Draft

August 7, 2001

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on Tuesday, August 7, 2001 in the Commissioners’ Room of the Alexander County Courthouse, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

No citizens asked to speak at the Peoples’ Agenda. Therefore, Chairman Odom discussed several informational items including the following:

1. A letter was received from Pheon E. Beal, Director of the NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Social Services, commending the Alexander County Social Services for demonstrating their commitment to the Challenge for Children 2000 and for their commitment to ensuring safe, permanent homes for abused and neglected children.
2. Minutes were included in the informational section of the agenda packet from the July 19, 2001 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting and the June 27, 2001 Emergency Called Meeting regarding the closing of the Alexander Community Hospital.
3. Several monthly departmental reports were discussed including the Planning & Development Department which collected a total revenue of $20,058 for the month of June for permits issued. The Register of Deeds issued 22 birth certificates and 17 marriage license for the month of July. The Sheriff’s Department incarcerated 164 in June.

Chairman Odom gave the Chairman’s Report which included the following:

1. On July 26, 2001, the NC House approved Senate Bill 34 which approved building 3 new prisons. On July 30, 2001, the NC Senate also voted in favor of Senate Bill 34. The new prison will become a reality.
2. A meeting with the volunteer fire chiefs, rescue squad, and county staff was held on August 2, 2001 to discuss a franchise ordinance. A committee representing the various county agencies will be meeting with Edward Hedrick, County Attorney, at a later date to discuss the franchise agreement.
3. The Dusty Ridge lease has been signed and submitted to Duke Power for approval. Commissioner Harbinson noted that the lease had been changed from a 20-year lease to a 25-year lease in order to apply for grants for the walking trails. Commissioner Harbinson stated that the concession stand, a regulation little league field, a regulation adult field, and the parking lot should be completed by Spring 2002.
4. The new communications system is now operational. The system was switched over at 2:00 PM on August 1, 2001.
5. Commissioner Hammer informed the Board that he was now a member of the "Redneck Club". Commissioner Hammer’s member name is "Hammerhead".

6. The Board along with Rick French, County Manager, and David Icenhour, Public Information Director, will be attending the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) 94^th annual conference in Fayetteville, NC on August 10-12, 2001.

At this time, Commissioner Robertson entered the meeting. The time was 7:02 PM.

Chairman Odom called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.

Reverend William Wease from Linney’s Grove Baptist Church gave the invocation and Alek B. Ayer, student at Hiddenite Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Chairman Odom presented a plaque to Linda Mundy, Board of Elections Director, in recognition of her recent accomplishment of becoming a certified Elections Director through the NC State Elections Board. Ms. Mundy completed several hours of training and passed a final exam to become 1 of only 165 certified Elections Directors in North Carolina. Chairman Odom conveyed his appreciation and commended Ms. Mundy on her accomplishment.

Commissioner Robertson presented the Citizen of the Month Award to Mike Warren, Superintendent of Hickory Construction Company, in recognition of the renovations to Alexander Central High School. Commissioner Robertson stated that 88,000 square feet had been added onto ACHS and noted that work had been completed while school was in session without a single student injured. Commissioner Robertson commended Mr. Warren on his fine work at ACHS and his commitment to serving the community.

Jack Hoke, Alexander County Schools Superintendent, stated that Mr. Warren had helped out on all aspects of the building process and had come in early and stayed late. Mr. Hoke conveyed his appreciation to Mr. Warren for his commitment to getting the additions completed by August 17, 2001 in order to house the upcoming 9^th grade students.

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

Luther Stocks, Tax Administrator, presented the Schedule of Values to the Board and introduced Ron McCarthy, Consultant, for a review of the schedule. Mr. McCarthy began by complimenting the Board on their meeting procedures and then presented the schedule as follows:

Sally Lackey, Revaluation staff, felt that Alexander County had a good revaluation team. Commissioner Harbinson and other Board members conveyed their appreciation to Mr. Stocks and the revaluation team.

Clay Lunsford, County Maintenance Engineer, conducted the public hearing for proposed abandonment of a portion of SR 1435 (Cove Gap Road) from the State Maintained System. Mr. Lunsford stated that this abandonment was due to a realignment in conjunction with an improvement project.

Mr. Lunsford stated that the property along the portion to be abandoned would be reverted back to the original property owners. Chairman Odom asked if this was discussed with property owners when the right-of-way was established. Mr. Lunsford responded that it was discussed with property owners.

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 abandonment of a portion of SR 1435 (Cove Gap Road) from the State Maintained System as discussed. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Clay Lunsford, County Maintenance Engineer, conducted the public hearing for a request to pave SR 1423A (Old Vashti Road) out-of-priority. Mr. Lunsford clarified that this request was not from the Department of Transportation. A resolution was also presented for consideration of the request.

Mr. Lunsford informed the Board that there were currently no funds available to pave SR 1423A (Old Vashti Road). The road will be paved in normal priority unless funds are available from the second construction fund or from some other discretionary funds.

Chairman Odom thanked the NCDOT for their willingness to listen and act on this request. Chairman Odom stated that the emergency service vehicles would greatly appreciate the paving of the road.

Commissioner Harbinson felt that Vashti residents would be greatly pleased with the paving of SR 1423A (Old Vashti Road) because it would save a lot of travel time for residents.

After looking through the provided information, Commissioner Hammer stated that he found 53 dirt roads in Alexander County which totaled 42.32 miles that needed to be paved. Mr. Lunsford corrected Commissioner Hammer by stating that there were 83 dirt roads totaling 56.21 miles.

Public Comment

Jack McCurdy stated that the citizens of Vashti wanted SR 1423A (Old Vashti Road) paved because it would save so much travel time.

There being no further 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 Harbinson made a motion to approve the paving of SR 1423A (Old Vashti Road) out-of-priority. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted 4 for the motion (Commissioners Hammer, Harbinson, Odom, and Watts) and 1 against the motion (Commissioner Robertson). Motion carried.

Lisa Harrington, 911 Addressing Coordinator, conducted the public hearing for approval of the following road names:

Ms. Harrington stated that all road names had been checked for duplication and sound indexing.

Commissioner Hammer asked if these were the last of the roads to be named in the Wittenburg Springs Subdivision. Ms. Harrington replied the abovementioned road names would completed the road naming in the Wittenburg Springs Subdivision.

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

Commissioner Watts made a motion to approve the new road names. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Lisa Harrington, 911 Addressing Coordinator, conducted the public hearing for a request to change Roger Lee Road to Thad Childers Road.

Chairman Odom asked that Vice-Chairman Harbinson preside over this agenda item due to events of the meeting held on July 20, 2001 when Chairman Odom asked Roger Lee to leave the meeting after Mr. Lee made an outburst.

Ms. Harrington stated that 11 out of 12 property owners along Roger Lee Road signed the petition to change the road to Thad Childers Road.

Commissioner Robertson asked if all individuals that signed the petition were residents of Roger Lee Road. Ms. Harrington responded all were not residents but were property owners.

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

Commissioner Watts made a motion to change Roger Lee Road to Thad Childers Road. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Corey Teague, Building & Development Coordinator, conducted the public hearing for a request to rezone property off SR 1140 (Steel Bridge Loop) which included 15 properties owned by Karen and Thomas Nestor, Jerry Starnes (Bethlehem Oil Company), Robert Ward Jr., Kenneth Robbins, Denise Davis, Andrew Vanscyoc, Dianne Hamby, Mildred Skipper, Steven and Sophia Clark, and Nancy Moose. The properties are currently zoned H-C (Highway Commercial) and were requested to be zoned R-20 (Residential).

Mr. Teague stated that existing land usage was single-family site-built residential, manufactured housing, non-conforming manufactured home parks, multi-family housing, and vacant.

Mr. Teague explained that the properties were zoned H-C (Highway Commercial) when zoning was first adopted in 1987 when residential uses were allowed in the H-C zone. The Zoning Ordinance adopted on March 20, 2001 disallows residential uses in anything other than residential zones. Mr. Ward contacted the Planning & Development Office before the Zoning Ordinance was adopted asking if he could build on to his residence while zoned H-C. Mr. Teague told him that he could. Mr. Ward then called again after the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance to get required permits and Mr. Teague informed him that he would no longer be allowed to build on unless his property was rezoned R-20. Mr. Teague informed the Board that there was no formal rezoning request. The request was submitted by staff.

Mr. Teague informed the Board that staff recommended rezoning of the all properties in the discussed area. The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended rezoning of the Nestor property, Bethlehem Oil property, and the Ward property with street frontage of SR 1140 (Steel Bridge Loop) as R-20. There were also 6 property owners that called in favor of the rezoning and 1 property owner against the rezoning.

Nancy Moose, property owner, asked that the entire area be rezoned R-20 and felt that it would not be feasible to have 2 different types of zoning in the same area.

Jerry Starnes, Bethlehem Oil Company, stated that he owned 7 percent (approximately 14 acres) of the discussed property and asked that the property be left H-C. Mr. Starnes felt his property would be worth more if zoned H-C.

Joe Ward, property owner, felt it was unfair to disallow someone to renovate their home and asked that his property be rezoned R-20.

Bill Schrum spoke on behalf of his mother, Mildred Skipper, who was out of state. Mr. Schrum stated that Ms. Skipper owned vacant property in the discussed area and planned on moving back to the area to build a home. Mr. Schrum requested that her property be rezoned R-20 so that she may be able to build in the future.

Thomas Nestor, property owner, also requested his property be rezoned R-20 so that he may add renovate his residence at a later date.

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

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to rezone the Nestor and Ward properties, as well as the Bethlehem Oil Company with street frontage on SR 1140 (Steel Bridge Loop) as R-20. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. Commissioner Watts asked to make a Friendly Amendment that the Board include the Skipper and Moose properties in the rezoning. Commissioner Robertson stated that he would accept the Friendly Amendment. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the amended motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, conducted the public hearing for a proposed No-Wake Zone. Ms. Turnmire explained that Buffy Smith, property owner along TJ Cove View Lane (off Ben Eller Lane) contacted the Administration Office regarding the establishment of a No-Wake Zone. Ms. Smith also contacted the NC Wildlife Resources Commission regarding the procedure to be taken. Ms. Turnmire stated that according to N.C.G.S. 75A-15(a), the Board of Commissioners is required to adopt a resolution directing the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to designate this area as a No-Wake Zone if approved.

Ms. Turnmire presented a map of the area and stated that No-Wake Zones were currently effective for Rink Dam, Taylorsville Beach Marina, Bethlehem Marina, and Dusty Ridge Access Area.

Commissioner Hammer felt that No-Wake Zones needed to be considered for the entire area of Lake Hickory and suggested Rick French, County Manger, meet with Catawba and Burke County Managers to form a Lake Advisory Committee to study placement of No-Wake Zones and to make a recommendation to the Board.

Ms. Smith was present at the meeting and stated that several seadoos ride in the cove at high rates of speed and felt it could be dangerous. Ms. Smith asked that a No-Wake Zone be enforced before someone was hurt.

Nancy Gant, property owner, stated that she had owned property in the cove since 1971 and felt that boat and seadoo operators had no regard for private property. Ms. Gant stated that lots of people get too close to her boathouse and felt that a No-Wake Zone should be enforced for safety reasons.

The Sheriff’s Department currently patrols Lake Hickory during holidays. Chairman Odom suggested the Sheriff’s Department patrol the area more often and increase enforcement in certain areas. Chairman Odom stated that this should be studied further and discussed with the Sheriff’s Department.

There being no further 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 Robertson made a motion to table the No-Wake Zone request until Mr. French meets with other county managers to discuss the issue. Commissioner Harbinson asked to make a friendly amendment to the motion to suggest that Commissioner Hammer oversee the Lake Advisory Committee to study enforcing No-Wake Zones on Lake Hickory and report findings to the Board by Memorial Day 2002. Commissioner Robertson stated he would accept the Friendly Amendment. Commissioner Hammer seconded amended motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Doug Taylor, Executive Director with WPCOG, reviewed the memorandum of understanding with the Board and stated that the Rural Transportation Planning Organization would cover the following areas:

1. Alexander County including Town of Taylorsville
2. Burke County including Connelly Springs, Drexel, Glen Alpine, Morganton, Rutherford College, and Valdese.
3. Caldwell County including Cajah’s Mountain, Cedar Rock, Gamewell, Granite Falls, Hudson, Lenoir, and Sawmills.
4. Catawba County including Catawba and Maiden.
5. North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Mr. Taylor explained that the General Assembly amended N.C.G.S. 136-18 by ratification of Senate Bill 1195 on July 6, 2000 which was signed by the Governor on July 14, 2000 and then Chaptered. The Chaptered statute provides the establishment of Rural Transportation Planning Organizations (RPOs) which are similar to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) for transportation planning in NC rural areas.

Mr. Taylor stated that the established RPO for the 4 county area would assist the NCDOT in complying with the provisions of the Transportation Equity Act. The responsibilities of the RPO include the following:

1. To develop long-range local and regional multi-model transportation plans in cooperation with the area MPO and the NCDOT.
2. Provide a forum for public participation in the rural transportation planning process.
3. Develop and prioritize suggestions for transportation projects which the Rural Transportation Planning Organization believes should be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program.
4. To provide transportation related information to local governments and other interested organizations and persons.
5. To conduct transportation related studies and surveys for local governments and other interested entities/organizations.
6. To undertake mutually agreed upon transportation related tasks to enhance transportation system development, coordination, and efficiency.

Mr. Taylor also stated that a Rural Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC) would need to be established for serving as a forum for cooperative transportation planning decision making for the RPO. A Rural Transportation Technical Committee (RTTC) would need to be established as well with the responsibility of general review, guidance, and coordination of the transportation planning process and making recommendations to the local, state, and federal government agencies.

Mr. Taylor stated that the WPCOG would be the lead agency and also explained that the RPO would receive approximately $80,000 from NCDOT to be matched with $20,000 locally. The Rural Center will provide $5,000 of the local match.

Commissioner Robertson asked how many members were appointed to each committee and also funding time frame. Mr. Taylor responded 16 or 17 people were usually appointed to each committee and that there was a 5-year funding period for the RPO from the State.

Commissioner Watts asked if the local match request would increase if one of the counties included did not fully pay their local match. Mr. Taylor responded the WPCOG would pay the remaining amount of the local match for the first year.

Commissioner Robertson asked how long it usually took to see results. Mr. Taylor responded approximately 2 years. Commissioner Robertson suggested participating for 2 years and then evaluating and determine the results. Commissioner Robertson suggested discontinuing participation if no results were received within 2 years..

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for Transportation Planning and the Establishment of a Rural Transportation Planning Organization for participation of 2 years. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Wayland Plaster, Architect with Northwest Associates, explained that the bids received for construction of the animal shelter were considerably over proposed budget. The Board and staff reviewed the plans and specifications and provided a list of items to be considered in reducing the estimated cost of the facility to allow Alexander County to enter into contracts for construction.

The low multi-prime bid received was $326,808 which was considerably over the proposed budget. After reducing the estimated cost, the Board felt the project could be completed at a cost of $259,142.

Commissioner Harbinson asked Edward Hedrick, County Attorney, if it would be legal to make changes to the plans and estimated cost without rebidding the project. Mr. Hedrick responded moving ahead would with the project at the current time would not violate any laws and would therefore be legal.

Mr. Plaster mentioned that the building would be the same size as the original plans and the same number of dog runs would be included with CMU block walls separating them.

Chairman Odom recognized Dr. David Linzey, Animal Action League, for his help with the animal shelter plans and also for fundraising by the Animal Action League. Commissioner Robertson also recognized Clint Canaday and Danny Parks who have also been involved in the animal shelter project.

Rick French, County Manger, was pleased that the project fell within funding and discussed the location of the animal shelter. Mr. French stated that additional funding would be needed for utilities.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to move forward with the amended plans at a cost of $259,142. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Terry Foxx, Emergency Management Director, gave an update on the communications project which included the following information:

Mr. Foxx noted that the new system included a 24-hour standby generator and that the 911 surcharge paid for the project. Mr. Foxx also stated that the talk-in coverage was at 97-98 % and talk-out was just as good.

Chairman Odom explained that the hand-held walkies and mobiles used by emergency services had the capability of transmitting a signal that would allow the 911 dispatcher to know who the person calling in was. However, the current 911 console prevents the dispatcher of this capability. Chairman Odom also explained that some radios were emitting a signal when someone keyed up on the mike and opened up the repeater which caused a "Kcccccch" sound because the 911 console would not accept the identifying feature. Chairman Odom suggested removing the feature until a new 911 console could be purchased since it impedes the quality of the communications system. Chairman Odom also asked that the Emergency Management Team study adding this to the Communications Guidelines at a later date.

Rick French, County Manager, stated that Mr. Foxx had given him financial information on the new 911 console and that staff was looking it over in order to bring a recommendation back to the Board. Mr. French also noted that the new console would be very expensive.

Mr. Foxx thanked the Board for their help and cooperation. Mr. Foxx also thanked former Commissioner Wes Bolick who was serving on the Board during the beginning stages of the project.

Mr. Foxx also presented New Communications Guidelines to the Board for consideration which could be amended in the future. The New Communications Guidelines were presented as follows:

1. Agencies or persons connected to the new communications system must have approval prior to utilizing the new frequencies into their radios.
2. Frequencies should not be allowed to be utilized by anyone other than Alexander County Emergency Services agencies and designated staff. This will afford the county some control of the frequencies. Other agencies (mutual aid agencies) must have signed permission forms prior to using the frequencies.
3. No outside radios, repeaters, base stations, etc. will be tied into or connected to the new system, without prior written approval by the Emergency Service Team and the County Manager.
4. Signed permission forms granting utilization of the frequencies will be maintained for all agencies. The county would then have a record of how many agencies are using the frequencies. Also, a current copy of the agency’s FCC license should be maintained by the county for those frequencies which are being utilized by the agency which are directly tied to the county frequencies (i.e. Departments with a base station tied to the county frequency).

Commissioner Watts made a motion to approve the New Communications Guidelines with the understanding that they may be amended in the future. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, explained that at the July 10, 2001 public hearing, the Board requested that staff present the list of requests made to the Planning & Zoning Commission and update the zoning map accordingly. A total of 14 property owners requested revisions to 22 parcels. Of the 22 parcels, the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended revising 17 parcels. The following 5 parcels were not recommended at the time:

Ms. Turnmire explained that Mr. Little requested that the front half of his property be zoned H-C (Highway Commercial) to accommodate his existing business and that request was recommended. Mr. Little also requested that the rear portion of his property be zoned L-I (Light Industrial). The request was not recommended because it adjoins a site-built subdivision and the portion is currently vacant.

Ms. Turnmire also explained that Commissioner William Hammer requested that his and Helen Hammer’s property be changed to RA-20 to accommodate manufactured homes. The 2 properties are in the center of a subdivision off Sam Poole Road and changing the 2 properties instead of each lot off Sam Poole Road (below LA Drive) could be considered spot zoning. Staff recommended revising all of the lots below LA Drive to RA-20 to avoid spot zoning.

Ms. Turnmire also stated that staff recommended approval of the map and revisions to the Alexander County Zoning Ordinance. John Marshall, WPCOG, was present with the map. Chairman Odom stated that he was pleased with exemption of farms and felt the Zoning Ordinance was the least restrictive possible.

The Board commended Planning & Development staff, the Planning & Zoning Commission, and John Marshall for their hard work on this for the past 2 years.

Connie Killian, Planning & Zoning Commission, thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission and stated that she was proud of the work that they had done on countywide zoning.

Commissioner Hammer stated that he would abstain from voting during consideration of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance but would vote during consideration of the Zoning Map.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to approve the Zoning Map including amendments. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to approve all amendments to the Zoning Ordinance including Mecimore, Little, Mitchell, and Hammer properties to be zoned as requested by property owners effective September 1, 2001. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted 4 for the motion (Commissioners Harbinson, Odom, Robertson, and Watts) and 1 abstention (Commissioner Hammer). Motion carried.

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, stated that the North Carolina General Statutes required prior approval by the Board of Commissioners to dispose of any zoning, building, manufactured home permits, etc. The disposition schedule is as follows:

Blueprints and Specifications File

Residential - Destroy in office when administrative value ends.

Commercial - Destroy in office 1 year after permit is issued.

Governmental - Retain in office for life of structure.

Building Permit Applications and Permits File

Destroy in office 6 years after final inspection.

Demolition File

Destroy in office after 6 years.

Electrical, Gas, and Plumbing Permits File

Destroy in office after 6 years.

Manufactured Home Permits File

Destroy in office 6 years after expiration of permit.

Ms. Turnmire requested permission to destroy files and blueprints as outlined above and stated that this was an annual request.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to grant permission to destroy files and blueprints as requested. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, stated that according to an article in the Charlotte Observer, Caldwell County Commissioners are considering a proposal to increase their water resources by adding a reservoir on the South Yadkin River. Ms. Turnmire stated the exact locations of the proposed sites had not been released; however, one proposed site would be located on an unnamed tributary off the Yadkin River near the western portion of Alexander County.

Ms. Turnmire explained that the new reservoir could create a new watershed area for Alexander County, depending on the exact location. The size of the reservoir is estimated at 55 acres with a watershed size of 1,080 acres.

Commissioner Robertson instructed Ms. Turnmire to contact Bobby White, Caldwell County Manager, to inquire about their plans.

Commissioner Watts stated that the Governor’s Awards were presented annually to individuals, groups, and businesses that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer services. Each county in NC may submit up to 5 recipients for the award. In the past, the Alexander Cooperative Extension Service has organized the application process and ceremony for the presentation of the Governor’s Awards. Due to the budget shortfall, the State has requested a fee of $20 per recipient for the cost of certificates.

Commissioner Watts stated that Cooperative Extension had advertised for nominations and each commissioner had received an application for a recipient. Commissioner Watts asked that each commissioner return their application by Friday, August 10, 2001.

David Icenhour, Public Information Director, gave an update on the Public Information Program. Mr. Icenhour stated that he began his position on June 4, 2001 and began putting his office together and organizing as needed. For the first few weeks, Mr. Icenhour met with department heads and visited Public Information Directors from Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba Counties to get a feel of what his responsibilities would cover.

Mr. Icenhour stated that he had been working with the print media in advertising and publishing articles. These included the Taylorsville Times, Hickory Daily Record, Statesville Record and Landmark, and several others. After working with the Statesville Record and Landmark, the paper now features a weekly page called "Down in Alexander County" which features articles directly related to events and news in Alexander County.

Mr. Icenhour also mentioned that he attended the WACB radio show "What Do You Think" on the first Thursday of each month and stated that citizens could call in with questions or comments regarding ongoing county projects, etc.

Mr. Icenhour noted that he had done work on the county web site. As of June 29, 2001, Mr. Icenhour had posted 26 news releases on the county web site. Mr. Icenhour stated that he had been working with Charter Communications on the government channel and was negotiating with them to bring equipment to his office so that he may directly work on the government channel instead of faxing them information to be placed on the channel.

Mr. Icenhour stated that he planned to begin an employee newsletter in late September and also a 4-page project report in October to be inserted into the Taylorsville Times. Mr. Icenhour also noted that he planned to publish a Report to the People in January 2002 which would include roles and accomplishments of all county departments.

Chairman Odom commented on a letter that he received from Thomas R. Hegele, Chief of Education & Emergency Information Section. Mr. Hegele discussed Mr. Icenhour’s participation in a recent Basic Public Information Officer course sponsored by the NC Emergency Management Division and also the advantages of having a professional public information officer as part of a county team. Mr. Hegele also felt that Mr. Icenhour would be an indispensable asset to the county.

Commissioner Harbinson asked that the letter be attached as part of the official minutes of the meeting.

The Board thanked Mr. Icenhour for his hard work as Public Information Director.

Chairman Odom stated that a work session would need to be called for August to discuss the Solid Waste Proposal, Piedmont Wagon Transit System Master Plan Presentation, Update on Alexander Center for CVCC, and Old Wittenburg School Plan discussion. Chairman Odom suggested August 21, 2001 at 7:00 PM in the Agriculture Extension Learning Center.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to schedule a work session for August 21, 2001 at 7:00 PM in the Agriculture Extension Learning Center. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Chairman Odom stated that a public hearing needed to be scheduled for October to establish the Water Task Force and suggested October 16, 2001 at 7:00 PM in the Superior Court Room. Chairman Odom stated that anyone who wants water should be present at the meeting.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that Commissioners Odom and Hammer may be appointed to the Water Task Force later in the meeting and explained that they could appoint others at a later date. Commissioner Robertson suggested a countywide task force to include community groups. Commissioner Harbinson agreed and stated that all areas of the county should be represented on the task force.

The Water Task Force will have the responsibility of determining the water needs of the county.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to approve a public hearing to be held on October 16, 2001 at 7:00 PM in the Superior Court Room to establish a Water Task Force. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Chairman Odom presented the following appointments and reappointments.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the appointments and reappointments. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Several items were discussed during Other Business included the following:

1. Commissioner Watts stated that Kitty Barnes, Catawba County Commissioner, had been selected to represent District 13 on the NCACC Board. Commissioner Watts asked that the Board endorse her candidacy. Commissioner Robertson stated that Mike Thompson, McDowell County Commissioner, had been selected as the NCACC 3^rd Vice President and also asked that the Board endorse his candidacy as well. The Board asked that the record of endorsement be forwarded to appropriate counties.

Commissioner Watts made a motion for the Board to endorse the candidacy of Kitty Barnes and Mike Thompson. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

2. Rick French, County Manger, discussed the CDBG grant that was approved at the February 6, 2001 and presented the grant agreement to be approved and signed. The grant is for $75,000 to be used for infrastructure, loans for businesses, water and sewer installation, taps and connections, and housing development and rehabilitation.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to approve and sign the CDBG grant agreement for $75,000. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

3. Mr. French informed the Board that the NC Department of Health and Human Services would be closing the Regional Personnel Office in Black Mountain effective August 31, 2001. This will affect Health Department, DSS, and the Sheriff’s Department. The Regional Personnel Office provides assistance and approval of the county’s position descriptions and pay classifications.
4. Chairman Odom stated that a 9-1-1 Day would be held on September 1, 2001 on the Courthouse Lawn from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to applaud the efforts of the county’s emergency services including EMS, Rescue Squad, Fire Departments, Sheriff’s Department, Police Department, and 911 Communications. A parade will be held at 10:00 AM and hot dogs will be available at no cost.

1. Minutes from July 2, 2001 Special Called Meeting, Minutes from July 10, 2001 Regular Meeting, and Minutes from July 24, 2001 Work Session.
2. Tax Refund Requests for July $984.04 and Tax Release Requests for July $190.87.

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

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 9:35 PM to discuss economic development issues pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(4). Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to adjourn at 9:55 PM. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Attachment #1 - Letter from Thomas R. Hegele

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