Mobile County Seal Mobile County Commission   
 
District 2 
N ews & Events 
 
Commissioner Connie Hudson 
February 17, 2017
Message from Commissioner  
Connie Hudson
   
Grand Re-Opening Event Scheduled
 
Please mark your calendar and make plans to join us on 
March 3, 2017 at the Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting for the Tanner Williams Community Park Phase II addition located at 13001 Tanner Williams Road. The new addition, funded through a County Commission District 2 capital allocation, features a splash pad, a concession building with adjoining restroom facilities, a shade structure with new playground equipment for 3-5 
year-olds, a shade structure over the existing 5-12 year-old playground, a concrete curb around the swing area, a practice backstop, parking lot security lighting, asphalt paving of the existing parking area, lighting for the existing ball field, and improved drainage. Many thanks to the Tanner Williams Civic and Historical Society for their planning assistance and support of this project. The Society will continue to manage and operate the park following its re-opening.

New Parking Lots Near Completion
 
New parking lot construction at the Semmes Sports Complex, off Blackwell Nursery Road, funded through a Commission District 2 capital allocation, will include approximately 330 paved and over 50 unpaved spaces that are currently under construction. The two parking lots will be completed in time for the opening of the complex's baseball/softball season beginning March 9, 2017.  To view the Semmes Sports Complex schedule, Click Here. Many thanks to the Semmes Athletic Association and to the Mobile County Public School System for their assistance and support of this project. The expanded parking will help to alleviate long-term issues with parking availability experienced by park patrons.
 
Drugs: Costs and Consequences
 
I highly recommend that everyone see the new exhibit which recently opened at the Exploreum Science Center, Drugs: Costs and Consequences. The national touring exhibit, developed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the DEA Education Foundation, provides a very provocative look at the devastating effects of illegal drugs and drug abuse on individuals and society. It reveals the true story of the damage caused by drug abuse and gives insight into the DEA's fight against drug trafficking organizations. I firmly believe that educational intervention, such as that provided by this exhibit, is a critical component in fighting the war on drugs, here at home and around the world. Click Here for exhibit information.

May you and your family have a safe and enjoyable Mardi Gras season. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Warmest Regards, 
Connie  
 

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of the Exploreum's "Drugs: Costs & Consequences" Exhibit
Commissioner Hudson serves as an Honorary Chair of the exhibit which is sponsored in part by Commission District 2 educational funds.

Pictured with Commissioner Hudson are (L-R) Jan McKay, E xecutive Director Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center; RADM, Rich Landolt, USN (Ret.), City of Mobile Executive Director of Public Safety; Dave Trent, Site Director Airbus America's Engineering; Stephanie McCladdie, Regional Administrator Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Bill Alden, CEO DEA Educational Foundation; Stephen Azzam, DEA Special Agent; and Tera Johnson, Staff Assistant, Office of U.S. Senator Richard Shelby.
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IN THIS ISSUE
SPECIAL EVENT LINK:
GULFQUEST SHIPWRECK EXHIBIT OPENING
SPECIAL EVENT LINK:
MARDI GRAS
OTHER QUICK LINKS
SPECIAL EVENT: GRAND RE-OPENING!GrandOpening

MARDI GRAS PARKING & SAFETY INFORMATIONMardiGrasSafety
Mardi Gras Parking:  Avoid Getting Your Vehicle Towed

The Mobile Police Department closes streets in the downtown area one hour before each scheduled parade. Non-parking areas are designated by signage. Gold and Purple Mardi Gras "No Parking" signs are placed along the parade routes. 

If your vehicle is towed for parking in a non-parking area, it will be taken to a temporary impound lot at Water and Monroe Streets. The temporary fenced lot is located between the former Roussos Restaurant and the Mobile Cruise Terminal under the I-10 roadway.  The lot closes at 11 p.m. each parade night. Vehicles not retrieved by that time will be moved to the  permanent impound facility located behind the Mobile Police Training Academy at 1251 Virginia Street.

Cost to retrieve a vehicle from either of the impound lots is $125. Only cash, debit cards, or MasterCard and Visa credit cards will be accepted.  Motorists picking up their towed vehicles must present a valid driver's license, proof of ownership (registration, tag receipt, etc.), and proof of current insurance. 

The Mobile Police Department List of Tips for a Safe Mardi Gras:
  • Attend parades in groups, with family or friends.
  • Glass containers are prohibited by city ordinance.
  • Do not follow floats. Violators may be arrested.
  • Do not throw any object in the direction of floats, band members or any parade participants. Violators may be arrested.
  • Materials known as "Silly String" and "Snap & Pops" along with similar products are illegal. Possession of any these products may result in arrest.
  • Do not cross the barricades. Each officer will be carrying a ticket book and will be issuing citations for the offense. The fine for crossing the barricades is $298.
  • No underage drinking is allowed. Special undercover police details arrest violators.
  • If you need police assistance during a parade, go to the nearest intersection and advise a uniformed police officer.
  • Choose a well-lit area for night parade viewing.
  • Establish a post-parade meeting place for family and friends in case you become separated.
  • Park vehicles in secure areas and do not leave valuables in plain sight. Utilize the trunk to store valuables.
  • Uniformed and plain-clothes officers will be patrolling behind the crowds to identify and arrest persons engaging in criminal activity.
  • Pets are prohibited during the parades downtown.
  • Skateboards and motorized scooters are prohibited.
For more information, Click Here to contact the Downtown Mobile Alliance.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: BLACK HISTORY MONTHCommSpotlight

Black History Month is an annual observance in the United States that celebrates and recognizes the contributions of black people throughout history . The event focuses on the acknowledgement of the central role of black Americans in U.S. history. It is the result of collaboration between noted historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland. Together they founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an
Carter G. Woodson, historian and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other people of African descent. Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.

Mayors in cities across the country began proclaiming this week Negro History Week and by the late 1960's, due in part to the Civil Rights Movement; the week evolved into a month at many colleges in the country and became known as Black History Month. In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month and called upon the nation to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."

Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month, and each year there is a specific theme. This year's theme is "The Crisis in Black Education" which focuses on the crucial role of education in the history of African Americans.

To learn more about Black History Month and to view 
an archive of videos and pictures Click Here.
PET OF THE WEEK: "SHIMMER"PetofWeek
 

Shimmer is the MCAS Pet of the Week.  She is a gorgeous, sweet 10-month-old Lab mix, and she is looking for a forever home.  Shimmer is heartworm negative, up to date on vaccinations, and her $80 adoption fee includes her spay and a microchip. 

If you are interested in adopting Shimmer,  or any of our other adoptable pets, please contact the Mobile County Animal Shelter (MCAS) at 574-3647 (DOGS) or stop by the shelter at 7665 Howells Ferry Road. You can also follow the MCAS on Facebook, Instagram (mcacshelter), or Twitter (@mcacshelter) to receive updates about adoptable pets and upcoming events!                    
   
For more information on the Mobile County Animal Shelter or to view a list of all current adoptable pets at the MCAS Click Here.
KUDOS & CONGRATULATIONSKUDOS
Jubilee BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Robotics Wins Awards at Regional Championship

2016 Jubilee BEST Robotics award winners and Hub Director Robin Fenton are pictured above with Commissioners Connie Hudson and Merceria Ludgood.
Congratulations to Jubilee BEST Robotics for winning multiple awards at the South's BEST Regional Robotics Championship at Auburn University. Jubilee BEST brought home eleven awards from Davidson High School, St. Luke's Episcopal School, Faith Academy and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, and finishing in the Top 20 Robots were Mobile Area Coalition of Homeschoolers (MACH) Robotics and Saraland Middle School.


To learn more about Jubilee BEST Robotics  Click Here .


Marlan Zha Wins Mobile County Regional Spelling Bee

Congratulations to Marlan Zha of Phillips Preparatory School, who won the Mobile County Regional Spelling Bee. The 90th annual Spelling Bee, sponsored by Dollar General, was held at Davidson High School and was hosted by Bob Grip of WALA FOX10.

Congratulations to Local Pageant Winners

Chelsey Sayasane, Miss University of Mobile 2017
Congratulations to the winners of the 2017 Miss University of Mobile and Miss North Mobile pageants, Chelsey Sayasane and Logan Carter. 
Both young women will
Logan Carter, Miss 
North Mobile 2017

advance to compete for 
scholarships in June at the Miss Alabama Pageant, held at the Performing Arts Center in Montgomery, Alabama. The winner of the Miss Alabama Pageant will be Alabama's ambassador in the Miss USA Competition next year. Congratulations to Miss Sayasane and Miss Carter on their impressive accomplishments!
Calendar MOBILE COUNTY WINTER CALENDAR





































For additional information on City of Mobile events Click Here.
NewslettersMOBILE COUNTY COMMUNITY 
NEWSLETTER LI NKS
Click Here to view the latest edition of the Town Crier, the official news of Dauphin Island from Mayor Jeff Collier and the Town Council.


Click Here to view the latest official news from the Semmes Chamber of Commerce.


Click Here to view the latest official news from the City of Semmes.  
Click Here to view the latest official newsletter of the Southwest Mobile County Chamber of Commerce.

Click Here to view the latest news from the Downtown Mobile Alliance on the DMA Facebook page.   

Click Here to view the February edition of the Semmes Senior Center newsletter.
Click Here to view February's activities calendar.  

Click Here to view the latest news and events from the Village of Spring Hill. 

Click Here to view the latest official newsletter for the Connie Hudson Mobile Regional Senior Community Center. 
 DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE Roads 

Current District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. Click Here to view a complete list of ongoing road projects in Mobile County Commission District 2.

FinancialMOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATE
December 2016 marks the third month of fiscal year which began October 1, 2016.  For the three month period ending December 31, 2016, revenues totaled $33,472,896.63.  The County should be operating at 25% of budgeted revenue.  Collections recorded represent 24.53% of budgeted revenue, which is within budgeted expectations. 

Taxes represented 23,148.19 of total amount collected for the period.  This represents 69% of total collections.  The remainder of the revenue recorded is comprised as follows:


 
The County expended $28,715,861.41 through December 31, 2016. The County should be operating at 25% of budget.  Expenditures are 21.68% of the budget for the period, which is 3.32% below projections.  This indicates a positive trend toward conservative fiscal management.

Public safety expenditures comprised 52.52% of total expenditures, while 38.03% of expenditures went toward general government activities.  The remainder of expenditures for the period were expended on health and welfare, education, cultural and recreational activities, education initiatives, debt service and capital outlay.

The County transferred $2,966,510.26 to other funds. The fund balance in the general fund increased by $1,790,524.96 during the period, which resulted in an ending fund balance in the general fund of $50,570,429.22.
 
Summary
Revenue and expenditures will be monitored closely to ensure that the results of operations are within budgeted guidelines and historical trends during the commencement of the second quarter of the fiscal year which begins January 1, 2017.

Click Here  to view the latest General Fund Budget Report in full. 
Meetings MOBILE COUNTY UPCOMING  
COMMISSION MEETINGS  
Combined Commission Conference & Regular Meeting
When: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 23
Where: Mobile Government Plaza Auditorium

Commission Conference
When: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 9
Where: Mobile Government Plaza Multi-Purpose Room

Commission Regular Meeting
When: 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 13
Where: Mobile Government Plaza Auditorium


Commission Conference
When: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 23
Where: Mobile Government Plaza Multi-Purpose Room

Commission Regular Meeting
When: 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 27
Where: Mobile Government Plaza Auditorium

* Special Notice:  The Mobile County Commission offices will be closed on February 27 and February 28, 2017 in observance of Mardi Gras.

Click Here for more information and to view the
agendas for the above meetings as they are posted.
MOBILE COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER INFORMATIONRecycle
ContactCONTACT COMMISSIONER HUDSON 
Connie Hudson, Mobile County Commissioner
Mobile County Commission, District 2
P.O. Box 1443
Mobile, Alabama 36633
Office: (251) 574-2000
Office Fax: (251) 574-2001
Mailing Address: 205 Government Street, 10th Floor, Mobile, Alabama 36602