Draft

February 6, 2001

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 6, 2001 in the Commissioner’s Room in the Alexander County Courthouse, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Mark Stafford, N.C. Department of Transportation District Engineer, approached the Board with a request to pave out of priority secondary road SR1307A (All Healing Springs Road), priority #75 in the 2001-2002 construction program. Mr. Stafford stated that priority #19, SR1307 (All Healing Springs) was scheduled to be paved in the 2001-2002 construction program and informed the Board that without paving of priority #75, a 1.2 mile section of unpaved road would exist from new pavement to existing pavement.

Chairman Odom stated that he would like to move this issue onto the agenda as Agenda Item #3A.

Chairman Odom gave the Chairman’s Report which included brief information regarding the following issues:

1. Department of Social Services space needs
2. Water line extensions
3. State budget shortfall of $700 million
4. Letter from Jack Hoke, Alexander County Schools Superintendent, to Ray Warren, Alexander County Sheriff, commending Keith Warren and Allen Vanstory for their excellent detective work on the vandalism case at Sugarloaf Elementary School.
5. Legislative Goals Conference held January 11-12, 2001
6. Riparian Buffers
7. EMS Protocol Information
8. Departmental Reports

Chairman Odom also commented on the new ambulance purchased by the Alexander County EMS. The purchase of the American Emergency Vehicle Type III ambulance included the trade-in of a Type II ambulance with over 130,000 miles which had been used for 6 years. Chairman Odom stated that the unequipped cost of the ambulance was $73,419.

Chairman Odom called the meeting to order at 6:50 PM.

Chairman Odom gave the invocation. Lauren Bumgarner and Ben Pennell, Student Council members at Ellendale Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Chairman Odom recognized Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, to present information regarding the Gwaltney Township Fire Department.

Mr. Greene informed the Board that citizens of the Gwaltney community are in the process of raising money to construct a fire department in their community. Individuals in the Gwaltney community have raised $20,000 to date by holding auctions, fundraisers, etc.

The Gwaltney Fire Department will be a substation of Hiddenite Fire Department and will work under their regulations. The Gwaltney Fire Department will be located north of S & S Grocery on the right. The property was donated for the project and someone has agreed to donate the necessary grading work.

Mr. Greene stated that fire district lines will be redrawn once the Gwaltney Fire Department is completed. Also, fire insurance in the area should decrease as a result of this substation. Mr. Greene is also hopeful that Hiddenite Fire Department will receive an ISO rating of 6 or 7.

Bill Randlett, member of the Gwaltney Community Committee, commended Mr. Greene for his hard work and briefly discussed the committee.

Chairman Odom stated that this issue was an agenda item and that he would like to discuss this matter later in the meeting.

Chairman Odom stated that the DOT Paving Priority Request will be added to the agenda as Agenda Item #3A. Commissioner Watts stated that Agenda Item #6 – Consideration of GIS Coordinator Position should be tabled.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to adopt the agenda as amended. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Nancy Coley, Western Piedmont Council of Governments, conducted the public hearing for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. The State will be receiving approximately $45 million in CDBG funds for 2001 and local governments can apply for the funds for activities that may benefit some low-income persons.

Ms. Coley stated that these funds could be used for installation of infrastructure, loans for businesses that will create jobs for low to moderate income persons, water and sewer line installation, taps and connections, neighborhood revitalization, scattered site housing rehabilitation, housing development and rehabilitation, and community empowerment.

The maximum grant amount for infrastructure grants is $75,000. CDBG loans are made in conjunction with bank loans and can represent 50% of the total project financing.

Ms. Coley stated that in order for local government to apply, it must choose a project area with severe needs. Applications must be submitted by April and will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Projects are evaluated and rated based on criteria including low and moderate income benefit, severity and treatment of area, project appropriateness and feasibility, and local commitment.

Rick French, County Manager, mentioned the need for water along Three Forks Church Road. Ms. Coley asked that the Board inform her of which types of grants and projects that they would like to move forward with after March. At that time, a second public hearing will be held.

There being no public comment, Commissioner Watts made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to proceed with the grant process at the designated time. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, conducted the public hearing for the approval of Text Amendment 01-1 (Watershed Ordinance). Ms. Turnmire stated that the reasons for the proposed revisions were to shorten the approval process for minor subdivisions to a maximum of 3 lots, to comply with the state revisions from 1997, and to amend the surface criteria for single-family development.

Ms. Turnmire informed the Board of revisions made throughout the Watershed Ordinance which included revisions to sections dealing with cluster development, composting facilities, critical areas, hazardous materials, residuals, and several other items. A resolution was presented for the Board’s approval of the text amendment.

There being no public comment, Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to approve Text Amendment 01-1 of the Watershed Ordinance. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, presented proposed revisions to the Subdivision Ordinance which was tabled at the January 9, 2001 until local attorneys contacted Planning and Development staff with their comments. Ms. Turnmire stated that staff met with representatives from 4 local attorneys’ offices on January 23, 2001 and the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the attorneys’ comments at their February 1, 2001 meeting.

Ms. Turnmire informed the Board of revisions made throughout the Subdivision Ordinance which included revisions to sections dealing with family subdivision certificates, access to adjacent properties, preliminary plats, and several individuals definitions.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that the Subdivision Ordinance was established to protect the subdivision buyers, not to restrict them. Commissioner Hammer inquired about right-of-ways and also hardship provisions. Ms. Turnmire responded that hardship provisions were granted to property (topography) but not to an applicant. A resolution was presented for the Board’s approval of the text amendment.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to approve Text Amendment 00-8 Subdivision Ordinance. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Ms. Turnmire stated that she would like to thank the members of the Planning & Zoning Commission for their continued hard work and dedication.

N.C. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PAVING PRIORITY REQUEST

Mark Stafford, N.C. Department of Transportation District Engineer, presented a request to pave out of priority secondary road SR1307A (All Healing Springs Road), priority #75 in the 2001-2002 construction program.  Information presented earlier in the meeting was briefly discussed and maps were presented to the Board showing the location of the paving request.

Also attending the meeting were Clay Lundsford and Lynn Marshall also with N.C. Department of Transportation.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve paving secondary road SR1307A out of priority in the 2001-2002 construction program.  Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, briefly reviewed the Gwaltneys Community Fire Department issue and gave a special thanks to the Gwaltneys Community Committee for traveling and attending meetings to study this issue.

Chairman Odom suggested that the County award a matching grant for the Gwaltneys Community Fire Department of up to $25,000. Commissioner Robertson clarified that the grant would be given to Hiddenite Fire Department who would use the grant money toward the Gwaltneys Community Fire Department.

Commissioner Hammer inquired about a timeframe for the release of the matching grant monies. Commissioner Robertson suggested that County staff work with the Gwaltneys community to determine when the grant would be needed.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to approve a matching grant of up to $25,000 for the Gwaltney Community Fire Department. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Patty Foster, Transportation Director, presented a resolution which clarified who is authorized to approve requests for reimbursements, budget revisions, and period of performance extension requests for public transportation projects under the Community Transportation Program.

The application was resubmitted under Alexander County. Ms. Foster stated that the Alexander County Transportation Department would receive a grant for $67,286 in 2001 for administrative funding. Ms. Foster also stated that no public hearing was required for approval.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to approve the resolution to clarify authorization. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Nan Campbell, Social Services Director, and Leeanne Whisnant, Interim Health Director, gave the annual report on the Community Child Fatality/Child Protection Team. Ms. Campbell stated that the Community Child Protection Teams were a group of community representatives who meet bi-monthly to promote a community-wide approach to child abuse and neglect.

The Child Fatality/Child Protection Teams review abuse cases including sexual, child fatalities, neglect of a child under 1 year, and cases of 2 reports within a specific period. Ms. Campbell stated that DSS had received 414 reports for 2000. A total of 288 of these reports were investigated with 44% being substantiated.

Ms. Whisnant stated that 4 child deaths (under 18 years) were received including 1 natural cause, 1 car accident, 1 suicide, and 1 birth defect.

Ms. Campbell stated that the Child Fatality/Child Protection Teams were awarded a grant from the State to provide parent education to parents known to the agencies in need to the services and high-risk populations. There are currently 2 parent training classes being taught by a contractual provider. The Child Fatality/Child Protection Teams have also sponsored booths at the annual "Make A Difference Day".

The Board thanked Ms. Campbell and Ms. Whisnant for their presentation.

Keith Hertzler, Chamber of Commerce & EDC Director, presented the proposed Alexander County Industrial Development Incentive (IDI) Grant Program for New and Existing Industries. This policy was briefly reviewed at the last meeting and at the 2001 Planning Retreat.

Mr. Hertzler stated that Level 1 of the IDI Grant Program had been adjusted from $1 million to $500,000.

Mr. Hertzler stated that the IDI Grant Program would help local businesses to expand and also bring more business into the county. The IDI Grant Program is competitive with Iredell and Catawba Counties.

Mr. Hertzler stated that he plans to have copies of the IDI Grant Program in Spanish and German in the near future.

Commissioner Robertson instructed Mr. Hertlzer to look into adding additional incentives for higher paying jobs for later revision.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to adopt the IDI Grant Program. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Watts recognized Susie Barkley, Director of Catawba Valley Community College Alexander Center, who introduced several individuals affiliated with CVCC who were attending the meeting.

Commissioner Watts stated that Alexander County was looking for better community college service, a fair share of the state bond monies, and the ability to upgrade and market the community college service. Commissioner Watts also stated that Martin Lancaster, President of the N.C. Community College System, was well aware of Alexander County’s needs and wants.

The Board has met with Dr. Cuyler Dunbar, President of CVCC, and Dr. Kenneth Boham, President of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, to determine the best available partnership for Alexander County community college service.

Commissioner Watts recommended that the Board receive more dialogue and clarification on what programs each community college was proposing before making a final decision and suggested holding a second February Commissioner’s Meeting.

Dr. Dunbar informed the Board that the State has not finalized a timeframe for release of bond monies and that it may be July 2001 before a timeline is determined.

No definite date was set for a second February Commissioner’s Meeting. It was agreed that, if needed, a second meeting would be called 48 hours in advance.

Planning & Zoning Commission

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development stated that Dale Martin had suggested that Bill Randlett fill his position on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Randlett stated that he would consider the position and would be in touch with Ms. Turnmire.

Courthouse Task Force

The following individuals were appointed to serve on the Courthouse Task Force:

Suggestions have been made to renovate the current courthouse and also to build a new courthouse. The Courthouse Task Force will research the courthouse situation and determine the best solution for improvement and issue a report at the 2002 Planning Retreat.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to approve the appointments to the Courthouse Task Force. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Old Wittenburg School Task Force

The following individuals were appointed to serve on the Old Wittenburg School Task Force:

The Old Wittenburg School Task Force will determine the best use for the Old Wittenburg School located on Highway 16 South. The Alexander County Board of Education will also appoint 2 members to serve on this task force.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to approve the appointments to the Old Wittenburg School Task Force. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

The following individual was appointed to serve on the LEPC:

The LEPC has several responsibilities including Tier 2 reporting, chemical control, hazardous material training, and evacuation route planning.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the appointment to the LEPC. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Robertson suggested forming a task force at the next Commissioner’s Meeting to study space needs for the Department of Social Services.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that he would like for the District Representation Task Force to consist of Commissioner Robertson along with 2 members from the Republican Party and Commissioner Harbinson along with 2 members from the Democratic Party. The Task Force will be chaired by Chairman Odom. Commissioners Robertson and Harbinson discussed holding the meeting in the next 2 weeks.

Several items were discussed under Other Business including:

1. Chairman Odom stated that appointments are needed for the Home and Community Care Block Grant Planning Committee and Lead Agency. Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to appoint the Alexander County Council of Aging as the Planning Committee and the Western Piedmont Council of Governments as the Lead Agency. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
2. Rick French, County Manager, stated that the public hearing for Ellendale Elementary School financing will be advertised on March 6, 2001.
3. Mr. French informed the Board that weekly legislative bulletins are arriving at the County Administration Office and are on file if anyone would like to read them.

1. Minutes from January 17, 2001 Special Called Meeting.
2. Tax Refund Requests for January $6,233.67 and Tax Release Requests for January $119.62.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to enter into Closed Session for the purpose of discussing personnel and contractual matters. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Upon return to open session, Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to adjourn at 9:25 PM. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

  David S. Odom, Chairman           Jamie C. Millsaps, Clerk to the Board