Draft

June 26, 2003

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, June 26, 2003 in the Agriculture Extension Learning Center of the Administrative Building, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Chairman Robertson called the meeting to order at 12:10 PM.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Commissioner Bolick requested the addition of a Closed Session to discuss personnel issues pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6).

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

Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, informed the Board that a total of 3 bids were received on Monday, June 23, 2003 for the Rink Dam Road Water System Improvement Project. Neill Grading & Construction Co., Inc. of Hickory was the lowest responsive, responsible bidder with a total bid amount of $327,211.14.

Mr. Greene stated that he had spoken with Jan Wilson with Neill Grading regarding the concern with the number of ongoing projects being completed by Neill Grading. Mr. Greene informed Ms. Wilson that County staff wanted the project to be completed on the specified timetable so that the next Rural Center grant cycle was not missed. Ms. Wilson stated that Neill Grading may hire a subcontractor to complete the Rink Dam Road project but she assured Mr. Greene that the project would be completed within the County’s timetable. However, Mr. Greene noted that the contracts for the CDBG pieces including Arthur Jenkins Road, Fess Little Road, and Jenkins Loop would need to be extended.

Commissioner Hammer asked how much funding would be left out of the $400,000 grant for this project. Mr. Greene replied that approximately $70,000 would be left after payment to Neill Grading and the $40,000 local match. Commissioner Hammer suggested possibly using the $70,000 to install water lines to some of the dead end roads along Rink Dam Road. Mr. Greene informed Commissioner Hammer that the County would be required to obtain permission from the Rural Center for use of any remaining funds.

Commissioner Keever made a motion to approve the bid of $327,211.14 submitted by Niell Grading & Construction Co., Inc. for the Rink Dam Road Water System Improvement Project. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

The following issues were discussed during Other Business:

1. Rick French, County Manager, discussed the possible trade of the Stony Point/Millers water system with the EnergyUnited Water Corporation. Mr. French informed the Board that the EnergyUnited Board of Directors would be meeting tonight and he noted that staff would know more about their intent after the meeting.

Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, briefly discussed water lines on Rocky Springs Road, Black Oak Ridge Road, Jay Burke Road, Brett Will Court, and Rocky Face Church Road.

Commissioner Hammer discussed the possibility of the County installing a line at the intersection of Millersville Road and Paul Payne Road to connect to the line recently installed along Millersville Road.

2. Mr. French distributed a list of new convenience site fees and landfill fees to be effective August 1, 2003 for the Board’s review. Mr. French asked for approval by the Board so that staff could begin distributing the list to staff, departments, and convenience sites to be given to customers. The Board unanimously agreed that the list was adequate and instructed staff to move forward with the distribution.
3. Mr. French submitted a request for a CAP Social Worker position. Mr. French stated that the revenue generated from this position would exceed the cost of adding the position.
4. Mr. French informed the Board that the Resource Center was 99% state funded; however, he noted that the state budget might not be in place by July 1, 2003. Mr. French stated that the Resource Center would possibly have to be closed for a month or so because the County could not afford to fund the state’s portion of the program.
5. Mr. French requested changing the meeting schedule for August and September. After discussion, the Board agreed to hold meetings on August 4^th and 25^th and September 8^th and 22^nd.
6. Mr. French informed the Board that Professor Jake Wicker, former Gladys Hall Coates Professor of Public Law and Government, died on the morning of Wednesday, June 25, 2003 after a long battle with cancer.

CLOSED SESSION – 143-318.11(a)(6) PERSONNEL

Commissioner Bolick made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 1:03 PM to discuss personnel issues pursuant to 143-318.11(a)(6). Commissioner Keever seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

There being no further business, Commissioner Bolick made a motion to adjourn at 1:20 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