Draft

October 16, 2001

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on Tuesday, October 16, 2001 in the Superior Court Room of the Alexander County Courthouse, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Chairman Odom called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

The Alexander Central High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp (NJROTC) performed the Presentation of the Colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Commissioner Darrell Robertson gave the invocation.

Commissioner Harbinson presented the Citizen of the Month Award to Jerry Durmire and a Key to the County to R.B. Sloan. Commissioner Harbinson noted that Mr. Durmire had served as Secretary of the Water Corporation from 1980-1996 and was presently serving as President of the EnergyUnited Water Corporation. Mr. Sloan a native of Stony Point, a former Iredell County Commissioner, and is the present CEO of EnergyUnited. Commissioner Harbinson commended these gentlemen for providing water to the citizens of Alexander County.

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

Welcome

Chairman Odom welcomed all to the public hearing and discussed the water needs in Alexander County. Chairman Odom also discussed the Water Task Force and stated that he was pleased that so many people were interested in serving on the Water Task Force.

Commissioner Hammer thanked all those present for coming and stated that noted that the need for water was great. Commissioner Hammer felt that Water Task Force was a great way to unite citizens from all areas of the county to find the best solution for water needs. Commissioner Hammer noted that installation of county water was a long process and very expensive, costing approximately $100,000 per mile.

Update

Rick French, County Manager, gave an update on the following information:

1. At the 2000 Planning Retreat, a Water & Sewer Feasibility Study was presented which included 6 short-term and long-term goals that needed to be considered to improve the county’s water distribution system. The goals included:

• Construct a 1 million gallon regional water storage tank on Sugar Loaf Mountain with a booster pump station to provide water services to the north central area of the county at a cost of $2,168,500.

• Extend water services to Little River Church area, the Vashti area, along Black Oak Ridge Road, Kirby Lackey Road, Glass Road, Piney Grove Road, Three Forks Church Road, and Rink Dam Road. The cost of Rink Dam alone totaled $733,700.

• Construct 1 million gallon regional water storage tank for the Highway 16 South Water District to reduce pressure and provide emergency storage at a cost of $1,492,600.

• Provide a back-up supply to Highway 16 South Water District by making a tie-in to existing water lines in Catawba County at a cost of $1,003,700.

• Make improvements and increase capacity to the 3 existing booster pump stations to meet future water needs.

• Purchase capacity in the City of Hickory’s water treatment plant.

1. Several water petitions have been submitted including petitions for Jenkins Road, Rink Dam Road, Black Oak Ridge Road and Daniels Lumber, Three Forks Church Road, Sulphur Springs Road, Antioch Church Road, and NC Highway 127. Mr. French also noted that the Administration Office had received many water calls for Silas Deal Road, Icard Ridge Road, NC Highway 16 North, Richey Road, Teague Town Road, Church Road, Blankenship Road, and Glass Road.
2. There are over 8,000 water customers in Alexander County. EnergyUnited serves 3,500 to 3,800 customers. Bethlehem Water District serves approximately 1,800 customers. Sugar Loaf and Highway 16 South Water District serves approximately 1,400 customers and the Town of Taylorsville serves approximately 1,300 customers.
3. Mr. French discussed water districts and noted that there are currently 3 water districts in Alexander County including Sugar Loaf, Highway 16 South, and Bethlehem.

Mr. French stated that there had been some discussion about undoing the current districts and making the remainder of the county into one district except for Bethlehem because of the debt service, the Town of Taylorsville, and EnergyUnited areas.

4. The amount of water that the county already has committed includes an agreement with Bethlehem for 500,000 gallons and an agreement with the City of Hickory for 2.5 million gallons, a 12-inch line, and the capacity to purchase more water when needed. The current rate included in the agreement with the City of Hickory is $1.40 per thousand gallons. The rate is reviewed annually and may be adjusted for cost of living and inflation.

Mr. French noted that water projects would take time and money and stated that staff would continuously be looking for grants to install water lines.

Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, also gave a report on water projects which included the following information:

1. All lines are in place for the Little River CDBG project. The tank and the pump station are also complete. Twenty residents have been connected to date and the remainder will be connected in the next 2 weeks.
2. Lines are in place for the section of the Three Forks project that was part of the Little River CDBG project. Connections will be made in the next 2 weeks. An 8-inch line extension will be installed to connect with existing line on Piney Grove Road. This will increase the volume of water in the Sugar Loaf area. Mr. Greene also noted that work is progressing and scheduled to be complete in the next 30 days.
3. An engineer is gathering quotes for installation of an 8-inch line to serve the new Ellendale Elementary School.
4. The 12-inch line south of the Oxford Bridge along St. Peters Church Road is complete and the pump station should be completed in the next 6-8 weeks. Work is taking place to install a 12-inch line and tank along Highway 16 South at the Fairgrounds. This will balance pressure in the system between the tanks.
5. A taps and connections grant was recently received. To qualify, a water line must already be in place in front of the applicants residence and the applicant must meet the low to moderate income requirements. Mr. Greene noted that any interested should contact Nancy Coley, WPCOG Community Development Administrator.
6. A CDBG request was submitted in June for the Liledoun Road, Sipe Road, Herman Road section, as well as a portion of Rink Dam Road. If awarded, it will require $150,000 county share. Mr. Greene stated that he should get the results for this grant in November.
7. In the past few weeks, county staff has been working with the City of Hickory to locate an office in the Taylorsville area to collect water bills and calls. The office will be located in the Dayton building. Construction of the space will begin within the next 2 weeks and will house 6 workers by the first of next year.
8. Any line extension must be a minimum of 6 inches to allow for fire protection. Mr. Greene discussed the ISO ratings and stated that insurance premiums for homeowners were determined by the ISO ratings.

Public Input

Glynn Gwaltney, a resident of Cheatham Ford Road, stated that his spring had recently went dry and that he was hauling water to his home as well as his renters. Mr. Gwaltney also noted that his neighbor had recently dug a well and had only gotten 2 gallons of water per minutes. Mr. Gwaltney also stated that he was concerned for all citizens of Alexander county in regards to the need for water.

J.D. Spivey, a resident of Cheatham Ford Road, discussed the water line along Cheatham Ford Road which only reaches Jim Millsaps Road. Mr. Spivey stated that he had spoken to Energy United who told him it was not possibly to run the line any further unless residents pay $20,000 up front. Mr. Spivey stated that he and his family had been without water since May and that he had been hauling water to his home in 55 gallon drums. Mr. Spivey also stated that he and his family were considering moving out of Alexander County if they could not get assistance soon.

Patsy Elliot, a resident of Cheatham Ford Road, stated that she and her family had spent $20,000 digging 4 wells with no success. Ms. Elliot noted that she made her living by maintaining 3 chicken house but stated that she needed water to operate the chicken houses. Ms. Elliot stressed the need of water along Cheatham Ford Road.

Steve Whisnant, a resident of Cheatham Ford Road, noted that he was J.D. Spivey’s neighbor and that he and his family were having to take their baths from 2 liter water bottles because their spring had dried up. Mr. Whisnant requested assistance from the Board.

Dennis Rogers, a resident of Highway 127, commented on the petition that was submitted requesting water lines for 1.9 miles of Highway 127. The petition originally included 25 names. Mr. Rogers noted that 1 name had been added since the petition was submitted. Mr. Rogers stated that residents wells were going dry and noted that his sister had her children brush their teeth in shifts in fear of running out of water. Mr. Rogers asked the Board to help in any way possible.

Donnie Holman, a resident of Antioch Church Road, also commented on the petition that was submitted. Mr. Holman stated that his well had gone dry and that he had to dig another, but wasn’t sure how long the water would last. Mr. Holman also noted that he had to move his mother from her home because she had been without water since April. Mr. Holman stated that he wanted to help get county water to the entire county.

Todd Hefner, a resident of Antioch Church Road, stated that his dad’s well was currently being used by 3 households and was unsure of how long the water would last. Mr. Hefner also stated that his dad lived 1,700 feet from the Caldwell County line where water was available and 5,000 feet from the nearest water line in Alexander County. Mr. Hefner stated the he wished for the entire county to have water and supported any efforts to get water.

Seth Chapman, the Clerk of Court and a resident of Black Oak Ridge Road, stated that he currently had water but did not know for how long. Mr. Chapman discussed the grant process and noted that the grant process took time and that grants were not free. Mr. Chapman stated that the Board would possibly have to raise taxes to pay for the local share of the grants in order to get water to as many areas as possible. Mr. Chapman encouraged citizens to stick together and support the Board.

Kenneth Picklesimer, a resident of Black Oak Ridge Road, stated that he shared his well with his parents and his brother-in-law and stated that he was concerned that the well wouldn’t last long. Mr. Picklesimer expressed his concerns regarding fires and the ability to get water to the fires if there were no water lines nearby.

Reverend Darren Lambert, the Pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, conveyed his concern for the citizens that spoke of water needs and discussed the fire that destroyed Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on April 21, 2001. Rev. Lambert stated that approximately 60-75 loads of water were hauled to the church totaling approximately 80-90,000 gallons of water. Rev. Lambert applauded the efforts of Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, and all volunteer fire fighters. Rev. Lambert also stated that a church should be a place for citizens to go when in need of food, shelter, heat, and water and stated that he would be willing to pay higher taxes in order to have water available to him and the church. Rev. Lambert also asked about the possibly of receiving grants for individual citizens.

Board Comments

Chairman Odom stated that there was no question that water was a great need and he felt now was the time to act to try to get water to areas in need. Chairman Odom recognized the Board members for their comments.

Commissioner Watts stated that the Board was committed to doing whatever possible to get water to all areas of the county and felt that citizens should work together. Commissioner Watts also felt that the Water Task Force could establish a good plan of action to get water for the entire county.

Commissioner Hammer stated that the Board was dedicated to finding a way to provide water to all citizens but noted that the process would take time. Commissioner Hammer discussed the Water Task Force and explained that all those that signed up could not be chosen since the Water Task Force would consist of equal representation of all areas of the county.

Commissioner Harbinson discussed the agreement with the City of Hickory which will provide ample water to all when water lines are in place. Commissioner Harbinson stated that the Board would be committed to getting as many grants as possible but expressed his concerns with getting grants for the entire county. Commissioner Harbinson explained that it would be difficult to get grants for roads that are less populated. Commissioner Harbinson also stated that one of the goals of the Water Task Force would be to develop a strategy for the least costly way to get water to the entire county.

Commissioner Robertson stated that he was president of the Water Corporation in 1975-1976 and explained that he and Lynn Sharpe came to the Board consisting of Doc Deal, J.M. Lackey, and Mack Treadway to discuss getting grants for water lines. Commissioner Robertson discussed the longevity of the grant process and stated that it took 5 years to get a grant for Cheatham Ford Road and that the Little River began in 1995 and was funded last year in 2000. Commissioner Robertson stated that every Board of Commissioners elected since 1975 had worked to get as many water lines installed as possible and noted that the current Board would do the same.

There being no further public comment, Chairman Odom declared the public hearing closed.

Discussion on Water Task Force

Chairman Odom thanked those who signed up to be considered as a Water Task Force member and suggested that officials from EnergyUnited, Town of Taylorsville, and City of Hickory be appointed to the Water Task Force as advisory members. Chairman Odom asked those interested in serving on the Water Task Force to place their phone numbers on the list so that they may be contacted. Chairman Odom suggested the Water Task Force meet the first Monday of each month at the DSS Conference Room until ground rules are set and a plan of action is established. The Water Task Force can them begin holding the meetings in different sections of the county. Chairman Odom also asked that Russell Greene and Rick French also attend the meetings. Chairman Odom noted that Jamie Millsaps, Clerk to the Board, would be contacting those chosen to serve on the Water Task Force.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to establish the Water Task Force including the additional members from Energy United, Town of Taylorsville, and the City of Hickory for approval at the November Commissioners’ Meeting. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Bob Hopper, Chairman of the Bethlehem Incorporation Task Force, gave an update on the survey concerning the incorporation of the Bethlehem community.

The results were as follows:

A total of 1,643 survey letters were mailed to property owners within the proposed boundaries. Out of the 587 letters that were returned, there were 226 "yes" votes (38.5 %) and 361 "no" votes (61.5 %).

There were 394 "yes" signatures (39.9 %) and 595 "no" signatures (60.1 %) for a total of 989 signatures.

Out of the 394 "yes" signatures, the Board of Elections verified 300 as registered voters. Out of the 595 "no" signatures, 403 could be verified as registered voters. This was necessary to comply with the 15 % requirement of the General Statutes. Mr. Hopper noted that the Board of Elections was verifying the registered voters from the 1,643 property owners.

Mr. Hopper stated that the next Task Force meeting was scheduled for November 20, 2001 and noted that he would inform the Board of any decisions made at the meeting. Mr. Hopper also noted that, if the Task Force decided to proceed with the process, a Referendum Bill would not be introduced until the 2002 Session of the General Assembly.

Mr. Hopper also requested that the 4 Task Force members who live outside of the proposed Bethlehem town limits be replaced or removed since they would no longer have an interest in the incorporation.

Mr. Hopper also distributed to the Board a letter from David Lawrence, Institute of Government, that explained the 15 % requirements for a referendum.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to remove and not replace the 4 Task Force members who live outside of the Bethlehem town boundaries. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Luther Stock, Tax Administrator, requested the Board adopt the Schedule of Values to allow time for advertisement and appeals. Mr. Stocks noted that November 15, 2001 would be the last day for an appeal to be submitted.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to adopt the Schedule of Values. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Chairman Odom presented the following appointments:

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

Board of Education

Commissioner Watts stated that he had proposed several items to be discussed at the Board of Education work session to be held tonight. Commissioner Watts also noted that he would be meeting with Jack Hoke, Superintendent, in the morning.

Governor’s Awards

Commissioner Hammer discussed the Governor’s Awards to be presented in Morganton on Thursday, October 18, 2001. The Board announced their nominees which included:

Commissioner Watts – Polly Wagner

Commissioner Hammer – Brushy Mountain Shriners

Commissioner Odom – Keith Mundy

Commissioner Harbinson – The Redneck Club, Inc.

Commissioner Robertson – Dr. Josephine Foster

Prison Groundbreaking

Chairman Odom noted that the groundbreaking for the prison would be held on November 8, 2001 at the prison site and that Governor Easley would be scheduling a time soon.

County Manager’s Report

Rick French, County Manager, gave an update on the following information:

1. The joint meeting with the Alexander County Board of Education will be on October 25, 2001 at 6:05 PM at Alexander Central High School.
2. The 2004-2010 TIP Public Input Meeting is also scheduled for October 25, 2001. This meeting is at 2:00 PM at the Statesville Civic Center.
3. The grading for the new animal shelter started earlier this week. Everything seems to be moving along without any problems.

Commissioner Watts made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 8:25 PM to discuss contractual and personnel issues pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5)(6). Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

There being no further business, Commissioner Robertson made a motion to adjourn at 8:50 PM. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

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