Draft

June 6, 2000

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held their monthly meeting on June 6, 2000 in the Commissioner's Room in the Alexander County Courthouse, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

PEOPLE'S AGENDA

Chairman Watts called the People's Agenda to order at 6:49 p.m.

Dan Hignight with American Legion Baseball stated that he currently pays $95 per game to the Alexander County Recreation Department for use of Bob Gryder Field. When the contract agreement first began, the Recreation Department was responsible for duties such as mowing, chalking lines on the fields, and cleaning up after games. Mr. Hignight stated that for some time, the American Legion Baseball teams have had to take on these responsibilities, and he feels that the $95 fee should be waived. Chairman Watts stated that he was unaware of this matter and instructed Rick French, County Manager, to consult with the Recreation Department.

Berton Bailey inquired about the issue of dangerous animals in the area (lions, tigers, etc.) Mr. Bailey stated that these animals were a threat to society and he did not wish for them to be near his residence. Mr. Bailey also inquired about the proposed 6 cent tax increase. Chairman Watts stated that 3 cents was for the acquisition of the Hospital property and the other 3 cents was for the funding for the Board of Education school renovation projects.

Solon Mitchell asked the Board when a water line could be installed on Linney's Grove Road. Linney's Grove Road is off of Cheatham Ford Road, which is included in the Energy United Agreement. The agreement does not include a Linney's Grove Road water line extension. Commissioner Odom stated that the first step in requesting water from the County was to present a petition of residents in the area stating that they want a water line and agree to pay to hook on. Commissioner Odom instructed Mr. Mitchell to start a petition and contact Rick French, County Manager.

Carl Clariso approached the Board about alcohol sales in Alexander County. Mr. Clariso stated that Catawba County is growing faster than Alexander, and felt that it is because Alexander County is dry. Mr. Clariso stated his belief that many restaurants would open in the County if they could sell mixed drinks, and alcohol sales could create more tax revenue. Mr. Clariso recommended allowing the citizens to vote on the matter.

REGULAR MEETING

Chairman Watts called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Commissioner Robertson gave the invocation and also reminded everyone to remember June 6, 2000 as the anniversary of D-Day. Parks Harrington, 2^nd grader at Hiddenite Elementary School and Cub Scout member of Pack #280, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Commissioner Bolick presented the Citizen of the Month award to Noah Lail. Commissioner Bolick stated that Mr. Lail has served Alexander County for many years and has been a blessing to the Bethlehem community. Mr. Lail has served on the Board of Education and the Bethlehem Association, was a leader of growth of Bethlehem in the 60's, developed the first post office in Bethlehem, created the Bethlehem stamp, and helped start the first Habitat home in Alexander County. Commissioner Harbinson stated that if Bethlehem is incorporated in the future, Noah Lail would make a great first mayor.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman Watts gave the Chairman's report which included:

1. Chairman Watts read a proclamation to declare Friday, May 19, 2000 as Lady Cougar Softball Day.
2. Chairman Watts gave special recognition to the Alexander County Sheriff's Department for receiving a $70,000 grant from the Governor's Crime Commission. Hayden Bentley stated that the grant money would be used for a computerized records management system, new modules, a computerized mug shot hardware section, and a jail management system.
3. An e-mail was received from Danny Little, Santa Maria Commission, California. Mr. Little gave some information and advice on the agreement between the County and the Hospital. Each Commissioner was given a hardcopy of the e-mail.
4. Chairman Watts stated that Jerry Twiggs with West and Associates will be moved to item #4 on the agenda and all others will be moved down. Mr. Twiggs will be presenting a Water Feasibility Report.
5. Chairman Watts stated that the Board needs to designate a Voting Delegate for the State Convention in Durham on August 10-13. This item will be included in Other Business.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Commissioner Bolick made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

PUBLIC HEARING: APPROVAL OF ROAD NAMES

Lisa Harrington, 911 Addressing Coordinator, conducted the public hearing for the approval of the following road names as listed:

Road #         Road Name                                      Location

3726OV        Alexander Heritage Drive            Off Heritage Farm Road

3881KD        Asbury Mountain Trail                Off Cheatham Ford Road

3746KC        Beaver Drive                               Off Rabbit Hollow Lane

3738LB         Castle Rock Trail                        Off Basin Creek Drive

3778JW        Chestnut Trail                             Off Wellman Road

3707CB        Dad's Farm Lane                        Off Icard Ridge Road

3715DH        Delores Drive                             Off Chigger Ridge Road

3786SO2      Fentress Drive                            Off Drumstand Road

3798JM        Frogsap Lane                             Off York Road

3707DW      Good Luck Drive                        Off Old Schoolhouse Road

3778JW        Hickory Hills Drive                    Off Wellman Road

3707LJ1        Mountain Crest Drive                Off Old Schoolhouse Road

3707LJ2        Mountain Spruce Drive              Off Old Schoolhouse Road

3786SO4      Pengrove Drive                          Off Drumstand Road

3798KP        Poutin House Lane                     Off York Road

3786SO3      Primrose Drive                           Off Drumstand Road

3726OV1     Redwood Court                          Off Alexander Heritage Dr.

3726OV3     Restful Lane                                Off Alexander Heritage Dr.

3786SO1     Rosemont Drive                          Off Drumstand Road

3726OV2     Serenity Lane                            Off Alexander Heritage Dr.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Odom made a motion to approve the road names as presented. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

PUBLIC HEARING: TEXT AMENDMENT 00-4: SECTION 154.034(B)

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, conducted the public hearing for a text amendment application submitted by Homestead Land & Timber Company and Shook Builder Supply. Their application requests that Section 154.034(B) be amended by adding the following exception: Cul-de-sac lots created in a single-family subdivision shall have direct access of at least 35 feet to a street which is either an existing public street or one which, upon completion of installation, can be accepted by the State of North Carolina. The Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the changes. Ms. Turnmire recommended the Board's approval on the application.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

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

PUBLIC HEARING: 2000-2001 ALEXANDER COUNTY BUDGET

Chairman Watts conducted the public hearing for the 2000-2001 budget. Rick French, County Manager, presented the budget message as follows:

1. A 6 cent tax increase will raise the tax rate from 59 cents to 65 cents.
2. $4,400,000 is recommended for the Alexander County Schools or a $500,000 increase over last year.
3. $500,000 in budgeted for the Alexander Community Hospital. Alexander County will lease the hospital facility. It is a strong recommendation that the County Health Director Shelley Carraway be appointed to the Hospital Management Team effective July 1^st. The Hospital should review lease-purchase of two large capital outlay items totaling $650,000 of the $717,100 capital increase. These two items should be jointly approved by the County prior to purchase. This savings in itself could reduce the County share by a minimum of 50 percent. It is also imperative and critical that the $933,000 of possible revenue identified at our last work session by the Hospital Management Team be pursued 100 percent. Again, Alexander County will have contributed over $1,100,000 to the Hospital by June 30, 2001. This amount is more than the $982,181 which is needed from fund balance in the proposed budget.
4. Alexander County will build a small mini public works project, which will include an animal shelter. An architect will be selected in July.
5. Purchase and renovate an existing 15,000 square foot facility for CVCC and County office space. This facility is perfectly located in Taylorsville and will provide 10,000 square feet for CVCC and 5,000 for office space.
6. Complete the approved communications project which was approved a few months ago and will be financed with E911 funds under a lease-purchase agreement.
7. 8 new employees are recommended. Three new full-time employees are recommended in the Maintenance Department whose cost will be offset because the County no longer contracts its cleaning. Two new employees are recommended for Social Services which should generate more than adequate revenues to offset the cost, one new employee will be added in Tax Collections, which should increase revenue collections. One part-time position will be converted in Day Reporting. It is also recommended that Alexander County hire a Human Resource (Personnel) Director in October of this year. Alexander County presently handles this in house and employs over 250 full-time and part-time employees.
8. Employee's will receive a 2 1/2 percent cost-of-living increase and will again receive the $250 holiday bonus. Also, an employee assistance program will be added in the proposed Personnel Department.
9. It is anticipated that Alexander County Library will receive over $108,049 in state grant funds for automation. The County's match is $36,016.
10. Over $70,000 is budgeted for Economic Development. $40,000 ($10,000 increase) is budgeted for the Carolinas Partnership and marketing.
11. The Inspections and Planning Departments have been combined and reorganized. The new Planning and Development Department will operate more efficiently and effectively (and cost less to operate).
12. Funds are budgeted in Recreation to start playground replacement as designated by the comprehensive recreation study completed earlier this year for OSHA safety compliance. A new lease is being developed for Dusty Ridge and grant funds will be pursued upon completion of the lease. Central Park is currently under construction with Alexander County playing a critical funding role.
13. $145,000 is budgeted to lease the Sheriff's new vehicles, and $126,000 is budgeted for debt service payment on the prison property. $75,000 is budgeted for a new ambulance replacement.
14. It should also be noted during this public hearing that the following has been completed during the 1999-2000 budget year.

1. Landfill Closure project
2. Water and Sewer Feasibility Study
3. Parks and Recreation Study
4. Several county departments have been reorganized such as Buildings & Grounds, Planning & Development.
5. Animal Control Department has been improved by adding a second officer.
6. County Planning Retreat was held earlier this year.
15. Alexander County staff are working with the City of Hickory, Energy United, and the Town of Taylorsville to pursue a plan to provide an adequate water supply in the least costly method. A long range water plan will need to be developed which provides adequate pressure and storage. This will not be a quick fix plan, due to the economics and planning involvement. Water improvements need to move up on the priority list in the county budget. County officials will need to work together to regionalize our water system.

The Alexander County Commissioners have held 3 scheduled budget work sessions on the 2000-2001 budget.

The public hearing tonight is a key step in the budget process which meets the guidelines of the North Carolina General Statues and Administration and Financial Laws.

Rex Brown approached the Board and stated that the County property taxes were high enough without adding another 6 cents for this budget year. He stated that he was 100 percent against another tax increase. Mr. Brown stated that he understood that the County needed a hospital and good schools, but he didn't want to pay higher taxes. Mr. Brown stated that he was not looking forward to sending his son to Alexander County public schools and may choose to home school his son.

Jim Fox stated that he felt if the County had overspent on the budget this year and have to implement a 6 cent tax increase, they will overspend again the next budget year and raise taxes higher. Mr. Fox also asked if the County would have to appropriate money to the Hospital for one year or from now on. Mr. Fox stated that he was not against the Hospital and hoped that it made it, but felt that it would never get back on its feet and the County funding would be an ongoing process. He stated that the County should not be in the health care business.

Commissioner Odom stated that Alexander Community Hospital has never asked the County for any money in 49 years and that if the Hospital were to shut down, lives would be lost. Commissioner Odom also stated that the Hospital plans to be back on their feet in a year and that the County doesn't plan to fund the Hospital from now on. Commissioner Odom also stated that the Board of Commissioners and County employees also pay taxes. Commissioner Odom also stated that everyone is entitled to new schools and proper health care and in order to have these things, a tax increase would have to be implemented. It was also stated that Alexander County is one of the least taxed counties in North Carolina as reported by the independent John Locke Foundation.

Commissioner Robertson stated that he had gone through the 2000-2001 budget and tried to reduce several line items included to reduce the tax increase. For example, the Register of Deeds requested $8,595 for departmental supplies and $2,874 for office supplies. Commissioner Robertson requested to reduce departmental supplies to $5,000 and office supplies to $1,000. The Hospital appropriation totals $500,000. Commissioner Robertson requested to reduce the appropriation to $350,000. Contingencies for the 2000-2001 budget year totals $50,000 and Commissioner Robertson requested to reduce contingencies to $0.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that he appreciated the effort Commissioner Robertson has made to reduce the tax increase as much as possible, but felt that it was unreasonable to reduce these line items so greatly.

Commissioner Bolick stated that he would vote against the 2000-2001 budget. The LGC stated that it was unconstitutional to acquire the Hospital without a public referendum. Commissioner Bolick stated that the County found a "loophole" to acquire the Hospital, even though they are not responsible for the debt and felt that the citizens of Alexander County should have their right to vote on the decision. (Note: LGC actually said the County could not assume the Hospital debt without a referendum. The County will be released of any debt by the Hospital. The County retains the $8.2 million facility at no cost).

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

WATER FEASIBILITY REPORT

Jerry Twiggs, with West and Associates, presented a Water Feasibility Report to the Board. The report was a summary of apparent water needs for Alexander County. Included in the report were the following recommendations:

1. Alexander County enter into a water purchase agreement with the City of Hickory. This is the least costly method of providing adequate water supply.
2. Construct the NC 16 interconnect to the City of Hickory for a second connection point and a more adequate supply directly to NC 16-South Water District.
3. Construct water system pumping improvements within existing system.
4. Construct the Rink Dam Road interconnect.
5. Construct 500,000 gallon water storage tanks in NC 16-South District and Little River Church area.
6. Construct NC 16-South tie-in.
7. Operation and maintenance for the Alexander County system, NC 16-South Water District, and Sugarloaf Water District be provided by the City of Hickory.

Commissioner Robertson instructed the following:

1. County staff negotiate with the City of Hickory.
2. The water rate schedule be examined.
3. The Town of Taylorsville and Energy United be informed of all negotiations.
4. An operations and maintenance review be performed which includes a provision option to buy into the City of Hickory water plant.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to accept all recommendations and proceed as necessary with them. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE BLOCK GRANT FY 2001

Sheila Weeks, with the WPCOG, presented documentation for the FY 2001 Home and Community Care Block Grant services for Alexander County. The HCCBG and related funding is granted to Alexander County for the provision of supportive services to persons over the age of 60. Earlier this year, the Commissioners appointed the Alexander County Council on Aging as planning committee and the WPCOG as lead agency for planning, to bring recommendations to the Board concerning use of these funds. The Alexander County Council on Aging has chosen to recommend funding for nine services for the County for FY 2001 plus legal services, Senior Center Outreach, and Health Promotion/Disease Prevention. The HCCBG Allocations are as follows:

Ms. Weeks stated that the grant needed to be approved by July 1, 2000. Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to make necessary adjustments for the Block Grant. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

UPDATE FROM CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS

Charter Communications representatives did not appear for the update. Chairman Watts noted his disappointment with Charter Communications in the areas of service and planning.

HB 1396 - AN ACT TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION OF NC TO RECOGNIZE THE RIGHT TO HEALTH CARE

Chairman Watts presented a copy of a bill that was introduced in 1999. If this bill is approved by the General Assembly, a referendum will appear on the November 2000 ballot regarding access to health care on a regular basis.

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to table this item until the July meeting. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND REAPPOINTMENTS

Chairman Watts made the following appointments and reappointments:

Commissioner Bolick made a motion to accept the appointments and reappointments. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT

Rick French, County Manager, gave the Manager's Report which included:

1. Janice Burke, LGC, has been contacted concerning the Hospital lease. LGC is currently reviewing the lease, but Ms. Burke indicated there was probably no problem based on the proposed lease, release of debt with the county owning the facility.
2. The County was may be able to utilize the $450,000 USDA zero percent (0%) interest loan from Energy United EMC. The deadline for the use of this money was June 2, 2000.
3. Carl Bunton and Sylvia Turnmire will join Norris Keever on "What Do You Think?" on Tuesday, June 13, 2000 to discuss the proposed subdivision regulations. The subdivision regulations are scheduled to return on June 20, 2000 for discussion and approval.
4. Mr. French will be attending the NCACC Legislative Briefing on June 7, 2000 and a Personnel Administration Workshop on June 16, 2000.
5. Mr. French requested that Shelley Carraway, Health Director, be designated as the County's contact or liaison with the Hospital effective July 1, 2000.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to designate Shelley Carraway as the contact with the Hospital. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

OTHER BUSINESS

Chairman Watts stated that a Voting Delegate needed to be designated for the State Convention being held in Durham on August 10-13, 2000. Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to designate Chairman Watts as Voting Delegate. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

CONSENT AGENDA

1. Minutes from May 2, May 9, May 16, and May 23, 2000.
2. Budget Amendments #40, #41, #42, #43, #44, and #45 (added B.A.)
3. Tax Refunds for April $485.97 and Tax Releases for April $509.93.
4. Tax Refunds for May $2,066.18 and Tax Releases for May $2,608.87

Commissioner Bolick made a motion to accept the Consent Agenda and add Budget Amendment #45. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

CLOSED SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Odom made a motion to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. and to reconvene in Closed Session. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

John F. Watts, Chairman           Jamie C. Millsaps, Clerk to the Board