Draft

April 22, 2002

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held a Special Called Meeting on Monday, April 22, 2002 in the Commissioners’ Room of the Alexander County Courthouse, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

Chairman Watts called the meeting to order at 7:20 PM.

Terry Foxx, Emergency Management Director, discussed the Alexander Rescue Squad’s 43^rd Anniversary Ceremony held on Sunday, April 14, 2002. Mr. Foxx explained that, during the ceremony, the Rescue Squad presented a plaque to the Board of Commissioners in appreciation of the Board’s support and contributions to the renovation and remodeling of the Rescue Squad. Mr. Foxx stated that the renovations completed at the Rescue Squad included handicapped accessibility and a new training room. Mr. Foxx also noted that, during the ceremony, that the training room was named the Odom Training Room in honor of Commissioner David Odom who had greatly supported the Rescue Squad for many years.

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

Rick French, County Manager, explained that the Old Wittenburg School Task Force had been discussing uses for the school property and had developed an agreement to allow Alexander County to lease the Old Wittenburg School property from the Board of Education. Mr. French recognized Jack Hoke, Superintendent, for comments.

Jack Hoke, Alexander County Schools Superintendent, discussed the agreement which proposed that the county would lease 4 rooms on the North Wing of the Old Wittenburg School as well as the gym, cafeteria, media center, and the outdoor recreational fields. Mr. Hoke stated that the media center could possibly be used for a meeting room. Mr. Hoke noted that the county would be responsible for utilities, maintenance, and upkeep. Mr. Hoke also noted that the county would be responsible for any costs associated with the repair of the roof.

Mr. Hoke stated that the upper levels of the building were not handicapped accessible and noted that there would be some repairs and renovations needed to accommodate that.

Mr. French notified the Board that he and Mr. Hoke had met with the School System Attorney and County Attorney in regard to liability insurance.

Mr. Hoke also explained that the proposed agreement would allow the Board of Education to terminate the agreement in the case of an emergency need for the Old Wittenburg School property upon giving the county 6 months notice.

Mr. Hoke felt that this agreement between the Board of Commissioners and Board of Education would have a big impact on the county due to the recreational uses that the property could provide as well as additional space and the alternative school. Mr. Hoke also felt that vandalism of the property would be eliminated since people would be there during the day.

Commissioner Harbinson asked if the Board of Education had approved the proposed agreement. Mr. Hoke replied that the Board of Education had approved the agreement unanimously at their last meeting.

Commissioner Hammer asked about the cost to repair the roof. Mr. Hoke stated that the cost to repair the roof would total approximately $14,000 and that workers would begin repairing the roof once the agreement was approved. Mr. Hoke stated that the project would be completed within 2 weeks of the beginning date.

Commissioner Harbinson felt that the Old Wittenburg School property would be a good location for the Parks and Recreation Department because there was a gym on the property as well as outdoor fields. Commissioner Harbinson also noted that Parks & Recreation staff would be closer to Dusty Ridge Park and Bethlehem Park which would save time and travel.

Commissioner Odom stated that he appreciated Commissioners Watts and Hammer serving on the Old Wittenburg School Task Force. Commissioner Odom suggested the task force contact Terry Foxx, Emergency Management Director and Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, to discuss the possibility of using the property for a shelter during inclement weather. Commissioner Odom stated that there might be some FEMA funds or Emergency Management funds that could be used.

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to approve the Joint Use Agreement Between the Alexander County Board of Commissioners and the Alexander County Board of Education for Use of the Former Wittenburg School. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Rick French, County Manager, explained that the Criminal Justice Partnership Program (Day Reporting Center) was not going to be included in the Governor’s budget for 2002-2003. Mr. French presented a sample letter to the Board in support of the Criminal Justice Partnership Program (Day Reporting Center) and requested that the letter be sent to several State Senators and Representatives.

Commissioner Harbinson explained that the Criminal Justice Partnership Program provided Superior Court Judges, District Court Judges, and Probation Officers alternative punishment for sentenced offenders as opposed to them being incarcerated in a correctional facility. Programs provided include Cognitive Behavior Intervention, Domestic Violence & Anger Management Counseling, Substance Abuse Treatment, Sex Offender Treatment, Parenting Classes, Community Restitution Classes, etc. Commissioner Harbinson noted that the Criminal Justice Partnership Program had saved the Department of Correction approximately $817,000 because offenders were enrolled in the programs instead of being incarcerated.

Commissioner Odom made a motion to forward the letter in support of the Criminal Justice Partnership Program. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Lenny Rogers, Cooperative Extension Director, presented information regarding the 2002 NC Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Mr. Rogers stated that there was no cost to submit nominees last year and expected no cost this year. Nominees are due May 31, 2002.

Mr. Rogers noted that the Board selected the nominees last year and stated that the Board could do so again this year if so desired. Commissioner Harbinson suggested advertising the awards in The Taylorsville Times and allow the public to submit some suggestions for nominees. Commissioner Harbinson asked Mr. Rogers to contact David Icenhour, Public Information Director, in regard to the advertisement.

Commissioner Hammer stated that he was disappointed with the Governor’s Volunteer Awards Ceremony last year because of the political quarrels and squabbles that took place. Commissioner Hammer felt that the Board could move ahead with gathering nominees if so desired but felt that the Board could present its own Outstanding Volunteer Awards.

Commissioner Watts noted that the individuals would not get the statewide recognition if the Board presented its own awards.

The Board instructed Mr. Rogers to move forward with the advertisement for nominees and asked that he report back to the Board as necessary.

Chairman Watts stated that Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, had requested reappointment of Andy Baker to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a 2-year term ending on May 3, 2004. Mr. Baker lives in the Bethlehem/Wittenburg community.

Commissioner Odom made a motion to approve the reappointment of Andy Baker to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

The following items were discussed during Other Business:

1. Mr. French stated that a meeting had been scheduled with the EnergyUnited Water Corporation Board of Directors on Thursday, April 25, 2002 at 6:00 PM at Jones Fish Camp in Stony Point.
2. Mr. French stated that the roof on the library needed to be replaced. Mr. French stated that the estimated cost provided by Dale Costner Roofing for 25-year shingles totaled $11,752.50 and the estimated cost for a metal roof totaled $15,483.20. Mr. French stated that there were concerns with using a metal roof because of the building style and angles of the library roof. Mr. French recommended approval of the 25-year shingles and stated that there were monies in the Public Buildings/Maintenance budget to cover the expense.

Commissioner Hammer asked if the estimated cost included removal of the old roof. Mr. French replied that it did. Commissioner Hammer also asked if the estimate included the landfill fees that would be incurred during the project and suggested waiving those fees. Russell Greene, Fire Marshal, replied that the estimate did include landfill fees which totaled approximately $337 but noted that that cost would be eliminated from the estimate if the fees were waived.

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the recommendation to replace the library roof with 25-year shingles at a cost of $11,752.50 and to waive the landfill fees that would be incurred. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

3. Mr. French reported that Jerry Twiggs and Nancy Coley opened bids for the prison sewer pump station on April 18, 2002. There is currently $100,000 in CDBG money available for the project. Mr. French stated that 11 bids were submitted and noted that Neil Grading & Construction was the low bidder with a bid of $133,843.31. Mr. French stated that the county would have to appropriate $34,000 out of contingency for the project. Mr. French requested approval in order to move forward.

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the bid of $133,843.31 from Neil Grading & Construction for the prison sewer pump station. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

4. Mr. French noted that the design work for the CDBG project for Liledoun Road, Herman Road, and Sipe Road was 85% complete. Preliminary drawings should be received in a few weeks.
5. Mr. French stated that the $188,000 ARC grant received by Mitchell Gold for a unneeded water tank had been approved for installation of a water line to run from Millersville Road at Highway 16 South and connect to the EnergyUnited line at Mitchell Gold. The Western Piedmont Council of Governments will be submitting all necessary paperwork and an environmental assessment will be needed.

Mr. French stated that he had not gotten a final cost estimate for Quail Hollow Lane as requested by the Board. There were 9 names submitted on a petition for Quail Hollow Lane.

6. Commissioner Harbinson discussed convenience center hours and noted that several individuals had stated to him that they did not like the 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Commissioner Harbinson suggested opening earlier one day per week. After discussion, the Board agreed to change the hours on Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and to put an ad in the paper to advertise the change.

Commissioner Hammer suggested putting signs at each convenience site to inform the public of the change.

7. Terry Foxx, Emergency Management Director, presented a Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Program Application for Hazard Mitigation Planning. Mr. Foxx explained that the General Assembly passed legislation during their previous session requiring all counties to have a Hazard Mitigation Plan in place by August 1, 2002. Mr. Foxx stated that he had applied for a grant to help fund the plan which was $20,000 requiring a $5,000 match. Mr. Foxx stated that he recently received confirmation that this grant request was in the next phase and the county would need to complete the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program Application by resolution which was presented.

Mr. French noted that the Hazard Mitigation Plan would set limits and rates in the case of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc. in order to have a uniform system. Mr. French noted that the county would be responsible for talking on some financial responsibility.

Commissioner Odom made a motion to proceed with the PDM application. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

8. Mr. French stated that the county was in desperate need of a new garbage truck. The county currently owns 2 trucks which are 1989 and 1987 models with very high mileage. Mr. French informed the Board that the county had spent $32,000 in maintenance and repair cost for these 2 trucks this year.

Mr. French stated that he had been discussing a 3-year lease of a new truck with Carolina Environmental Systems. The truck is a 2002 model with a Mack chassis and can be leased for $4,000 per month. Mr. French stated that this would enable the county to haul more garbage which would save time, manpower, and money.

Mr. French also stated that this lease option would be better than buying a new truck.

Commissioner Odom asked if Mr. French had contacted GDS to see what they would charge to run the trash routes instead of the county providing the service. Mr. French replied that he had contacted GDS and that it would cost more to contract with them for the service.

Mr. French stated that he would discuss this issue further at the May 7, 2002 Commissioners’ Meeting.

9. Commissioner Odom asked to make an amendment to the motion made to move forward with the 25-year shingles on the library roof. Commissioner Odom asked that the staff request a couple more estimates on the roof before moving ahead with Dale Costner Roofing. Commissioner Odom stated that this was simply to ensure people that the county was searching for the best deal.

Commissioner Odom made a motion to approve the amendment. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Odom made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 7:55 PM to discuss contractual and personnel issues pursuant to 143-318.11(a)(5 & 6). Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

There being no further business, Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 PM. Commissioner Odom seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

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