) STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
) AUGUST 22, 2005
The Board of Commissioners of the County of Stokes, State of North
Carolina, met for regular session in the Commissioners’ Chambers of the Ronald
Wilson Reagan Memorial Building (Administrative Building) located in Danbury,
North Carolina on Monday, August 22, 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
Personnel in Attendance:
County
Manager Richard Morris
County
Attorney Jonathan Jordan
Clerk
to the Board Darlene Bullins
Finance
Director Julia Edwards
Jail
Captain Craig Carico
Tax
Administrator Wren Carmichael
Chairman John Turpin called the meeting to order.
Vice Chairman 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.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve or amend the
minutes of August 1st, August 2nd, and August 8th
meetings.
In the minutes of
the August 8, 2005 meeting on page 25 in the 3rd to last paragraph
Vice Chairman Inman made an accusation against me for the record. He said that I denied a request to move an
overcrowded meeting in June of 2003 in violation of the open meetings law.
After the checking the minutes from the meetings in June of 2003 I
discovered that we had 10 meetings that month.
The first meeting was a regular (Planning) meeting which was not
overcrowded.
The next 2 were recessed budget meetings that were not overcrowded.
The next regular meeting was the budget hearing that was held in the
large courtroom and arrangements were made ahead of time to facilitate all
members of the public who wished to speak.
After the hearing the meeting was recessed to convene in the
commissioners meeting room to conduct the regular meeting that was not
overcrowded.
The next 3 meetings were recessed budget meetings that were not
overcrowded.
The next regular meeting of June 23rd there was a record
crowd.
A motion was made to move the meeting to a larger facility. There was a second. As I recall there was discussion in which
David M. Lawrence who wrote the book on the Open Meetings Law was quoted as
saying “The law says nothing about the size of meeting rooms. As long as a public body does not
consistently meet in a room too small to hold all who wish to attend, there
should be no violation of the law if occasionally an unexpectedly large crowd
causes the room to be too small. There
was also discussion on the difficulty involved in moving the meeting given that
no arrangements had been made to have the courthouse or courtroom open or set
up. The motion was voted on and failed.
Hence, the Board of
Commissioners made the decision to not move the meeting.
The next 2 meetings were recessed budget meetings that were not overcrowded.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sam Hill
1247
Hill Road
King,
NC 27021
RE: Removal of Health Board Member
Mr.
Hill presented the Board with a copy of the statement that he read. Mr. Hill spoke on behalf of Dr. Kevin Walker
who had been notified by letter that the Board of Commissioners would be
considering his removal from the Board of Health. Mr. Hill’s statement contained information and questions
concerning the recent article in the Winston Salem Journal of August 5th
quoting Dr.Walker, the irregularities of the August 3rd Board of
Health meeting, the August 3rd meeting never officially taking
place, and the service given by Dr. Kevin Walker to this county and its
citizens.
(a
copy of the statement is on file in the Clerk’s office)
Raymond Key
PO Box 1776
King, NC
27021
RE: Removal of
Health Board Member
Mr. Key agreed with Mr. Hill’s comments. Mr. Key spoke on behalf of Dr. Kevin
Walker’s
character.
Mr. Key noted how respected Dr. Walker was in the community, the freedom
of speech to express an opinion, and the mistake being made to even consider
the removal of Dr. Walker from the Board of Health.
Ron Carroll
PO Box 588
King, NC
27021
RE: Board of
Health
Mr. Carroll commented on the removal of Dr. Chalfa
for the violations of the open meetings
law. Mr.
Carroll stated that the violations in questioned were opinions and a court of
law should determine if allegations were violations of the open meetings law.
Mr. Carroll questioned the Board’s action of not filing suit in Superior Court,
allowing a judge to legally determine if the open meetings law had been
violated, and determining the penalty to be imposed. Mr. Carroll spoke on the term “disrepute”. Mr. Carroll requested the Board correct
their mistake at tonight’s meeting.
RE: Health Board
Ms. Cecile expressed her concerns over the removal
of Dr. Chalfa. Ms. Cecile referred to
the letter to the editor in the Stokes News from Rebecca Chalfa stating what
Dr. Chalfa had done for public heath in Stokes County. Ms. Cecile noted the dismissal of Health
Director Don Moore, G.S. 130A-35(g)(5), removal of Sandy McHugh from the Health
Board, and actions taken that have hurt Stokes County. Mr. Cecile requested the Board “make peace”
of this situation.
Martin Page
1240 Dodson Ridge Road
Walnut Cove, NC
27052
RE: Board of
Health
Mr. Page read a letter from Dr. Debbie Cowan
concerning the Board of Health.
Dr. Cowan requested that no further cuts be made
from the Board of Health and that the
Board of Commissioners set a date very soon to meet
with Board of Health members to discuss the recent actions taken. Dr. Cowan requested that the Commissioner
serving on the Board be rotated yearly and also requested the reinstatement of
Dr. Chalfa to the Board of Health.
Jerry S. Mitchell
1274 Greenfield Road
Walnut Cove, NC
27052
RE: Board of
Health
Mr. Mitchell questioned allegations of
rules/procedures, ethics, and/or statute violations of
Board
of Health and Commissioners’ meetings.
Mr. Mitchell requested that these actions
of
these meetings and past commissioner violations be investigated with the same
vigor as the August 3rd Board of Health meeting, Commissioners hold
themselves to at least the
standards
that you hold private citizens who serve the County as volunteers, and
Commissioner McHugh be removed from the Board of Health. Mr. Mitchell also commented on the
allegation of the open meetings law violation of the June 23, 2003 meeting of
the Board of Commissioners.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – TAX ADMINISTRATION REPORT
Tax
Administrator Wren Carmichael presented the following Real and Personal
Property Releases in the amount of $2,872.17:
·
Reuben J Webb $45.85
·
Ronald E Welch $21.40
·
Jamie Brian Lawson $8.00
·
Doug N Woods $191.18
·
Doug N Woods $188.51
·
Donna B Fulp $475.80
·
Michael O Oleary $26.78
·
Walter Lee Southern $137.12
·
Kwik Wash Inc #2 $29.80
·
The Weight To Go $19.84
·
Delma Stuart $131.29
·
Bryant H Smith
$721.16
·
Joe A Wagoner $132.06
·
David W Jones $50.90
·
James R Bolton $81.70
DBA
Creative Woodworks
·
Stokes County $87.00
·
James W Hill $65.41
·
Royce L Vaden $320.30
·
William H Brown $138.07
Commissioner
Joe Turpin moved to approve the submitted Real and Personal Property Releases
in the amount of $2,872.17. Vice
Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – CLOSED SESSION
Chairman John Turpin requested that Closed
Session be entered into the agenda early due to visitors being from out of
town.
Chairman
John Turpin entertained a motion to enter into closed session for the
following:
·
To consult with the Attorney
employed or retained by the Public Body in order to preserve the
attorney-client privilege between the Attorney and the Public Body, which
privilege is hereby acknowledged, and to consider and give instructions to an
attorney concerning the handing or settlement of a claim, judicial action,
mediation, arbitration, or administration procedure pursuant to G.S.
143-318.11(3).
·
To discuss matters relating to the
location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the County pursuant
to G.S. 143-318.11(4).
Commissioner McHugh moved to enter into
closed session for the following:
·
To consult with the Attorney
employed or retained by the Public Body in order to preserve the
attorney-client privilege between the Attorney and the Public Body, which
privilege is hereby acknowledged, and to consider and give instructions to an
attorney concerning the handing or settlement of a claim, judicial action,
mediation, arbitration, or administration procedure pursuant to G.S.
143-318.11(3).
·
To discuss matters relating to the
location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the County pursuant
to G.S. 143-318.11(4).
Commissioner
Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The Board re-entered into the regular session of the August 22nd
meeting.
Chairman John Turpin stated to those in attendance that no action is
allowed in closed session and to his knowledge there is no requirement by
general statutes to announce that there is no action to be taken after a closed
session.
County Attorney Jonathan Jordan stated that he was not aware of any
requirement for the Chair to announce that there was no action to be taken
after a closed session.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – JAIL- JAIL MEDICAL CONTRACT –STOKES
REYNOLDS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL-PROPOSED AMENDMENT
County Manager Rick Morris explained the proposed amendment to the
current jail contract for jail medical services provided by Stokes Reynolds
Memorial Hospital was to align the contract with the County and the hospital’s
fiscal year budgets.
Manager Morris presented a timeline pertaining to the $15,000 cost pool
and the terms/cost of the current contract.
By adopting the amendment, the County will save approximately $40,000
(over the three-year period) with termination of the contract six months early
(June 30, 2007).
The Board discussed the pros and cons of the amendment to the original
contract. Jail Captain Craig Carico noted that Stokes Reynolds had been meeting
the needs of the jail and was pleased with the service being provided by Stokes
Reynolds.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the Jail Medical
Contract Amendment with Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to approve the Jail Medical Contract
Amendment with Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
(a copy of the amendment will be retained by the Clerk to the Board,County
Attorney, and Jail Captain)
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
ADMINISTRATION – PROPOSED 2005/06 CENTERPOINT PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT
County Manager Rick Morris presented the proposed 2005/06 CenterPoint
Performance Agreement for the Board’s consideration.
County Manager Morris requested Vice Chairman Inman who serves on the
CenterPoint Board of Directors to explain one issue with the agreement.
Vice Chairman Inman noted that the Board of Directors expressed
concerns with the 30-day termination clause, which could hardships in the
services due to transitions taking more than 30 days.
Vice Chairman Inman stated that the CenterPoint Board respectfully asked
to revise the 30-day termination clause to 90 days.
Manager Morris noted that there was no problem with revising the
termination clause to 90 days.
Vice Chairman Inman also noted that information received from CEO Betty
Taylor that with the recent transition, there will be (4) mental health
providers in Stokes County instead of (1).
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to accept the proposed
2005-06 CenterPoint Agreement with the 90-day termination clause modification.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to approve the 2005-06 CenterPoint Agreement
with the 90-day termination clause modification.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT-
PLANNING BOARD – APPOINTMENT – QUAKER GAP TOWNSHIP
Chairman John Turpin presented the Planning Board – Quaker Gap Township
vacancy to the Board.
There were no nominations.
Chairman John Turpin requested the Clerk to place the vacancy on the
County’s website.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – JURY
COMMISSION- RE-APPOINTMENT
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to re-appoint Lynwood Shelton
who was nominated at the August 8th meeting for appointment to the
Jury Commission.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to re-appoint Lynwood Shelton to serve on
the Jury Commission.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
STOKES COUNTY/FORSYTH TECH ADVISORY COUNCIL - APPOINTMENTS
County Manager Rick Morris presented the Board with the following
individuals who were nominated at the August 8th meeting and the
at-large appointees for consideration:
Nominated
at the August 8th meeting
·
City of King – Scott Buffkin
·
Town of Danbury – Rebecca Chalfa
·
Town of Walnut Cove – Dana Dalton
·
Forsyth Tech Stokes County Campus- Interim Director Deana Ray
·
Economic Development Director Ron Morgan
·
Stokes Schools – Dr. Larry Cartner
·
Commissioner Jimmy Walker
·
Vice Chairman Leon Inman
At Large Appointees for
consideration:
o
Sam Hill, King, NC
o
Worth Hampton, King, NC
o
Michael O. Hartley, King, NC
o
Waynona T. Sands- Lawsonville, NC
Manager Morris noted that a Public Notice had been placed in the Stokes
News August 12th and August 19th for the (4) at-large
members to represent the northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest areas
of the County.
Ms. Phyllis Tuttle of the Walnut Cove area had responded to the Public
Notice.
Manager Morris noted that all but the at-large members could be
appointed in order to establish the council with the
at-large members being appointed at a later date.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to appoint the following that
were nominated at the August 8th meeting to serve on the Stokes
County/Forsyth Tech Advisory Council:
·
City of King – Scott Buffkin
·
Town of Danbury – Rebecca Chalfa
·
Town of Walnut Cove – Dana Dalton
·
Forsyth Tech Stokes County Campus- Interim Director Deana Ray
·
Economic Development Director Ron Morgan
·
Stokes Schools – Dr. Larry Cartner
·
Commissioner Jimmy Walker
·
Vice Chairman Leon Inman
Commissioner Walker moved to appoint the following to serve on the
Stokes County/Forsyth Tech Advisory Council:
·
City of King – Scott Buffkin
·
Town of Danbury – Rebecca Chalfa
·
Town of Walnut Cove – Dana Dalton
·
Forsyth Tech Stokes County Campus- Interim Director Deana Ray
·
Economic Development Director Ron Morgan
·
Stokes Schools – Dr. Larry Cartner
·
Commissioner Jimmy Walker
·
Vice Chairman Leon Inman
Vice Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The (4) at-large appointments to represent the northeast, northwest,
southeast, and southwest areas of the County can be considered at a later
date.
Vice Chairman Inman requested that Ms. Phyllis Tuttle be added to the
list for consideration.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
STOKES REYNOLDS HOSPITAL – SUBSIDENCE OF PAVEMENT AND OTHER STRUCTURES AT THE
REAR OF THE FACILITY
County Manager Rick Morris presented Board members with a copy of the
report submitted by Cavanaugh & Associates detailing the findings from the
recent investigation utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to search out
subsurface features that might be linked to the observed conditions.
Manager Morris noted that the basic conclusion was a tank had been
removed and the soil had not been properly tamped after removal. Additional core samples would be needed to
confirm this conclusion. Manager Morris
recommended that low cost measures to re-route the rain water away from the
area and baseline the crack with observation for
expansion be done before additional core samples. Manager Morris also noted that additional
exploration could be done by county personnel.
Commissioner Walker requested that Manager Morris consult with
Cavanaugh to determine a risk factor with his recommendations and/or any other
suggestion to improve the recommendation.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
–STOKES REYNOLDS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL-ASBESTOS
County Manager Rick Morris updated the Board that the current Asbestos
Project at Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital was completed.
Manager Morris requested the Board consider re-wrapping the pipes where
the asbestos had been removed.
Stokes Reynolds officials feel that the pipes need to be re-wrapped of
avoid pipes freezing and damage to the flooring.
Chairman John Turpin requested Manager Morris investigate further the
need for the re-wrapping of the pipes and cost.
Manager Rick Morris noted that bids for the Scott Branch Project had
been advertised with solid requirements submitted by Moorefield Engineering and
bids should be presented at the next meeting.
Manager Rick Morris noted that County Attorney Jonathan Jordan was in
the process of reviewing a proposed contract for a possible cell tower at the
old prison camp.
Manager Rick Morris noted that a meeting with David Sudderth, Cingular
representative, and himself would be scheduled for discussion for a possible
cell tower at the old prison camp if there was no opposition from the Board
with information being presented later for the Board’s consideration.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – STOKES
SCHOOLS 2005-06 CAPITAL OUTLAY
Manager Rick Morris requested the Board’s approval for the following
2005-06 Public School Capital Fund Projects that was approved in the 05/06
Capital Outlay Budget:
·
Technology -$300,000
·
Roofing – North Stokes High - Industrial Arts Shop Building- $60,000
·
Roofing – North Stokes High - “A” Building & Gym - $30,000
·
Roofing – South Stokes High - Main Gym – $130,000
·
Roofing – Pine Hall Elementary – Cafeteria - $50,000
·
Roofing – Sandy Ridge Elementary – Gym -$80,000
·
Roofing – Southeastern Middle School – “A” Building- $50,000
Commissioner Joe Turpin requested that the County request a list from
Stokes County Board of Education -Schools detailing all school buildings that
are in need of roofing repairs.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the submitted
2005-06 Public School Capital Fund Projects that was approved in the 05/06
Capital Outlay Budget.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to approve the submitted 2005-06 Public
School Capital Fund Projects that was approved in the 05/06 Capital Outlay
Budget.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – TOWN OF
DANBURY – REMOVAL OF CEDAR
County Manager Rick Morris presented information to the Board
concerning the removal of the Cedar Christmas Tree located in the front yard of
the Old Courthouse.
The tree had been trimmed due to electrical lines and the Town had
recently been notified that additional trimming was needed or removal of the
tree.
The Town of Danbury had voted to remove the tree.
The Board discussed the removal of the tree and its
historic/sentimental value to the community.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the removal of the
Cedar Christmas Tree.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to approve the removal of the Cedar Christmas
Tree.
Chairman John Turpin seconded and the motion carried 4-1 with
Commissioner Joe Turpin voting against the motion.
Manager Morris noted that Duke Power would be paying for all costs
associated with the removal of the tree.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – BOARD OF
HEALTH – REMOVAL OF BOARD OF
HEALTH MEMBER
Vice Chairman Inman presented Board Members with an opinion from Frayda
Bluestein-Professor of Public Law and Government and Aimee Wall – Assistant
Professor of Public Law and Government – UNC School of Government concerning
the Remedies for the Violations of State Open Meetings Law.
Vice Chairman Inman read the following response which questioned the
following: “If the Stokes County Board of Health took action at a meeting that
was conducted in violation of the open meetings law, what is the status of that
action? Is
the action automatically null and void?”
We believe that the action is
valid until a court has declared the action null and void. G.S. §§ 143-318.16 and 143-318.16A specify the remedies that,
are available when a person believes that a public body has violated the open
meetings laws. The person may go to court to seek a declaratory judgment or an injunction. Alternatively, he or she may
seek a court order invalidating an action taken by the body. The statute sets
out a list of factors for the court to consider when determining whether an
action should be declared null and void, including:
• The extent to which the
violation affected the substance of the challenged
action;
• The extent to which the violation thwarted or impaired access to
meeting or proceedings that the public had a right to attend;
• The extent to which the violation prevented or impaired public
knowledge or understanding of the people's business;
• Whether the violation was an isolated occurrence, or was a part of a
continuing pattern of violations;
• The extent to which persons relied upon the validity of the
challenged action and the effect on such persons of declaring the challenged action void;
• Whether the violation was committed in bad
faith for the purpose of evading or
subverting the public policy of the open
meetings law.
G.S. § 143-3 l8.16A(c)(l)-(6).
Given that the court must evaluate all of these factors before an action is invalidated, it seems clear that such
actions are not automatically null and void if the law is violated. For a full
discussion of the remedies available for violations of the open meetings law,
see David M. Lawrence, Open Meetings and Local Governments in North
Carolina: Some Questions and Answers. 6'h ed. (Institute of Government, 2002).
Based on our various
conversations with individuals involved in the current controversy, all appear
to agree that the secret ballot vote taken at the August 3 board of health
meeting was in violation of the open meetings law (specifically G.S. §
143-317.13(b)). While we do not believe the action taken during that meeting (dismissal of the health director)
is automatically null and void, we have recommended at several points along the
way that the Board of Health take steps to cure the violation or ratify the
action by holding another meeting and taking another vote.
Vice Chairman Inman reiterated his position that this issue should have
been returned to Board of Health when Chairman Chalfa did not have the secret
votes signed.
Vice Chairman Inman moved that the Board of Commissioners nullify its
motion and reinstate Dr. Chalfa (if he would consider) to the Board of
Health.
Commissioner Walker seconded
and the motion failed 2-3 with Chairman John Turpin, Commissioner
McHugh,
and Commissioner Joe Turpin voting against the motion.
Chairman John Turpin read the following from the letter sent to Dr.
Kevin Walker-Board of Health Member for consideration at the August 22nd
meeting for removal from the Stokes County Board of Health:
According to G.S. 130A-35(g)(5), a board of health member may be
removed from office by the county board of commissioners for conduct that tends
to bring the office into disrepute.
It has been brought to my attention that in an interview with the
Winston-Salem Journal published in the August 5, 2005 edition regarding the
Board of Health action designed to terminate the health director, you said “My
sister worked for the health department, and she had some conflict with the health
department. Really, due to the conflict of interest, I try to stay out of
discussing it.” The article then states “But Walker said he did vote to fire
Moore.” Previously the article stated “Board member Kevin Walker, an
optometrist in King, made the motion during Wednesday night’s meeting.”
Dr. Kevin Walker
responded to the allegation by stating the following:
·
Member of Board of Health for nine years
·
Frivolous charges and accusations will not cease until I am gone
·
Nothing I say will make any difference, minds are already made up
·
Need for Dr. Nick Chalfa and other volunteers to serve the County
·
Serving solely on passion and desire to fulfill health needs of Stokes
County
·
Deeply sadden that the autonomy of this Board has been striped due
to the political agendas of
certain people
·
Possible Resolution -Removal of Commissioner McHugh from the Board of
Health -Other Health Board Members and private citizens share this sentiment as
well
·
General Public becoming aware of the political relationship that three
of our
County Commissioners have
with each other as well as their relationship
with the County Manager,
County Attorney, Health Director and other
prominent figures
·
Major restructure with the 2006 election
Dr. Walker concluded with his best wishes to the Health Department and all other county entities.
Chairman John Turpin questioned Dr. Walker if Health Director Don Moore
was given an opportunity to respond to the allegations against him before his
removal. Dr. Walker responded that he
had missed several meetings due to illness with a child and stated he could not
answer the question with 100% certainty.
To his knowledge and not speaking
for any other Board of Health member, he was not aware of any attempt.
Commissioner Joe Turpin requested the full definition of “disrepute”
and would a newspaper article be considered as a public record.
County Attorney Jordan confirmed that a newspaper article would be
considered a public record.
Commissioner Joe Turpin questioned
Dr. Walker pertaining to the issue of a possible “conflict of interest”
as stated in
the article pertaining to nepotism.
Dr. Walker stated that his understanding of a “conflict of interest”
pertains to a monetary value and there was no monetary value in this
situation.
Dr. Walker redirected the question, by asking the Board members if they
were aware of any advantage gained by his sister with his position or seen him
do any action that has benefited her in the Health Department.
Chairman John Turpin
noted that he had not been approached by any Health Board member or the general
public concerning the Health Director or his performance.
Dr. Walker stated that he
had intentionally, purposefully distanced himself from his sister’s situation
as he knew his father has in his situation.
Dr. Walker stated that he felt like this was a political ploy bringing
this into the situation. Dr. Walker
stated that he felt the quotes were not accurate in the paper and that he had
also stated this to his father-Commissioner Walker.
Commissioner Jimmy Walker
stated the following: Pertaining to Dr.
Walker, my daughter and myself, we don’t asked for quarter, we don’t give
quarter when it comes to nepotism, buddyism, cronyism, or political ploys, we
are not into games. I cannot
discriminate, will not, have not (fifth term as elected official) and I have
never to my knowledge discriminated for someone because of family reasons nor
will I discriminate against them because they happen to be family.
Commissioner Walker also
questioned if there was a conflict with his daughter and if so, he would like
to know what it is.
Commissioner McHugh
stated that these things all have to do with personnel issues that the Board of
Commissioners cannot discuss and there is no way anyone can prove that there is
a conflict of interest because it has to do with personnel issues.
Commissioner Joe Turpin
questioned Commissioner Walker because of the appearance of nepotism, should he
remove himself from this issue.
Commissioner Walker stated that there is no monetary involvement and he
could do no less for his daughter than he would do for any other citizen and he
would absolutely do no more. His
intentions are to do no less.
Chairman John Turpin
questioned Dr. Walker if he would like to state what he actually said to the
paper. Dr. Walker expressed his
appreciation, but with that being over two weeks ago he would not even attempt
to try remember what was said, but he was sure that it was not exactly what he
said.
Dr. Walker presented
Board members with a statement from a concerned citizen.
County Attorney Jonathan
Jordan presented the Board with the requested information pertaining to the
meaning of “disrepute”.
The Board continued
discussion of personnel issues pertaining to Health Department employees and
the availability to the Board of Commissioners, conflict of interest, meaning
of “disrepute”.
Commissioner Walker
requested a meeting with Health Director Don Moore.
Commissioner Joe Turpin
moved to table this issue to the next meeting-September 12th.
Commissioner McHugh
seconded the motion.
Commissioner Walker
expressed his concerns with this being the second consecutive meeting
requesting Dr. Walker’s attendance and now requesting a third.
Commissioner Walker also
expressed his concerns that this was interfering with his job as County
Commissioner that the people had elected him to do due to all the clutter,
confusion, frustration, and embarrassment that is being brought to this
County. This issue needs to be settled one way or
the other in order to allow this Board to take the County in good directions
and move forward.
Vice Chairman Inman noted
that Stokes County was making headlines from “Murphy to Manteo” and not in a
positive way.
Vice Chairman Inman also
reiterated that the Board of Health should have been given the opportunity to
correct their mistakes and that the true meaning of disrepute does not
characterize Dr. Kevin Walker.
The motion carried (3-2)
with Commissioner Walker and Vice Chairman Inman voting against the motion.
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.
Commissioner Joe Turpin
seconded and the motion carried (4-1) with Vice Chairman Inman voting against
the motion.
_________________________
_____________________________
Darlene M. Bullins
John M. Turpin
Clerk to the Board Chairman