Draft

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 

ALEXANDER COUNTY

REGULAR MEETING

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

October 20, 2003

PRESENT: W. Darrell Robertson, Chairman
William L. Hammer, Vice-Chairman
Wesley E. Bolick
Joel C. Harbinson
W. Norris Keever
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, October 20, 2003 in the Catawba Valley Community College / Alexander Center Multipurpose Room, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

CALL TO ORDER

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

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Commissioner Keever gave the invocation and Commissioner Harbinson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Commissioner Hammer requested some time during the meeting to update the Board on a meeting held on Friday, October 17, 2003 regarding the TIP program.

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.

REMOTE SALES TAX RESOLUTION

Chairman Robertson presented a Resolution in Support of the Remote Sales Tax, which was originally discussed during the October 6, 2003 Commissioners’ Meeting.  Chairman Robertson stated that this effort would help N.C. and other states will the collection and distribution of sales taxes related to Internet and catalog sales.

Commissioner Keever made a motion to approve the Resolution in Support of the Remote Sales Tax.   Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion.   The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY RESOLUTION

Chairman Robertson stated that N.C. had recently developed some proposed standards for water, which included a requirement that no public water system would be allowed to exceed 100 psi water pressure.  Chairman Robertson explained that this requirement would increase the cost of providing water into the foothills and mountain areas because of pumping costs and pressure reducers.  However, Chairman Robertson noted that he had been informed by Rick French, County Manager, this morning that the State had decided not to enforce these standards.

Mr. French recommended that the Board move forward with approving a Resolution Recommending that the Public Water Supply Section of the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Rescind its Policy which Limits Water Pressure in Public Water Supply Systems to 100 Pounds per Square Inch in order to go on record to oppose these standards.

Commissioner Keever asked if these standards, if enforced by the State, would apply to just new construction or existing as well.  Mr. French replied that it would apply to new construction.  Commissioner Keever noted that the standards could prevent the County from being able to afford to run water into some area.  Mr. French agreed and noted that it would cause water projects to be too expensive to pursue.

Commissioner Bolick asked what the average pressure was currently in remote areas of the county.  Russell Greene, Fire Marshal / Public Service, replied that some areas had 150 to 160 pounds of static pressure on the system.  Mr. Greene stated that there was 160 pounds of pressure on Highway 16 South coming from the fairgrounds tank to the Millersville area.  Mr. Greene explained that the standards would force the County to purchase additional pumping stations to get water to remote areas as well as pressure reducing valves on downhill runs.  Mr. Greene stated that the standards would also impact ISO ratings for fire departments because a residual pressure of 30 to 35 pounds was needed on hydrant flow.  Mr. Greene stated that the State standards, if approved, would only allow fire departments to maintain 20 pounds of residual pressure.

Mr. French presented the Resolution Recommending that the Public Water Supply Section of the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Rescind its Policy which Limits Water Pressure in Public Water Supply Systems to 100 Pounds per Square Inch.

Commissioner Keever made a motion to approve the resolution.  Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #11

Rick French, County Manager, discussed the purpose of Budget Amendment #11, which included the following information:

Budget Amendment #11 – To allow for the addition of funding from Family Planning State funds and a bioterrorism grant.

Commissioner Bolick made a motion to approve Budget Amendment #11.  Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS

            Senior Center Advisory Board

Commissioner Hammer presented a request to appoint Gary Jennings to the Senior Center Advisory Board.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to approve the appointment as presented.  Commissioner Keever seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Courthouse Task Force

Chairman Robertson stated that the Courthouse Task Force needed to be made active again and he submitted the following appointments to the task force:

                        Kimberly S. Taylor, Superior Court Judge

Dale Graham, District Court Judge

Seth Chapman, Clerk of Court

Hayden Bentley, Sheriff

Darrell Robertson, Commission Chairman

Rick French, County Manager

Joel Harbinson, Commissioner and Attorney

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

OTHER BUSINESS

The following issues were discussed during Other Business:

A.      Commissioner Hammer stated that he attended a meeting with John Tippett and John Marshal, WPCOG, on Friday, October 27, 2003 to discuss the TIP program.  Commissioner Hammer stated that the TIP had not been updated in 10 years and he noted that some projects on the original TIP had already been completed.  Commissioner Hammer stated that new projects were discussed including the straightening of Highway 127 and making it 3 or 4 lane as well as improvements to Highway 16 south.  Commissioner Hammer stated that another meeting would be held on Friday, October 24, 2003 to finalize the TIP for Alexander County.

B.       Rick French, County Manager, discussed the Industrial Facilities Pollution Control Financing Authority and noted that new appointments would need to be made to this committee at the November 3, 2003 Commissioners’ Meeting in order to move forward with some industrial revenue bonds.  Mr. French stated that he would get more information to the Board regarding this committee.

C.      Mr. French stated that the next Celebration Dinner would be held on October 21, 2003 at 6:00 PM at Sugar Loaf Elementary School

D.      Mr. French informed the Board that he would be attending the NCACC Intergovernmental Relations Steering Committee Meeting on October 22, 2003 and the N.C. Rural Center forum on October 23, 2003.

E.       Mr. French stated that he had met with Phil Bowman, DSS Human Services Coordinator, concerning a transportation problem with Work First participants.  Mr. French stated that DSS had requested authorization to donate surplus vehicles to Work First from time to time since Work First had funds to maintain these vehicles.   Mr. French suggested that that this request be approved for one of the current surplus vehicles.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business for the regular meeting, Commissioner Bolick made a motion to adjourn a 6:17 PM to reconvene in the work session.  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

 

 

Draft

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 

ALEXANDER COUNTY

WORK SESSION

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

October 20, 2003

PRESENT: W. Darrell Robertson, Chairman
William L. Hammer, Vice-Chairman
Wesley E. Bolick
Joel C. Harbinson
W. Norris Keever
STAFF: Rick French, County Manager
Jamie Millsaps, Clerk to the Board
David Icenhour, Human Resources Director
Garry Bradshaw, Animal Control Officer
Terry Foxx, Emergency Management/Animal Control Director
Keith Hertzler, Chamber of Commerce/EDC Director
Randy Street, Chamber of Commerce President
Glenn Fox, Glenn Fox Photo/Chamber Board of Directors
Gail Drum, United Way/Chamber Board of Directors
Norm Dessert, County Cards & Gifts/Chamber Board of Directors
Chip Swinnie, Schneider Mills/Chamber Board of Directors
Wiley Ballard, Chamber of Commerce Treasurer
MEDIA: Gary Herman, The Taylorsville Times

 

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held a work session following the adjournment of the regular meeting.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Robertson called the work session to order at 6:20 PM.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Chairman Robertson discussed the need to improve economic development in Alexander County as well as the County’s decision to not continue membership in the Carolinas Partnership.   Chairman Robertson noted that he had asked Keith Hertzler, Chamber of Commerce / EDC Director, to begin formulating an economic development plan.

Randy Street, Chamber of Commerce President, presented a draft copy of the Economic Development Plan for Alexander County which he stated was a very broad plan that would need continuous input and planning.  Mr. Street felt that the plan was simply a beginning point and he asked for the Board’s input on the proposed plan.

Mr. Street discussed the Steering Committee that had been formed to develop the plan, which included:

            Randy Street, Chamber President

            Mark Odom, Chamber President-elect

            Wiley Ballard, Chamber Treasurer

            Glenn Fox, Glenn Fox Photo

            Tom Betzweiser, American Roller Bearing

            Chip Swinnie, Schneider Mills

            Gail Drum, United Way

            Norm Dessert, Country Cards and Gifts

            Keith Hertzler, Chamber/EDC Director

Mr. Street also discussed the proposed EDC Board, which included:

            Voting Members                                                         Non-Voting Members

            Chip Swinnie, Schneider Mills                                       Rick French, County Manager 

            Tom Betzweiser, American Roller Bearing                      David Odom, Town Manager

            Kevin Hertzler, KDS Fabrication, Inc.                             Jack Hoke, Schools Superintendent

            Scott Ferguson, Hefner Builders                                     Keith Hertzler, Chamber/EDC Dir.

            Ron Valentinie, CVCC                                                   ESC Representative

            4 County Appointments                                                 Chamber President

Commissioner Bolick asked if there was any way that the County could promote businesses and industries to come into Alexander County by allowing them to slip under the tax law and have a break on their taxes for a while.  Commissioner Harbinson discussed the Industrial Development Incentive Policy, which he stated was a way to give some tax relief to businesses and industries.  Commissioner Harbinson felt that the County had done all that it could do in that aspect; however, he noted that the Board could “sweeten” the policy a little if so desired.

Chairman Robertson stated that County staff had been meeting with Caldwell and Wilkes Counties regarding economic development since their citizens and economic situation was similar.   Chairman Robertson felt that working with neighbors was one way to continue growth.

Chairman Robertson inquired about the goals listed in the proposed Economic Development Plan, especially the goal to create and maintain a reasonable retail incentive policy.  Chairman Robertson asked if this policy would be similar to the Industrial Development Incentive Policy.  Mr. Street replied that it would be much similar to the Industrial Development Incentive Policy.   Mr. Street explained that the Steering Committee wanted to provide grants for all aspects of business including industrial, retail, and commercial. 

Commissioner Harbinson suggested that the Steering Committee investigate what other counties were doing and consider incorporating other counties objectives into this plan.   Commissioner Harbinson discussed a newspaper article that included what Caldwell County had done in regards to economic development including visiting a minimum of 25 existing businesses and industries to resolve any problems uncovered, promote expansions, communicate state and local incentive programs, etc. 

Glenn Fox stated that Chamber staff gathered input from members each time they renewed their membership to determine if there were any problems that the Chamber could help with.  Mr. Fox also stated that newsletters and surveys were also mailed out to members in order to get feedback. 

Chairman Robertson asked how many surveys were usually returned.  Keith Hertzler, Chamber / EDC Director, stated that sometimes 20 surveys were returned and sometimes 100 were returned.  Chairman Robertson stated that most people immediately threw surveys in the trash and he therefore asked if anyone from the Chamber visited businesses and industries on a regular basis.  Mr. Hertzler replied that he did, in fact, visit businesses and industries to gather input from them.  Mr. Hertzler noted that he had visited Innovative Wood Products recently and he had been working heavily with the Mitchell Gold Company.  Mr. Hertzler noted that it was very difficult to hold one large meeting with all businesses and industries present.

Gail Drum stated that the Chamber did a membership drive at which the Chamber Board of Directors split up and went to visit each business and industry that were members in order to see if there were any problems that the Chamber could help with and to get information on how to make things better for them.

Commissioner Hammer inquired about the percentage of Chamber members compared to the number of businesses and industries located in Alexander County.  Mr. Hertzler replied that approximately 65% of businesses and industries in the county were Chamber members.  Commissioner Hammer asked Mr. Hertzler if he contacted the businesses and industries that were not members.  Mr. Hertzler replied that he did contact them.

Norm Dessert discussed a strategy that was used in his former city of residence in which the city actively pursued grants in order to tear down old neighborhoods and expand Main Street.   Mr. Dessert explained that the city realized that they were too dependent on several key industries that were disappearing so they built new buildings along Main Street for small, diversified industries and were able to pull themselves back up economically.  Mr. Dessert felt that following what everyone else was doing meant that the County would always be on the tail end.  Mr. Dessert felt that we needed to look at the resources that were available here and determine who we are and what kind of businesses and industries needed to be here.

Chairman Robertson stated that he agreed with Mr. Dessert 100%; however he noted that Alexander County would have to team with others because the county was small.  Chairman Robertson also stated that job value needed to be factored in order to better ourselves and provide better opportunities for the citizens of the county.

Mr. Dessert felt that staff also needed to take care of existing businesses to help them grow and remain in the county.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that the purpose of the Board adopting the Zoning Ordinance a few years ago was to protect rural areas but also to allow retail, commercial, and industrial development in certain areas.  Commissioner Harbinson felt that plans needed to be made for future development such as the 64/90 bypass, Highway 16 South, and Bethlehem.

Glenn Fox discussed the importance of selling the county and the businesses and industries by way of the Internet.  Mr. Fox stated that his business had become nationwide due to the Internet.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that Caldwell County had its own web site that listed marketing strategies, available property, characteristics of the property, etc.  Commissioner Harbinson felt that the GIS system would be the perfect tie-in for that kind of information for Alexander County.

Mr. Street stated that the Chamber had plans to create such a web site which would fall in with the goal to educate the public as well as potential and existing business as to the opportunities that the Economic Development Commission could provide.

Chairman Robertson felt that Alexander County was in a good position to market itself since there was good access to Statesville, Hickory, Lenoir, and Wilkesboro.  Chairman Robertson stated that there were lots of craftsmen and quilters in Alexander County that would possibly draw people into this county.

Commissioner Bolick agreed that Alexander County needed to identify itself.  Commissioner Bolick explained that Black Mountain was non-existent 10 years ago when the interstate came through but he noted that it was now a well know tourist spot.  Commissioner Bolick also stated that Greenwood, S.C. was a very small town but very popular because there was a large auditorium built to house concerts.  Commissioner Bolick felt that Alexander County needed to develop something to cause people from other towns to want to come here.

Glenn Fox agreed and discussed the art galleries in West Jefferson.  Mr. Fox stated that there were several art galleries and craft stores that began from one small art gallery that everyone said would never make it.  Mr. Fox also stated that they had an emporium that allowed small business people to set up exhibits in this shell building to see if their product would fly before making an investment in a building, etc. 

Wiley Ballard stated that he was also a member of the Wilkes County Chamber and he noted that the John A. Walker Center at Wilkes Community College was something that drew people into Wilkes County.  Mr. Ballard stated that the auditorium seated 1,130 people and he explained that they planned for 6 major events there every year and he noted that those events were already sold out with season tickets.

Commissioner Hammer stressed the importance of retaining what was already here.  Commissioner Hammer suggested appointing a farmer and a homebuilder onto the proposed EDC Board. 

Chairman Robertson felt that staff needed to look at existing business and industry to determine what could be contributed to their needs and also look at what neighboring counties were doing.  Chairman Robertson noted that the Board, Town, and Chamber all had responsibilities to follow through with to make this plan work.

Mr. Street asked the Board for some direction with the plan.  Commissioner Harbinson suggested getting specifics similar to what Caldwell did like visiting a certain number of businesses and to also take a survey of what other counties were doing.  Commissioner Harbinson stated that the plan was very good but he noted that he wanted to see specifics on how the plan would be carried out.  Commissioner Harbinson also stated that the multipurpose room would be a great way to educate the public about this plan due to the availability of audio and video equipment.

Commissioner Bolick suggested appointing a realtor to the EDC Board.  Chip Swinnie noted that the Board had 4 positions on the EDC Board to appoint whoever they wanted. 

Gail Drum stated that she lived in Catawba County but always advertised Alexander County to citizens.   Ms. Drum stated that she always advertised Kay Haynes and De Ja Vuh when in Catawba County in order to get people to come here.

Chairman Robertson asked the Chamber Board to take this information to firm up the plan and he noted that the Board would also look at the plan to see how it would fit together from the Board of Commissioners’ standpoint.  Chairman Robertson stated that another work session could be held to pull all this information together.

Chairman Robertson conveyed his appreciation to everyone for the work done and for attending the work session.

ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE – DRAFT

Rick French, County Manager, stated that staff had been looking to update the Animal Control Ordinance for some time.  Mr. French stated that the original ordinance was adopted in 1984 and he noted that only a few amendments had been made since then.

Terry Foxx, Emergency Management / Animal Control Director, presented the following proposed amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance:  (Additions are in italics and deletions are struck through).

Article I – Section I:  Definitions

Dangerous Animal/Dog:  Any animal that has demonstrated a fierce or dangerous propensity or tendency to do any act which may endanger person or property and/or any non-domesticated animal ingenious to the State of North Carolina including hybrid animals that are part wild.  This would include but not be limited to any dog which (1) assaults, bites, attacks, or inflicts serious injury or death on a human being without provocation on public or private property…

Owner:  Any person, group of persons, firm, partnership, or corporation owning, keeping, having charge of, sheltering, feeding, harboring, or taking care of an animal.  The owner is responsible for the care, actions, and behavior of his animals.  In the event that the owner of an animal is a minor, the parent or guardian of such minor shall be held liable for non-compliance with the provision of this ordinance.   Any person harboring an animal for 48 consecutive hours is responsible for that animal.

Commissioner Keever asked if this would mean that a citizen would be considered an owner if an animal just showed up at their house and stayed for 48 hours.  Garry Bradshaw, Animal Control Officer, stated that harboring meant feeding and giving shelter and he explained that a citizen would not be considered an owner if an animal just started hanging around.

Restraint:  An animal is under restraint within the meaning of this ordinance if it is (1) controlled by means of a chain, leash, or other like device of sufficient length and strength...

Secure Enclosure:   A fence or structure of adequate height forming or causing a humane enclosure suitable to prevent the animal from escaping and to prevent the entry of young children.  It is recommended that the secure enclosure be at least a 10’ x 10’ x 6 ‘ high chain link fence, preferably with a concrete floor or other suitable floor preventing the animal from digging out from underneath. 

Section II:  Establishment and Composition of the Animal Control Advisory Board and Department

A.       There is hereby created an Advisory Board to advise the Alexander Count Animal Control Department.   The Advisory Board is to be composed of seven (7) members appointed by the Alexander County Board of Commissioners and shall serve terms as established by the Board of Commissioners.  This Board shall include membership from the following categories:  County Commissioner, Veterinarian, Public Health, Law Enforcement, Hunter, Animal Control Supervisor, and a member at large.

Chairman Robertson suggested adding a farmer or a dairy man so that rural areas would be represented.

Commissioner Keever discussed the possibility of a leash law.  Mr. Foxx stated that enforcing a leash law would require the County to hire additional staff to handle that aspect.  Commissioner Keever felt that a leash law was something that needed to be discussed.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that he was against a leash law because it required all dogs, not just dangerous ones, to be chained, which he did not feel was fair.  Commissioner Keever stated that there were other ways to keep a dog on the owner’s property other than a leash and he suggested investigating those alternatives as well.

Mr. French stated that some counties had leash laws for subdivisions only and Animal Control was allowed to pick up those dogs if they weren’t on the owner’s property.

Commissioner Hammer stated that this was a problem even in rural areas.  Commissioner Hammer stated that he had a problem with dogs running and also killing his calfs. 

Commissioner Harbinson stated that a dog was not a problem unless it was doing harm and he had a problem extending a leash law to state that all dogs were in violation of the law if not on the owner’s property. 

Commissioner Keever suggested looking at something similar to a leash law so that an Animal Control Officers had something to back themselves up when picking up animals.

Section III:  General Duties of Animal Control Department

2.        Assisting in the enforcement of the laws of the state with regard to animals and especially with regard to vaccination of animals against rabies and the confinement or controlling of dangerous and animals and dangerous dogs.

3.        Investigating cruelty or abuses with regard to all animals.

Section IV:  Cruelty to Animals

A.        The words “cruelty,” “torture” and “torment” shall be held to include every act, omission, or neglect whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering, or death is caused or permitted…As used in this section, the term “animal” includes every living vertebrate in the classes Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia except human beings.

Section VII:  Confinement and Control of Dangerous Animals and Dangerous Dogs

B.         The owner shall have thirty (30) days from the date of notification to provide a humane, secure enclosure.  If no suitable confine is available at the owner’s residence, the animal will be confined at the Alexander County Animal Shelter or at suitable boarding facility at the owner’s expense.

Article II – Section IV:  Report and Confinement of Animals Biting Persons or Showing Symptoms of Rabies

A.      Every dog or cat which has bitten any person or which shows signs or symptoms of rabies shall be confined immediately…

B.       Dogs and cats quarantined under this section shall be confined in a veterinary hospital, boarding kennel, or the county animal shelter at the expense of the owner…The Animal Control Officer may not authorize the animal to be confined on the owner’s premises unless the owner has a fenced-in area in his yard and the fenced-in are has no entrance or exits that are not locked, and can provide proof the animal is currently vaccinated against rabies.  Proof will be required at the time of investigation.

Section V:  Destruction of Animal Bitten by Rabid Animal

Unvaccinated animals bitten by a known rabid animal shall be immediately destroyed.  If the animal has been suspected to have been in contact with saliva or nervous tissue of a proven rabid animal or an animal reasonably suspected to have rabies and it has a current rabies inoculation, it shall be revaccinated and returned to the owner.

Article III – Section IV:  Destruction, Adoption, or Unredeemed Animals Generally

A.        If an impounded animal is not redeemed by the owner within the period prescribed in Article III, Section III, it may be destroyed in a humane manner or shall become the property of the animal shelter(s) and offered for adoption or purchased by the first such person who pays the adoption or purchase fee.

C.      Adoption Contract – Any person adopting a dog an animal from the animal shelter shall be required to sign an adoption contract with the animal shelter, and follow the Animal Adoption Policy as set forth by the Board of Commissioners on September 22, 2003.  the major provisions of which are outlined in this section.

Commissioner Keever suggested making the Adoption Policy as part of this ordinance.  The Board agreed.

D.      Exceptions:

1.       The Animal Control Department has the right to refuse adoption of animals to person less than eighteen (18) years of age.

2.       Person with very poor history (e.g. animals repeatedly stolen, pets who ran away, were hit by cars, were poisoned, died of disease, no veterinary) shall not be allowed to adopt.

E.       Any animals that exhibit fierce, dangerous, or aggressive behavior  will not be offered for adoption.

Article III – Section VII:  Destruction of Wounded or Diseased Animals

Not withstanding any other provision of this article, any animal impounded which is badly wounded or diseased (not a rabies suspect) and has no identification shall be destroyed immediately in a humane manner upon consultation of a licensed veterinarian.  If the animal has identification, the Animal Control Department shall attempt to notify the owner before disposing of such, but if the owner cannot be reached readily, and the animal is suffering, the Animal Control Department may destroy the animal in a humane manner.

Mr. Foxx explained that if Animal Control picked up an animal that had been hit by a vehicle and didn’t have any tags, Animal Control was mandated by law to hold the animal for 3 days.  Mr. Foxx felt that this was not humane to allow the animal to suffer for 3 days and he asked for any input from the Board on how to handle this issue.  Commissioner Keever suggested destroying the animal immediately if it was not going to recover.  Mr. Bradshaw stated that it could then be said that an Animal Control Officer is not qualified to make the decision of whether or not the animal would recover.  Mr. Foxx stated that the animal could be taken to a veterinarian for that decision.   The Board agreed to discuss this issue further.

Article IV – Section II:  Deceased Animals

A.        It shall be the duty of the owner or person in charge of any animals that die from any cause, and the owner, lessee, or person in charge of any land upon which any animals die, to bury the dead animals to a depth of at least three (3) fee beneath the surface of the ground and not closer than 300’ of any flowing stream or public body of water within twenty-four (24) hours after the death…

Commissioner Hammer asked if Animal Control could pick up animals hit by a car such as a deer or fox.  Mr. Bradshaw stated that those animals were considered wildlife and he noted that Animal Control could, in some cases, pick those up but that it was not in the policy.  Mr. Bradshaw noted that picking up wildlife was a controversial subject.  Mr. French suggested a developing a written policy on what types of animals could be picked up by Animal Control and what were considered wildlife and could not be picked up.  Mr. Foxx stated that he could speak with Joey Williams, Wildlife Officer, to see if he or the State had a policy.

Chairman Robertson suggested that these revisions be made and brought back at the next Commissioners’ Meeting.  Mr. French suggested the second meeting in November to allow a little more time for revisions to be made.   The Board agreed.

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

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 7:57 PM to discuss personnel issues pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6).  Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Commissioner Keever made a motion to adjourn at 9:00 PM.   Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion.   The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

 

                                                                                                           

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