) STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA ) JANUARY 24, 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 24, 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.
Finance Director Julia Edwards 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
REGIONAL SEWER SYSTEM – RATE INCREASE
Chairman John Turpin called the Public Hearing for the Proposed
Regional Sewer System rate increase to order.
Jane Priddy Charleville
105 King Circle
Danbury, NC 27016
Ms. Charleville spoke to the
Board concerning the proposed sewer system rate increase, which reflects a 50%
minimum user increase for residential customers. Ms. Charleville
requested the Board consider the rate increase more proportional across
the board.
Chairman John Turpin closed the Public Hearing.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve or amend the
minutes of the January 10th meeting.
Commissioner McHugh noted the following:
Walnut Cove Library Expansion Project –
Update
Last paragraph – change the word “visibility” to “feasibility”
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve the January 10th
minutes as amended.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Re: Proposed Franchise Agreement
Ms.
Cecile requested the Board table the Proposed Cable Television Franchise
Agreement, which is scheduled for the second reading at tonight’s meeting. Ms. Cecile also requested that the Board
appoint members of the community to seek information from the citizens to get
the best deal for our communities.
CLOSED
SESSION
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).
Commissioner Joe Turpin
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 returned to the
regular session of the January 24th meeting.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING
BODY – PROPOSED CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE AGREEMENT – TIME WARNER CABLE SECOND
READING
Mr. David Harris, Piedmont Triad Council of Governments, presented an
overall review of the proposed cable television franchise agreement – Time
Warner Cable.
(County Attorney Jonathan Jordan and Buck Yarborough –Time Warner were
present for the agenda item)
Mr. Harris noted that the current franchise agreement with Time Warner
expired on August 20, 2004 not March 8, 2006 as indicated in the agenda –Board
Report. Mr. Harris apologized for the
incorrect data.
The Board continued the discussion relating to no increase to the
subscribers, terms of the agreement, access channels, programming, non-exclusive agreement, franchise fees, the
expiration date of the franchise, and postponing any action until the next
meeting for further questions.
Mr. Harris requested if possible, questions be made available before
the next meeting in order to ensure the Board receives full explanations to any
unanswered questions.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to postpone the discussion
for the proposed Cable Television Franchise Agreement – Time Warner Cable.
Commissioner McHugh moved to postpone the discussion for the proposed
Cable Television Franchise Agreement until the February 14th
meeting.
Vice Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – NORTHEAST STOKES VOL. FIRE DEPT. & RESCUE SQUAD, INC -
APPROVAL OF TAX EXEMPT FINANCING
Fire Chief Joel E. James, Northeast Stokes Vol. Dept. &
Rescue Squad Inc., requested the Board’s approval for tax exempt financing in
the amount of $1,125,000.00 which will enable the Northeast Stokes Vol. Fire
Dept. & Rescue Squad Inc. to pay off construction cost on the new fire
station and pay off an existing truck loan ($22,500-truck loan).
This approval will not constitute any county financial
involvement or obligation.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the
tax exempt financing for the Northeast Stokes Vol. Fire Dept. & Rescue
Squad, Inc.
Commissioner Walker moved to approve the tax exempt
financing for the Northeast Stokes Vol. Fire Dept. & Rescue Squad,
Inc.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Chief James noted an “Open House” is scheduled for March 2005.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – TAX ADMINISTRATION REPORT
Tax Administrator Wren Carmichael presented the Tax Administration
Report.
Tax
Administrator Carmichael requested the Property Tax Refund for Brandy Wall
Hulbert in the amount of $86.57.
Chairman John
Turpin entertained a motion to approve the requested Property Tax Refund for
Brandy Wall Hulbert in the amount of $86.57.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to approve the requested Property Tax Refund for Brandy Wall
Hulbert in the amount of $86.57.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Tax
Administrator Carmichael requested the following Property Tax Release Requests
for Real and Personal Property in the amount of $891.02:
·
Donald W. Holt $216.86
·
Amanda R.
Bullins $571.64
·
Bobby
Pettitt $52.47
·
Brandy Wall
Hulbert $50.05
Chairman John
Turpin entertained a motion to approve the submitted Property Tax Release
Requests for Real and Personal Property in the amount of $891.02.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to approve the submitted Property Tax Release Requests for Real
and Personal Property in the amount of $891.02.
Commissioner
Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Tax
Administrator Carmichael requested the Refund for Motor Vehicle for Lee Dalton
Yontz in the amount of $93.43 – vehicle exempt – Soldiers/Sailors Act.
Chairman John
Turpin entertained a motion to approve the submitted Request for Refund for
Motor Vehicle in the amount of $93.43 for Lee Dalton Yontz-Soldiers/Sailors
Act.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin moved to approve the Refund for Motor Vehicle for Lee Dalton Yontz
in the amount of $93.43 – vehicle exempt – Soldiers/Sailors Act.
Vice Chairman
Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Tax
Administrator Wren Carmichael presented the 2005 Cost Index and Depreciation
Schedules prepared and recommended by the North Carolina Department of Revenue
to use in the valuation of business personal property and certain taxable
personal property listed as January 1, 2005.
Tax Administrator Carmichael requested the Board’s
approval for
the 2005 Cost Index and Depreciation Schedules.
The Board
discussed the proposed 2005 Cost Index and Depreciation Schedules.
Chairman John
Turpin entertained a motion to approve the 2005 Cost Index and Depreciation
Schedules.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to approve the 2005 Cost Index and Depreciation Schedules from the
North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Vice Chairman
Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
(A copy of the 2005 Cost Index and Depreciation
Schedule will be available in the Clerk’s office and the Tax Administration
Office)
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – EMS - QUICK RESPONSE VEHICLE
County Manager Rick
Morris (Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall unable to attend the meeting
due to sickness) presented the following informal bids which were accepted
until Tuesday, January 11, 2005 for purchasing one Quick Response Vehicle for
Emergency Medical Services Department:
Scenic Motors $29,306.83 2005 Ford Excursion (V8 Gasoline)
$33,585.96 2005 Ford Excursion (V8 Diesel)
Parkway Ford $37,119.00 2005 Ford Excursion (V8 Diesel)
Modern Chevrolet $29,980.00 2005 CK25906 Chevrolet Suburban (V8
Gasoline)
Bobby Murray Chevrolet $30,043.00 2005 CK25906 Chevrolet Suburban (V8
Gasoline)
Light bar, siren, lettering and radio will be purchased from other
companies and installed by Vehicle Maintenance Staff.
2005 Ford Excursion 29,306.83
3% NC sales tax 879.21
Whelen Edge 9M light bar
900.00 9 00.00
Whelen SK160 siren/speaker
475.00 475.00
Center Console 140.00
140.00
Strobe Kit 285.00 285.00
Kenwood VHF Radio 482.50 482.50
Extendo Bed 2,400.00 2,400.00
Vehicle Lettering
800.00
800.00
Project Cost: $35,668.54
Budget Amount $36,000.00
EMS
Director Monty Stevens noted the following:
·
Replaces 1997 Ford Expedition – 195,356 miles
·
Large amount of equipment needed to be carried in vehicle
·
Vehicle used to transport bodies
·
Use for off road
EMS Director Monty Stevens and Support Services Supervisor
Danny Stovall requested the approval to purchase (1) one 2005 Ford Excursion
from Scenic Motors.
The Board discussed the need for a larger vehicle, cost of
diesel vs. gasoline, 4 wheel drive, fuel savings, and the current usage of the
1997 Expedition.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion for the purchase
of a Quick Response Vehicle for Emergency Medical Services Department.
Commissioner McHugh moved to purchase (1) 2005 Ford
Excursion (V8 Diesel) for the Emergency Services Department. Chairman John Turpin seconded and the
motion failed 2-3 with Chairman John Turpin, Vice Chairman Inman, and
Commissioner Walker voting against the motion.
Chairman John Turpin requested EMS Director Monty Stevens
return information concerning the amount of needed space for equipment and to
have Support Services Supervisor Danny
Stovall obtained bids for an Expedition for the February 14th
meeting.
Scenic Motors $35,996.96
(V8 Diesel) Per
specifications
$31,632.83
(V8 Gasoline)
Parkway Ford $37,114.00
(V8 Diesel) Per specifications
Diesel Gasoline
2005 Ford F-350 (V8 Diesel) 35,996.96 31,632.83
3% NC sales tax 1,079.91 948.99
Vehicle Lettering 650.00 650.00
Emergency Lighting -0- -0-
Project Cost 37,726.87 33,231.82
(Lighting equipment cost not
included)
Fire Marshal Brad Cheek also submitted additional information
concerning the purchase of the Ford F-350 Chassis cab with a Reading Service
Body including a panel top, chassis familiar to maintenance staff, fuel savings
with a diesel engine, towing needs, and
enclosed storage for all equipment.
The Board discussed the fuel savings with a diesel engine, towing
needs, and the department’s need for the additional vehicle.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to purchase one Ford F-350
Chassis with a Reading service body installed for the Fire Marshal Department.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to approve the purchase of one Ford F-350
Chassis (V8-Diesel) with a Reading service body installed for the Fire Marshal
Department.
Vice Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATIONS – PROPOSED TELECOMMUNICATION SCHEDULE
County Manager Rick Morris requested the Board approve the current
temporary (approved July 2003) fluctuating schedule for telecommunicators,
which consist of working alternating weekly schedules of 36 hours one week and
48 hours the next (still with 12 hour shifts) for a total of 168 per 4 week pay
period with overtime paid at the half time rate
instead of receiving applicable compensatory time being awarded at time
and a half.
Manager Morris noted that approving this permanent fluctuating schedule
with overtime paid at half time rate will reduce the overall Emergency
Communications’ budget. Emergency
Communications Director Del Hall recommends using this as a permanent schedule
for his telecommunicators.
Manager Morris requested the approval for permanent fluctuating
schedule be effective with the beginning of the next pay period February 11,
2005.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the requested
permanent fluctuating schedule for telecommunicators effective February 11,
2005.
Vice Chairman Inman move to approve the requested permanent fluctuating
schedule for telecommunicators effective February 11, 2005.
Commissioner Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested
the approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment #54 which is necessary to amend the
General Fund to appropriate funds from insurance claim for accident involving a
deer. The appropriations are to be changed
as followed:
|
Account Number |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
|
Sheriff’s Department |
|
|
|
|
|
100.4310.351 |
|
Maint. & Repairs-Auto |
|
|
|
$726.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$726.00 |
|
Account Number |
|
REVENUES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.3839.850 |
|
Insurance Claims |
|
|
|
$726.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$726.00 |
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #54.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#54.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman John Turpin requested information whether this was a nighttime
or daytime car – referring to the use of a front guard.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested
the approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment #55 which is necessary to amend the
General Fund to appropriate funds from Elderly & Disabled Client
Donations. The appropriations are to be
changed as followed:
|
Account Number |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
|
Senior Services |
|
|
|
|
|
100.5860.441 |
|
Misc-Cont.Servs. EDTAP |
|
|
|
$252.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$252.00 |
|
Account Number |
|
REVENUES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.3586.454 |
|
Elderly & Disabled
Client-Donations |
|
|
|
$252.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$252.00 |
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #55.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #55.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested
the approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment #56 which is necessary to amend the
General Fund to transfer funds for the purchase of a personal computer. These funds are appropriated from the
Register of Deeds Technology funds. The
appropriations are to be changed as followed:
|
Account Number |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
|
Register of Deeds |
|
|
|
|
|
100.4180.441 |
|
Misc-Contractual Ser. Web
page |
|
$1,800.00 |
|
|
|
100.4180.511 |
|
Equipment-Non Capitalized |
|
|
|
$1,800.00 |
|
|
|
|
$1,800.00 |
|
$1,800.00 |
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #56.
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #56.
Commissioner Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment #57 which is necessary to amend the General Fund to appropriate funds from State Fines & Forfeitures to purchase Law Enforcement Officer and Death Investigation forms software. The appropriations are to be changed as followed:
|
Account Number |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
|
Sheriff’s Dept. |
|
|
|
|
|
100.4310.511 |
|
Equipment – Non
Capitalized |
|
|
|
$554.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$554.00 |
|
Account Number |
|
REVENUES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.3301.413 |
|
State Fines &
Forfeitures |
|
|
|
$554.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$554.00 |
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #57.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#57.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested
the approval of Budget Ordinance Amendment #58 which is necessary to amend the
General Fund to transfer funds for the Work First Participation expense 100%
Federal Funds. The appropriations are
to be changed as followed:
|
Account Number |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
|
Social Services |
|
|
|
|
|
100.5310.293 |
|
JOBS-Participation Expense |
|
|
|
$10.000.00 |
|
100.5310.186 |
|
Prof. Servs-TANF Child
Enrich. |
|
$10,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$10,000.00 |
|
$10,000.00 |
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #58.
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #58.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
County Manager Rick
Morris reviewed the proposed regional sewer rate increase submitted to the
Board for consideration at the January 10th meeting. Manager Morris referenced the letter from
Local Government Commission, no increase in the past ten years, and the need
for the rate increase. Manager Morris
requested the Board’s approval for the rate increase recommendation for general
operating expenses as well as future capital improvements.
The Board discussed
surroundings sewer rates, the apparent need for an increase, the request from
citizens to lower the minimum rate increase, and to look at lowering the
minimum rate and increase the rate over 3,000 gallons to achieve the needed
increase.
Commissioner McHugh
requested a revenue calculation for the next meeting for the following:
§
Propose Minimum Rate - $10.00 and project revenue over 3,000 gals rate
per 1,000
§
Propose Minimum Rate - $11.00 and project revenue over 3,000 gals rate
per 1,000
Commissioner McHugh moved to postpone the discussion on the proposed
sewer rate increase until the February 14th meeting. Vice Chairman Inman seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
County Manager Rick Morris presented the following additional
information concerning the King Building Update:
§
Current Asphalt bid - $2850 -valid
§
(3) Dehumidifiers are in place
§
Water needs to be moved away from the building
§
To date - $3,502.61 funds expended – King Building
§
Pro Clean would possibly guarantee work if asphalt is placed
§
Asphalt plants are currently closed due to cold weather
Manager Morris presented pictures to clarify the placement of
additional gutters and the asphalt.
Commissioner Walker requested clarification concerning the closing of
the King Clinic.
Chairman John Turpin noted the need to close the building due to the
mold being present in building.
The Board continued discussion concerning the facility issues at the
King Building.
Chairman John Turpin suggested the possibility of using concrete
instead of asphalt with work being done by the County’s maintenance department.
County Manager Rick Morris presented the following requested
information concerning funding for construction of other county libraries:
§
Danbury Library -1991 -
$225,966.35
§
King Library - 1996 -
$485,000.00
§
Walnut Cove Library – 1979 - $62,000
Walnut Cove Board Member Tom Grubbs stated that the requested $200,000
pledge could be carried over five years and the critical need for a pledge from
the County pertaining to the challenge bid (challenge bid will be available
June 1, 2005). Walnut Cove Board Member
Mike Hartwig also noted the increased value for a County building.
Chairman McHugh moved to postpone further discussion concerning the
requested $200,000 County Pledge for the Walnut Cove Library Expansion until
the February 14th meeting at which time the County Manager will
submit possible options for funding.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman John Turpin noted two (2) existing vacancies on the
Centerpoint Board of Directors. The
following are criteria for the appointments:
§
One vacancy must be filled with a family member representing the
interests of individuals in recovery from addiction
§
One vacancy must be filled with a clinical professional from the fields
of mental health, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse.
Chairman McHugh nominated Mike Marshall for appointment to the
CenterPoint Board pertaining to the
following criteria: One vacancy must be filled with a family member
representing the interests of individuals in recovery from addiction.
Clerk to the Board Darlene Bullins submitted the name of Catherine H.
Long who expressed interest in serving on the CenterPoint Human Services Board.
Vice Chairman Inman nominated Catherine H. Long contingent upon
approval of Centerpoint for appointment to the CenterPoint Board pertaining to
the following criteria:
One vacancy must be filled with a clinical professional from the fields
of mental health, developmental disabilities, or substance abuse.
Nominations can be considered at the February 14th meeting.
Chairman John Turpin noted a conflict in scheduling pertaining to his
appointment on the YVEDDI – Board of Directors.
Commissioner Walker volunteered to serve on the YVEDDI - Board of
Directors.
Vice Chairman Inman nominated Commissioner Walker to serve on the
Yadkin Valley Economic Development District Inc (YVEDDI) –Board of
Directors.
Commissioner Walker can be considered at the February 14th
meeting.
Commissioner Walker requested information concerning the PART
Transportation pertaining to Stokes County.
County Manager Rick Morris stated he would provide the Board with
additional information.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING
BODY – PROPOSED RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF MEDICAID RELIEF FOR COUNTIES
County Manager Rick Morris presented a proposed Resolution in Support
of Medicaid Relief for Counties from the North Carolina Association of County
Commissioners.
Commissioner McHugh noted this was the number #1 goal recently adopted
at the Legislative Goals Conference sponsored by the North Carolina Association
of County Commissioners.
Chairman John Turpin requested County Manager Rick Morris adapt this
proposed Resolution to information pertaining to Stokes County and submit at
the February 1st – Commissioners’ meeting.
Chairman John Turpin requested Board members to bring calendars to the
February 14th meeting for discussion of dates for a possible Board
Retreat – future plans for Stokes County.
There being no further business to come before the Board, Chairman John
Turpin entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner McHugh moved to adjourn the meeting. Vice Chairman Inman seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
_________________________
_____________________________
Darlene Bullins
John M. Turpin
Clerk to the Board Chairman