STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA ) OFFICE OF
THE COMMISSIONERS
) STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
) MARCH 13, 2006
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, March 13, 2006 at 7:00 pm with the following members
present:
Chairman Leon Inman
Vice-Chairman
Joe Turpin
Commissioner
Sandy McHugh
Commissioner
John Turpin
Commissioner
Jimmy Walker
County
Personnel in Attendance:
Clerk
to the Board/Interim County Manager Darlene Bullins
County
Attorney Jonathan Jordan
Finance
Director Julia Edwards
Economic
Development Director Ron Morgan
Mr.
James Booth – District Soil/Water Supervisor
Arts
Council Director Eddy McGee
Emergency
Communications Director Del Hall
EMS
Director Monty Stevens
Captain
Al Tuttle – Sheriff’s Department
Chairman Leon Inman called the meeting to order and delivered the
invocation.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT-GOVERNING BODY-PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Inman opened the meeting by inviting the citizens in
attendance to join the Board with the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC
HEARING – KOBEWIELAND COPPER PRODUCTS, LLC - GRANT
Chairman Inman called the Public Hearing regarding the KobeWieland
Copper Products, LLC- Grant to order.
The following spoke during the public hearing:
Lonnie
P. Bowman
1145 Power House Road
Walnut Cove, NC 27052
Mr. Bowman spoke in opposition of “corporate welfare”. Mr. Bowman noted the use of temporary labor
at KobeWieland and urged Board members not to support the incentive grant. Mr. Bowman also urged the Board to not
allocate funding to the Walnut Cove Library Expansion Project. Mr. Bowman also expressed his appreciation
to Commissioner McHugh for the hard work and long hours of dedication during
her time as Commissioner.
Chairman Inman closed the Public Hearing.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT –GOVERNING BODY-APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve or amend the minutes of
the February 25th and February 27th meetings.
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve the minutes of the February 25th
and February 27th meetings.
Commissioner John Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following spoke during public comments:
Mr. Gino
S. Abrego
129 Marie Drive
King, NC
27021
RE: County Law for Run-In Shed For Horses,
Colts, Foals, Mules
Mr. Abrego urged the Board to consider adopting a
county law for Run-In-Shed for Horses, Colts, Foals, and Mules for protection
in winter months. Mr. Abrego stated that almost half of the NC counties already
have this law in place. Mr. Abrego
concluded by reiterating the need for the Run-In-Shed.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – PROPOSED KOBEWIELAND COPPER PRODUCTS –
GRANT
Chairman Inman opened the floor for discussion
regarding the proposed KobeWieland Copper Products- Grant.
Commissioner McHugh noted the pros and cons of
economic incentive grants.
Commissioner McHugh stated the difficulty in this
issue, but confirmed the need to try to keep large employers in the
county.
Commissioner McHugh supported the incentive grant.
Commissioner Walker requested that the agenda item
be postponed in order to request additional information from Budget Director
Dennis Thompson regarding the impact on the county’s budget.
Commissioner John Turpin also noted the pros and
cons of economic incentive grants, but opposed using tax dollars for this
incentive grant.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin spoke in favor of the
incentive grant for KobeWieland Copper Products and noted that this grant is
available for all businesses in Stokes County who do what KobeWieland Copper
Products has done to qualify for this incentive grant.
Chairman Inman noted that all the concerns
expressed by the Board were valid and this was not an easy choice. Chairman Inman also noted the amount of
money that KobeWieland had put into this expansion project and the increase in
the County’s tax valuation.
Commissioner McHugh reiterated that this is an
incentive grant available to any business in Stokes County that meets certain
criteria and the incentive paid to KobeWieland will be taken from the tax
increase paid by KobeWieland, which is only a small percentage.
Economic Development Director Ron Morgan noted that
the incentive grant will be rebated to KobeWieland over the next seven years.
The Board further discussed the pros and cons of
the incentive grant to KobeWieland Copper Products.
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve the
KobeWieland Copper Products Grant.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin seconded and the motion
carried (3-2) with Commissioner John Turpin and Commissioner Walker voting
against the motion.
Commissioner Walker stated that his vote tonight
was not against the incentive grant, but needed additional time to obtain
further information regarding the proposed
incentive grant.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – NATURAL RESOURCES
– PROPOSED FARMER APPRECIATION DAY RESOLUTION
Mr. James Booth,
Chairman-Soil and Water Supervisors presented the following proposed Farmer
Appreciation Day Resolution for the Board’s consideration:
FARMER
APPRECIATION DAY
RESOLUTION FOR STOKES COUNTY
Whereas, the
County of Stokes, the Stokes Soil & Water Conservation District, the
Cooperative Extension, Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources
Conservation Service desire to sponsor the Farmer Appreciation Day to recognize
the economic contribution of our county farmers to Stokes County.
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT;
1) The Board of Commissioners
agrees that the county farmers contribute greatly to Stokes County’s economic
base.
2) The Board agrees that all
the county’s people, in one matter or another benefit from farming activities.
3) The Board agrees that a
Farmer Appreciation Day would show our county’s support for the existing
farming industry and honor the past activities, which contributed so much to
Stokes County.
4) The Board recognizes that a
pig-picking and festival will be held at South Stokes High School with all
Stokes County people invited.
5) Let it be proclaimed, that March 30, 2006 is Farmer Appreciation Day in Stokes County.
Adopted
by the Stokes County Board of Commissioners this ________day _____, 2006.
____________________________
________________________________________
County Manager Chairman, Stokes Board of
Commissioners
Mr. Booth noted that the
Farmer Appreciation Day scheduled for March 30, 2006 would be held at South
Stokes High School and extended an invitation to Board members.
The Board expressed their
appreciation to Mr. Booth for his hard work and dedication to making this event
possible each year and the daily dedication to the Soil and Water Conservation
District.
Clerk to the Board
Darlene Bullins noted that the witness “County Manager” should read as “Clerk
to the Board”.
Commissioner John Turpin
moved to approve the Farmer Appreciation Day Resolution.
Commissioner McHugh
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – ARTS COUNCIL
EVENTS – MORATOCK PARK FACILITY
Arts Council Director
Eddy McGee updated the Board regarding upcoming Arts Council events.
Director McGee requested
the Board’s direction regarding the upcoming 2006 Annual Stokes Stomp. Director McGee noted the following:
·
The need to generate more revenue from the Stomp
·
This year marks the 32nd Stokes Stomp
·
The Stokes Stomp is the longest running arts council sponsored
program
in NC
·
The event is a 6 to 9 months planning process
·
Revenue data from previous stomps
·
The tremendous number of volunteer hours versus the revenue
received
from the stomp
·
Stomp to be held September 16-17, 2006
·
32nd Stokes Stomp Theme is “Homecoming”
·
2005 Grammy Nominee “Blue Ridge” to perform
·
Stokes County’s own Alan Bibey to perform
·
Stokes County native Lou Reid
to perform
·
No charge for admission
Director McGee noted that
one idea to generate more revenue could be to charge $3 per car for parking.
(Those arriving on Saturday will be given a free parking pass for Sunday)
Economic Development
Director Ron Morgan reiterated the quality entertainment scheduled for this
year’s event and that quality entertainment is what brings outsiders to this
event.
The Board discussed the
location of parking areas for the stomp, revenues and expenditures of the
Stomp, dedicated volunteers, and other possible ideas for revenue for the
Stomp.
Commissioner Walker suggested
the possibility of placing the names of local vendors on the back of the
parking tickets with perhaps a coupon to that particular place.
Director McGee concluded
that the Arts Council Board would continue to look for other ways to increase
revenue from the Stomp.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATIONS – PROPOSED REVERSE 911 SYSTEM – HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT
Emergency Communications
Director Del Hall presented the following bids for the purchase of a Reverse
911 System for E911 Communications Department, which will be funded through a
Homeland Security Grant: (Support
Services Supervisor Danny Stovall was unable able to attend due to sickness)
Sprint 16-port system/database $41,684.60
CD
database $1,500.00 Annual
Cost
Annual
Maintenance 1st
year included in purchase cost
2nd – 5th
year $5,048.78
Sprint 24-port system/database $47,175.88
CD
database $1,500.00 Annual
Cost
Annual
maintenance 1st
year included in purchase cost
2nd
– 5th year $5,655.78
Annual Cost
Voice Technologies 16-port
system/database $64,625.00
Standard maintenance 1st
year included in cost
2nd – 5th
year $5,834.00 Annual
Cost
Surf Simple Technologies 16-port system “only” $33,000.00
Standard maintenance 1st year included
in cost
2nd – 5th
year $1,410.00 Annual Cost
Surf Simple Technologies
12-port system “only” $28,000.00
Standard maintenance 1st year included in cost
2nd
– 5th year $1,410.00 Annual Cost
Surf Simple Technologies 12-port
system “only” $30,000.00
Standard
maintenance 1st
year included in cost
2nd
– 5th year $1,410.00 Annual Cost
Emergency Communications
Director Del Hall explained the Reverse 911, which is an emergency notification
system to notify citizens (by telephone) of disasters (medical, fire, or law
enforcement related) or weather related incidents.
Reverse 911 also offers
specialized applications, which can be directed to different needs and concerns
of specific
communities in the
County.
One program (Guardian
Caller) would allow the Emergency Communications Department to monitor the
health and well being of senior citizens or other Homebound individuals by
scheduling automatic calls at a specific time and day.
If the system does not
receive back the proper touch-tone notifications, then Communications would be
immediately notified and the responsible units would be dispatched.
The Board discussed the
benefits of the system which could save lives and time by getting information
to the public instantly, specifics of the system, pros and cons of the system,
and annual cost of the system if approved.
Director Hall noted that
Emergency Management Director Monty Stevens and Sheriff Mike Joyce would
oversee and approve all information going out.
Emergency Communications
Director Del Hall, Information Technology Director Dianna Fulp, E911 Systems
Coordinator Sharon Lloyd, and Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall
recommends the purchase of the 16-port reverse 911 system/database proposed by
Sprint.
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to approve a bid for the Reverse 911 System.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin
moved to approve the purchase the Reverse 911 System funded by the Homeland
Security Grant from Sprint (16-port system/database) at the cost of
$41,684.60.
Commissioner McHugh
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – PURCHASING-
TELEPHONE SYSTEM RENTAL – TOLL FREE STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Clerk
to the Board Darlene Bullins requested that the agenda item be placed on the
March 27th
agenda due to Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall unable to attend
tonight’s meeting due to
sickness.
Chairman Inman requested the Clerk to place the
agenda item on the March 27th
agenda.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – EMS – EMS RECEIVABLES – LIQUIDATIONS
Interim
County Manager Darlene Bullins and Emergency Medical Services Director
Monty Stevens presented
information regarding the EMS Receivables due in the amount of
$712, 000 which was
suggested in the 04/05 audit to be formally written off to eliminate the
need to continue to
maintain the detail on these old receivables.
There had been no
collection on these
accounts during the 04/05 fiscal year.
Interim Manager Bullins explained the following
current EMS Billing procedure:
·
Stokes County EMS currently accepts assignment for Medicare and
Medicaid
·
Stokes County EMS files appropriate private insurance
·
EMS currently turns over all unpaid invoices after 120 days to the Tax
Department for further collection as allowed by General Statutes
Interim Manager Bullins
suggested the following:
·
Stokes County transferred the noted accounts in the amount of $711,899
(invoices ranging from 07-01-86 to 06-30-1994) as listed in the 04/05 audit to
an inactive status.
·
This would take the amount off the A/R detail for audit purposes only,
but would still allow the County to pursue collection of any unpaid amounts.
EMS Director Monty
Stevens noted that these invoices had not been turned over to
the Tax Department due to
the age of the invoice, but suggested that these accounts be
turned over to the Tax
Department for any assistance in collection of these unpaid invoices
which would be consistent
with all unpaid invoices being turned over to the Tax Dept.
The Board discussed the proposal of making these
accounts inactive and the age of
the invoices in question.
Commissioner Walker expressed concerns with the
County trying to collect invoices
almost 20 years old.
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve the request from
the Interim County
Manager and EMS Director
to transfer the EMS Receivables Accounts in the amount of
$711,899 (ranging from
7-01-86 to 6-30-94) to an inactive status and that these accounts be
also transferred to the
Tax Department. Vice Chairman Joe
Turpin seconded and the motion
carried (4-1) with
Commissioner Walker voting against the motion.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT –
ADMINISTRATION – PROPOSED GARAGE UPDATE/DEED APPROVAL
Interim
County Manager Darlene Bullins presented the following information
regarding the proposed
garage:
·
Meeting with YVEDDI Charlie Walker, Vehicle Maint. Supervisor Elwood
Mabe, Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall, Interim County Manager Darlene
Bullins on March 2, 2006
·
Formal bid from architecture recently sent to NCDOT-Raleigh for
approval
·
Once the architecture bid is approved, plans can be drawn up for the
approval
by the County inspection department and
NCDOT-Raleigh
·
Once plans are approved in Raleigh, bids can be accepted and approved
by YVEDDI
·
Deed to Transfer of land from Stokes County to YVEDDI must be approved
by the Board in order to record and forward to NCDOT Raleigh for final approval
Interim Manager Bullins
concluded that Mr. Charlie Walker-YVEDDI anticipates
that construction could
be started as soon as July 1, 2006.
County Attorney Jonathan Jordan presented a proposed
deed for the Board’s
consideration.
The Board discussed the proposed deed submitted by
County Attorney Jonathan
Jordan. County Attorney
Jordan noted the reversion clause which states, “should the
property cease to be used
by YVEDDI, title to the property shall revert absolutely to the
Grantor, Stokes County”.
The Board discussed further language needed to
prevent YVEDDI from using the
facility for anything
other than a transportation office and maintenance facility.
Commissioner McHugh moved to approve to the motion to
convey the Property to
YVEDDI. Commissioner Walker seconded the
motion. The Board further discussed
the
reversion clause.
Commissioner McHugh amended her motion to add to the
property conveyance
clause to read should the
property cease to be used by YVEDDI as a transportation office
and maintenance
facility. Commissioner Walker amended
his second to the motion. The
motion was unanimous.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING
BODY – RONALD WILSON REAGAN MEMORIAL BUILDING SIGNAGE - CONTINUATION
Clerk
to the Board Darlene Bullins requested that the agenda item be placed on the
March 27th
agenda due to Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall unable to attend
tonight’s meeting due to
sickness.
Chairman Inman requested the Clerk to place the
agenda item on the March 27th
agenda.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING
BODY – PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 06/07 BUDGET CALENDAR- CONTINUATION
Clerk
to the Board Darlene Bullins requested information from the Board regarding
dates for budget work
sessions and for the budget public hearing.
The Board discussed possible dates and requested the
Clerk to the Board return a
tentatively schedule at
the March 27th meeting for the Board’s consideration.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – WALNUT COVE SENIOR CENTER FUND - BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #72
Finance Director Julia Edwards
requested the approval of Budget Ordinance
Amendment
#72, which is necessary to amend the Walnut Cove Senior Center Fund to
appropriate
a Grass Roots Grant awarded to the Senior Center for art programs. The
appropriations
are to be as follows:
(Budget
Ordinance was held over from the February 27th meeting)
|
Account Number |
|
EXPENDITURES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
|
Walnut
Cove Senior Center
|
|
|
|
|
|
204.5861.180 |
|
Professional Services
|
|
|
|
$354.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$354.00 |
|
Account Number |
|
REVENUES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
204.3586.453 |
|
Walnut Cove Senior Center
|
|
|
|
$354.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$354.00 |
Finance Director Edwards
noted that the following justification of the budget
ordinance amendment for fiscal year 2005-06:
·
Walnut Cove Senior Center was awarded a grant from the Grass Roots for
art programs
Finance Director Edwards
noted the memorandum from Arts Council Director Eddy
McGee, which stated that there was no appropriation of county funding.
Chairman Inman entertained a
motion to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment
#72.
Commissioner John Turpin
moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #72.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – HEALTH DEPARTMENT - BUDGET ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT
#78
Finance Director Julia Edwards
requested the approval of Budget Ordinance
Amendment
#78, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to appropriate funds from
the State
for Healthy Carolinians for health programs.
The appropriations are to be changed
as
follows:
|
Account |
EXPENDITURES |
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
Health Department |
|
|
|
|
100.5100.180 |
Professional
Services |
|
|
$1,000.00 |
|
100.5100.261 |
Office
Supplies |
|
|
$3,000.00 |
|
100.5100.370 |
Advertising |
|
|
$1,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$5,000.00 |
|
Account Number |
|
REVENUES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.3301.250 |
|
Healthy Carolinians
|
|
|
|
$5,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$5,000.00 |
Finance Director Edwards
noted that the following justification of the budget
ordinance amendment for fiscal year 2005-06:
·
Health Department was awarded the $5,000.00 from the State for Healthy
Carolinians
Chairman Inman entertained a
motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #78.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin
moved to approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #78.
Commissioner McHugh seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – ADMINISTRATION - BUDGET ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT
#79
Finance Director Julia Edwards
requested the approval of Budget Ordinance
Amendment
#79, which is necessary to amend the County Helping Neighbors’ Fund
to
appropriate funds from the NC Helping Neighbors Fund for Hurricane Katrina
evacuees
remaining
in our state. The appropriations are to
be as follows:
|
Account |
EXPENDITURES |
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
County Helping Neighbors Fund |
|
|
|
|
211.5310.440 |
Misc.
Contractual Services |
|
|
$751.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$751.00 |
|
Account Number |
|
REVENUES |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
211.3301.002 |
|
NC Helping Neighbors
|
|
|
|
$751.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$751.00 |
Finance Director
Edwards noted that the following justification of the budget
ordinance amendment for fiscal year 2005-06:
·
Contributions of donation to Stokes County for the Hurricane Katrina
evacuees.
Chairman Inman entertained a
motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #79.
Commissioner McHugh moved to
approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #79.
Commissioner John Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT – SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT- BUDGET ORDINANCE
AMENDMENT #80
Finance Director Julia Edwards
requested the approval of Budget Ordinance
Amendment
#80, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to appropriate State Fines
and
Forfeitures Funds and Judgment Fees to purchase cameras for patrol cars from
the
Kernersville
Police Department. The appropriations
are to be changed as follows:
|
Account Number |
EXPENDITURES |
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
Sheriff’s Department |
|
|
|
|
100.4310.511 |
Equipment-Non
Capitalized |
|
|
$10,000.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$10,000.00 |
|
Account Number |
REVENUES |
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
100.3431.415 |
Judgments |
|
|
$2,500.00 |
|
100.3301.413 |
State Fines
& Forfeitures |
|
|
$7,500.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$10,000.00 |
Finance Director
Edwards noted that the following justification of the budget
ordinance amendment for fiscal year 2005-06:
·
Sheriff Mike Joyce requested on March 3, 2006 to use State Fines &
Forfeitures Funds and Judgment Fees received.
Captain Al Tuttle updated
the Board regarding the purchase and need of the cameras.
Chairman Inman entertained a
motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #80.
Commissioner McHugh moved to
approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #80.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – PUBLIC BUILDINGS- BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #81
Finance Director Julia Edwards
requested the approval of Budget Ordinance
Amendment
#81, which is necessary to amend the General Fund to transfer funds to
purchase
cleaning supplies and paper products.
The appropriations are to
be
as
follows:
|
Account |
EXPENDITURES |
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
Public Buildings |
|
|
|
|
100.4190.260 |
Department
Supplies |
|
|
$2,700.00 |
|
100.4190.353 |
Maintenance
& Repairs-Grounds |
$2,700.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$2,700.00 |
|
$2,700.00 |
Finance Director Edwards
noted that the following justification of the budget
ordinance amendment for fiscal year 2005-06:
·
Notification on January 13, 2006 of Additional funding.
Chairman Inman entertained a
motion to approve Budget Ordinance
Amendment #81.
Commissioner McHugh moved to
approve Budget Ordinance Amendment #81.
Vice Chairman Joe Turpin seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business to come before the
Board, Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to
adjourn the meeting. Commissioner John
Turpin moved to adjourn
the meeting. Commissioner Walker seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
_________________________ _____________________________
Darlene M. Bullins
J. Leon Inman
Clerk to the Board Chairman
