) STOKES
COUNTY GOVERNMENT COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA )
JANUARY 10, 2005
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ) OFFICE
OF THE COMMISSIONERS
The
Board of Commissioners of the County of Stokes, State of North Carolina, met in
regular session in the Council Chambers of the Ronald Wilson Reagan Memorial Building
(Administrative Building), located in Danbury, North Carolina, on Monday, January
10, 2005 at 7:00 pm with the following members present:
Chairman John Turpin
Vice-Chairman
Leon Inman
Commissioner Sandy McHugh
Commissioner Joe Turpin
Commissioner
Jimmy Walker
County
Manager Richard Morris
County
Attorney Jonathan Jordan
Clerk
to the Board Darlene Bullins
Chairman
John Turpin called the meeting to order.
Vice
Chairman Leon Inman delivered the invocation.
Chairman
John Turpin opened the meeting by inviting the citizens in attendance to join
the Board with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC HEARING – PROPOSED COMMUNITY
TRANSPORTATION PLAN (CTP) – FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006
Chairman
John Turpin called the Public Hearing for the Proposed Community Transportation
Plan – Fiscal Year 2005-2006 to order.
There
were no public comments concerning the proposed Community Transportation Plan –
Fiscal Year 2005-2006.
Chairman
John Turpin closed the Public Hearing.
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to approve or amend the minutes of the December
28th meeting.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the December 28th meeting.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Ed Gambill
1650 Mountain View Road
King, NC 27021
Re: Cable Franchise
Mr. Gambill, Stokes
County Citizen, presented Board members a handout concerning the Rejection of
Proposed Franchise Agreement Presented by Time Warner Cable. (A copy
will be retained in the
Clerk to the Board’s office.) Mr.
Gambill noted that the proposed cable franchise agreement does not speak to the
needs of the County, contains more information about insurance, hold harmless,
etc. than programming, the lack of concern of public safety, and concerns
pertaining to access channels and public government channel. Mr. Gambill urged the Board of Commissioners
to vote against the proposed cable television franchise agreement.
Mr. Charlie Walker, YVEDDI, presented the
following information concerning the proposed Community Transportation Plan –
Fiscal Year 2005-2006:
Ø Period of Performance – July
1, 2005/June 30, 2006
Ø State and Federal Funding
Ø Administrative Expenses = $298,914
Ø Capital Budget Summary =
$350,058
Ø Capital Budget reflects
purchase of (2) 24 passengers buses
Ø Technology Expense for
replacement of computers - $18,498
Mr. Walker requested the following:
o
Motion to submit plan
o
Approval of Transportation of Understanding
o
Tentatively approval of Administrative Funds – 15% match plus
Coordinators Salary 35% match for a total of
$18,954.00
The
Board discussed the purchase of the 24 passenger buses, transportation needs of
Stokes County citizens (32,000 trips last year in Stokes County), types of transportation
needs in Stokes County, and collection of delinquent accounts.
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the submission of the proposed
Community Transportation Plan – Fiscal Year 2005-2006.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to approve the submission of the proposed YVEDDI Community
Transportation Plan for Fiscal Year 2005-2006.
Vice
Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the Fiscal Year 2005-2006 CTP
Transportation Memorandum of Understanding.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to approve the YVEDDI Fiscal Year 2005-2006 CTP Transportation
Memorandum of Understanding.
Vice
Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
(copy of Transportation Memorandum of Understanding
will be retained in the Clerk to the Board’s office)
Commissioner
McHugh noted that funding for the Administrative Funds – 15% match plus
Coordinators Salary 35% match for a total of $18,954.00 could not be considered
until the upcoming fiscal year 2005/06 County budget.
Mr.
Walker updated the Board concerning the proposed Transportation Grant for a
county garage facility. Mr. Walker
noted that the at the time of the proposal, the cost of construction per sq.
ft. was $45 versus present day estimated cost of $124-$135. YVEDDI is negotiating with NCDOT for a
smaller office not using metal, but still build the bay out of
metal
in order to obtain the full allocation.
Mr. Walker will keep the Board updated with grant process.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
GOVERNING BODY – PROPOSED CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE AGREEMENT – TIME WARNER
CABLE
Mr.
David Harris, Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, noted the following concerning
the proposed cable television franchise agreement – Time Warner Cable:
(County
Attorney Jonathan Jordan and Buck Yarborough –Time Warner was present for the
agenda item)
o
Non-exclusive franchise agreement
o
Term of 15 years
o
State of the art system
o
Franchise fee totaling (5%) five percent of Grantee’s Gross Revenues
o
No cost access to cable will be provided to all accredited schools,
public
Buildings and libraries for the term of the
franchise agreement
o
Not required to furnish free cable to the following facilities: Danbury
Library, Emergency Operations Center, Family Health, and County Jail due to
being over 150 ft from the cable system. Time Warner has agreed to install free
cable to the above facilities at an estimated cost of $10,000 to $15,000
o
Time Warner will reimburse (in the future) the County up to $4,000 for
documented expenses for the purchase of necessary hardware and software for an
access channel
o
No cost to the subscriber associated with the access channel
o
The additional $10,000 to $15,000 for cable and $4,000 for access
channel
will not be passed on to the subscriber
o
Nothing in the proposed franchise agreement that will cost subscribers
of
Stokes County nor raise their rates
o
Time Warner will not be allowed to sell without the approval of the
County
o
Time Warner can reorganize internally
o
Federal requirement is that all cable operators provide advance weather
warnings
o
Consideration of the proposed agreement – January 24, 2005
The
Board discussed terms of the agreement, access channels, programming, and cable
advertising (not allowed by federal statute).
The Board unanimously agreed to this being the first reading of the
proposed Cable Television Franchise Agreement – Time Warner Cable.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – NORTHWESTERN REGIONAL LIBRARY – UPDATE
Director John Hedrick and Branch Supervisor/Technology
Coordinator, Joan Sherif, Northwestern Regional Library, presented and
discussed the following handouts to the Board:
Ø
Danbury Public Library –Highlights 2003-2004
Ø
King Public Library – Highlights 2003-2004
Ø
Walnut Cove Public Library – Highlights 2003-2004
Ø
Northwestern Regional Library –NC Live
Others in attendance:
Walnut Cove Librarian Betty Smith
Walnut Cove - Assistant Librarian Marcie Bullins
Danbury Librarian Nora Lawson Lankford
Walnut Cove Library Board Member Thomas Grubbs
Walnut Cove Library Board Member Charlotte Hairston
Walnut Cove Library Board Member Mike Hartwig
Walnut Cove Library Board Member Joel Young
King Library - Assistant Librarian Ann Nichols
Director Hedrick expressed gratitude to the Board of
Commissioners for their continued support.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – WALNUT COVE LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT – UPDATE
Walnut Cove Librarian Betty Smith presented an overview of
the Walnut Cove Library Expansion Project.
Ms. Smith
noted the following:
o
Challenged bid of $100,000 with the understanding that the
Town
of Walnut Cove and Stokes County would
make appropriate amounts to be
included in the $400,000 of valid
pledges
o
At present - $103,000 from 50 pledges
o
Pledge of $100,000 from the Town of Walnut Cove
o
4,211 card carrying members
o
Small grant from Bill Johnson Trust
o
Need for expansion
o
Shared parking with Walnut Cove Volunteer Fire Department
o
Campaign to sell brick pavers
o
Less funding requested than funding give to Danbury and
King Libraries
o
Need for repairs to the building (built in 1979)
o
Expansion will include renovations of present Library
o
Projected cost of $500,000
Ms. Smith requested a $200,000 pledge from the County of
Stokes, which could be divided over the next 4 to 5 years.
Chairman John Turpin requested the County Manager to
present funding amounts given to the Danbury and King branches and the
feasibility of the $200,000 request at the January 24th meeting.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT – PROPOSED
LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE PURCHASES
Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall requested the
approval to purchase (10) ten new 2005 Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptors from
Capital Ford in Raleigh, NC at a cost of $20,460.00 each. Mr. Stovall noted that Capital Ford has been
awarded the state contract for Law Enforcement Vehicles. Sheriff Mike Joyce and Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor
Elwood Mabe was also in attendance.
Mr.
Stovall detailed the following total project cost of $241,698:
2005 Ford Crown Vic 20,375.00 x
10 203,750.00
60/40 Split Front Seat 85.00 x 10
850.00
Capital Ford 204,600.00
Light bars, push bars, sirens, cages and
radios will be purchased from other companies and installed by Vehicle
Maintenance Staff.
3% NC sales tax 6,138.00
Whelen LB542 light bar 829.00
8,290.00
Federal SK064 speaker 157.00
1,570.00
SE041 Control switch 55.00
550.00
FS039 Wig Wags 14.00
140.00
Go Rhino Push Bars 323.00
3,230.00
SS020 Lexan Screen 369.00
3,690.00
Shipping – Screen 390.00
GR199 Strobe Kit - Clear 62.00 1,240.00
GR008 Power Supply 97.00 970.00
VE013 Console 159.00 1,590.00
Kenwood VHF Radio 655.00
6,550.00
Vehicle Lettering 275.00 2,750.00
Total
Project Cost 241,698.00
The Board discussed the state contract, smaller front wheel
drive cars, the use of salvage parts for present day vehicles, and the use of
older vehicles in other departments.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the
purchase of (10) ten 2005 Ford Crown Vic Police Vehicles at a cost of $241,698.
Commissioner McHugh moved to purchase (10) ten 2005 Ford
Crown Vics for the Sheriff’s Department.
Vice Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance
Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment #51
which is necessary to amend the General Fund for appropriate funds from People
for Paws for training. The
appropriations are to be changed as followed:
|
Account Number |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
|
Animal Control |
|
|
|
|
|
100.4380.311 |
|
Training |
|
|
|
$598.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$598.00 |
|
Account Number |
|
REVENUES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.3839.003 |
|
Animal
Control-Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
$598.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$598.00 |
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #51.
Vice
Chairman Inman moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #51.
Commissioner
Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval
of Budget Ordinance Amendment #52 which is necessary to amend the General Fund
to appropriate funds and transfer funds for the election cost and to correct
Budget Ordinance Amendment #50 dated 12-28-2004. The appropriations are to be changed as followed:
|
Account Number |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
|
Elections |
|
|
|
|
|
100.4170.010 |
|
Salaries & Wages-
Overtime |
|
|
|
$625.00 |
|
100.4170.020 |
|
Salaries & Wages- Part
time |
|
$4,000.00 |
|
|
|
100.4170.190 |
|
Board Reimbursement |
|
|
|
$5,000.00 |
|
100.4170.310 |
|
Travel |
|
|
|
$500.00 |
|
100.4170.321 |
|
Postage |
|
|
|
$1,500.00 |
|
100.4170.340 |
|
Printing |
|
|
|
$14,000.00 |
|
100.4170.350 |
|
Maint. & Repairs –
Equipment |
|
|
|
$1,200.00 |
|
100.4170.390 |
|
Precinct Officials |
|
$470.00 |
|
|
|
100.4170.430 |
|
Rental of Buildings |
|
|
|
$25.00 |
|
100.4170.440 |
|
Misc. Contractual Services |
|
$500.00 |
|
|
|
100.9910.000 |
|
|
$17,880.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$22,850.00 |
|
$22,850.00 |
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #52.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #52.
Vice
Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to nullify Budget Ordinance Amendment #50 dated 12-28-2004.
Vice
Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance
Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment #53
which is necessary to amend the General Fund to appropriate funds for Crisis
Intervention. The appropriations are to
be changed as followed:
|
Account Number |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
|
Public Assistance |
|
|
|
|
|
100.5480.000 |
|
Crisis Intervention |
|
|
|
$1,441.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,441.00 |
|
Account Number |
|
REVENUES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.3301.202 |
|
Welfare Federal |
|
|
|
$1,441.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,441.00 |
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #53
Vice
Chairman Inman moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #53.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
County
Manager Rick Morris presented the proposed rate increase for the Regional Sewer
System:
|
Proposed Sewer Rate
Increase |
|
|
|
|
Old |
Proposed |
|
Residential |
Rate |
Rate |
|
Minimum Rate |
|
|
|
Up to 3,000 gallons |
$
8.00 |
$
12.00 |
|
Rate per 1,000
gallons |
|
|
|
Over 3,000 gallons |
$ 2.42 |
$
3.00 |
|
|
Old |
Proposed |
|
Institutional |
Rate |
Rate |
|
Minimum Rate |
|
|
|
Up to 3,000 gallons |
$
8.00 |
$
12.00 |
|
Rate per 1,000
gallons |
|
|
|
Over 3,000 gallons |
$20.38 |
$
25.00 |
Manager Morris recommended a Public Hearing
considering there has not been a rate increase in the last (10) ten years.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to
hold a Public Hearing for the Proposed Regional Sewer System rate increase.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to hold a Public Hearing concerning the proposed Regional Sewer
System rate increase at the first meeting in February.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin seconded the motion.
Commissioner
McHugh amended her motion to change the date for the Public Hearing to January
24, 2005.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin amended his second to the motion.
The
motion to hold a Public Hearing for the Proposed Regional Sewer rate increase on
January 24, 2005 carried unanimously.
Chairman
John Turpin noted two (2) existing vacancies on the Centerpoint Board of
Directors. The following is criteria
for the appointments:
disabilities, or substance abuse.
Vacancies have been placed on the
County’s webpage.
There were no nominations.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – ADMINISTRATION –
PROPOSED OFFICE FOR JUDGE MARK BADGETT
County
Manager Rick Morris informed the Board that the proposed move to the present
Veterans’ office for Judge Badgett would not be adequate space. Mr. Morris presented an updated drawing,
which detailed renovations of (2) two vacant offices. This would give Judge
Badgett an office of about 414 sq. ft. with renovations estimated at
$3400. Judge Badgett has reviewed and
approved the suggested renovations. The move f the current Veterans’ office to
the front of the lower lobby will make accessibility for Veterans much
better. County Manager Morris requested
$3400 for renovations for an office for Judge Badgett.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin moved to approve $3400 for renovations for an office for Judge
Badgett.
Commissioner
Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
County
Manager Rick Morris updated the Board after a recent visit to the King Building
from representatives of Pro Clean who had given an estimate of about $4000 to
try to eliminate the mold problems at the King Building. Representatives of Pro Clean suggested that
the following items be done prior to securing any further estimates on the mold
problem at the King Building:
o
Place asphalt along the side of the building to keep out water
(previous estimate $2800)
o
Install additional guttering (to be done my County maintenance)
o
Take additional moisture readings after the above items have
been completed
o
Place additional dehumidifiers in other areas of the building
County
Manager Morris stated that estimates to complete the project to remove the mold
could possibly be lower after the above items are completed.
Chairman
John Turpin requested County Manager Morris submit a complete cost estimate for
the above items at the January 24th meeting.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
GOVERNING BODY- OPEN FORUM FOR CONGRESSWOMAN VIRGINIA FOXX
County
Attorney Jonathan Jordan presented documentation detailing inmate medical expenses
including liquidation of EMS Charges totaling $257,203.98 for fiscal year
2003/04 for presentation to Congresswoman Virginia Foxx who is holding an open
forum on January 14th in King.
The
Board discussed the following items to be presented to Congresswoman Virginia
Foxx:
o
Inmate medical expenses – County’s share
o
Medicaid – NC being one of only two states which shares in Medicaid
cost
o
Illegal immigrations
o
Inmates being disqualified for Medicaid as soon as they enter jail
o
Road improvements
o
Available grants for Stokes County
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY– NCDOT –
REQUEST FOR ADDITION – KAYLA RIDGE ROAD IN OAK CREST ESTATES – SECTION 2 –
ENTRANCE ONTO SR 1758, TYLER ROAD
Chairman
John Turpin presented the Petition for road addition to the State Maintained
Secondary Road System (Kayla Ridge Road in Oak Crest Estates – Section 2 – Entrance
onto SR 1758-Tyler Road) from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the Petition for road addition to
the State Maintained Secondary Road System (Kayla Ridge Road in Oak Crest
Estates – Section 2 – Entrance onto SR 1758-Tyler Road) from the North Carolina
Department of Transportation.
Vice
Chairman Inman moved to approve the Petition for road addition to the State Maintained
Secondary Road System (Kayla Ridge Road in Oak Crest Estates – Section 2 – Entrance
onto SR 1758-Tyler Road) from the North Carolina Department of
Transportation.
Commissioner
McHugh seconded the motion.
Chairman
John Turpin noted the adding of additional roads means additional cost for
maintaining roads (snow removal, patching, etc.) while there is still an
estimated 100-150 unpaved roads in Stokes County.
The
motion to approve the Petition for road addition to the State Maintained Secondary
Road System (Kayla Ridge Road in Oak Crest Estates – Section 2 – Entrance onto
SR 1758-Tyler Road) from the North Carolina Department of Transportation
carried 4-1 with Chairman John Turpin voting against the motion.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –GOVERNING BODY – VOTING
DELEGATE DESIGNATION FORM LEGISLATIVE GOALS CONFERENCE –
Clerk
to the Board Darlene Bullins requested the Board appoint Commissioner Sandy
McHugh as the Voting Delegate for Stokes County at the Legislative Goals Conference
to be held in High Point – January 13-14, 2005.
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to appoint Commissioner Sandy McHugh as the
Voting Delegate for Stokes County at the Legislative Goals Conference to be
held in High Point – January 13-14, 2005.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to appoint
Commissioner Sandy McHugh as the Voting Delegate for Stokes County at the
Legislative Goals Conference to be held in High Point – January 13-14,
2005.
Commissioner
Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman
John Turpin requested Commissioner McHugh pass along the topics discussed for
Congresswoman Virginia Foxx at the Legislative Goals Conference.
County
Manager Rick Morris informed the Board that the Articles of Incorporation of
the Stokes County Water and Sewer Authority that had recently been suspended in
error. The County received documentation from the North Carolina Department of
Revenue stating the suspension was in error and the Articles of Incorporation
had been reinstated.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
ADMINISTRATION – LEASING OF SPACE AT THE OLD PRISON CAMP
County
Manager Rick Morris requested the Board’s approval to allow a sub- contractor
to lease space at the Old Prison Camp (125 x 125 sq. ft. area) to store
telephone poles and related equipment.
The subcontractor has offered $200 per month for usage of the space for
an estimated time of February 2005 to October 2005 with a possible extension
to
December 2005.
County
Manager Morris presented a draft lease prepared by County Attorney Jonathan
Jordan which included the subcontractor’s insurance information.
The
Board discussed the specific area that would be leased by the subcontractor.
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the submitted lease agreement for
space at the Old Prison Camp.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to approve submitted lease agreement for space at the Old Prison
Camp.
Commissioner
Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to enter into closed session to consider and
take action with respect to the position to be taken by the County in
negotiating the price or other materials terms of an agreement for the
acquisition or lease of real property pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a) (5).
Vice
Chairman Inman moved to enter into closed session to consider and take action with
respect to the position to be taken by the County in negotiating the price or
other materials terms of an agreement for the acquisition or lease of real
property pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11 (a)(5).
Commissioner
Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The
Board re-entered into the regular session of the January 10th meeting.
There
being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman John Turpin entertained
a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin moved to adjourn the meeting.
Vice
Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
_________________________
_____________________________
Darlene Bullins John Turpin
Clerk to the Board Chairman