Draft

September 13, 2004

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, September 13, 2004 in 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.

MOMENT OF SILENCE

The Board held a moment of silence for Haylee Morrison who was tragically killed in a car accident on August 30, 2004.  Chairman Keever noted that Haylee led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag at the April 5, 2004 Commissioners’ Meeting.

INVOCATION & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Pastor Ray Ohlendorf, Salem Lutheran Church, gave the invocation and Alek Ayer, student at Hiddenite Elementary School, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

***SPECIAL RECOGNITION***

Commissioner Hammer recognized the 150^th anniversary of Salem Lutheran Church, which was recently celebrated at a Founding Father’s Day held on Sunday, August 1, 2004.   Commissioner Hammer pointed out that Salem Lutheran Church was organized on August 27, 1854.  He presented a Key to the County to Pastor Ray Ohlendorf, on behalf of the entire Board of Commissioners, in recognition of 150 years of faithful worship and celebration.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Rick French, County Manager, requested the addition of a public hearing as Agenda Item #2A to discuss a CDBG grant for Advantage Wood Products.  Mr. French noted that the public hearing had already been advertised.

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:   SUBMISSION OF 2004 INFRASTRUCTURE WATER HOOK-UP CDBG APPLICATION – SECOND HEARING

Nancy Coley, WPCOG Community Development Administrator, stated that this was the second public hearing required before submitting an application to the N.C. Department of Commerce Division of Community Assistance for the 2004 CDBG Infrastructure Water Hook-Up Project.  Ms. Coley stated that the application would request $75,000 to provide 60 residential water taps and 60 connections to low and moderate income citizens of Alexander County.  She also noted that CDBG funds would provide 100% of the project cost.  

Ms. Coley informed the Board that the project budget for the water hookups was $63,750 and she noted that the administration budget was $11,250.  She also explained that any hookups made on rental property would require the landlord and the tenant to qualify as low or moderate income households.  Ms. Coley stated that funds would be used to cap the existing well or spring on the property and also to connect the home to the water line.  She also pointed out that these funds would be used to repair leaking pipes if any occurred.

Ms. Coley mentioned that the water providers in Alexander County participating in this project included Alexander County, the Town of Taylorsville, and EnergyUnited Water Corporation.

Chairman Keever asked how citizens could obtain a grant application.  Ms. Coley stated that the grant would be advertised in The Taylorsville Times and also on WACB Radio.  She also stated that applications would be available in County offices and she noted that staff would receive referrals from Alexander County Department of Social Services as well as the Town and EnergyUnited water offices.

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

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the submission of the application for the 2004 CDBG Infrastructure Water Hook-Up Project.  Commissioner Watts seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

PUBLIC HEARING:   LILEDOUN / RINK DAM ROAD CDBG #01-C-0870 CLOSEOUT

Nancy Coley, WPCOG Community Development Administrator, stated that this public hearing was required before submitting closeout documents for CDBG #01-C-0870 Liledoun / Rink Dam Road Water Project.

Ms. Coley explained that $794,000 in grant funds had been used to construct public water lines, taps, and household connections to serve the residents on Liledoun Road, Sipe Road, Jenkins Loop, Arthur Jenkins Lane, Herman Road, Rink Dam Road, Fess Little Road, and Valley Hill Drive.  She also pointed out that the County had successfully completed this project and had served 129 households containing 305 persons.  Ms. Coley stated that 91% of persons benefiting from this grant were low or moderate income and she noted that 28 persons were disabled and 36 were female head-of-households.  Ms. Coley stated that CDBG funds financed 75% of the total project cost of $1,056,455.

Commissioner Watts asked when this project initially began.  Ms. Coley replied that the grant was applied for in 2001, the funding was received in 2002, and construction began in 2003.

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 Robertson seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to authorize submission of closeout documents for CDBG #01-C-0870 Liledoun / Rink Dam Road Project.  Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

PUBLIC HEARING:   ADVANTAGE WOOD PRODUCTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) APPLICATION

David Icenhour, Economic Development Director, requested the submission of a CDBG application for water and sewer service for Advantage Wood Products.  Mr. Icenhour stated that the total cost for the water project would be $268,850 and would require a match of $67,213, which would be provided by Advantage Wood Products and EnergyUnited.  He also pointed out that the total cost for the sewer project would be $141,350, requiring a match of $35,338, which would be provided by Alexander County, Advantage Wood Products, and the Town of Taylorsville.

Commissioner Watts asked if Advantage Wood Products, the Town, and EnergyUnited had agreed to provide these matching funds.  Mr. Icenhour replied that he had met with those entities this morning to discuss the project.  He noted that all entities were agreeable to the matches.

Mr. Icenhour pointed out, however, that the County would be applying for a grant through the N.C. Rural Center for the matching funds for the water and sewer projects for Advantage Wood Products.  Mr. Icenhour explained that if the grant was received, no funds would be required from the County, Town, EnergyUnited, or Advantage Wood Products.

Mr. Icenhour thanked Nancy Coley and Sherry Long from the WPCOG for their assistance with the CDBG grant application as well as the N.C. Rural Center grant.  He also noted that the County would administer the CDBG grant, meaning that there would be some administrative fees that would need to be paid.

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

Chairman Keever made a motion to approve the submission of the CDBG application for Advantage Wood Products Water & Sewer Project.  Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Watts thanked David Icenhour as well as Nancy Coley and Sherry Long for their hard work on obtaining grants to help extend the County’s money and benefit the citizens of the county.

REPORT ON ELLENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXPANSION

Michael Nail, Ellendale Fire Department Chief, informed the Board that the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department was planning to construct a 50 x 90 addition to their existing building.  Mr. Nail stated that the price tag for the project, according to G & C Construction, totaled approximately $170,000, which would include grading and re-roofing the existing building with the same type metal roofing for the new addition.  He also noted that David Land, member of the fire department board of directors, had volunteered to do the electrical work for the addition at cost.

Mr. Nail stated that Rayford Stafford had donated over a tenth of an acre to help accommodate the addition and he noted that Kristy and Kelly Bumgarner had agreed to allow the fire department to place septic lines on their property.  Mr. Nail stated that the neighbors had been extremely good to the fire department for which he was thankful.

Mr. Nail stated that the addition would include 6 new bays that would face Highway 127.   He mentioned that the 2 existing bays would be used as truck bays or possibly to house an ambulance during winter storms if needed.  Mr. Nail informed the Board that the grading had already begun as well as tree and stump removal.  He pointed out the fire department members had been working with Environmental Health staff in order to pump the current septic system and make plans for a new septic system.

Mr. Nail stated that he became chief of Ellendale Fire Department in 1990 or 1991.  At that time, the fire department was operating on a budget of $25,000.  Mr. Nail conveyed his appreciation to the Board for approving the countywide fire tax which brought the fire department budget up to $42,000.  Mr. Nail stated that this increase allowed the fire department to make improvements and purchase much needed equipment.  He also stated that the fire department relied heavily on grant funding.

Commissioner Robertson asked how much of the $170,000 the fire department would have to finance.   Mr. Nail replied that almost the entire amount would be financed.  He explained that a loan was being prepared with First Community Bank for the addition for payments of approximately $20,000 a year.

Commissioner Hammer commended the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department for a great job.  He stated that the space needs were obvious and he thanked them for their hard work in the Ellendale community.

Commissioner Bolick discussed a letter he received a year or so ago from the Mayor in Honduras, where he had done some missionary work, requesting used fire equipment, turn out gear, etc.  Commissioner Bolick informed the Board that the people of Honduras used only wet blankets for protection when entering a burning building.  Commissioner Bolick stated that he contacted Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, who gathered used equipment from each fire department to send to Honduras, which totaled a retail value of approximately $30,000.  Commissioner Bolick conveyed his appreciation to those departments that donated the equipment.

Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, stated that the Ellendale Volunteer Fire Department worked hard to raise money.  He informed the Board that the fire department would hold its 3^rd annual car show on Saturday, September 18, 2004 and he noted that no taxpayer’s money would be used for the event.

CONSIDERATION OF CONSULTANT FOR CABLE FRANCHISE

Rick French, County Manager, presented information from Telecommunications Consulting Associates.  He explained that he, as well as other board members, had spoken with John C. Howell at the NCACC meeting regarding auditing of cable franchises.

Mr. French stated that Telecommunications Consulting Associates would perform an audit of franchise fees to uncover underpayments in the County.  He pointed out that the cost for the audit would be $2,500.   Mr. French felt this audit was needed for the Alexander County franchise agreement with Charter Communications.

Commissioner Robertson stated that McDowell County, who also has a franchise agreement with Charter Communications, had their franchise fees audited.  Commissioner Robertson stated that McDowell County had always recovered their expense.

Commissioner Watts asked how far back the audit would go.  Mr. French replied that the audit would begin in the year 2000 and continue through 2004.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to authorize the County Manager to proceed with determining if an audit would be beneficial and, if so, to move forward with hiring the consultant.  Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

ALEXANDER COUNTY COMMUNITY GRANTS APPLICATION

Rick French, County Manager, stated that the County would again be offering the Community Grants program to encourage the efforts of volunteer groups working to improve our communities.  Mr. French stated that the County would award a matching grant up to a maximum of $1,000 for the cost of materials for community projects.  He also pointed out that applications required information such as number of hours involved, benefit to the community, estimated budget, etc.

Mr. French stated that the grant program was being advertised in The Taylorsville Times and he noted that applications were available at the County Administration Office, Tax Office, Register of Deeds, Transportation Department, Library, and also on the County webpage.  Mr. French pointed out that the deadline to submit an application was September 24, 2004.

BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #8

Rick French, County Manager, discussed the purpose of Budget Amendment #8, which included the following information:

Budget Amendment #8 – To budget for Help America Vote Act Grant.  To budget for training and travel costs for the Institute of Government’s County Administration Course.  To budget for co-sponsorship of Chamber Nite – Dancing’ in the Streets.  To budget for County matching portion of a grant for bulletproof vests.  To budget for a refund to the N.C. Department of Juvenile Justice for 2003-2004 Department of Homeland Security Grant.  To budget for the Nurturing Program (Smart Start funds) administered by Social Services.  To budget for payments to the WPCOG for Future Forward Economic Alliance and Air Quality Assessment.

Commissioner Watts asked how the Help America Vote Act Grant had been utilized.  Linda Mundy, Board of Elections Director, was present at the meeting and was able to address Commissioner Watts’ question.  Ms. Mundy stated that the grant funding was being used to bring all the precincts into compliance with ADA.  She explained that staff had purchased signs for each precinct as well as handicap voting booths.  Ms. Mundy noted that staff had until December 2004 to spend the money.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve Budget Amendment #8.  Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS & REAPPOINTMENTS

Commissioner Hammer presented the following appointments and reappointments:

A.      BOARD OF HEALTH

Appoint April Chapman             3-year terms

Reappoint Alan Grant

Reappoint Jody Papazekos

Reappoint Bob Phillips, Jr.

B.      FUTURE FORWARD ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Appoint public sector member

Commissioner Hammer asked that the Board to have suggestions for a Future Forward public sector member at the next Commissioners’ Meeting. 

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the appointments and reappointments.  Commissioner Robertson 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 WPCOG Policy Board Meeting will be held at the CVCC / Alexander Center on September 28, 2004 at 7:00 PM.   Mr. French invited the entire Board to attend.

B.       The October 18, 2004 Commissioners’ Meeting will be held at the Bethlehem Elementary School in the media center.

C.      Jamie Starnes, Clerk to the Board, forwarded legislative goals discussed at the last meeting to the NCACC.

D.      The Board needs to appoint a trustee to the Firemen’s Relief Fund.  Mr. French stated that Tim Holman had been recommended to replace Roger Starnes who had recently retired.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the appointment of Tim Holman to the Firemen’s Relief Fund.  Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion.  The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. Tax Release Requests for August $3,171.58 and Tax Refund Requests for August $4,484.70.
2. Minutes from August 16, 2004 Regular Commissioners’ Meeting.
3. Alexander County Criminal Justice Partnership Program Advisory Board Bylaws.
4. Mutual Aid Agreement for EMS Services – Alexander / Catawba.

Commissioner Watts requested a minor change be made to the August 16, 2004 Commissioners’ Meeting minutes in reference to his father’s work as the organizer of the local Morehead Scholarship Program.

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

COMMENTS BY COMMISSIONER BOLICK

Commissioner Bolick stated that 35 Alexander County residents traveled to Angola Prison in Louisiana this past weekend to sponsor a Father/Child Day at the prison’s Rodeo Arena.  He noted that approximately 400 children got to spend time with their fathers at this event.

Commissioner Bolick stated that he was proud that so many people from this county stepped out and volunteered to help this cause.

CLOSED SESSION – N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1, 5, & 6) TO PREVENT DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, CONTRACTUAL, & PERSONNEL

Chairman Keever made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 6:47 PM to prevent disclosure of confidential information as well as to discuss contractual matters and personnel issues pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1, 5, & 6).  Commissioner Watts 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 7:50 PM.   Commissioner Watts seconded the motion.   The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

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