Draft

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 

ALEXANDER COUNTY

REGULAR  MEETING

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

May 7, 2002

PRESENT: John F. Watts, Chairman
William L. Hammer, Vice-Chairman
John F. Watts
W. Darrell Robertson
ABSENT: David S. Odom
STAFF: Rick French, County Manager
Jamie Millsaps, Clerk to the Board
David Icenhour, Human Resources/Public Information Director
MEDIA: Gary Herman, The Taylorsville Times

 

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2002 in the Commissioners’ Room of the Alexander County Courthouse, Taylorsville, North Carolina.

PEOPLES’ AGENDA

No citizens asked to speak at the Peoples’ Agenda.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Watts called the meeting to order at 6:55 PM.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Kenneth Whisnant, Pastor of Taylorsville Church of God, gave the invocation and Shantel Venable, student at East Alexander Middle School, led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The following items were discussed during the Chairman’s Report:

    1. Chairman Watts read the Proclamation proclaiming May 17-19, 2002 as Relay For Life Weekend in Alexander County. Commissioner Hammer made a motion to adopt the Proclamation proclaiming May 17-19, 2002 as Relay For Life Weekend in Alexander County. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
    2. Commissioner Harbinson read the Resolution declaring the following monthly observances to be recognized in Alexander County:
    3. January – Crimestoppers Month

      February – Black History Month

      March – Women’s History Month

      April – Child Abuse Prevention Month

      May – Confederate History Month

      June – Dairy Month

      July – Patriotism/Veterans Month

      August – Apple Month

      September – Chicken Month

      October – Fire Prevention Month

      November – Child Safety and Protection Month

      December – Church Homecoming Month

      Commissioner Harbinson noted that the adoption of this resolution would not exclude the county’s participation in other national holidays or observances.

      Commissioner Hammer mentioned that April was Poultry Month and suggested April as Chicken Month instead of September. It was noted that "poultry" included chicken, turkey, and other domesticated birds. After discussion, the Board agreed to leave September as Chicken Month as proposed.

      Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to adopt the Resolution declaring Monthly Observances to be recognized in Alexander County. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

    4. Chairman Watts read the Proclamation proclaiming May 2002 as Older Americans Month in Alexander County. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to adopt the Proclamation proclaiming May 2002 as Older Americans Month in Alexander County. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.
    5. Chairman Watts discussed sending a letter to local representatives in support of Community Work Programs administered by the North Carolina Department of Correction. Chairman Watts explained that the programs might be eliminated.
    6. Commissioner Hammer felt that the Community Work Programs were a vital resource to communities and noted that the programs saved local tax dollars. Commissioner Hammer also mentioned that Alexander County had used inmate labor from the Caldwell Correction Center Community Work Program for litter pick-up, land clearing, and the construction of Dusty Ridge Park.

      Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to send the proposed letter to local representatives in support of Community Work Programs. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

    7. Chairman Watts informed the Board that a letter had been received from State Senator Kenneth Moore in response to the letter sent in support of the Criminal Justice Partnership Program. Senator Moore stated in his letter that he agreed with Alexander County’s view and would convey the importance of the Criminal Justice Partnership Program in Raleigh.
    8. Chairman Watts also noted that a letter was received from the North Carolina Department of Transportation stating that the road addition/abandonment of Cove Gap Road had been approved.
    9. Chairman Watts discussed a letter from Nan Campbell, Director of Social Services, regarding the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults. The letter explained that the program might be eliminated. Ms. Campbell explained that if the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults were eliminated, many of the individuals enrolled would be placed in nursing homes, which would, in turn, cost more money than keeping the program. A public forum will be held on Friday, May 17, 2002 on the Lenoir Rhyne campus in the Belk Centrum from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
    10. Chairman Watts noted that Duke Power would begin construction to upgrade the Dusty Ridge Access beginning during the summer 2002 and ending December 2002. Duke Power plans to construct 2 new 85-foot long concrete boat ramps, 1 floating loading dock provided by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, paving of the entrance road, and paving of the parking lot.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

Chairman Watts requested that Agenda Item #5 – Community Grant Awards Announcements be moved to Agenda Item #1 since there were several people present to receive the awards.

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

COMMUNITY GRANT AWARDS ANNOUNCEMENTS

David Icenhour, Human Resources/Public Information Director, stated that on January 22, 2002, the Board voted to approve the Community Grants Project which would include up to a $1,000 match for each community for a total cost of $12,000. Mr. Icenhour stated that applications were received from January 24, 2002 to April 12, 2002 and were advertised in The Taylorsville Times, Statesville Record & Landmark, Hickory Daily Record, Catawba Valley Neighbors, on the county website, and on WACB Radio. Mr. Icenhour noted that 11 organizations had submitted applications and all had been approved to receive the grants. Mr. Icenhour stated that the total estimated cost of materials for all projects was $35,450 and some 1,000 of volunteer labor would be associated with the projects. In addition, the total life span of the projects is estimated at 155 years.

Commissioner Watts and Commissioner Robertson presented the Community Grant Awards to the following organizations:

Bethlehem Community Development Association for renovations at the Bethlehem Community Building to accommodate Scouts and the Recreation Department. Work will include replacement of doors, locks, and painting inside and out. Material cost totals $2,200.

Bethlehem Ruritan Club for a project to encourage a reduction in littering on county highways and streets and to help mold youth to the good practice of properly disposing of trash. Permanent anti-littering signs will be placed at points of entry to the community, at Bethlehem Park, and other locations. Also anti-littering messages will be placed on trash containers at the park, elementary school, and other areas. Material cost totals $600.

Drumstand Community Center for improvements to the Drumstand Community Building to include removal of 30-year old cabinets and replacement. Material cost totals $2,400.

Ellendale Ruritan Club for improvements to the Ellendale Community Building area including grading, gravel, and proper drainage of the Ellendale Community Building parking area around building. Material cost totals $1,100.

Gwaltney Ruritan Club for improvements to the Gwaltney Community Building. Work will include roof removal and replacement. Labor and material cost totals $2,250.

Little River Ruritan Club for improvements to the Little River Community Building including plaster and re-painting inside and out as well as cook shack repairs that will include flooring and new siding. Material cost totals $2,300.

Rocky Springs Community Projects Inc. for improvements to the Rock Springs Community Building. Work will include extensive maintenance and improvements including vinyl siding. Material cost totals $4,000.

Salem Community Park for purchase of new playground equipment at Salem Community Park. Material cost totals $15,000.

Stony Point Civic Club for improvement of area at park in Stony Point including re-working area around flagpole, removal of old shrubs and replace with flowerbeds and new shrubs. Labor cost totals $1,500.

Stony Point P.T.A. for improvement of school/community playground including removal of old, unsafe equipment and replacing with new equipment. Material cost totals $1,500 and labor cost totals $1,500.

Taylorsville Hometown Development Council for community information sign at the intersection of Main Avenue and Highway 16 South in Taylorsville to be used by schools, clubs, and churches to announce various events. Material cost totals $3,000.

Commissioner Harbinson explained that some communities received more than one grant because applications were not received from every community which allowed additional grants to be awarded to the same community.

SPECIAL GUEST RECOGNITION

Commissioner Harbinson recognized members of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans that were present at the meeting. Commander Larry Church introduced Kelly Carson and his wife Jane Carson who were in attendance as well. Commander Church thanked the Board for recognizing their organization and approving May as Confederate History Month in Alexander County.

PUBLIC HEARING: ARTICLE 44 ONE HALF CENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT SALES AND USE TAX

Chairman Watts explained that the General Assembly, when trying to balance the state budget for 2001-2002, had enacted an additional half-cent sales tax to the current 6-cent sales tax that had been enacted since 1986. Chairman Watts stated that the majority of the first and second half-cent sales tax went to public school capital use.

Chairman Watts explained that the state’s half-cent sales tax would be in effect until July 1, 2003 and that counties would then have the option to continue the third half-cent sales tax. This will be necessary since the state will be eliminating the inventory tax reimbursements to counties and municipalities.

Chairman Watts stated that the NC Association of County Commissioners had encouraged counties to move forward with a resolution to enact the half-cent sales tax to send a message to the state that counties needed these monies before July 2003. Chairman Watts stated that 6 counties had enacted the resolution and 12 had scheduled public hearings.

Commissioner Harbinson stated that he wanted it to be clear to citizens that this would not increase local property taxes. Commissioner Harbinson stated that he, the current Board, and past boards had been in favor of increasing sales taxes for some time because all citizens would pay taxes instead of the 40% who pay property taxes.

Commissioner Robertson stated that the previous Board had asked the General Assembly at an earlier date for the opportunity to enact the sales tax in order to reduce property taxes, but was only given this option when the state held the county and municipalities revenues. Commissioner Robertson felt that the sales tax was a more equitable way to distribute costs among local citizens.

Commissioner Hammer stated that it was a shame that the Governor and the General Assembly mandated counties to have a balance budget while the State was taking away money from the counties to balance their own budget. Commissioner Hammer felt that those actions were the same as stealing and felt that there had been some poor management on the state government level. Commissioner Hammer also felt that an increase in the local sales tax was the best solution.

Chairman Watts also noted that the half-cent sales tax would be a favorable thing because Alexander County would gain $139,000 more than received in inventory tax reimbursements.

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 adopt the Resolution to Enact the Article 44 One-Half Cent Local Government Sales and Use Tax. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

PUBLIC HEARING: TEXT AMENDMENT 02-2: SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE

Commissioner Robertson made a motion to table the public hearing for Text Amendment 02:2 to the Subdivision Ordinance until the Board has held a joint meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

PUBLIC HEARING: APPROVAL OF ROAD NAMES

Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development, requested approval of the following road names:

Road No. Road Name Road Location
3776LC Deerfeild Estates Lane Off Elk Shoals Church Loop
3850BH Max Lane Off Old Wilkesboro Road
3850WL Sylvan Lane Off Sunset Lane
3749JM Taya Lane Off Airport Road

Ms. Turnmire stated that all road names had been advertised and checked for duplication and sound indexing.

There being no public comment, Commissioner Hammer made a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

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

Commissioner Robertson noted that there had been some confusion about which roads were located in the Town and which were located in the County and suggested putting articles in the local paper so that people would know which meeting to attend.

SCHEDULE 2002-2003 BUDGET WORK SESSIONS

Chairman Watts suggested that the Budget Committee, consisting of himself and Commissioner Robertson, meet with County Manager Rick French and Budget Officer Jennifer Herman before meeting with the full board in order to do some preliminary work on the budget. The Board agreed.

Chairman Watts suggested holding a full board budget work session on May 30, 2002 at 6:15 PM in the Cooperative Extension Learning Center. The Board agreed to hold the budget work session on May 30, 2002.

BOARD APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS

Chairman Watts presented the following appointments and reappointments:

    1. BOARD OF HEALTH
    2. Reappoint Dr. Joel Inman 3-year term

    3. SENIOR CENTER ADVISORY COUNCIL

Appoint Jamie Cash 2-year term

Appoint Bill Goble 2-year term

Chairman Watts also noted that Keith Meadows’ term on the Town of Taylorsville Board of Adjustments (ETJ) had expired. Mr. Meadows does not wish to be reappointed. Chairman Watts asked the Board to inform him of any suggestions. Commissioner Harbinson suggested contacting Glenn Deal Jr. in regard to filling this position.

OTHER BUSINESS

The following items were discussed during other business:

    1. Mr. French stated that the NCACC would be holding a Legislative Briefing on May 29, 2002 in Raleigh. Mr. French also noted that the WPCOG was working to schedule a meeting with local legislators before their meeting on May 28, 2002. Mr. French asked the Board to contact Doug Taylor at the WPCOG in regard to suggested dates for the meeting.
    2. Mr. French presented a Resolution Requesting that Local Government Revenue Sources be Made Secure and requested action on the resolution.
    3. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to adopt the Resolution Requesting that Local Government Revenue Sources be Made Secure. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

    4. Commissioner Robertson recognized Mr. French and informed the Board that Mr. French would be going to Ledford, Colorado on August 7, 2002 to participate in a 100-mile marathon. Commissioner Harbinson commented that the marathon might be easier than preparing this year’s budget.
    5. Chairman Watts stated that the county had received the $75,000 grant for a mobile crime scene unit. The unit will cost approximately $98,000 and the county will be responsible for approximately $24,000.

PUBLIC HEARING: ALEXANDER COUNTY AND THE MITCHELL GOLD COMPANY ARC AMENDMENT

Nancy Coley, WPCOG Community Development Administrator, explained that Alexander County had applied for CDBG funds in 1996 to provide public water and sewer to the Mitchell Gold Company’s new furniture manufacturing facility located at the intersection of US Highway 64 and Millersville Road. The CDBG Economic Development Grant provided $376,850 and Alexander County committed $125,617.

Ms. Coley stated that after the CDBG application was submitted, G.L. Wilson Building Company, the builder of the new facility, informed Alexander County that a 200,000-gallon water tank and an electric fire pump would be needed for expansions. Alexander County applied for and was awarded $183,727 in ARC funds for the water tank and booster pump. Ms. Coley stated that after much evaluation, an engineering solution different from the tank was discovered.

Ms. Coley stated that the amendment proposed to enact the new engineering solution to the water flow problem. The design proposes 11,975 linear feet of 12-inch line from the intersection of Millersville Road and Highway 16 South which will provide additional water flow and pressure to the lower end of Millersville Road resulting in more available water to the Mitchell Gold Company.

Ms. Coley stated that she had discussed this amendment with Sarah Stuckey with ARC who gave her permission to proceed with the amendment.

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 Hammer made a motion to approve the Alexander County and Mitchell Gold Company ARC Amendment and move forward with the project. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion.

Commissioner Robertson noted that according to the estimates, the county would be approximately $54,000 short for the project and requested a friendly amendment to the original motion to authorize Rick French, County Manager, to explore other areas such as cost share options, other than property taxes, to fund the $54,000. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to accept the friendly amendment. Commissioner Harbinson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the Alexander County and Mitchell Gold Company ARC Amendment including Commissioner Robertson’s friendly amendment to authorize Rick French to explore other options for funding. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Tax Refund Requests for April $475.06 and Tax Release Requests for April $1,652.76.
  2. Minutes from Special Called Meeting on March 19, 2002; Minutes from April 2, 2002 Regular Meeting; and Minutes from April 22, 2002 Special Called Meeting.
  3. Budget Amendment #30, #31, and #32.
  4. Alexander County Liledoun and Rink Dam Road Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Project Policies, Procedures, and Plans 2002-2004.
  5. Resolution to Advance Alexander County’s Reappraisal Schedule from January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2007.

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

CLOSED SESSION – N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5 & 6) CONTRACTUAL / PERSONNEL

Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 7:54 PM to discuss contractual matters and personnel issues pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5 & 6). Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Commissioner Harbinson made a motion to adjourn at 8:30 PM. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

 

                                                                                                           

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