Draft

December 2, 2002

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on Monday, December 2, 2002 in the Commissioners’ Room of the Alexander County Courthouse, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Vice-Chairman Hammer called the meeting to order at 12:45 PM.

Pastor Bill Carrier, Rocky Springs United Methodist Church, gave the invocation and Vice-Chairman Hammer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

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

Vice-Chairman Hammer felt that it would be appropriate to begin the meeting with comments from the newly-elected Board members as well as Board members presently serving.

Commissioner Keever stated that he greatly appreciated the opportunity to serve the citizens of Alexander County once again. Commissioner Keever stated that he looked forward to working with County staff and to accomplishing many things together as a Board.

Commissioner Bolick stated that he also appreciated the opportunity to serve again as County Commissioner and asked God to guide him in everything that he did.

Commissioner Odom stated that he looked forward to the new opportunities and anticipated the transition to be smooth. Commissioner Odom stated that every member on the Board had a similar interest, what was best for the citizens of Alexander County. Commissioner Odom also urged the citizens to give the new members time to get settled on the Board.

Commissioner Robertson stated that he looked forward to two productive years with the new Board and also agreed that all Board members would work together for the best interest of the citizens. Commissioner Robertson also noted that if any citizen had any concerns that needed to be addressed they should feel free to contact any Board member.

Vice-Chairman Hammer also agreed that even though the opinions of the Board members would differ, each member would do what they felt was in the best interest for the citizens of Alexander County.

Vice-Chairman Hammer called for any nominations for Chairman

Commissioner Bolick nominated Commissioner Robertson to serve as Chairman for the next year.

There being no other nominations, Commissioner Bolick made a motion to approve the election of Commissioner Robertson as Chairman. Commissioner Keever seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Vice-Chairman Hammer called for any nominations for Vice-Chairman.

Commissioner Keever nominated Commissioner Hammer to serve as Vice-Chairman for the next year.

There being no other nominations, Commissioner Keever made a motion to approve the election of Commissioner Hammer as Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

John Tippett, Western Piedmont Council of Governments, presented the Early Action Compact (EAC) Agreement for consideration by the Board. Mr. Tippett stated that he was requesting that each of the 4 counties in the Unifour (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba) participate in the EAC Agreement for ozone and air quality planning. Mr. Tippett stated that Caldwell and Catawba Counties had already approved participation in the EAC Agreement and he noted that he would be presenting the agreement in Burke County tomorrow night, December 3, 2002.

Mr. Tippett explained that ozone levels had increased slightly in the Unifour area and the counties involved were in danger of becoming non-attainment counties due to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency tightening up on standards. Mr. Tippett stated that a non-attainment status would result in more costly restriction of business and industry and would make construction of highway and transportation projects more difficult to obtain. Mr. Tippett stated that the ozone problems were generated mainly from automobiles and coal fired power plants, not businesses and industries; however, businesses and industries would feel the affects of the non-attainment status.

Mr. Tippett requested Alexander County to participate in the EAC Agreement in order to set up a proactive planning process across the Unifour region to try to implement measures to reduce our ozone. Mr. Tippett explained that the new federal guidelines would take effect during the spring of 2004. If the EAC Agreement is approved, the non-attainment status would be delayed and staff would have until 2007 to bring the ozone standards back down below the new federal guidelines.

Mr. Tippett stated that the project would be staffed by the WPCOG and that there would be no cost to the County. Mr. Tippett noted that the only obligation would be that a representative from the Planning Board or another committee would be needed to serve on a Unifour Air Quality Committee which would update the Board every 6 months. Mr. Tippett also stated that the County may also be asked at a later date to partner with the Town of Taylorsville to participate in some air quality efforts such as reducing pollution.

Mr. Tippett mentioned that WPCOG staff had consulted with an attorney on the EAC Agreement and had included a clause in the agreement which allowed any local government to walk away from the agreement at any time.

Chairman Robertson asked if there would be a penalty incurred if the ozone level was not reduced by 2007. Mr. Tippett replied that the only penalty would be the non-attainment status.

Commissioner Hammer discussed the Smoke Stack Act passed in Raleigh which resulted in the 14 coal fired power plants in North Carolina becoming much cleaner. Mr. Tippett stated that the act was a good idea since most of the ozone was transported by the wind.

Commissioner Bolick asked if there would be any funding required during the next budget year. Mr. Tippett stated that he did not anticipated requesting any funding and noted that grants may be available for further planning.

Commissioner Keever made a motion to approve the EAC Agreement. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

OTHER BUSINESS

The following issues were discussed during Other Business:

1. Chairman Robertson stated that the Board had discussed holding its regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM in the Commissioners Room. Chairman Robertson requested action on the meeting schedule.

Commissioner Keever made a motion to approve the meeting schedule. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

2. Rick French, County Manager, discussed a fire which occurred at the Landfill Transfer Station while Jamie Millsaps, Clerk to the Board, distributed preliminary fire reports to the Board which were prepared by Russell Greene, Fire Marshal. Mr. French stated that the fire occurred on Saturday, November 30, 2002 and caused substantial damage to a trailer and the yard dog. The fire was reported at approximately 3:30 PM. Mr. French stated that staff would continue to investigate this matter and would keep the Board informed.
3. Mr. French informed the Board that staff had received a letter from the NC Department of Transportation in response to the letter send by the Board concerning the dangerous curve on Liledoun Road. The letter stated that Division Engineer Mike Holder would be investigating the cost and feasibility of performing improvements at this location. Mr. French stated that Mr. Holder would respond with his findings and recommendations.
4. Mr. French stated that Alexander County had received a First Annual Best Loss Ratio Award for Workman’s Comp from Risk Management. Mr. French stated that Alexander County would be awarded a plaque and a $2,500 cash award. David Icenhour, Human Resources/Public Information Director, will be accepting the award on December 11, 2002.
5. Mr. French informed the Board that the Employee Appreciation Luncheon would be held on Friday, December 6, 2002 at 12:00 Noon. Mr. French urged all Board members to attend.
6. Chairman Robertson also introduced Rick French, County Manager, and Jamie Millsaps, Clerk to the Board, for those present at the meeting who weren’t acquainted with the County staff.

There being no further business, Commissioner Hammer made a motion to adjourn at 1:10 PM. Commissioner Keever seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

W. Darrell Robertson, Chairman                 Jamie C. Millsaps, Clerk to the Board