) STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
) OCTOBER 24, 2005
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, October 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
Finance
Director Julia Edwards
Support
Services Supervisor Danny Stovall
Tax
Administrator Wren Carmichael
Jail
Captain Craig Carico
Health
Director Don Moore
Chairman John Turpin called the meeting to order.
County Manager Rick Morris 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 the October 4th and October 10th meetings.
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the October 4th
and the October 10th meetings.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The following citizens spoke to
the Board during public comments.
Charlie Taylor
3075 Spainhour Mill Road
Tobaccoville, NC 27050
Re: Habitat for Humanity of Stokes County
Mr. Taylor presented the Board with
an update regarding the Habitat for Humanity of Stokes County. Mr. Taylor noted that Habitat for Humanity
had built a home in King, Walnut Cove, Sandy Ridge, and was currently working
on the permits for the fourth home in King.
Mr. Taylor invited the Board to
the Stokes County Habitat for Humanity ASK Breakfast on Thursday, November 10th
at 7:00 am at First Baptist Church in King on Kirby Road.
Stan Squires
2753 HWY 89
Danbury, NC 27016
Re: Dan River Accesses
Mr. Squires expressed concerns
regarding the river accesses that were to be built at all new bridges-
specially the new bridge on HWY #89/Lynchburg, which does not have an access.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
SAURATOWN TRAILS/DAN RIVER TRAILS- UPDATE
Mr. Larry Reeves,
President Sauratown Trail Association, presented an update regarding the
Sauratown Trail.
Mr. Reeves noted the
following:
·
Part of NC Trails System
·
Non-profit association with 43 members
·
Only trail in State connecting two state parks (Pilot Mtn. and Hanging
Rock)
·
Only trail in State crossing strictly private property
·
Trail crosses 60 landowners’ property
·
Trail is 21.7 miles
·
Trail has places for boys scout to camp
·
Five parking lots to access the trail
·
Trail has swinging bridge for hikers
·
Interest from the Town of Danbury and Economic Development Director Ron
Morgan for more trails to connect to the Sauratown Trail.
·
Trail systems brings tourism to Stokes County and future trails could
bring more tourism to Stokes County
·
$50,000 grant received from Adopt a Trails for the Pilot Mtn. Trail
·
Sauratown Trail website is in the process of connecting to the Tourism
website currently maintained by Economic Development Director Ron Morgan
Mr. Reeves presented
Board members with a map of the Sauratown Trail.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT –TAX ADMINISTRATION REPORT
Tax Administrator Wren Carmichael presented the Tax Administration
Report.
Tax
Administrator Carmichael requested the following Property Tax Release Requests
for Real and Personal Property in the amount of $491.75:
|
Marlin Leasing |
|
$ 55.99 |
|
Marlin Leasing |
|
$ 48.62 |
|
Barbara Jean Tullock |
|
$ 284.27 |
|
McLissie
Leake Lash |
|
$ 102.87 |
|
Total Amount Requested |
|
|
|
to be Released |
|
$ 491.75 |
Chairman John
Turpin entertained a motion to approve the submitted Property Tax Release
Requests for Real and Personal Property in the amount of $491.75.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin moved to approve the submitted Property Tax Release Requests for
Real and Personal Property in the amount of $491.75.
Commissioner
McHugh seconded the motion.
The Board
discussed the Marlin Leasing request that had previously been submitted to the
Board-no action taken at that time due to lack of information.
Tax
Administrator Carmichael recommended the request for Marlin Leasing with the
condition that the amended listing must include a late listing penalty of 10%
for failure to list by April 15, 2005.
Commissioner
McHugh moved to amend the original motion to include that the amended listings
for Marlin Leasing include a late listing penalty of 10% for failure to list by
April 15, 2005.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin seconded and the amendment carried unanimously.
The motion to
approve the submitted Property Tax Release Requests for Real and Personal
Property in the amount of $491.75 and the amended listings for Marlin Leasing
include a late listing penalty of 10% for failure to list by April 15, 2005
carried unanimously.
Tax
Administrator Carmichael presented a request from Price Law Office-Attorney
Robert E. Price Jr. to increase the rates for each step in the foreclosure
process to $15.00 per step beginning October 1, 2005. Attorney Price noted that operating costs keeps increasing such
as gasoline.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve the request from
Price Law Office to increase the rates for each step in the foreclosure process
to $15.00 per step.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to approve the motion to increase the rates
for each step in the foreclosure process to $15.00 per step.
Commissioner
Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Jail
Captain Craig Carico presented the jail inspection report performed at the
Stokes County Jail on October 11, 2005 by Chris Wood, Western Area Jail
Consultant, from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human
Services.
Jail
Captain Carico noted that there were no actions or responses required by Stokes
County.
The Board
commended Captain Carico and his staff for an excellent job.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – WALNUT COVE LIBRARY – EXPANSION PROJECT BIDS
Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall presented
the following bids, which were opened at 3:00 pm on October 12, 2005 for the
Walnut Cove Public Library Expansion Project:
Ø
Wishon
Carter $628,000.00
Yadkinville
Ø
M&M
Builders $630,000.00
High Point
Ø
RP Murray $659,000.00
Winston Salem
Ø
Associated
Industrial $685,071.00
Eden
Walnut Cove Librarian Betty Smith informed the
Board that original estimate of $500,000.00 for the expansion project, which
started in 2000, had increased due to adding additional 486 square feet in the
conference room and the cost of fuel and building materials. Ms. Smith stated
that the Walnut Cove Public Library Board is convinced that the money can be
raised and is willing to work toward this goal. Ms. Smith requested if there was anyway possible the County could
allocate additional funding or decrease the funding amount appropriated each
year, but add additional years to the current funding agreement.
Ms. Smith concluded that the Walnut Cove Library
Board unanimously voted on Monday, October 17, 2005 to contract with the low
bidder Wishon Carter.
Mr. Stovall noted that financing would have to be
guaranteed by the County due to the Library being in the County’s name.
The Board discussed the additional funding
requested by Ms. Smith.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to approve the motion to
authorize the acceptance of the low bid from Wishon Carter.
Commissioner McHugh seconded the motion.
The Board continued further discussion of the
additional funding needed for the expansion project.
County Manager Rick Morris reiterated that even
though the Walnut Cove Library Board intends to raise the additional funding,
the County by co-signing the loan application, becomes financially responsibility
for the entire loan.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to amend the original
motion to include that Stokes County will secure and guarantee the loan if
additional funding is not raised by the Walnut Cove Library Board.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the amendment
carried unanimously.
The motion to authorize the acceptance of the low
bid from Wishon Carter and that Stokes County will secure and guarantee the
loan if additional funding is not raised by the Walnut Cove Library Board
carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – HEALTH
DEPARTMENT – STAFFING ISSUES
Health Director Don Moore requested the approval
from the Board regarding the following positions:
·
Funding
of full time Public Health I Supervisor
§
Only
funded 60% in F/Y 2005/06 budget
§
Current
part time PH I Supervisor resigning
§
Requesting
full time position for remainder of F/Y 05-06
§
Requesting
starting salary of $44,071
§
No
increase in County funding-use lapsed salaries
·
Hiring of
Physician Extender II position at a starting salary of $55,000
§
Currently
funded in the F/Y 2005-06 budget
§
Need of
$55,000 in order to hire Physician Extender
§
Current
range (77) is well below the prevailing salary
§
No
increase in County funding-use lapsed salaries
§
Experienced
candidate is moving to Stokes County and has agreed to accept this position,
contingent on the salary requested
§
Physician
Extender will allow expansion of services in Stokes County
§
Physician
Extender will allow for at least two days a week at the King Clinic
The Board discussed the requests presented by
Director Moore, time frame for re-opening of the King Clinic (possibly January
2006), and the services needed in Stokes County.
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion regarding
the position funding for the Public Health I Supervisor and the Physician
Extender II.
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve the Health
Department’s request for funding for Public Health I Supervisor and Physician
Extender II at the requested salaries.
Vice Chairman Inman seconded and the motion carried
(4-1) with Commissioner Joe Turpin voting against the motion.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GRANT –
PROPOSED GARAGE – UPDATE
County Manager Rick Morris requested the approval
of the submitted Resolution to allow the County to hire an architect to develop
a site plan that can be submitted for approval of the Department of
Transportation. Architect fees less
than $30,000 by statutes do not require a competitive solicitation. Manager Morris suggested the County solicit
the services of Perry Peterson who has done previous work for the county and
who is a specialist in metal buildings.
The Board discussed bidding out for architect
services.
Manager Morris offered to secure other bids from
other architects if the Board knew of any architects available.
No names were given.
Manager Morris presented Board members with a
picture of a steel building being considered for the proposed garage.
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve the following
Resolution based on NC General Statutes 143-64.31 and 143-64.32:
Resolution
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 143-64.31 requires the
initial selection of firms to perform architectural, engineering and surveying
services without regard to fee,
WHEREAS, The County of Stokes proposes to enter into one or more
contracts for such services of work on the Stokes County Garage/Yadkin Valley
Economic Development District Inc., Garage/Office facility; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 143-64.32 permits the
County to exempt a project; and
WHEREAS, the
estimated professional fees is in an amount less than thirty thousand dollars
($30,000.00)
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners is convened in a regular
meeting:
NOW,
THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF STOKES COUNTY RESOLVES THAT:
The above-described project is hereby
made exempt from the provisions of North Carolina General Statue 143-64.31 for
the reason stated in this resolution.
Adopted this the 24th day
of October 2005.
_________________________ __________________________
Clerk to the Board Chairman
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion
carried (4-1) with Chairman John Turpin voting against the motion.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget
Ordinance Amendment #23, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to
appropriate funds for a Dell color printer for the Tax Department, approved
October 10, 2005 Board of County Commissioners meeting. The appropriations are to be as follows:
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
EXPENDITURES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
|
Tax Administration |
|
|
|
|
|
100.4140.511 |
Equipment- Non Capitalized |
|
|
|
$850.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$850.00
|
This will result in a net
increase of $850.00 in the appropriations of the General Fund. To provide the
additional revenue for the above, the following revenue will be increased.
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
REVENUES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
100.3100.111 |
Prior Year Taxes |
|
|
|
$850.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$850.00
|
Chairman John Turpin
entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #23.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#23.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget
Ordinance Amendment #24, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to
appropriate funds for the purchase of a new building and associated cost and
paving of the driveway for the Pinnacle Collection Site. The appropriations are to be as follows:
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
EXPENDITURES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
|
Solid Waste |
|
|
|
|
|
100.4720.580 |
Building |
|
|
|
$3,185.00 |
|
100.4720.590 |
Improvements |
|
|
|
$12,000.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$15,185.00
|
This will result in a net
increase of $15,185.00 in the appropriations of the General Fund. To provide
the additional revenue for the above, the following revenue will be increased.
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
REVENUES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
100.3472.111 |
Solid Waste Fees |
|
|
|
$15,185.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$15,185.00
|
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #24.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #24.
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget
Ordinance Amendment #25, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to
appropriate funds from the Rural Economic Development Center Grant and Stokes
Water and Sewer Authority for the Sauratown Fire Station Water Line
Extension. The appropriations are to be
as follows:
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
EXPENDITURES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
|
Sauratown Fire Dept-Water Line |
|
|
|
|
|
100.4931.002 |
Sauratown Fire Dept-Water Line |
|
|
|
$250,750.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$250,750.00
|
This will result in a net
increase of $250,750.00 in the appropriations of the General Fund. To provide
the additional revenue for the above, the following revenue will be increased.
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
REVENUES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
100.3301.264 |
Rural Economic Dev. Grant |
|
|
|
$245,750.00 |
|
100.3939.000 |
Miscellaneous Revenue |
|
|
|
$5,000.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$250,750.00
|
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #25.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#25.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget
Ordinance Amendment #26, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to
appropriate funds from a Wal-Mart Grant Foundation to purchase DVD/VCR for
surveillance equipment, photo printer, projection screen for community
prevention classes, spotlights for patrol and
flashlights for courtrooms. The
appropriations are to be as follows:
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
EXPENDITURES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
|
Sheriff’s Department |
|
|
|
|
|
100.4310.511 |
Equipment- Non Capitalized |
|
|
|
$1,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000.00
|
This will result in a net
increase of $1,000.00 in the appropriations of the General Fund. To provide the
additional revenue for the above, the following revenue will be increased.
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
REVENUES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
100.3839.001 |
Sheriff’s Dept.-Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
$1,000.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000.00
|
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #26.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#26.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget
Ordinance Amendment #27, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to
appropriate funds from a Sam’s Club Foundation to purchase Riot Helmets for the
jailers. The appropriations are to be
as follows:
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
EXPENDITURES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
|
Jail |
|
|
|
|
|
100.4320.511 |
Equipment- Non Capitalized |
|
|
|
$1,000.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000.00
|
This will result in a net
increase of $1,000.00 in the appropriations of the General Fund. To provide the
additional revenue for the above, the following revenue will be increased.
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
REVENUES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
100.3839.005 |
Jail - Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
$1,000.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$1,000.00
|
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #27.
Commissioner Joe Turpin moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#27.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Finance Director Julia Edwards requested the approval of Budget
Ordinance Amendment #28, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to
appropriate funds from Senate Bill 7, Hurricane Recovery Act of 2005. The staff has performed the appropriate
duties as outlined in Contract No. T05145 for these funds. The funds will be used for
necessary supplies and equipment for the Environmental Health
Department. The appropriations are to
be as follows:
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
EXPENDITURES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
|
Environmental Health |
|
|
|
|
|
100.5192.260 |
Departmental Supplies |
|
|
|
$5,000.00 |
|
100.5192.261 |
Office Supplies |
|
|
|
$5,000.00 |
|
100.5192.511 |
Equipment- Non Capitalized |
|
|
|
$7,400.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$17,400.00
|
This will result in a net
increase of $17,400.00 in the appropriations of the General Fund. To provide
the additional revenue for the above, the following revenue will be increased.
|
ACCOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NUMBER |
REVENUES |
|
DECREASE |
|
INCREASE |
|
100.3301.233 |
Hurricane Recovery Act |
|
|
|
$17,400.00
|
|
|
Well Inspections |
|
|
|
$17,400.00
|
Chairman John Turpin entertained a motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #28.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #28.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – PLANNING BOARD – APPOINTMENT
Vice Chairman Inman informed the Board that Mr. Jack Hall had declined
the nomination for the Planning Board appointment.
There were no additional nominations.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
STOKES COUNTY FIRE COMMISSION- APPOINTMENT
Chairman John Turpin stated that the Fire Commission will submit a
nomination at the November 14th meeting.
Commissioner Walker noted that there were a couple vacancies on the
Board of Health. Health Director Don
Moore stated that nominations from the Board of Health would be submitted to
the Board in December for consideration.
County Manager Rick Morris informed the Board that Stanleyville Paving
did not respond to the request for a bid for paving at the Pinnacle Greenbox
Site. Public Works Director Jay Kinney
had also contacted other paving vendors and had received no response.
Manager Morris
noted that the existing bids were as follows:
Manager Morris concluded that most paving companies stop paving around
the first of December.
The Board discussed the urgent need for the paving at the Pinnacle Site
and the possible cost increase if deferred until Spring.
Vice Chairman Inman moved to accept the low bid of Hiatt Paving Company
of Mount Airy at $11,305.00.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT–GOVERNING BODY–FISCAL YEAR BUDGET 05/06
·
Remove (1) ambulance approved in the 05/06
·
Remove $100,000 allocated for third floor renovations
·
Hold all personnel reclassifications until salary compensation study is
completed
·
Change the longevity pay increase to a one time bonus
·
Hold all personnel reclassifications until salary compensation study is
completed
·
Change the longevity pay increase to a one time bonus
Commissioner Walker seconded and the amendment to the motion carried
unanimously.
Commissioner McHugh stated that it was a sad state of affairs when the
Board is revisiting a budget that has already been adopted.
Vice Chairman Inman requested that funding be returned to contingency.
The Board continued discussion concerning removing items from the
adopted fiscal year 05/06 budget.
The amended motion to remove (1) ambulance
approved in the 05/06 and remove $100,000 allocated for third floor renovations
from the fiscal year 2005/06 budget carried (3-2) with Chairman John Turpin and
Commissioner McHugh voting against the motion.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – PRISON CAMP FACILITY
Manager Rick Morris stated that an individual had offered to purchase
and remove the two modular units at the old prison camp facility for $1.00
each. Manager Morris also stated that
the units were leaking, were deteriorating, and was of no use to the county.
Manager Morris suggested the possibility of proceeding with the upset
bid process to dispose of the units.
The Board discussed proceeding with the upset bid process for disposal
of the units.
Chairman John Turpin requested that Manager Morris have a Resolution
prepared to dispose of the units by upset bids for the November 14th
meeting.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERING BODY- LEAGUE OF GOVERMENTS
Chairman John Turpin informed the Board of the upcoming League of
Governments has been rescheduled to Thursday, November 10th at 6:30
pm – Commissioners Chambers.
Chairman John
Turpin entertained a motion to enter
into closed session for the following:
Vice Chairman Inman moved to
enter into closed session for the following:
Commissioner Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The Board re-entered into the regular session of the October 24th
meeting.
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 unanimously.
_________________________
_____________________________
Darlene M. Bullins
John M. Turpin
Clerk to the Board Chairman