An extended delay in getting approval from the Governor’s Office for Morgan County to join the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) has forced the Morgan County Commission to renew its contract with the North-Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG) on a temporary basis.

The commission adopted three resolutions authorizing Chairman Ray Long to execute an agreement with NARCOG, subject to a 30-day cancellation notice, at its regular meeting on Tuesday. The agreement ensures a continuation of transportation, nutrition and supportive services to senior citizens, effective Oct. 1 2012.

“I met with the Governor’s staff on Monday (Oct. 1) and was assured that he intends to sign the order that will allow us to become a member of TARCOG,” Long stated. “However, at this point we don’t know when that will happen. This put us in a position where we needed to renew our contract to ensure that our seniors continue to receive services.

The commission pulled away from NARCOG earlier this year following a change in leadership and the failure of NARCOG’s board of directors to revise its bylaws so as to apportion its director positions on the basis of population.

The commission acted on other matters as follows:

•Accepted a bid of $.14 per renewal from IMS Enterprises for the printing and mailing of renewal notices for the license commissioner’s office.

•Authorized the chairman to execute a grant agreement from the Alabama Department of Youth Services in the amount of $337,000 to provide residential and non-residential services for Morgan County youth who would otherwise be committed to the Department of Young Services.

•Authorized the chairman to execute a grant agreement from the Alabama Department of Youth Services in the amount of $320,000 to provide residential services for youth in Northwest Alabama who would otherwise be committed to the Department of Youth Services.

•Authorized the chairman to execute a health services agreement with Southern Health Partners for inmates’ medical coverage, effective Oct. 1, 2012 through Nov. 30, 2012.

•Authorized the chairman to execute a cooperative agreement with the State Homeland Security Grant Program in the amount of $13,004.50 to be distributed to Decatur Police Department for the purchase of computer equipment, effective Sept. 1, 2012 through Nov. 30, 2012.

•Authorized Solid Waste Manager Ricky Brooks to purchase from the state surplus center at Eva a 2010 Ford XL van for $10,800 for the new litter control crew to be paid out of recycling funds.

•Accepted Broadhead Dr. and Fletching St. in Arrow Pointe Subdivision, Phase I, District 1 into the county road maintenance system.

•Approved certificates to subdivide for M. Buford and Lottie R. Sanford. Gravel Ridge Rd., Dist. 4 and Vandy and Carolyn Cruise, Grave Ridge Rd., Dist. 4.

•Authorized the chairman to execute a contract with Keet Consulting Services in the amount of $60,100 for ArcSDE database retrofit software, training and support.

•Authorized the chairman to execute a contract with Pugh,Wright, McAnally Civil Engineers for surveying and engineering services pertaining the new jail annex in an amount not to exceed $30,000.

•Authorized the chairman to execute a contract with TTL for geotechnical and construction materials engineering and testing services for the new jail annex as follows: $4,500 for preparation of the outlined geotechnical exploration and reporting services and $17,500 for services related to COMET and special inspection services.

•Authorized the chairman to execute a contract with RouteMatch Software in the amount of $3,2390 for three days of dispatcher onsite training for new MCATS staff.

•Approved payments out of the Tourism, Recreation and Convention Fund as follows: Falkville Fall Festival, $1,000; Shetland Sheep Dog Club, $100; Waling Horse Association of Alabama, $1,000; Hartselle High basketball program, $125; and Decatur Kennel Club Cluster Dog Show, $300.

•Authorized the chairman to execute the State Sub Grantee Agreement for the Hazard Mitigation Grant with the State of Alabama Emergency Management Agency for Morgan County EMA individuals safe rooms.

•Reappointed Jimmy Ray Smith to the Decatur-Morgan County Port Authority, effective June 12, 2012, through June 12, 2017.

•Authorized Debra Rains, MCATS, to fill two vacant dispatcher I positions.