Draft

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 

ALEXANDER COUNTY

REGULAR MEETING

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

February 3, 2003

PRESENT: W. Darrell Robertson, Chairman
William L. Hammer, Vice-Chairman
Wesley E. Bolick
W. Norris Keever
David S. Odom
STAFF: Rick French, County Manager
Jamie Millsaps, Clerk to the Board
David Icenhour, Human Resources Director
MEDIA: Gary Herman, The Taylorsville Times
Norris Keever, WACB Radio

 

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on Monday, February 3, 2003 in the Commissioners’ Room of the Alexander County Courthouse, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Robertson called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Rev. Rick Safriet, Pastor at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, gave the invocation and Edgar Bartolo, student at Taylorsville Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Commissioner Hammer stated that he had some proposed amendments to Agenda Item #4 Appointments and Reappointments as well as some comments to be made during the Chairman’s Report. Chairman Robertson noted that Commissioner Bolick had some comments during the Chairman’s Report as well.

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

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Commissioner Bolick discussed the ice storm that North Carolina experienced on December 5 and 6, 2002 which resulted in approximately 45,000 power outages. Commissioner Bolick conveyed his appreciation to EnergyUnited and Duke Power for getting everyone back online within one week’s time.

Commissioner Hammer thanked the local Department of Transportation for continually doing a great job with snow and ice removal. Commissioner Hammer also thanked the County Maintenance employees for keeping the County parking lots clean during inclement weather.

PUBLIC HEARING: APPROVAL OF ROAD NAMES

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, requested approval of the following road names:

Road No. Road Name Road Location
3727JF Fox Pond Lane Off Devil Track Road
3799BL Lena’s Memory Lane Off Huckleberry Ridge Road
3756LJ Star Drive Off Perry Fox Lane
3716TB Still Water Lane Off Hubbard Road

Ms. Turnmire stated that all roads had been advertised and checked for duplication and sound indexing. Ms. Turnmire noted that staff had not received any calls regarding the proposed road names.

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

Commissioner Odom made a motion to approve the road names as presented. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

DISCUSSION ON MINIMUM HOUSING ISSUES

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, presented the Board with a copy of the Alexander County Manufactured Housing Appearance Criteria, a draft copy of the proposed Minimum Housing Code, a portion of the North Carolina Mobile Home Code, a portion of the North Carolina Manufactured Home Code, manufactured home permit information, information on homes within the Hi-Vue Manufactured Home Park, and manufactured home permitting and inspection history with comparisons.

Ms. Turnmire discussed the following information:

Permit Information

The Manufactured Housing Appearance Criteria was enacted on August 1, 1999 and to present, 855 zoning permits have been issued for manufactured homes. According to a report furnished by the Alexander County Tax office in July 1999, approximately 1,220 pre-HUD singlewide manufactured homes were located in the county.

Hi-Vue Manufactured Home Park

Phil N. Carter (C&D Rentals) owns the property and according to tax records, he only owns one of the 32 manufactured homes located on the property, which is 1968 model. After researching by addresses, the remaining homes are individually owned and were constructed between 1966-1974. Only 2 homes were manufactured after HUD regulations, a 1983 model and a 2001 model. Therefore, there are 30 homes that do not meet the "Other requirements" section of the Appearance Criteria. The smallest manufactured home is a 10 x 50. In addition, the park does not meet the current Manufactured Home Park regulations, however it is grandfathered in. If the owner wanted to expand the park, the Zoning Ordinance requires the owner to obtain approval from the Board of Commissioners.

Manufactured Housing Permitting and Inspection History

Only electrical inspections were required for manufactured homes until the State mandated that counties begin inspecting all structures for compliance to various North Carolina codes in 1985. However, federal agencies regulated the construction of manufactured homes beginning in 1969. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) regulated homes built from 1969 to June 15, 1976. ANSI would release their information but only with a large fee, so information was obtained from engineers licensed to inspect/review manufactured housing. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development regulates homes built from June 16, 1976 to present. Their regulations are available on their web site.

The Appearance Criteria sets minimum exterior appearance standards for doublewide and singlewide manufactured homes brought into the county from a neighboring jurisdiction. In contrast, it also allows June 16, 1976 and newer doublewide and singlewide homes in the county at the time of adoption to be relocated regardless of exterior appearance.

Draft Minimum Housing Code (Chapter 158)

The draft Minimum Housing Code provides minimum standards or safety conditions for all dwelling units, regardless of construction. It includes provisions for multi-family dwellings and roominghouses. The code was developed from the North Carolina Minimum Housing Code Model; however, staff did make specifications specifically for Alexander County. Community Development Block Grants also include the jurisdiction’s adoption of minimum housing in their evaluation of Scattered Site Housing Grants. The grants formerly followed a point system; however, new applications do not.

There is also a proposed complaint process. The public authority or 5 independently living residents above the age of 18 may file complaints. The Building Codes Administrator will complete an investigation and hold a hearing with the owner to review the violations. Following the hearing, the Building Codes Administrator will issue an order for the home to be corrected or vacated. There is also an appeals process if the owner is dissatisfied with the inspection or order.

The following is a brief summary of the main standards in each section:

Structural: Supportive floor/foundation/walls
Exterior should be weather tight
No holes in roof/floor/walls
No ground/wood floors
Plumbing: Connected to a potable water supply
Connected to a sewage disposal system
At least one kitchen/bathroom with cold/hot water
Heating: 60-degree minimum temperature
Electrical: 2 receptacles in each habitable room
3 receptacles in bathroom if no light fixture
3 receptacles in bathroom if no light fixture
Must meet National Electrical Code
Other: Rodent and infestation control
Adequate drainage from home to prevent stagnation
Screened doors or other proper ventilation
Proper garbage and rubbish disposal

The Minimum Housing Code would not address the exterior appearance of manufactured homes entering the county from jurisdictions that no longer allow these homes. The Appearance Criteria also requires each manufactured home to be underpinned, which is not addressed by any other document. Overall, the Manufactured Housing Code would address safety conditions, etc., to determine if the home is a habitable dwelling. It would apply not only to manufactured homes but also to site-built residential structures.

Ms. Turnmire presented a comparison of the major standards of ANSI and HUD compared to the draft Minimum Housing Code and Anthony George’s doublewide manufactured home (which is hereby made a part of the minutes).

Ms. Turnmire noted that the Planning & Zoning Commission, as well as Building Codes Administrator Doug Kerley, was present to answer any questions from the Board.

Chairman Robertson inquired about the placement of the HUD label. Doug Kerley stated that the HUD label had to be on the manufactured home to show that it had been inspected by a third party.

Commissioner Keever asked if the Appearance Criteria would be done away with if the Minimum Housing Code was adopted. Chairman Robertson stated that the North Carolina Building Code addressed manufactured homes and site-built residences separately and felt that Alexander County would probably do the same. Chairman Robertson felt that one standard would not cover all structures.

Commissioner Keever discussed several concerns that he had with the draft Minimum Housing Code which included the following:

    1. Page 1 – Section 158.001 which states: Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 160A-441, it is hereby declared that there exist in the county, dwellings which are unfit for human habitation due to dilapidation; defects increasing the hazards of fire, accidents and other calamities; lack of ventilation, light and sanitary facilities; and other conditions rendering such dwellings unsafe or unsanitary, dangerous and detrimental to the health, safety and morals and otherwise inimical to the welfare of the residents of the county.
    2. Commissioner Keever stated that he was concerned with the word "morals" being included in the Minimum Housing Code and felt that the Board should not be legislating the morality of county citizens.

    3. Page 2 – Definition of Plumbing which states: Includes all of the following supplied facilities and equipment: gas pipes, gas burning equipment, water pipes, mechanical garbage disposal units (mechanical sink grinders), sewage disposal pipes, water closets, sinks, installed dishwashers, lavatories, bathtubs, shower baths, installed clothes washing machines, catchbasins, drains, vents and any other similar supplied fixtures together with all connections to water, sewer or gas lines.
    4. Commissioner Keever asked if the wording gas burning equipment included gas burning heating units. Ms. Turnmire stated that the wording could be clarified.

    5. Page 4 – Section 158.004 which states: It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dwelling or dwelling unit, with respect to which an order has been issued pursuant to Section 158.022, to occupy or permit the occupancy of the same after the time prescribed in such order for its repair, alteration or improvement or its vacation and closing. Each day that such occupancy continues after such prescribed time shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
    6. Commissioner Keever inquired about the enforcement procedure for declaring a dwelling unfit and vacating someone out of the home. Commissioner Keever asked if the County would have that authority or if a court order would be required. Ms. Turnmire replied that staff would work with the County Attorney to obtain a court order to vacate the home.

    7. Commissioner Keever asked who would enforce the regulations of the Minimum Housing Code if adopted. Ms. Turnmire replied that the regulations would be enforced by the Building Codes Administrator, Doug Kerley.
    8. Commissioner Keever stated that he was aware of residents that still had dirt floors in portions of their homes and he asked if those homes would be in violation of the Minimum Housing Code or if they would be grandfathered in. Ms. Turnmire replied that she did not think that homes could be grandfathered in but she would check into the matter.
    9. Commissioner Keever felt that many homes would not comply with the Minimum Housing Code which could cause a problem if they were deemed inhabitable.

    10. Commissioner Keever asked how staff would determine that a home did not meet the Minimum Housing Code and if staff would have the authority to inspect homes without a reason. Mr. Turnmire explained that at least 5 individual citizens would have to submit a complaint before an inspection of a home would be necessary.
    11. Commissioner Keever asked if the draft Minimum Housing Code was set by the State or the Planning & Zoning Commission had amended the code to suit Alexander County. Ms. Turnmire stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission changed several items which included:
    • Changed number of citizen complaints from one to five.
    • Placed age requirement on citizen complaints.
    • Changed appeals from being heard by Board of Commissioners to being heard by a Housing Appeal Board.
    • Added Section 158.011 on Unsafe Conditions.

Commissioner Keever felt that adopting a Minimum Housing Code would be too intrusive on citizens and he asked the Board to proceed with caution on this issue. Commissioner Keever expressed his concerns about putting more restrictions on citizens.

Commissioner Bolick asked how the Health Department determined homes to be unfit for children and if there were any provisions that inspectors followed to vacate a home. Ms. Turnmire replied that she was unaware of what authority the Health Inspectors had but could contact the Health Director to get that information. Commissioner Keever noted that Social Services would play a major role if the safety and health of a child were involved. Doug Kerley, Building Codes Administrator, stated that a building inspector would sometimes accompany a social worker to a home and he noted that the Inspections Department did have the authority to disconnect the power to the home if deemed inhabitable. Mr. Kerley mentioned that staff usually allowed the homeowners ample time to bring the house up to standard.

Ms. Turnmire briefly discussed N.C.G.S. 143-149 which states: No person shall sell or offer for sale any manufactured home n this State that does not have a label. It is a defense to any prosecution for a violation of this section if a person shows that a certificate of title for the manufactured home as required by G.S. 20-52 was obtained before June 15, 1976, or produces other satisfactory evidence on file with the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles that the manufactured home was manufactured before June 15, 1976. Commissioner Keever asked if a manufactured home with an ANSI label could be sold if it was brought up to the required standards. Ms. Turnmire stated that the manufactured home could be sold if the owner could show proof through DMV records, etc.

Commissioner Odom asked how many manufactured homes without a label were in Alexander County. Ms. Turnmire replied that there were approximately 1,220 pre-HUD manufactured homes located in the County. Commissioner Keever stated that that number did not include those with ANSI labels and he also noted that some labels could fall off the home during transporting from one location to another.

Commissioner Odom discussed the previous Board’s action to adopt the Appearance Criteria and he stated that he would, in fact, reverse his vote in favor of the adoption of the criteria if he could because he felt it was intrusive and unfair to citizens who could not afford to purchase a new manufactured home. Commissioner Odom felt that the County was setting a double standard by imposing restrictions on the sale of manufactured homes but yet taxing those homes as a habitable dwelling. Commissioner Odom also felt that a Minimum Housing Code would put even more restrictions on citizens which he was not in favor of.

Chairman Robertson asked if the Department of Agriculture set different housing standards for migrant workers on farms and felt that this issue may need to be addressed. Coy Reese, member of the Planning & Zoning Commission and local farmer, stated that housing standards for migrant workers were very strict. Mr. Reese noted that the standards were more lenient for permanent residents.

Chairman Robertson felt that the Board had made several good points that needed to be reviewed by the Board and the Planning & Zoning Commission. Chairman Robertson agreed that the Appearance Criteria and the Minimum Housing Code needed to be reviewed together and he suggested a joint meeting between the Board of Commissioners and the Planning & Zoning Commission to discuss these issues in detail.

After discussion, the Board agreed to hold the regular Commissioners’ Meeting on Thursday, March 6, 2003 at 6:00 PM and invite the Planning & Zoning Commission to attend for further discussion of the Minimum Housing Code.

CONSIDERATION OF A NEW AMBULANCE

Nolan Jarvis, EMS Director, presented a request to purchase a replacement ambulance for the Alexander County Emergency Medical Services. Mr. Jarvis stated that EMS currently had 5 ambulances and he explained that it was common procedure to replace the oldest ambulance in use each year. Mr. Jarvis noted that staff put approximately 120,000 each year on an ambulance.

Mr. Jarvis explained the different type of ambulances in use in North Carolina which included:

Type II Ambulance – Generally used by Basic level and non-emergency services. It is based on an E-350 van body with a "high rise" to meet the minimum interior height standard. It has no exterior compartments and the interior compartments are very shallow. These ambulances cost approximately $61,000.

Type III Ambulance – A modular or "box" body mounted on an E-450 cutaway van chassis. The modular body provides room for exterior equipment storage. The interior has the same general layout as the Type II, but the compartments are deeper and larger and there is enough floor space to center-mount the patient cot, allowing for access to both sides of the patient. These ambulances cost approximately $83,000.

Type I Ambulance – Typically built on a Freightliner FL-60 or Navistar 4700 chassis with a body similar to the Type III. It provides a heavier chassis that is claimed to require less maintenance and longer chassis life; however, the cost is much higher and it is more difficult to handle. These ambulances cost approximately $107,000.

Mr. Jarvis stated that the County had purchased the Type III ambulances for the past 3 years which worked well, providing sufficient storage and working space while retaining the better handling characteristics of a van-sized vehicle. Mr. Jarvis recommended the purchase of another Type III ambulance through American Emergency Vehicles (AEV).

Commissioner Keever asked what would be done with the ambulance being replaced. Mr. Jarvis replied that the oldest ambulance would be traded in on the new ambulance. Commissioner Keever asked if the estimated costs presented included the trade-in price. Mr. Jarvis replied that the trade-in price was not included in those estimated costs. Mr. Jarvis stated that he expected the oldest Type II ambulance to bring a trade-in price of $8,000 to $10,000. Mr. Jarvis also noted that there would be some cost involved in putting the ambulance on the road such as registration, license plate, and switching the communication equipment from one ambulance to the other.

Commissioner Keever questioned the feasibility of purchasing a chassis and installing the boxes on them. Mr. Jarvis stated that there would be continual changes in the chassis styles which would make it more difficult to remain up to standard. Mr. Jarvis also noted that it would cost as much to remount a box and chassis as it would to simply purchase a new ambulance.

Commissioner Keever felt that 120,000 miles was very low mileage for the diesel engines in the ambulances. Commissioner Odom explained that the concern was with the wear of the suspension, ball joints, tie rod ends, electrical wiring, and brakes. Commissioner Odom stated that these items were taken into account more so than mileage.

Commissioner Odom stated that he was inclined to purchase a Type II instead of a Type III due to the uncertainty of the upcoming budget. Commissioner Odom asked Mr. Jarvis if he felt a Type II ambulance would detract from the level of patient care provided by EMS. Mr. Jarvis stated that, in his opinion, a Type II ambulance would detract from the level of patient care provided because it was much smaller which limited access to the patient. Mr. Jarvis explained that Type II ambulances were used more for convalescence care and rescue squads.

Commissioner Odom felt that the State had set a double standard because it would certify a Type II ambulance yet frown on counties who use them.

Commissioner Keever asked if it would be cost effective to inspect the suspension, ball joints, wiring, etc. of each ambulance at 100,000 miles to refurbish and possibly get an additional 30,000 or 40,000 miles out of them. The Board agreed and asked what the cost would be to refurbish an ambulance. Mr. Jarvis replied that he was not sure what the cost would be but he noted that he would research that suggestion.

Commissioner Odom discussed the QRV Suburban and felt that it may prove to be beneficial even though it could not be certified as a transport vehicle. Commissioner Odom stated that it needed to be taken into consideration that, even though a new ambulance was not originally budgeted in the 2002-2003 budget, the QRV Suburban was put on the road.

Mr. Jarvis informed the Board that EMS had run 330 calls within the month of January which was more calls than ever before in a month’s time.

Commissioner Odom asked if AEV had any Type II ambulances in stock that would meet the State requirements. Mr. Jarvis replied that AEV had a couple of Type III ambulances in stock as of a few weeks ago. Mr. Jarvis noted that he did not inquire about any Type II ambulances in stock.

Commissioner Hammer asked if the County could possibly get a better price by working with another company. Mr. Jarvis explained that AEV was located in West Jefferson, NC which was an advantage in case there was a problem with the ambulances because it was close. Mr. Jarvis also noted that staff could visit during the construction of the ambulance as well.

Commissioner Bolick felt that the request for a new ambulance should be considered during the 2003-2004 budget because of the uncertainty with the remainder of the 2002-2003 budget year. Mr. Jarvis informed the Board that there was approximately $200,000 in unexpected revenues coming in from EMS fees due to changes in Medicare payments. Rick French, County Manager, added that the Board had, at the last meeting, approved the revenue and expense by a budget amendment.

Commissioner Odom felt that a demonstrator ambulance could possibly be purchased that would still be under warranty. Mr. Jarvis explained that he liked to keep the setup and design of the ambulances fairly the same to reduce confusion and the need to rearrange equipment. Mr. Jarvis felt that a demonstrator ambulance would be a totally different setup which would cause this confusion.

Commissioner Odom asked the Board to consider allowing the County Manager and Mr. Jarvis to research a Type II or Type III demonstrator ambulance to determine if it would meet State regulations and the County’s needs. Commissioner Odom felt that the Board should be very careful with spending since the Fund Balance was extremely low.

Commissioner Keever stated that he was inclined to research a Type III ambulance because of the increased working space. Chairman Robertson agreed and also asked Mr. Jarvis to research the cost of refurbishing a chassis as well.

Mr. Jarvis asked the Board what type of mileage he should look for in a demonstrator model. The Board agreed that 15,000 miles would be sufficient.

Commissioner Odom made a motion to instruct Rick French, County Manager, and Nolan Jarvis, EMS Director, to inquire about the purchase of a Type III demonstrator ambulance to determine if it would result in a substantial cost savings but still meet the needs of the Alexander County EMS. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Keever asked Mr. Jarvis to provide a cost report for upgrading the ambulances at 100,000 miles to determine if it would be cost effective and would extend the life of the ambulances. Mr. Jarvis replied that he would do so.

APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS

Chairman Robertson presented the following appointments and reappointments:

    1. COUNCIL ON AGING
    2. Appoint Jan Schoeppler 3 years

    3. SENIOR CENTER BOARD
    4. Appoint Max Smith 2 years

      Appoint Shirley Mayes 2 years

      Appoint Bill Shepherd 2 years

    5. LIBRARY BOARD
    6. Reappoint Janice Jones 3 years

      Appoint Sallie Hartis 3 years

      Appoint Eric Burgess 3 years

      Appoint Kay Bebber (replacement for Perry Austin, term ends 1/2005)

    7. CRIMINAL JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP ADVISORY BOARD
    8. Appoint Crystal Sain 2 years

      Appoint Hayden Bentley 2 years

      Reappoint Barbara Carrigan 2 years

      Reappoint Susie Barkley 2 years

      Reappoint Tammy Lippard 1 year

      Reappoint Ingrid Townsend 1 year

      Reappoint Tony Jones 1 year

      Reappoint Rick French 1 year

      Reappoint Sarah Kirkman 1 year

      Reappoint Kimberly Taylor 1 year

      Appoint Commissioner Hammer

    9. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
    10. Appoint Ray Combs 3 years

      Reappoint Lloyd Jarvis 1 year

      Reappoint Don Harrington 1 year

      Reappoint Coy Reese 2 years

    11. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
    12. Nominate Karen Hoyle (to replace Nan Campbell)

    13. LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE (LEPC) 1 year appointments
    14. Reappoint Hayden Bentley, Law Enforcement

      Reappoint Brian Sharpe, NC Highway Patrol

      Reappoint Lynn Marshall, NC Department of Transportation

      Reappoint Terry Foxx, Emergency Management

      Reappoint Russell Greene, Fire Marshal

      Reappoint Nolan Jarvis, EMS

      Reappoint Leeanne Whisnant, Health Department

      Reappoint Sylvia Turnmire, Planning & Development

      Reappoint Doug Ferguson, Environmental Health

      Reappoint Janice Buckner, Hospital

      Reappoint Patti Foster, Transportation

      Reappoint Stephen Townsend, Rescue Squad

      Reappoint Gary Herman, Print Media

      Reappoint David Icenhour, Human Resources

      Reappoint Ben Zachary, Rotary Club

      Reappoint Tony Setzer, Manufacturing

      Reappoint Greg Atchley, NCEM

      Reappoint Commissioner Odom

    15. BOARD OF HEALTH
    16. Appoint Commissioner Bolick

    17. PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
    18. Appoint Commissioner Odom

    19. PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN
    20. Appoint Commissioner Keever

    21. AGRICULTURE EXTENSION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
    22. Appoint Commissioner Hammer

    23. WORK FIRST PLANNING COMMITTEE
    24. Appoint Commissioner Keever (replacement for Commissioner Odom)

    25. BETHLEHEM PARK COMMITTEE

Appoint Commissioner Bolick (replacement for Commissioner Hammer)

Commissioner Hammer stated that he had reviewed the entire list of County boards and committees and suggested eliminating the District Representation Committee and the Public Safety Council.

Commissioner Hammer asked Commissioner Odom if he would like to continue serving on the DSS Board. Commissioner Odom replied that he would continue to serve on the DSS Board until the next budget year at which time he would turn the position over to Commissioner Keever.

Commissioner Hammer also noted that Commissioner Odom had been serving on the WPCOG Regional Transportation Advisory Committee. Commissioner Hammer explained that the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee had recently merged with the Rural Transportation Advisory Committee on which he served. Therefore, Commissioner Hammer agreed to serve in both capacities.

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the appointments and reappointments as amended. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Rick French, County Manager, asked the Board to appoint a Chairperson to the LEPC. Commissioner Odom made a motion to appoint Terry Foxx, Emergency Management Director, as Chairman of the LEPC. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

CONSIDERATION OF ADDITIONAL HOURS FOR THE ALEXANDER COUNTY LIBRARY

Rick French, County Manager, stated that he had discussed the Library budget with Doris Stephens, Library Director, who had requested that the Board approve to reopen the Library on Saturdays for 6 hours. Mr. French stated that this would cost $3,271.03 which would come from the State Grant line item. There is currently $50,375 in this line item. Mr. French suggested moving forward with this project beginning on Saturday, February 8, 2003.

Commissioner Bolick asked if there was much Library usage on Saturday. Mr. French replied that most Library usage took place on Saturdays.

Commissioner Keever made a motion to reopen the Alexander County Library on Saturday for 6 hours beginning on Saturday, February 8, 2003. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

BUDGET AMENDMENT #30

Rick French, County Manager, presented Budget Amendment #30 to budget for an increase in DSS grant funds for the Crisis Intervention Program and to budget for the installation costs and sales tax on equipment for the multi-purpose room at the CVCC/Alexander Center.

Commissioner Keever made a motion to approve Budget Amendment #30. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

OTHER BUSINESS

Rick French, County Manager, stated that the Board had been invited to meet with local contractors to discuss Senate Bill 1217 on February 6, 2003 at 6:30 PM at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Bethlehem.

Chairman Robertson noted that this bill was discussed at the last meeting with Senator R.B. Sloan and Representative Edgar Starnes. Chairman Robertson stated that Senator Sloan had received approximately 85 petitions opposing this bill.

Commissioner Bolick made a motion to instruct Rick French, County Manager, to draft a resolution requesting that Senate Bill 1217 be reviewed and revoked. Commissioner Keever seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Chairman Robertson asked Mr. French to have the resolution ready for adoption at the February 17, 2003 Commissioners’ Meeting.

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Tax Release Requests for January $1,603.09 and Tax Refund Requests for January $4,931.83.
  2. Renewal of Audit Contract.
  3. Unlawful Harassment Policy.

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

CLOSED SESSION – N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5 & 6) CONTRACTUAL & PERSONNEL

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 7:59 PM to discuss contractual matters and personnel issues pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5 & 6). Commissioner Keever seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Commissioner Hammer made a motion to adjourn at 9:24 PM. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

 

                                                                                                           

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