Draft
December 6, 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 Pastor Lewis Murdock, CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Keever stated that this would be his last night serving as Chairman. He conveyed his appreciation to the members of the Board for their help during the last year and for making his job much easier. Chairman Keever mentioned that he was looking forward to the new officers being elected and their service to the Board. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Chairman Keever requested the
addition of a Project Budget Ordinance for CDBG Project Number 04-C-1310 Infrastructure
Water Hook-Up Project as Agenda Item #14A. He
also requested the addition of a Grant Management Assistance Agreement between 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. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN Chairman Keever called for nominations for Chairman. Commissioner Robertson nominated Commissioner Hammer to serve as Chairman for the next year. There being no further nominations, Commissioner Bolick made a motion to close the nominations for Chairman. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the election of Commissioner Hammer as Chairman. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. The Board agreed to allow Commissioner Keever to preside as Chairman over the remainder of the meeting. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN Acting Chairman Keever called for nominations for Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Bolick nominated Commissioner Robertson to serve as Vice-Chairman for the next year. There being no further nominations, Commissioner Hammer made a motion to close the nominations for Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Commissioner Bolick made a motion to approve the election of Commissioner Robertson as Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Commissioner Bolick conveyed his appreciation to Acting Chairman Keever for serving as Chairman for the past year. He also thanked Commissioner Hammer and Commissioner Robertson for being willing to serve during the upcoming year. He stated that their willingness to serve had given him an opportunity to work more with other agencies. Commissioner Robertson stated that Acting Chairman Keever had served well as the Board Chairman. He pointed out that Acting Chairman Keever was always prepared for meetings and had represented the County well by serving as the region representative on the NCACC Executive Board. He also mentioned that Acting Chairman Keever had been faithful in carrying cases to the General Assembly. Commissioner Robertson conveyed his appreciation to Acting Chairman Keever for the extra work done as Chairman. Acting Chairman Keever thanked Commissioners Bolick and Robertson for their comments. PUBLIC HEARING:
2ND PUBLIC HEARING FOR Nancy Coley, WPCOG Community
Development Administrator, stated that this was the second public hearing required before
submitting the application for Ms. Coley stated that Ms. Coley also pointed out that housing on N.C. Highway 127 had been included as an element in the grant application because it was a concentrated needs grant. Commissioner Hammer asked if
speculations were high in regards to Acting 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 Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the submission of the 2005-2006 N.C. Highway 127 Concentrated Needs Project CDBG grant application to the N.C. Department of Commerce along with all corresponding documents required. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. PUBLIC HEARING:
2ND PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2005 CDBG SCATTERED SITE HOUSING PROGRAM Nancy Coley, WPCOG Community
Development Administrator, stated that this was the second public hearing required before
submitting the application for Ms. Coley informed the Board that the $400,000 grant proposed to rehabilitate 5 homes, to clear 2 severely substandard structures, and to relocate (reconstruct) 2 homes of very low and low income homeowners. Also, included in this project is a request for $40,000 for emergency repairs to a minimum of 8 homes of low and moderate income homeowners. Ms. Coley stated that $40,000 or 10% was budgeted for administrative expenses as well as $3,500 for planning. She also stated that the County’s grant application proposed to give priority to homes owned by the elderly, disabled, and single-parents, or homes with severe on-site wastewater problems. Ms. Coley mentioned that provisions for a selection committee were included in the application to evaluate the housing rehabilitation applications and make the final selection of the houses. Ms. Coley stated that, in order to speed up the process, the N.C. Department of Commerce was requesting that homes to be rehabilitated be chosen in advance. She also stated that it was possible for more than 5 homes to be rehabilitated with this grant funding. Although this grant application is not due until February 2005, Ms. Coley pointed out that she requested the public hearing be held tonight so that citizens would have plenty of time to submit applications. She also noted that the selection committee would identify which homes would be selected for rehabilitation. Commissioner Hammer inquired as to
what individuals served on the selection committee. Ms.
Coley stated that the selection committee consisted of local individuals including the
Transportation Director and Environmental Health Director as well as representatives from
Social Services, Acting 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 Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the submission of the 2005 Scattered Site Housing Program application to the N.C. Department of Commerce along with all corresponding documents required. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. PUBLIC HEARING:
CLOSEOUT OF 2001 IDA GRANT (INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT) Nancy Coley, WPCOG Community Development Administrator, stated that this public hearing was required before submitting a Closeout Performance Report for the CDBG Project 01-C-0893 2001 Infrastructure Development Account (IDA) Project. Ms. Coley stated that this grant provided $10,000 in matching funds for down payment assistance and closing costs for 10 low and moderate income families who were first-time homebuyers in the Unifour area. She noted that CDBG funds provided 100% of the costs. Ms. Coley stated that this grant had
been applied for in 2001 and funding was received in 2002.
She explained that Ms. Coley informed the Board that the County had successfully completed this project serving 10 households containing 27 persons. She mentioned that one person benefiting from the grant was elderly and 100% of the persons were low and moderate income. Ms. Coley stated that there were 8 female head-of-households and that 7 families included minor children. Ms. Coley informed the Board that $21,952 in unobligated funds would be rolled over into a 2004 CDBG IDA grant to provide down payment assistance and closing costs during 2005 for 20 additional families. Commissioner Bolick asked if the $21,952 in unobligated funds could be used in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Coley replied that those funds could be used with Habitat and she noted that those enrolled in the first-time homebuyers class that would benefit from this grant were also Habitat for Humanity recipients. Acting 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 Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Commissioner Bolick made a motion to approve the submission of the Closeout Performance Report for the 2001 Individual Development Account Project. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. PUBLIC HEARING:
CLOSEOUT OF 2002 SCATTERED SITE HOUSING GRANT Nancy Coley, WPCOG Community Development Administrator, stated that this public hearing was required before submitting a Closeout Performance Report for the CDBG Project 02-C-0940 2002 Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Project. Ms. Coley informed the Board that the purpose of the $400,000 grant was to rehabilitate 5 homes, to clear 2 severely substandard structures, and to relocate (reconstruct) 2 new homes. She noted that the grant had accomplished all goals and had actually exceeded them by rehabilitating 6 homes. Ms. Coley stated that the County had successfully completed this project serving 8 households containing 10 persons. She pointed out that 9 persons benefiting from this grant were elderly and 100% of persons benefiting were very low and low income. Ms. Coley mentioned that there were 6 female head-of-households and 6 handicapped persons. She also stated that CDBG funds financed 100% of the total project cost. Acting Chairman Keeever 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 Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the submission of the Closeout Performance Report for the 2002 Scattered Site Housing Rehabilitation Project. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. ANNUAL REPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY CHILD PROTECTION
TEAM & CHILD FATALITY TEAM Karen Hoyle, Social Services
Director, gave an annual report for the Community Child Protection Team, as required by
N.C. general statute. She began the report by
discussing the members of the team, which included representation from the school system,
mental health system, Health Department, local medical providers, Ms. Hoyle informed the Board that the Community Child Protection Team reviewed 17 cases this year, most of which involved substance abuse. She reported that there was a 64% increase in the number of investigations since this time last year. Ms. Hoyle noted that there had been an increase this year in the number of reports involving substance abuse as well as a drastic increase in the number of sexual abuse cases, which she felt was related to the increased substance abuse. Ms. Hoyle stated that the team wanted to make the community aware of these problems in order to find a solution to stop the abuse. She informed the Board that the team had asked the state to concentrate on public information for communities about the affects that substance and sexual abuse has on children. Ms. Hoyle stated that 3 infants had been born this year with cocaine in their system, 2 of which had occurred in the last 6 weeks. She also stated that there had been 5 cases of child sexual abuse within the last 6 weeks. Ms. Hoyle mentioned that this problem was occurring in surrounding counties as well. She felt that this was becoming a crisis situation and she noted that it was going to have to be addressed as a community. Commissioner Bolick asked if the increase in substance abuse was due in part to the significant increase in methamphetamine labs and production. Ms. Hoyle replied that the increase in methamphetamine labs had played a part in more substance abuse cases. Commissioner Hammer discussed the recent law changing making punishment for methamphetamine production more severe. Leeanne Whisnant, Health Director stated that the legislature was considering some new laws that would put great responsibility of methamphetamine lab clean up on public health departments. She explained that the clean up of these labs could be extensive because the fumes absorbed into the walls, carpet, and air system, making it difficult to remove for the health of future residents of that home. Ms. Whisnant also stated that part of that legislation would allow citizens to be made aware of where the labs were located in their communities. Ms. Hoyle informed the Board that the Social Services Association had asked that the legislation include some guidelines as to what levels of toxic fumes could be tolerated. She stated that the legislation did not specify any level of safety. Ms. Whisnant stated that the purpose
of the Child Fatality Team was to identify deficiencies in the delivery of services to
children and families by public agencies, to review all child deaths ages 18 and below, to
promote understanding and education of the causes of child deaths in the community, and to
provide the state with recommendations to prevent future child deaths. She stated that all seatbelt laws were a result of
recommendations to the State Child Fatality Team as well as the new booster seat
requirements that would take effect Ms. Whisnant informed the Board that there had been 5 child deaths within the last year, which included 2 perinatal disorders, one sudden infant death, one long-term illness, and one head injury. Ms. Whisnant stated that, due to an increase in the number of head injury deaths, the Child Fatality Team reported many recommendations to the state such as the importance of wearing helmets during risky activity (snow skiing, ice skating, skateboarding, etc.) Ms. Whisnant also stated that the team had placed recommendations in the local newspaper to educate the public on preventative actions. She also noted that there were still 2 Smart Start sponsored child care nurses in the licensed day care homes providing safety education. Commissioner Bolick inquired about the ages of the 5 child deaths that occurred during the last year. He stated that children became accountable for their actions once they reached ages 16 to 18. Ms. Whisnant stated that the perinatal disorders were premature infants, the sudden infant death was 3 or 4 months old, and the long-term illness was a pre-teen. Ms. Whisnant explained to the Board that the team reviewed all medical records including prenatal records and birth records when reviewing the death of a child in order to determine if anything could have bee done to prevent the death. She stated that, in infant deaths, the group even looked at the mother lifestyle in regards to whether she smoked, used drugs, or received early prenatal care. She pointed out that the team had not developed a recommendation for the 2 perinatal disorders because it was determined that nothing could have been done to prevent them. Ms. Whisnant stated that the team took every detail into consideration; however, she noted that the team did not contact family members because they didn’t want to add stress during the grieving process. Commissioner Robertson asked if copies of the substance and sexual reports were distributed to Foothills Mental Health for review. Ms. Hoyle replied that a representative from Foothills actually served on the Child Protection Team. Commissioner Robertson felt it may be beneficial to send copies of the reports to the Foothills Area Office. Commissioner Robertson discussed a recent letter that was sent to the N.C. Division of Child Development by the Child Protection Team requesting stronger penalties for repeat violations of day care homes. Ms. Hoyle stated that the letter was mailed approximately one month ago with no response received as of yet. Commissioner Robertson suggesting sending the letter to someone in the organization with more authority than a day care licensing board member. Commissioner Yoder asked if DSS was
able to adjust the rating for day cares with repeat violations. Ms. Hoyle replied that the ratings came from Commissioner Robertson conveyed his
concerns that there was less monitoring of day care and adult facilities than there needed
to be due to the restrictions made in Acting Chairman Keever asked Ms. Hoyle to provide Mr. French with information regarding the facility monitoring so that the Board could possibly take action on it at a later date. Commissioner Robertson conveyed his appreciation to Ms. Hoyle and Ms. Whisnant for the job that they did as well as their departments. AIR QUALITY ACTION PLAN Rick French, County Manager, presented the proposed Air Quality Action Plan that was distributed to the Board for initial review at the October 4, 2004 Commissioners’ Meeting by Sylvia Turnmire, Director of Planning & Development. Mr. French stated that during the last 2 months, copies of the draft plan had been made available to the public at the Administration Office, Economic Development Office, Health Department, and Planning & Development Department. He also noted that the air quality representatives at the Western Piedmont Council of Governments had reviewed the plan and given their support as well as the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. French informed the Board that no public comment had been received to date. Mr. French stated that approval of
the Air Quality Action Plan was one of the requirements of the Early Action Compact, which
the Board joined in December 2002 to delay the non-attainment designation until 2007 to
allow local governments to reduce ozone levels to the attainment standard of .085ppm. Mr. French mentioned that local government within
the EAC had to adopt the plan by Mr. French also presented the final ozone readings for the monitor at the Taylorsville Sewer Plant for the last week of monitoring, the 4th highest reading for the year, and the 4th highest reading in a 3-year average, which were as follows:
Final 2004
For the week ending 4th highest reading: .071ppm (no exceedances of .085 in 2004) 4th highest 3-year average (02-04) .0823ppm Based on this data, NCDAQ projects future ozone readings to be: Year Value 2007 .075ppm 2012 .069ppm 2017 .067ppm Commissioner Hammer asked if the
monitor at the Taylorsville Sewer Plant would be removed, leaving the permanent monitor at
the Commissioner Robertson requested some
changes be made to the Air Quality Action Plan including the removal of the 2 references
from the American Lung Association of page 2 of the plan which read, “Those types of
lung disease accounted for 9,561 lung disease deaths during 1995 alone. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the Air Quality Action Plan to include changes recommended. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. Acting Chairman Keever stated that the ozone issue had previously been addressed through the WPCOG; however, he pointed out that the WPCOG had not been very effective at approaching the issue. Acting Chairman Keever stated that the County had made a contribution to the WPCOG with the understanding that they would address the ozone issue with the 2.5 Particle Program and some ozone monitoring to determine where the ozone was coming from but he noted that the WPCOG had seemed to have lost interest. Therefore, he requested that the Board request their contribution be returned. Commissioner Robertson discussed several penalties that were enforced to counties that had higher ozone levels including reduction or suspension of federal transportation funding, restrictions for industries that would affect industrial growth, mandatory vehicle emissions programs that would result in increased cost for vehicle inspections, and alternative fuels. Commissioner Robertson, based on these impacts, made a motion to request the contribution made to the WPCOG be returned so that the County could establish some type of monitoring to verify where the ozone problems were coming from. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. VOTING DELEGATE DESIGNATION FOR LEGISLATIVE GOALS
CONFERENCE Acting Chairman Keever requested the
recommendation of a voting delegate for the upcoming Legislative Goals Conference to be
held on Commissioner Bolick made a motion to
recommend Rick French, Commissioner Yoder made a motion to recommend William Hammer as the voting delegate and Norris Keever as the alternate. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. CANCELLATION OF Acting Chairman Keever recommended that the December 20, 2004 Commissioners’ Meeting be cancelled due to the nearing holiday. Commissioner Hammer made a motion to
cancel the CONSIDERATION OF THE 2005 COMMISSIONERS’
MEETING SCHEDULE (JANUARY 2005 THROUGH JUNE 2005) Acting Chairman Keever presented the first 6 months of the 2005 Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule. He stated that staff had developed the schedule by working around specific conferences and conflicts; therefore, he noted that the meetings would not necessarily be the 1st and 3rd Mondays. The schedule was as follows: Commissioner Bolick made a motion to approve the first 6 months of the 2005 Commissioners’ Meeting Schedule as presented. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. CONSIDERATION OF THE 2005 Acting Chairman Keever presented the 2005 Alexander County Holiday Schedule as follows:
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving Thursday & Friday, November 24 & 25, 2005 Christmas Friday & Monday, December 23 & 26, 2005 Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the 2005 Alexander County Holiday Schedule. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. CONSIDERATION OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2004 Rick French, Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the additional holiday. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS #16 - #19 Rick French, Budget Amendment #16
– To budget for General Aid to County funds to be used to establish a dental clinic
in Budget Amendment #17
– To budget for an increase for the Rescue Squad contract approved at the
Commissioners’ Meeting on Budget Amendment #18 – To transfer funds from the DSS Capital Project to the General Fund in order to receive partial reimbursement from the state for technology purchases accounted for in the Social Services budget. Budget Amendment #19 – To increase the budget for half-cent sales tax funds to be used by the school system for 2004-2005. Commissioner Bolick made a motion to approve Budget Amendments #16 - #19. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. CDBG PROJECT 04-C-1310 INFRASTRUCTURE WATER HOOKUP
PROJECT BUDGET ORDINANCE PROJECT BUDGET ORDINANCE Acting Chairman Keever presented a Project Budget Ordinance for CDBG Project Number 04-C-1310 Infrastructure Water Hook-Up Project for $75,000. Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the Project Budget Ordinance for CDBG Project Number 04-C-1310 Infrastructure Water Hook-Up Project. Commissioner Hammer seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. GRANT MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT Acting Chairman Keever presented a
Grant Management Assistance Agreement between Commissioner Robertson made a motion to approve the Grant Management Assistance Agreement. 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. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION Appoint Brian Walker 1 year Reappoint Coy Reese 2 years Reappoint Don Harrington 1 year B. ANIMAL 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 informed the Board that he was still recruiting members for the Animal Control Advisory Board. He stated that he would hopefully have recommendations for each representative at the next Commissioners’ Meeting. Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the appointments and reappointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission as presented. Commissioner Bolick seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. OTHER BUSINESS Rick French, A. The Jail Committee is planning a trip to the Lincoln County Jail on December 9, 2004. Mr. French stated that the group planned to meet at
the Building at B. The results
from the Commissioners’ Meetings. C. The deadline for early registration for the 2005 Legislative Goals Conference is 13-14, 2005 in D. The early registration deadline for the NACo Legislative Conference is February 7, 2005. Mr. French stated that the conference would be held
in to be housed in the host hotel, the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel. E. The early registration deadline for “Essentials of County Government” program is person. He also noted that the conference was scheduled for
F. The
American Red Cross will be opening an office in downtown tentatively on G. Mr. French distributed a Project Budget Ordinance for Advantage Wood Products for 440,200. He noted that the Advantage Wood Products project had already been approved by the Board. Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the Project Budget Ordinance for the Advantage Wood Products Project. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. CONSENT AGENDA A. Tax Release Requests for November $8,162.04 and Tax Refund Requests for November $16,485.32. B.
Minutes from C. Review Officer Appointment. Commissioner Hammer made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. CLOSED SESSION – N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1, 5,
& 6) TO PREVENT DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, CONTRACTUAL, & PERSONNEL Acting Chairman Keever made a motion to enter into Closed Session at 7:15 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 Robertson seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the motion. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business,
Commissioner Bolick made a motion to adjourn at
W. Norris Keever, Acting Chairman Jamie M. Starnes, Clerk to the Board
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