Draft
November 15, 2004
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held a regular
meeting on CALL TO ORDER Chairman Keever called the meeting to order at INVOCATION & PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE Rev. Mickey Moree, Pastor of First United Methodist Church in MOMENT OF SILENCE The Board held a moment of silence for David Ellis who passed away today following a long battle with cancer. Chairman Keever noted that Mr. Ellis had been a fireman with Wittenburg and Ellendale Volunteer Fire Departments and asked the members of the Board and staff to keep Mr. Ellis’ family in their prayers. ***SPECIAL
RECOGNITIONS*** Chairman Keever recognized several individuals that recently received the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. Plaques were presented to the following individuals on behalf of the Board to acknowledge these awards: Alfred Lex Johnson in appreciation of dedicated service as founder of the Wittenburg Volunteer Fire Department and for 37 years of service in many different capacities such as active fireman, treasurer, and board of directors member. Commissioner Hammer stated that he had known Mr. Johnson for 30 or more years and he pointed out that Mr. Johnson was a leader in the community. Commissioner Hammer conveyed his appreciation to Mr. Johnson for his service and loyalty to his community. J.C. & Betty Julian in
appreciation of 15 years of volunteer service to the Stony Point Ruritan Club, 40 years
dedicated service to Habitat for Humanity in appreciation
of humanitarian service for Wesley Bolick in appreciation of
services as a counselor for Forgiven Ministry. Commissioner
Bolick stated that he would accept the plaque on behalf of Forgiven Ministry and Founder
Scottie Barnes. Commissioner Bolick explained
that the Forgiven Ministry organization provided shelter to families visiting loved ones
in prison as well as organized camps for inmates to spend weekends with their children. He stated that Forgiven Ministry was becoming known
worldwide and he noted that Ms. Barnes received phone calls every week from individuals
and groups requesting information about services provided.
He also mentioned that the group recently visited Anna Ferguson in appreciation of
volunteer service in numerous organizations in ***SPECIAL
ANNOUNCEMENT*** David Icenhour, Economic Development Director, informed the Board that a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) had been approved to install water and sewer lines for Advantage Wood Products. Mr. Icenhour gave a brief update of the project. He stated that Advantage Wood Products would be
housed in the former Leviton building located on Mr. Icenhour stated that the total cost for the water and sewer project was $440,200 and he noted that the CDBG would provide $337,649. He stated that the remaining $102,551 would normally be the amount required as the 25% local match; however, he explained that the Town of Taylorsville had received a N.C. Rural Center grant in the amount of $298,500, part of which would be used to pay the matching funds for the Advantage Wood Products water and sewer project since the project involved the Town’s wastewater treatment facility. Mr. Icenhour stated that the CDBG application was completed in-house. He thanked Town Manager David Odom as well as Nancy Coley and Sherry Long with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments for their help with the project. Commissioner Bolick thanked Mr. Icenhour for his work on the project. Chairman Keever also conveyed his appreciation to Mr. Icenhour and to those who assisted in the grant application process. He also noted that the Board hoped more grants could be done in-house. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Commissioner Robertson made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. PUBLIC HEARING: REZONING CASE 04-8:
CHILDERS Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development,
presented Rezoning Case 04-8 submitted by James and Gilda Childers. Mr. & Mrs. Childers requested rezoning of
property located on Ms. Turnmire stated that the applicants wished to rezone the property in order to place one singlewide manufactured home on the property for their daughter and granddaughter. Ms. Turnmire informed the Board that Michelle Childers, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Childers, had obtained construction approval through the Environmental Health Department to place a second septic system on the property. She also stated that the secondary structure would abide by the accessory manufactured home regulations. Ms. Turnmire stated that the Alexander County Zoning Ordinance identified RA-20 (Residential-Agricultural) as a zoning district 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. She pointed out that this district was designed to stabilize and encourage a healthful environment for family life in areas where neither public nor community water or sewer facilities were available. Ms. Turnmire informed the Board that uses allowed in the RA-20 district included but were not limited to single-family site-built and modular homes, manufactured homes, two-family dwellings, multi-family apartments, and duplexes. She noted that all of the uses allowed in RA-20 should be considered, not only the use of which the applicant was applying. Ms. Turnmire also mentioned that the subject property and surrounding area was not classified in the future land use section of the Land Development Plan. Ms. Turnmire informed the Board that Planning &
Development staff recommended approval of the rezoning request. She also stated that following a public hearing
held on 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 Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve Rezoning Case 04-8. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. PUBLIC HEARING: FY 2006 COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM GRANT Patti Foster, Transportation Director, informed the Board that
a public hearing was only required for the FY 2006 Community Transportation Program Grant
if requested by Commissioner Robertson made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. RESOLUTION TO APPLY FOR
THE FY 2006 COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM GRANT Patti Foster, Transportation Director, presented a resolution
to apply for the FY 2006 Community Transportation Program Grant due Ms. Foster stated that Administrative funding was reimbursed at 85% federal share with a local match of 15%. She also mentioned that Employee Development funding was reimbursed at 85% federal share with a local match of 15% and she noted that Capital, Technology, and Facility Renovation/Repair funding were reimbursed at 90% federal and/or state share with a 10% local match. Ms. Foster stated that the amount of funding to be applied for
by Ms. Foster informed the Board that 3 vehicles would be replaced with the $105,000 for Capital, Technology, and Facility Renovation/Repair funding. She also noted that office furniture and extra tie down straps would also be purchased. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the resolution to apply for the FY 2006 Community Transportation Program Grant. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Commissioner Watts suggested that a line item be established
in the County budget specifically for local matches of grants. Commissioner Watts felt that a line item would
provide a more accurate reflection of those monies from a budgetary standpoint. Rick French, PRESENTATION OF
2003-2004 AUDIT Paula Hodges, Audit Manager for Martin Starnes & Associates, presented a Power Point Slide Show Presentation to the Board for presentation of the 2003-2004 Audit Summary, which was as follows:
Audit Results · Unqualified opinion · Unreserved fund balance $2,186,737 · Increase in fund balance $282,728 · Unreserved fund balance is 10% of general fund expenditures Fund Balance History · $2,784,527 in 2002 · $4,275,486 in 2003 · $4,558,214 in 2004 Property Valuation History · $1,379,047 in 2001 · $1,443,743 in 2002 · $1,995,247 in 2003 · $1,995,114 in 2004 Comparative Averages for N.C. Counties with
Population of 25,000 to 49,999
Available General Fund- fund balance $2,186,737 $7,213,250* Property tax rate 0.465 0.6186* Appraisal adjusted rate 0.4605** 0.5115* Collection percentage 95.51% 95.15%* Collection percentage: Excluding motor vehicles 96.63% 96.35%* Motor vehicles 87.35% 84.93%* * Reference: LGC memos #1012 & 1014 ( ** Note:
Alexander’s figures are as of Net Cost of Services Provided – General Fund · Education – 41% · Public Safety – 23% · Human Services – 18% · General Government – 10% · Cultural & Recreation – 3% · Environmental Protection & Economic Development – 2% · Interest & Fees – 3% General Fund Revenues 2003 & 2004 · Ad Valorem Taxes - $9,373,507 in 2003 & $9,408,256 in 2004 · Other Intergovernmental - $3,833,255 in 2003 & $4,010,537 in 2004 · Local Option Sales Tax - $5,281,617 in 2003 & $5,726,289 in 2004 · Sales & Service - $2,087,171 in 2003 & $2,087,792 in 2004 · Permits, Fees, & Other Revenue - $572,836 in 2003 & $583,326 in 2004 · Investment Earnings - $34,173 in 2003 & $32,233 in 2004 · Other Taxes & Licenses - $99,780 in 2003 & $100,867 in 2004 General Fund Expenditures 2003 & 2004 · Human Services - $7,551,965 in 2003 & $8,089,925 in 2004 · Education - $4,675,185 in 2003 & $4,534,261 in 2004 (decrease due to pass through capital outlay from PCBCB) · Public Safety - $3,843,692 in 2003 & $4,102,973 in 2004 · General Government - $2,078,496 in 2003 & $2,183,321 in 2004 · Debt Service - $1,191,112 in 2003 & $2,328,462 in 2004 (increase due to first full year of debt service for classroom project related debt) · Environmental Protection & Economic Development - $366,985 in 2003 & $437,352 in 2004 · Cultural & Recreation - $542,895 in 2003 & $531,912 in 2004 Solid Waste Fund Overview
2003
2004 Cash from operations $(87,666) $117,247 Budgetary net income $ 78,069 $ 19,546 GAAP net income $ 95,197 $ 46,472
Water Funds Overview
Hwy.
16 Cash from operations $ 245,239 $ 309,210 $ 100,418 Budgetary net income $ 64,178 $ 45,565 $ 47,386
GAAP
net income
$1,419,807 $ 95,157
$ 172,412 Commissioner Robertson felt that the property values for 2004 were less than those in 2003 because of the many industrial and commercial properties that had closed. Commissioner Watts asked Ms. Hodges if this was a trend seen in other municipalities. Ms. Hodges replied that the downturn in the economy over the past several years had affected many other municipalities. Commissioner Watts asked how many counties fell into this comparative group. Jennifer Herman, Finance Director, replied that there were 20 to 25 counties in this grouping. Commissioner Watts inquired about comparative data regarding Ms. Herman informed the Board that the percentage that debt bore to the County’s total assessed property evaluation was .87%, which was very low. Ms. Hodges pointed out that the Solid Waste Fund, as well as the Water Fund, was able to support the cost of operation within the fund for 2002. Commissioner Robertson stated that this was the first consecutive year that the Solid Waste Fund had achieved this in its history. Commissioner Watts inquired about the final payment on the Solid Waste Transfer Station. Ms. Herman replied that the final payment had been made in October 2004 and she noted that the garbage truck would be paid in full in June 2005. Ms. Hodges thanked County Manager Rick French, Finance Director Jennifer Herman, and the Finance Department staff for their assistance with the audit. Chairman Keever thanked the Martin Starnes & Associates staff as well as Mr. French and Ms. Herman for the work they did during the audit process. Commissioner Robertson conveyed his appreciation to Ms. Herman for looking after the County budget and also to Martin Starnes & Associates for the report. Commissioner Hammer stated that the Finance Department staff always did an outstanding job. He also thanked Chairman Keever and Commissioner Robertson for serving on the Finance Committee. Commissioner Bolick made a motion to approve the 2003-2004 Audit Summary as presented. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. EQUIPMENT FINANCING FOR
REGISTER OF DEEDS Jennifer Herman, Finance Director, discussed the need to replace some imaging equipment in the Register of Deeds Office. Ms. Herman stated that staff received 3 informal bids for new imaging equipment which included a bid of $45,138 from Realstar Solutions, $38,869 from InterNet Technologies, Inc., and $34,000 from Parker-Lowe & Associates. She also noted that staff mailed information to 5 banks requesting bids for financing of the project. Those 5 banks included First Citizens Bank, BB&T Governmental Finance, Bank of America, Peoples Bank, and Wachovia Bank. Ms. Herman stated that First Citizens provided a bid with the lowest rate of 3.15% for 5 years. Ms. Herman presented a Resolution Authorizing the Finance Officer to Execute an Installment Purchase Contract for the Purchase of Imaging Equipment for the Register of Deeds. Ms. Herman recommended that the Board accept the bid of $34,000 from Parker-Lowe & Associates for the imaging equipment as well as the bid from First Citizens Bank. Ms. Herman pointed out that the annual payment would actually be reduced from the current $8,900 to $7,500 per year. Ben Hines, Register of Deeds, introduced Keith Parker Lowe and
Phil Prescott, Parker-Lowe & Associates, who traveled here from Commissioner Robertson asked if the workstation required for the new imaging equipment was included in the bid. Mr. Lowe replied that the workstation was included. Ms. Herman stated that First Citizens Bank would have to be
notified in writing by Commissioner Bolick made a motion to approve the Resolution Authorizing the Finance Officer to Execute an Installment Purchase Contract for the Purchase of Imaging Equipment for the Register of Deeds with First Citizens Bank at a rate of 3.15%. Commissioner Watts seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT
OF THE FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT Chairman Keever presented a Resolution in Support of the Federal Marriage Amendment, which declared the belief that marriage was a union between a man and a woman. Commissioner Bolick asked if this resolution would be forwarded to any particular person or organization once approved. Greg Barefoot, Pastor of Stony Point Baptist Church, stated that he was requesting every county commission board in N.C. to consider this resolution to be presented to the N.C. General Assembly. Mr. Barefoot stated that the goal was to have every county in N.C. approve the resolution to show the General Assembly where each county stood on the marriage amendment issue. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the Resolution in Support of the Federal Marriage Amendment. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. BUDGET ORDINANCE
AMENDMENTS #12 - #15 Rick French, Budget Amendment #12 – To budget for a technology grant from the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). To transfer budget amounts for the Homeland Security Grant from the 911 Communications Department to the Emergency Management Department. To budget for a replacement of the Home Health vehicle that was wrecked. To budget for a Wal-Mart community grant for audiovisual materials. To adjust the budget for changes in funding from the Division of Aging. Budget Amendment #13 – To increase a transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Improvements Fund for technology needs. To repay the General Fund for a portion of the transfers to the Solid Waste Fund in prior years. Budget Amendment #14 – To increase a transfer from the General Fund to the Capital Improvements Fund for technology needs. Budget Amendment #15 – To repay the General Fund for a portion of the transfers to the Solid Waste Fund in prior years. Commissioner Watts requested clarification in regards to the Homeland Security Grant line item included in Budget Amendment #12. Jennifer Herman, Finance Director, explained that this money was from the 2003 Homeland Security Grant that was carried over into this fiscal year. She stated that the grant funding had originally been budgeted in the 911 Communications department; however, she stated that the purpose of the budget amendment was to simply transfer the remaining funds into the Emergency Management Department budget for 2004-2005. Commissioner Robertson discussed the HAVA grant and conveyed his appreciation to the Board of Elections and staff for the tremendous job they did during the recent election. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve Budget Amendments #12 - #15. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. BOARD APPOINTMENTS
& REAPPOINTMENTS Commissioner Hammer presented the following appointments: A. FUTURE FORWARD Appoint Dr. Librado Gonzalez as public sector member B. PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD Appoint Donna Fincannon as county representative C. AMIMAL CONTROL ADVISORY BOARD Appoint rural area member Appoint veterinarian Appoint public health member Appoint law enforcement member Appoint hunter Appoint urban area member Appoint member at large Commissioner Hammer stated that he would be working on recruiting members for the Animal Control Advisory Board before the next meeting. He requested anyone with recommendations for the advisory board to contact him or Jamie Starnes, Clerk to the Board. Commissioner Bolick suggested that Gary Herman advertise the Animal Control Advisory Board in The Taylorsville Times. Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the other
appointments. Commissioner Robertson seconded
the motion. The Board voted unanimously in
favor of the motion. OTHER BUSINESS Rick French, A.
Chairman Keever and Mr. French
will be attending a Medicaid Reform Commission Meeting on B.
Commissioner Watts, David
Icenhour, and Mr. French will be attending a Future Forward Leadership Summit on CONSENT AGENDA A. Tax Release Requests for October $1,120.60 and Tax Refund Requests for October $1,340.85. B.
Minutes from C.
Alexander D. ACHS Vocational Classes Improvements for the Courthouse Lawn. E. Resolution for Designation of Applicant’s Agent. Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. COMMENTS FROM OUTGOING
COMMISSIONER Commissioner Watts stated that although he had only served in this seat for 4 months, he appreciated the opportunity to serve as well as the legacy that David Odom started with his second term. Commissioner Watts congratulated the winners of the recent election and advised them to govern wisely and govern fairly. He asked the Board to remember that they served all the people all the time regardless of whether or not those people voted for them. Commissioner Watts stated that he had no intention of serving in the public capacity; however, he noted that he had never been one to adopt any absolutes in his life. He mentioned that there was currently a need for him to care for some family members, specifically his mother. Commissioner Watts wished the Board nothing but the best for
the governing of Chairman Keever stated that he appreciated Commissioner Watt’s service and his interest to the betterment of the county. Commissioner Robertson stated that he had served with Commissioner Watts longer than anyone on the Board and he noted that he greatly respected Commissioner Watts. He pointed out that when he and Commissioner Watts were on opposite sides on an issue they always disagreed without being disagreeable. Commissioner Robertson conveyed his appreciation to Commissioner Watts for serving on the Board as well as the Board of Education and he noted that Commissioner Watts’ primary focus was and always had been education. Commissioner Robertson also thanked Commissioner Watts’ family for their support and for allowing him to serve. Commissioner Robertson thanked Commissioner Watts for his service and dedication and he wished him the very best. Commissioner Hammer also stated that he knew education was dear to Commissioner Watts’ heart and also that his family came first. Commissioner Hammer conveyed his appreciation to Commissioner Watts for serving on the Board. Commissioner Bolick stated that he had served with Commissioner Watts as a fellow commissioner and also when Commissioner Watts was serving as chairman of the board. He noted that Commissioner Watts was a very fair chairman. Commissioner Bolick also noted that Commissioner Watts and his son Jonathan had volunteered at the very first Habitat for Humanity House that was built and he thanked him for that. Commissioner Watts thanked the members of the Board for their comments. ***RECOGNITION OF ACHS
COUGARS*** Larry Yoder was proud to announce that the Commissioner Robertson recognized the ACHS Varsity
Cheerleaders who competed in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Cheerleading
Competition in CLOSED SESSION –
N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1, 5, & 6) TO PREVENT THE DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION, CONTRACTUAL, & PERSONNEL Commissioner Bolick made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 7:10 PM to prevent the 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 Watts made a
motion to adjourn at
W. Norris Keever, Chairman Jamie M. Starnes, Clerk to the Board
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