The Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board Board April 14, 2020 Meeting Minutes

With proper and required notice having been provided to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office along with posting on the website of the Alabama Secretary of State, a meeting of the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board was held on April 14, 2020 at 60 Commerce Street, Suite 1440, Montgomery, Alabama. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to Section III Open Meeting Act of the Proclamation issued the 18th day of March, 2020, by Governor Kay Ivey (attached), attendance was also perfected by a combination of telephone conference and video conference. The meeting was called to order at 10:07 a.m. by Chairman Chris McNeil.

A quorum having been established, the following Board members were present:

District I: Chris McNeil by video/audio conferencing

District II: Gustavius Maxie by video/audio conferencing

District III: Barry Johnson by video/audio conferencing

District V: Victor Howard by video/audio conferencing District VI: Jimmie Lay by video/audio conferencing

District VII: Edward Giles by video/audio conferencing

Judge: The Honorable Spiro Cheriogotis by video/audio conferencing Circuit Clerk: The Honorable Carla Woodall by video/audio conferencing

The following Board members were not present:

District IV: Alesia Kyser

Also present by personal/video/audio attendance was Claire Austin, Acting Executive Director; and by video/audio attendance Brenda Holden, Administrative Support.

Due to the varying methods of attendance of Board members, all voting actions of the Board were taken by a call of the roll.

The meeting was opened with prayer offered by Board Member Edward Giles.

A motion to approve the agenda was made by Edward Giles and seconded by Barry Johnson. Motion passed unanimously.

The minutes of the April 3, 2020, were previously distributed and reviewed. A motion was made by Jimmie Lay to accept the minutes as submitted and seconded by Spiro Cheriogotis. Motion passed unanimously.

The final draft of the Rules and Regulations was reviewed. Discussions were held of the regulatory authority of the Board regarding companies but no authority to require individual companies to obtain a license.

Victor Howard suggested a review of the application for designation of owners of companies. A motion was made to follow Victor Howard’s recommendation and amend the application for licensure to include the designation of owner. Motion seconded by Jimmie Lay. At 10:25 a.m. Chairman Chris McNeil left meeting; Vice Chairman Jimmie Lay assumed the duties of Chairman. Motion passed unanimously. At 10:27 a.m. Chris McNeil returned to the meeting and assumed the duties of Chairman.

Discussions continued regarding the final draft of the Rules and Regulations. A motion was made by Carla Woodall to approve the final draft of the Rules and Regulations, which includes verbiage of

regulating companies, and the same be submitted to LSA. Motion seconded by Jimmie Lay. Motion passed unanimously.

Discussions were held regarding development of continuing education. Victor Howard discussed various aspects of continuing education by surrounding states and that the sub-committee would continue to develop guidelines and follow up at next meeting with a written report of suggested topics, format, and speakers.

A discussion was held regarding clarification of photo and data entry by licensees to the vendor producing all licenses.

Discussions were held regarding the availability of emergency funds from Governor’s office, obtaining office space, website, and administrative support. A motion was made by Carla Woodall to authorize Acting Executive Director Claire Austin to negotiate and enter into a contract for rental space for the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board up to $300 per month. Motion seconded by Edward Giles. Motion passed unanimously.

Chairman Chris McNeil set the next meeting of the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board for Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at 60 Commerce Street, Suite 1440, Montgomery, Alabama, or attendance pursuant to the March 18, 2020 Proclamation if the declaration of state of emergency due to COVID-19 is extended.

There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Carla Woodall and seconded by Barry Johnson. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.

Respectfully submitted:

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Chris McNeil
Chairman

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Carla Woodall
Secretary