Draft

April 19, 2004

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, April 19, 2004 at the Catawba Valley Community College / Alexander Center Multipurpose Room, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

CALL TO ORDER

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

INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Chairman Keever requested that Agenda Item #3 – Citizen Complaint be removed from the agenda since Karen Howell would be unable to attend the meeting as planned.

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

PUBLIC HEARING:   REZONING CASE 04-4:  TERRY ELDER

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, presented Rezoning Case 04-4 submitted by Terry Elder.  Mr. Elder requested rezoning of property located on NC Highway 16 North from RA-20 (Residential-Agricultural) to H-C (Highway-Commercial).  The size of the lot is 3.17 acres; however, Mr. Elder has requested that only 12,500 feet of the area be rezoned.  Ms. Turnmire stated that zoning within 100 feet of the property was RA-20 to the north, south, east, and west.   There is vacant property to the north, a single-family site-built home and a singlewide manufactured home to the south as well as vacant buildings, a non-conforming commercial business and a manufactured home park to the east and single-family site-built homes and vacant property to the west.

Ms. Turnmire stated that the applicant wished to rezone 12,500 square feet in the furthermost northeast corner of the subject property to allow for the purpose of placing an off-premise advertising sign or billboard on the property.  Ms. Turnmire informed the Board that a machine shop and 3 singlewide manufactured homes were currently located on the property.

Ms. Turnmire stated that this property was surrounded by residential zoning, creating an issue of spot zoning, which is “invalid or illegal unless there is a clear reasonable basis for treating the singled out property differently from adjacent land.”  Ms. Turnmire noted that for any case involving spot zoning, the Board of Commissioners and the Planning & Zoning Commission must address the following questions:

1.       Did the zoning activity in the case constitute spot zoning as our courts have defined that term; and

2.       If so, did the zoning authority make a clear showing of a reasonable basis for the zoning?  The clear reasonable basis can be determined by reviewing 4 factors:

a.        The size of the tract;

b.       The compatibility of the disputed zoning action with an existing comprehensive plan;

c.        The benefits and detriments resulting from the zoning action for the petitioning property owners, neighbors, and surrounding community; and

d.       The relationship between the uses envisioned under the new zoning and the current uses of adjacent land.

Ms. Turnmire addressed staff comments in regard to these 4 factors to show a reasonable basis for zoning, which included:

            2a.  The size of the tract:

            The portion of the subject property is 12,500 square feet.  The surrounding properties are:

                        West – 3.08 acres, 4.78 acres, and 7.9 acres

                        North – 3.34 acres

                        South – 2.01 acres

                        East – 1 acre, 1.03 acres, 3.54 acres, and 7.11 acres

2b.  The compatibility of the disputed zoning action with an existing comprehensive plan:

1.       Section 154.170:  The purpose of the H-C Highway Commercial District is to provide suitable locations for those commercial activities which serve primarily the traveling public, including those which function rather independently of each other.

2.       Section 154.140:  The RA-20 District is established as a district in which the principal use of the land is for low-density residential and agricultural purposes including single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, individual manufactured homes, and related uses necessary for a sound neighborhood.   The regulations for this district are designed to stabilize and encourage a healthful environment for family life in areas where neither public nor community water or sewer facilities are available.

3.       The Alexander County 1993 Comprehensive Plan identifies this area as lying in a “Limited Transition” area which is “to provide for development in areas that will have some services but that are only suitable for lower densities than those associated with the Urban Transition class and/or areas that are geographically remote from existing towns and municipalities.  Areas meeting the intent of the Limited Transition classification will experience increased development (primarily residential) during the planning period.  They will be in a state of development necessitating some municipal type services such as community water or sewage systems.

2c.  The benefits and detriments resulting from the zoning action for the petitioning property owner, neighbors, and surrounding community:

The board must determine what effect the rezoning will have upon the entire community as a social, economic, and political unit.

2d.  The relationship between the uses envisioned under the new zoning and the current uses of adjacent land. 

If rezoned to Highway-Commercial, any use listed in the use matrix would be allowed not just the use of which the applicant is applying.  There is commercial use on the subject property, beside the area requested for rezoning.  Also, commercial use is present to the east, across NC Highway 16 North.

The closest commercially zoned property is within the Town of Taylorsville’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction at Sigmon Motor Company.  Sigmon Motor Company measures approximately 2,953 feet to the closest corner of the area proposed for rezoning.

Ms. Turnmire stated that staff had received one call for information and she noted that no one had spoken in opposition to the request at the Planning & Zoning Commission public hearing.  Ms. Turnmire informed the Board that the Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the rezoning request on April 1, 2004 and unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning request.

Commissioner Robertson asked why the machine shop, which was a non-conforming business, was not included in the rezoning request.  Ms. Turnmire replied that staff discussed this issue with Mr. Elder who at the time did not want to include the machine shop in the request.

Chairman Keever called the public hearing to order and requested any public comment.  There being no public comment, Commissioner Bolick made a motion to close the public hearing.  Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve Rezoning Case 04-4.  Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

PUBLIC HEARING:   ALEXANDER COUNTY 2004-2005 SECONDARY ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

Clay Lunsford, NCDOT District Engineer, presented the 2004-2005 Secondary Road Construction Program for Alexander County.  Mr. Lunsford also introduced Joe Lamb, NCDOT District Maintenance Engineer.

Mr. Lunsford informed the Board that Steve Barnado, NCDOT Chief Engineer, had requested that he mention several things to the Board including the fact that the 2003-2004 Secondary Road Construction Program allocations would be used as a guideline to determine the availability of funding for the 2004-2005 Secondary Road Construction Program.  Mr. Lunsford also stated that the allocations could be adjusted due to unpaved mileage changes and he noted that the Board of Transportation was expected to develop an unpaved inventory to be completed during the winter of 2005, which would result in all unpaved roads being re-rated and reprioritized.

Mr. Lunsford discussed the 2004-2005 Secondary Road Construction Program and allocations which included the following information:

FY 2004-2005 Anticipated Allocations

            Highway Fund               $1,000,596

            Trust Fund                     $1,012,646

            Total                            $2,013,242

I.  PAVING UNPAVED ROADS

1. Rural Paving Priority

            Total Miles:    3.80 miles                                 Subtotal:   $932,500

     *   Rural Paving Alternatives

2. Subdivision Paving Priority

            Total Miles:    1.90 miles                                 Subtotal:   $518,500

II. GENERAL SECONDARY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS

1. Paved Road Improvements

2. Various Spot Stabilization, Secondary Maintenance - $250,175

II.  FUNDS RESERVED FOR SURVEYING, RIGHT OF WAY ACQUISITION, ROAD ADDITIONS, CONTINGENCIES, OVERDRAFTS, AND PAVING ENTRANCES TO CERTIFIED FIRE DEPARTMENTS, RESCUE SQUADS, ETC. - $137,067

Commissioner Bolick asked when construction would begin.  Mr. Lunsford replied that funding would begin in July and construction would begin shortly thereafter.

Commissioner Robertson discussed the paving of SR 1307 All Healing Springs Road and the alternate paving of SR 1309 Boone Gap Road.  Commissioner Robertson stated that if Boone Gap Road was paved there would be a short segment of SR 1310 that would be unpaved, tying back into Mt. Olive Church Road.  Commissioner Robertson suggested that this issue be addressed.  Mr. Lunsford stated that the road could be looked at and possibly re-rated.

Commissioner Hammer discussed several projects that he felt needed to be considered including the 4-way intersection at Gill Childers Road, Three Forks Church Road, and Roy Rogers Court in the Ellendale community.  Commissioner Hammer stated that the intersection was very dangerous and he noted that visibility was minimal.  

Commissioner Hammer also discussed the proposed 3-lane on Highway 16 South and he mentioned that he had been informed that the project would be broken into 2 parts instead of being completed all at once.  Mr. Lunsford replied that the first segment of the 3-lane would begin at Wal-Mart and extend to the stop light just past Bojangles.  He noted that with future funding, staff would pick up there and extend the 3-lane to Frye Regional Medical Center / Alexander Campus.  Commissioner Hammer felt that NCDOT should consider completing the project all at once because traffic was continuously getting worse and because it would cost more to break the project in 2 segments. 

Commissioner Hammer also inquired about plans for the intersection of Macedonia Church Road and Highway 16 South.  Mr. Lunsford replied that a signal light had been warranted for that intersection and he noted that the third lane on Macedonia Church Road should be completed during 2004.  Commissioner Hammer stated that motorists had trouble turning off of Macedonia Church Road onto Highway 16 South because of the major traffic and he noted that traffic would only become worse with the new prison being built.

Commissioner Hammer discussed the widening of Highway 16 South from Macedonia Church Road to Alspaugh Dam Road and he noted that he had been informed that NCDOT had decided to make a portion of Highway 90 (at the Driver’s License Agency and EMS Base) 3-lane instead.   Commissioner Hammer stated that a traffic study had determined that approximately 12,000 cars traveled Highway 16 South per day and that only 7,400 traveled Highway 90 per day.  Therefore, Commissioner Hammer suggested that this project, as well the others suggested, be reconsidered and he asked NCDOT staff to research to determine if there was any funding available for these projects.

Commissioner Harbinson felt that these problems were “good problems to have” and he noted that he was glad that these road projects were needed because it meant that the County was fortunate enough to have a new Ellendale Elementary School, a hospital, and a prison.  He felt that NCDOT did an excellent job of allocating funding that served many people.  Commissioner Harbinson agreed with Commissioner Hammer’s suggestion that NCDOT staff search for funding to complete a 3-lane highway along Highway 16 South from Bojangle’s to Frye Regional Medical Center / Alexander Campus since Highway 16 South was a commercial area and would continue to grow as such.

Commissioner Bolick thanked NCDOT staff for their excellent job of always keeping the roads clean during inclement weather.  Commissioner Bolick stated that citizens could tell that they were in Alexander County in the winter because of the good road conditions.

Commissioner Hammer agreed and stated that NCDOT had always done a great job keeping the roads clean.  Commissioner Hammer stated that the difference was clear when coming across county lines into Alexander County and he felt that it was because the NCDOT staff sincerely cared about their county.   He also noted that everyone worked together which made the county unique.

Chairman Keever called the public hearing to order and requested any public comment.  There being no public comment, Commissioner Robertson made a motion to close the public hearing.  Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the 2004-2005 Secondary Road Construction Program.  Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

CITIZEN COMPLAINT REGARDING ABANDONED HOUSE

Karen Howell was not at the present at the meeting to discuss her complaint.

PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY AS OLDER AMERICAN’S MONTH

Chairman Keever presented a Proclamation Declaring May as Older American’s Month in Alexander County.

Chairman Keever made a motion to approve the proclamation.  Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 18-24, 2004 AS NATIONAL COUNTY GOVERNMENT WEEK

Jamie Starnes, Clerk to the Board, presented a Proclamation Declaring April 18-24, 2004 as National County Government Week.

Chairman Keever made a motion to approve the proclamation.  Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL 23, 2004 SPECIAL OLYMPICS DAY

Commissioner Harbinson presented a Proclamation Declaring April 23, 2004 as Special Olympics Day.  Commissioner Harbinson stated that this was something that was very dear to his heart because his 17-year old son, Jarrett, was autistic and he noted that there were many children with disabilities that would be taking part in the Special Olympics Day to be held on Friday, April 23, 2004 at ACHS.  He noted that professional athletes who made millions of dollars were considered to be heroes to many people; however, he felt that these children were the real heroes because they had to live with the hand they were dealt.  Commissioner Harbinson felt that adopting this proclamation was one way that the County could provide something special for these children to honor them.

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

ANTIOCH CHURCH ROAD WATER BIDS

Rick French, County Manager, informed the Board that bids had been opened on April 15, 2004 for the Antioch Church Road water line project.  Mr. French stated that 5 bids were received and he noted that the lowest responsible bidder was Max Prestwood Water & Sewer of Lenoir, NC with a bid of $141,920.  Mr. French stated that this bid was $80,000 less than the projected estimate from McGill Associates and he noted that Max Prestwood Water & Sewer indicated that work would begin within 2 weeks.  Mr. French mentioned that the highest bid was $247,995 and he therefore recommended approval of the bids by Max Prestwood Water & Sewer.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the bid submitted by Max Prestwood Water & Sewer for $141,920 for the Antioch Church Road water project.  Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion

BOARD APPOINTMENTS & REAPPOINTMENTS

Commissioner Hammer stated that there were 2 positions on the Planning & Zoning Commission that needed to be filled including one for the Bethlehem / Wittenburg Community and one for the Little River / Sugar Loaf community.  Commissioner Hammer recommended that Jon Molesa be appointed for a 3-year term to represent the Bethlehem / Wittenburg community and he noted that he would submit a recommendation for the Little River / Sugar Loaf community at the next meeting.

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the appointment of Jon Molesa to the Planning & Zoning Commission.  Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS #32 - #34

Rick French, County Manager, discussed the purpose of Budget Amendments #32 - #34, which included the following information:

Budget Amendment #32 – To budget for a reimbursement from E-911 to Wireless 911 for 2002-2003 expenditures.  To amend the budget for E-911 and Wireless 911 based on rules for allowable Wireless 911 expenses.

Budget Amendment #33 – To budget for a reimbursement to Wireless 911 for 2002-2003 expenditures and comply with rules for allowable Wireless 911 expenses.

Budget Amendment #34 – To transfer funds between programs within the Department of Social Services.

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve Budget Amendment #32 - #34.  Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

OTHER BUSINESS

Rick French, County Manager, discussed the following issues during Other Business:

A.      The 2004 NCACC District Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2004 at the Hudson Uptown Building in Caldwell County from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM.  Mr. French stated that he would be attending along with Chairman Keever, Commissioner Hammer, Health Director Leeanne Whisnant, and DSS Director Karen Hoyle.

B.      A reception honoring Keith Hertzler, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at the Lucas Mansion Gallery from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.  Mr. French informed the Board that Mrs. Denise Elder would serve as Interim Director until a replacement was named.

C.      The Senior Center will be having an orientation process on Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 10:00 AM. 

D.      The Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department is considering an addition to their current building.  Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, noted that the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department would be debt free at the end of the month.  He also noted that the Board was invited to attend their annual meeting tomorrow night, April 20, 2004.

E.       Commissioner Robertson felt that the Board needed to meet soon to discuss air quality standards and the WPCOG’s proposal to retain attorneys to represent counties considered to not be in compliance.  Chairman Keever suggested that the issue be added to the work session to be held after the adjournment of the regular session

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to add the air quality standards issue to the work session agenda.  Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. Minutes from the April 5, 2004 Commissioners’ Meeting.
2. Unifour Consortium HOME Program Resolution.
3. Unifour Consortium HOME Program Joint Cooperation Agreement

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

***SPECIAL RECOGNITION***

Commissioner Harbinson announced that April 19^th was Commissioner Robertson’s birthday.  He also noted that Rick French’s birthday was April 15^th and he wished them both a happy birthday.  Commissioner Harbinson stated that he, as well as Chairman Keever, had brought a cake in celebration of these birthdays, which would be cut during the break between the regular meeting and the work session.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business for the regular meeting, Commissioner Bolick made a motion to adjourn at 7:04 PM to reconvene in the work session.  Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

W. Norris Keever, Chairman         Jamie M. Starnes, Clerk to the Board

Draft

April 19, 2004

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

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Keever called the work session to order at 7:23 PM.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATE & DISCUSSION

Commissioner Harbinson introduced Judge Robert Collier Jr., who was recently appointed to the Board of Transportation, who he stated he had known personally and professionally for 25 years.  Commissioner Harbinson stated that Mr. Collier was a much respected judge who knew the law and would apply the law farily. 

Mr. Collier stated that Mike Holder had asked him to express his apologies for not being present at the meeting.  Mr. Collier noted that Mr. Holder was in a meeting in Raleigh.

Chairman Keever stated that the purpose of this work session was to meet with Mr. Collier to discuss several issues regarding transportation and NCDOT issues.  Chairman Keever discussed the recent proposal for a regional transportation plan and how it seemed to be moving ahead of the study being performed.  He asked Mr. Collier if he could possibly slow that process down to allow the study to be completed before a regional plan was adopted.  Chairman Keever stated that it was the opinion of the Board that regionalizing transportation would present several problems, especially since Alexander County was a much more rural area that the more urban Hickory.

Mr. Collier stated that he had received a copy of the resolution which proposed the regional system; however, he noted that this was all very new to him and he was unaware of the background of the proposal.

Commissioner Bolick stated that when reviewing the resolution proposing a regional system, the Board had many questions and concerns that no one had been able addressed.  He mentioned that because of this, the Board wrote a letter asking the Board of Transportation to hold off on approving the regional system to allow for the study to be completed and public hearings to be held.

Commissioner Robertson expressed his concerns with a regional transportation plan and stated that Alexander County transportation would have much different needs than a more urban area like Hickory.  Commissioner Robertson stated that he understood that Mr. Collier had just begun his tenure on the Board of Transportation but he noted that the Board felt it would be beneficial to meet with him and discuss a few of these issues.

Commissioner Robertson discussed the addition of a new district to our NCDOT region.  Joe Lamb, NCDOT District Maintenance Engineer, replied that Catawba County had been removed from Alexander and Iredell Counties and placed with Lincoln County, creating a third district.

Commissioner Robertson and Clay Lunsford, NCDOT District Engineer, discussed the approval of documents in Raleigh such as driveway permits and encroachments.  Mr. Lunsford noted that the creation of a third district had cut down on paperwork, which would result in better efficiency and customer service.

At this time, Commissioner Bolick left the meeting.  The time was 7:45 PM.

Commissioner Hammer suggested that Mr. Collier get in touch with John Cook, NCDOT County Maintenance Engineer, to arrange a tour of our county.  Commissioner Hammer felt that a tour would allow Mr. Collier to get a much better idea of the needs of this county.

Commissioner Robertson agreed and suggested that Mr. Collier pay particular attention to the roads leading from Bethlehem to Taylorsville.  Commissioner Robertson explained that there were only 2 ways to get from Bethlehem to Taylorsville and both ways had dangerous, curvy roads.  Commissioner Robertson stated that there were many school children that traveled these roads and he felt that a safer path between the two areas was a great need in the county.

There being no further discussion regarding transportation, Chairman Keever thanked Mr. Collier and all the NCDOT staff for attending the work session.  Chairman Keever also conveyed his appreciation for the continued good working relationship between the County and NCDOT.

Mr. Collier stated that he appreciated the opportunity to meet the Board and he welcomed any future dialogue.

YMCA PROPOSAL

Wade Hughes, Suddes & Associates Executive Vice President, and Marcheta Campbell, YMCA Director of Operations, presented a proposal to develop a long-term partnership between the YMCA and Alexander County for outsourced management of the County’s recreation, fitness, and senior programs.  Mr. Hughes began by giving some background information by informing the Board that Suddess & Associates had given the YMCA Management Council a pre-campaign assessment in December 2003, which included a plan to move forward with construction of a new YMCA facility.   Mr. Hughes stated that the YMCA Management Council approved the plan as well as to begin the campaign effort in February 2004.  Mr. Hughes also explained that the pre-campaign assessment had identified through many interviews that there was a possible opportunity for the YMCA to work with Alexander County, which was the purpose of this meeting tonight. 

Mr. Hughes presented the following proposal outline, which he suggested to be discussed in detail to develop an agreement on the possibility of a partnership:

First Meeting Objectives

1.       Agree on the concept and scope of services to be provided in a potential partnership between the County and the YMCA.

2.       Identify all primary issues and assumptions that must be addressed for a partnership to be successful and the resources needed to address those issues and assumptions.

3.       Understand the current costs incurred by the County and which of those costs will be absorbed by the YMCA in a potential partnership.

4.       Determine the appropriate timeframe for the YMCA to propose an arrangement, and for the County to make a final determination on the proposal.

5.       Set a date and time for the next meeting.

Concept and Scope

In order to maximize the impact of limited resources within Alexander County for the fitness and recreation needs of all citizens, the County and the YMCA are considering a long-term partnership whereby:

·         The YMCA will provide all recreational and fitness programming for children, youth, adults, and seniors throughout the county, except for school related sports and fitness.

·         The YMCA will manage the daily activities of the Senior Center and will provide a broader range of programs and activities for seniors.

·         The County will pay the YMCA a management fee on a monthly basis for providing recreational and fitness management services.

·         Set measures and targets will be agreed upon and documented whereby the success of the partnership and the level of service provided can be determined and tracked.

Assumptions

·         The partnership may begin as soon as July 2004 and will extend for a period of 7-10 years, with appropriate mutual performance and termination measure built into the agreement.

·         Current full-time employees of the County Recreation Department will become full-time employees of the YMCA.

·         All currently used facilities will continue to be utilized with current or improved policies in place between the County and Alexander County Public Schools; including, but not limited to, the following:

o        YMCA will provide on-site supervision by authorized personnel to ensure appropriate behavior of participants, for care and maintenance of facilities, and emergencies.

o        YMCA will have sufficient liability insurance coverage.

o        Utility costs will continue to be covered by the County.

o        Grounds maintenance will still be provided by the County.

·         The YMCA will be the primary communication point with all community citizens and sports organizations to coordinate all logistics, keep the community informed of all programs, and resolve issues and disputes related to recreational and fitness programs.

·         A total of 2 seats will be provided on the YMCA Management Council.  One seat will be dedicated to County Manager and another to a representative such as a county commissioner, member of the senior center committee, etc. to ensure property representation of all stakeholders.  These representatives will be appointed by the County to serve the normal YMCA Management Council term of 3 years.

·         Both a Recreation and Senior Committee of the YMCA Management Council will be formed to provide guidance in organized sports and other activities while addressing specific needs of the various communities and other stakeholders.

·         Grants and other proceeds received by the County to provide Senior Center services will continue to be received by the County and paid to the YMCA in order to offset outsourced management fees.

·         Any program service fees for recreational and fitness activities will be collected and retained by the YMCA.  (Currently, the County records no revenues for such program services)

Chairman Keever felt that moving ahead with the proposal in July 2004 would be too ambitious and he suggested that a committee be established to study the issues.  Chairman Keever suggested that the committee include representatives from the County, YMCA, and school system as well as community groups, the County Manager, and a County Commissioner.  Chairman Keever felt that this committee should be appointed in May 2004 and should have until October 2004 to discuss the proposal, determine if it is feasible and, if so, develop a plan on how to accomplish it.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that the community recreation organizations were the backbone, the heart and soul of recreation in Alexander County.  Commissioner Harbinson stated that these volunteers organized fundraisers, sold concessions, and did everything they could to keep recreation programs going.  Commissioner Harbinson felt that these community organizations needed to be involved in this process and he asked that they be included in some way when forming the committee such as allowing the president of each community organization be appointed.   Commissioner Harbinson also pointed out that the YMCA needed to convince these organizations that this was a good thing if they wanted to be successful.  He suggested that this presentation be made to each community organization.

Commissioner Robertson agreed with Commissioner Harbinson and he also noted that Jon Presnell and Doug Fox were vital to the success of recreation now and would be vital to the success of the YMCA’s proposal if approved.  Therefore, Commissioner Robertson suggested that Mr. Presnell and Mr. Fox be considered as ex-officio members of the committee.

Commissioner Robertson asked when the new facility was to be constructed.  Mr. Hughes stated that the new facility was expected to be built in June 2006.  Mr. Hughes explained that the fundraising campaign would continue through January 2005 but he noted the donations would be taken up until the grand opening.  He also noted that it was the intent of the YMCA to move forward with the partnership with the County to allow time to work through every season of recreation.

Chairman Keever replied that if the committee agreed to move forward with the partnership by October, the agreement could be finalized between then and January 2005.  Chairman Keever stated that this would allow time for the partnership to be included in budget discussions as well as to get through all recreational seasons before the new facility would be occupied.

Commissioner Hammer discussed the inclusion of the Senior Center in the proposal.  He noted that the Senior Center Advisory Board would be having a meeting tomorrow, April 20, 2004 and he felt that he should make the board aware of these negotiations.

Commissioner Harbinson suggested the YMCA make a presentation to the entire Recreation Board as well as the Senior Center Board.

Rick French, County Manager, discussed the true cost for the Recreation Department and the Senior Center to provide services and he pointed out that even though each department had a budget, it cost much more when considering what communities and volunteers donate and help with.  Mr. French also stated that the school system played a big part in Recreation because their facilities were used and he noted that the Senior Center was unique because it received its on grants. 

Commissioner Robertson suggested that Chairman Keever, Commissioner Harbinson, and Rick French determine the structure of the committee and members to be appointed.  Commissioner Robertson suggested a 5 to 7 member committee be formed.

Chairman Keever informed the Board that he would place a copy of the structure in their boxes once he, Commissioner Harbinson, and Mr. French had made the determination.

Chairman Keever thanked Mr. Hughes and Ms. Campbell for their proposal.

AIR QUALITY DISCUSSION

Commissioner Robertson stated that the WPCOG had proposed to retain legal consultation due the recent EPA action concerning ozone.  Commissioner Robertson stated that Chairman Keever had drafted a letter requesting the WPCOG contract the legal service instead of doing it in house.

Commissioner Robertson felt that it was unfair for Alexander County to be placed in groups with counties like Mecklenburg to determine ozone levels.  He stated that he knew that Alexander County was not contributing to the ozone problem; however, he pointed out that we would be penalized since one of the two monitors throughout the state had been placed on Highway 16 South.  Commissioner Robertson stated that the ozone rating would result in more costly car inspections, more expensive fuels, and a disadvantage to industries interested in Alexander County because of a non-attainment status.  Commissioner Robertson felt it was time that something was done and he suggested that the Board consider contacting the attorneys currently involved in a similar action representing Davidson County to determine if litigation would be helpful.

John Marshall, WPCOG Transportation Planner, stated that on April 15^th the EPA took in all of Catawba and Alexander Counties and only part of Burke and Caldwell Counties in regards to ozone pollution.  Mr. Marshall assumed that all of Alexander County was taken in because the monitor was located here.  Mr. Marshall mentioned that the ozone was not produced in Alexander County but he noted that it was carried by wind from Atlanta TPA and from Charlotte.

Chairman Keever stated that the Board would discuss this issue further at a later date.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Commissioner Robertson made a motion to adjourn at 8:46 PM.   Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion.   The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

W. Norris Keever, Chairman         Jamie M. Starnes, Clerk to the Board