BALDWIN COUNTY COMMISSION
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 6, 2007
BALDWIN COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
BAY MINETTE, ALABAMA

Members present were David E. Bishop, Charles F. Gruber, Wayne A. Gruenloh, and Frank Burt, Jr., Chairman.

Also present were Michael L. Thompson, County Administrator and J. Scott Barnett, Chief Counsel

(O) - PRESS QUESTIONS

Mr. Ben Cruitt with the Baldwin County Press, asked what is happening with the service road connecting the two shopping areas in Spanish Fort and Daphne, above  Interstate 10?

Chairman Burt said a draft of a proposal was in the making between the City of Daphne, Timbercreek, the County and possibly the developer. The City of Daphne had hesitation regarding their commitment.

Commissioner Bishop said Cypress Equities had a tentative agreement to put up $2 million, Timbercreek put up $2 million, the City of Daphne $1 million and Baldwin County $4 million for a total of $9 million to make the road possible. The general perception was that was something that everyone would agree to. The City of Daphne had some discord agreeing to the $1 million.

Mr. Cruitt said Allen Cox, a Timbercreek spokesperson, made the presentation before the Daphne City Council, and it was thought of as finalized.

Commissioner Bishop said there was an agreement to carry it down to the edge of the Timbercreek property and end there. Timbercreek would be in the driver’s seat and Mr. Cox’s speculation was that it would not go any further unless Cypress Equities ante up on their portion to build the roads. Mr. Cox was adamant about this  because Timbercreek was giving the right-of-way and they were putting up $4 million to make it happen. However, they would not put it up on the premise that Cypress Equities would not be involved.

Mr. Cruitt said that was Mr. Cox’s first presentation. During his second presentation, Mr. Cox relented having absolute control over the last 4,000 feet of the road and said everything would be handled by the County.

Commissioner Bishop said the County is currently working through the attorneys to get an agreement provided to the City of Daphne, Timbercreek and Cypress Equities that will be workable with ALDOT.

Mr. Cruitt asked if the County Engineer was working on it, in which Commissioner Bishop said yes.

Mr. Barnett said he has passed the document with Timber Creek Land Company’s attorney , but nothing has been finalized. The Commissioners are aware of the  negotiations. Mr. Barnett said he has not had any personal dealings with the City of Daphne. Mr. Barnett has had a phone call with Cypress Equities and he has created a draft to send to Mr. Cox to present it to J. Ross, the attorney for the City of Daphne. Mr. Barnett said Mr. Cruitt has informed him of new information regarding Mr. Cox’s presentation. Mr. Barnett said he has also dealt with Richard Davis, the attorney for Timber Creek Land Company.