe C/O
   Stacy Hawthorn

Jerry Pow

Marty Everse

Charles Prickett

Clarence Nevels

Johnny Curry

Wilton Price

Jack Bergstresser

Jeremy Wright

MEMBERS ABSENT

Ben Littleton

Jim Day

Walter Anderton

Jerry Tingle

 

STAFF PRESENT

Lisa Carroll

Brian Smith

 

 

Mr. Behm asked Jerry Pow to serve as parliamentarian for the meeting. Mr. Price opened with the invocation.

 

Approval of Minutes

Charles Prickett moved to approve the minutes from the April 2019 meeting.  Jerry Pow seconded.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

Refinancing of Bank Loan

The current Loan through First US bank expired on 4/30/2019. Johnny Curry motioned to approve Bond A in the amount of $449781.59. Clarence Nevels seconded. The motion was approved. Johnny Curry motioned to approve Bond B in the amount of $217914.98. Wilton Price seconded and the motion was approved.

 

Public Comment

James Whatley presented a plan from the American Chestnut Society to replant 2 genetically modified American Chestnut trees in Tannehill State Park. It needs to be in a not heavily traveled area with full sun. Jerry Pow motioned to let the ACS plant 2 trees in a designated area that the Park Superintendent and the ACS agreed upon. Jeremy Wright Seconded the motion.

 

Terry Harris and Steve Davis spoke on Lisa Carroll’s behalf.

 

Personnel Committee

Charles Prickett nominated Josh Dyer to replace him as Personnel Committee Chair. Josh Dyer accepted. The first order of business was to hire a new Parks Superintendent. Walker Bagwell and Lisa Carroll are the 2 final candidates. Both were asked to present a 20-minute presentation and answer questions. After both candidates spoke, a vote was taken on paper with Johnny Curry and Clarence Nevels tallying the votes. Lisa Carroll was appointed Parks Superintendent. Her salary would begin at $65,000.00 a year. Johnny Curry recommended to revisit her salary in the October meeting.

 

Facilities Committee

Jeremy Wright wanted the Commission to give Steve Davis of Advance Plumbing a personal thank you for all he had done in help with the completion of the new sewer system. Lisa Carroll mentioned the importance of adding sewage to Campground 2. She also stated how important it is to tie in the current Farley Field sewage system from septic to the sewer line. It would alleviate a lot of problems and excessive pumping. Jeremy Wright would like to look into the cost of stone around the lagoons on the new sewer system. Doug Behm stated that the area that the trees were cut would be replanted in December and the herbicide would be sprayed soon.

 

Finance Committee

Mr. Everse stated that we are running in the black. He mentioned how important it is to receive any kind of funding from the state.

 

Long Range Committee

No report

 

Legislative Committee

No report

 

Museum Committee

No report

New Business

No report

 

Next Meeting will be on October 13, 2019 2:00pm

 

Meeting Adjourned 4:43 p.m.

 

By: Lisa Carroll, Secretary

 

By: Doug Behm, Chairman

Alabama Historic Ironworks Commission Minutes

April 7, 2019

 

The Alabama Historic Ironworks Commission (AHIC) met at the Event Center at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Chairman Doug Behm called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m.

ALABAMA HISTORIC IRONWORKS COMMISSION

Doug Behm–Chairman
Jeremy Wright–Vice-Chairman
Walter Anderton
Jack Bergstresser
Johnny Curry
Dr. James Day
Josh Dyer
Martin Everse
Stacye Hathorn
Benjamin Little
Clarence Nevels
Jerry Pow
Wilton Price
Charles Prickett
Jerry Tingle

MEMBERS PRESENT

Doug Behm

Josh Dyer

Stacye Hathorn

Jerry Pow

Jim Day

Marty Everse

Charles Prickett

Jeremy Wright

Ben Littleton

Johnny Curry

Wilton Price

Jack Bergstresser

MEMBERS ABSENT

Clarence Nevels

Walter Anderton

Jerry Tingle

 

STAFF PRESENT

Lisa Carroll

Brian Smith

 

 

Mr. Behm asked Jerry Pow to serve as parliamentarian for the meeting. Mr. Price opened with the invocation.

 

Approval of Minutes

Jeremy Wright moved to approve the minutes from the January 2019 meeting. Johnny Curry seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.

 

Chairman’s Report

Doug Behm stated that the new sewer system was all but completed. Due to the amount of rain we have received, the contractor was unable to completely finish. A fence will be installed around the perimeter of the sewer to keep people out. The rafters and roof had to be replaced at the Grist Mill. The Collins House is days away from completion. The only thing left is the roof.

 

Election of officers was supposed to be held at the January meeting. Wilton Price asked if we can nominate the same officers again. This was accepted. Dr. Jim Day closed the nominating process. All approved. Doug Behm mentioned that the Ethics form needs to be completed by all Commissioners by April 30,, 2019. Lisa Carroll had the forms available.

 

Adoption of Resolutions

Johnny Curry has proposed three resolutions.

 

Resolution 2019-1 is a requirement that a list of the Commissioners be maintained in the office and listed on the website. It will only be the name and the community they live in and the position they hold. Jerry Pow moved to approve Resolution 2019-1. Jeremy Wright seconded. All approved.

 

Resolution 2019-2 sets out procedures for maintaining certain public records and guidelines for availability of those documents and records in compliance with state law and be available for public inspection only on approval from the Commission and our legal counsel. It also requires that minutes and any resolutions be posted on our website within 30 days of approval. Jerry Pow moved to approve Resolution 2019-2. Charles Prickett seconded. All approved.

 

Resolution 2019-3 creates a public notice of meetings. It states that public meetings will be posted on our website. Jerry Pow moved that we approve Resolution 2019-3. Dr. Jim Day seconded. All approved.

 

Facilities Committee

Collins House is awaiting a roof. Landscaping needs will be addressed. The sewer system is all but completed with the exception of fencing. Mr. Wright would like to gravel or rock around the site. He will be finding out costs. The Grist Mill has had numerous repairs but looks great. The Church at Brierfield has a new porch, roof, and handicap ramp. We are investigating the possibility of moving the sewer lines at Farley Field to the wooded area above it. We now have an ATM in the Museum. The Tannehill Church roof needs to be painted. Brian Smith stated that he has had bids on painting the roof. Jeremy Wright mentioned that termites are in the Collins House. We need to research getting some sort of termite protection for our buildings. We had a customer fall through the ramp at the Creamery. A police report was done. Matt Bledsoe was contacted. Jeremy Wright said that Vulcan Materials might be interested in donating stone for the sewer.

 

Finance Committee

Mr. Everse stated that we are running in the black. He mentioned how important it is to receive any kind of funding from the state. Mr. Everse mentioned that the leading economic indicators of the gate and Trade Days fees are rebounding some. Learning Center fees are down due to the lack of leadership. Lisa Carroll stated plans are in place to increase attendance. Mr. Everse questioned why the Event center is down. Lisa Carroll said that when we increased the cost of the building it hurt the booking of it. Mr. Everse stated we may need to consider improving the rental cabins.

 

Personnel Committee

Josh Dyer reported where the Park Superintendent job opening was posted on various websites including Craigslist, al.com, Tuscaloosa News, NPRA. We received 21 applications. Mr. Dyer outlined the application review process. It was narrowed down to five candidates, Walter Bagwell, Lisa Carroll, Brian Smith, Thomas Shirer, and Dale Alzean, for the Park Superintendent position. Mr. Dyer said that he had all applications if any wanted to look at them.

 

Long Range Committee

Josh Dyer reported that everything Long Range depends on the Parks Superintendent.

 

Legislative Committee

Johnny Curry reported that the new legislature had been elected and was in organizational session. Mr. Curry stated he would like the Commission to be included in the 2019-2020 budget.

 

Museum Committee

No report

 

New Business

Jeremy Wright mentioned that at the next meeting we will need to discuss the refinancing of our long term loan that includes the new sewer system.

 

Marty Everse mentioned that Joyce Cauthen has asked the Commission to republish 300 copies of Possum Up a Gum Stump, a recording of traditional Alabama fiddlers, which is now unavailable. Ms. Cauthen initially produced the recordings in the late 1980s and at that time the Brierfield Park sponsored the production of a vinyl record. In the late 1990s, Tannehill sponsored the release of a CD. Her estimate of the costs involved for a new release is $1,600, and she would agree to purchase the first 100 at cost. If we do not want to participate, she has asked the Commission to release the rights to it. It would roughly cost $5.00 a CD to publish and we could sell it for $10.00. Marty Everse moved to approve the cost and Dr. Jim Day seconded. All approved.

 

Jeremy Wright stated that he had in March of 2018 an Ethics violation filed against him. He wanted it to be known that he was cleared.

 

Next Meeting will be on July 14 2019, 2:00pm

 

Meeting Adjourned 3:38 p.m.

 

By: Lisa Carroll, Secretary

 

By: Doug Behm, Chairman

Alabama Historic Ironworks Commission Minutes

January 13, 2019

 

The Alabama Historic Ironworks Commission (AHIC) met at the Tannehill Museum at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Chairman Doug Behm called the meeting to order at 2:01 p.m.

ALABAMA HISTORIC IRONWORKS COMMISSION

Doug Behm–Chairman
Jeremy Wright–Vice-Chairman
Walter Anderton
Jack Bergstresser
Johnny Curry
Dr. James Day
Josh Dyer
Martin Everse
Stacye Hathorn
Benjamin Little
Clarence Nevels
Jerry Pow
Wilton Price
Charles Prickett
Jerry Tingle

MEMBERS PRESENT

Doug Behm

Josh Dyer

Stacye Hathorn

Walter Anderton

Jim Day

Marty Everse

Charles Prickett

Jack Wright

Ben Littleton

Johnny Curry

Wilton Price

GUESTS PRESENT

Henry McCulley

Mrs. McCulley

John Morrison

Anna Sparks

 

MEMBERS ABSENT

Clarence Nevels

Jerry Pow

Jerry Tingle

 

STAFF PRESENT

Lisa Carroll

Brian Smith

 

 

Mr. Behm asked Jim Day to serve as parliamentarian for the meeting. Mr. Price opened with the invocation.

 

Approval of Minutes

Walter Anderton moved to approve the minutes from the July 2018 meeting. Johnny Curry seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.

 

Public Comment

Anna Sparks on behalf of Moses Gagakuma spoke again regarding renting the stable facility at Tannehill State Park. They are interested in running a stable business along with horse rides at Tannehill.

 

Facilities Committee

Doug Behm stated since October we have started repairing many things. The new sewer system is almost completed. Due to the amount of rain we have received, the contractor was unable to completely finish. AT&T came to Tannehill and suggested doing a survey for $1,800 to help improve internet and phone service. At this time, we are not wanting to spend that kind of money. The sewer lines leading to the new restroom in Farley Field had to be replaced. The Jefferson County Health Department now requires locking lids for septic tanks and so, they were upgraded. The steps leading down from the Museum to the playground were rebuilt. Major repairs on the train were accomplished. An upgraded form of QuickBooks was purchased. The furnace at the Peel cabin had to be replaced. State inventoried kitchen equipment in the Event Center and surplus vehicles will be run through the state surplus auction process as required by law.

 

Jeremy Wright said the progress of the Collins House has been more tedious than expected. Many logs were rotten in the middle. KyKenKee ran a lot of the logs for us. We lack one more log that will be delivered this week. Wayne’s Pest Control came out and looked at the Collins House and found evidence of termites. There were ants due to rotten wood. Wayne’s Pest Control wants to do a proposal for termite treatment on all cabins and facilities.

 

At Brierfield, the church needs the handicap ramp rebuilt because it does not meet state safety standards. We are also adding a front porch to the church. A tree limb fell on the roof at the Ashby Post Office and minor repairs need to be done to fix a leak. There were 3 bids done on this project and it will be completed by the end of the month.

 

We borrowed $400,000 on the original loan for the sewer. We have spent $366,000. There still has to be a fence put up once it is completed. Mr. Wright suggested putting crushed stone around the sewer to keep trees and such from growing to help with the maintenance.

 

Finance Committee

Mr. Everse stated that we are running in the black. He mentioned how important it is to receive any kind of funding from the state. Mr. Everse pointed out that Learning Center Fees along with Trade Days were down. Trade Days was due to weather. Employee salary totals were down. Employees have shouldered the brunt of the financial strain we have been under. All in all, we are in amazingly good shape to make it to the first Trade Days.

 

Personnel Committee

Charles Prickett deferred the presentation of Committee to Josh Dyer. Mr. Dyer stated that he was asked to lead the search committee for a new Park Director. Charles Prickett, James Day, Jack Wright and he had a meeting November 30, 2018 to discuss the process. Mr. Dyer proposed changing the title from Parks Administrator to Parks Superintendent in order for the title of the job to better match the duties. The current job description duties, however, were not to be changed. He further proposed a change in the educational requirements for the position from "requiring" a Bachelor’s degree to one of a "preferred" degree. And finally, he proposed a salary range increase to $65,000-$70,000 a year based on experience in an attempt to increase the number of qualified applicants. After much discussion of the aforementioned issues, Johnny Curry moved for adoption of the proposed changes. Jack Wright seconded. It passed unanimously. Josh Dyer offered to give anyone a copy of the Park Superintendent job description that wanted one. Mr. Dyer passed out a document titled Park Superintendent search progress. He plans to post the position opening on Craig’s List in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. Mr. Dyer wanted it to be clear he would have to place the ads using his personal credit card at a cost of $25 at each location and asked to be reimbursed. Jack Wright moved to reimburse Josh Dyer for the expenses of placing the ads and Walter Anderton seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Doug Behm suggested posting on the State Employment Service and the University of Alabama employment sites because they are free. Josh Dyer hoped the Personnel Committee could give a recommendation for a new Parks Superintendent by the next Commission meeting.

 

Long Range Committee

Josh Dyer reported that the Ayres property adjacent to Tannehill has closed. Forever Wild will be calling for a survey of that property. Mr. Dyer would like to be a part of the process of putting out the boundary lines. Park staff has already dealt with taking down shooting houses and dealing with poachers. The first order of business for Forever Wild is to take down the buildings and other structures on the property. There is a barn that they will give the Park permission to use where it is but it cannot be moved and then used. There was a lot of discussion on what the property could be used for such as horse trails, bike trails, etc.

 

Legislative Committee

Johnny Curry reported that the new legislature had been elected and was in organizational session. Mr. Curry stated he would like the Commission to be included in the 2019-2020 budget.

 

Museum Committee

No report

 

New Business

Marty Everse moved the AHIC appoint Jack Bergstresser to the vacant position of Historian to serve for one year. Jack Wright seconded the motion. Motion carried. Dr. James Day introduced Stacye Hathorn as the Alabama Historic Ironworks Commission seat representative.

 

Next Meeting will be on April 7, 2019, 2:00pm

 

Meeting Adjourned 3:51 p.m.

 

By: Lisa Carroll, Secretary

 

By: Doug Behm, Chairman

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