) STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
) APRIL 23, 2007
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, April 23, 2007 at 6:00 pm with the following members present:
Chairman
Leon Inman
Vice-Chairman
Jimmy Walker
Commissioner Ron
Carroll
Commissioner
Ernest Lankford
Commissioner
Stanley Smith
County
Personnel in Attendance:
County
Manager K. Bryan Steen
Clerk to the Board
Darlene Bullins
County Attorney
Edward Powell
Finance
Director Julia Edwards
Support
Services Supervisor Danny Stovall
Planning
Director David Sudderth
Senior
Services Program Director Lynn Martens
PHN
Supervisor Rebecca Warren- Home Health
Chairman Leon Inman called the meeting to
order.
Chairman Inman delivered the invocation.
Chairman Inman opened
the meeting by inviting the citizens in attendance to
join the Board with the Pledge of Allegiance.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – ADMINISTRATION – INTRODUCTION OF COUNTY MANAGER BRYAN STEEN
Chairman Inman introduced and welcomed new
County Manager Bryan Steen.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve
or amend the agenda for the
April 23rd meeting.
Clerk to Board Darlene Bullins stated Vice
Chairman Walker had requested to add the
engineer appointment for the Board of Health to the Action Agenda. Clerk Bullins noted that
no information had been received by the County Attorney regarding an
interpretation from the
Attorney General’s Office regarding the active/inactive status that had
been requested by the
Board.
Commissioner Lankford
requested if any other information was available that the
Board had not already received.
Clerk Bullins stated that no further information was available
other than the information from Mr. Chris Hoke – Chief Regulatory and
Legal Affairs –NC
Division of Public Health regarding the active/inactive status, which
the Board had received
last week.
Vice Chairman Walker
stated with the new information received from Mr. Hoke, it was
worth further discussion.
The Board discussed
adding the item to the agenda for further discussion.
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to add the item to the agenda or approve the
agenda as submitted
Vice Chairman Walker
moved to add the engineer appointment for the Board of
Health to the Action Agenda.
Commissioner Smith seconded and the motion carried (4-1)
with Commissioner Lankford voting against the motion.
County Manager Bryan
Steen requested to add the “Land of Tomorrow Request” to the
Discussion Agenda.
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion for approval of the agenda as amended.
Commissioner Smith moved to approve the agenda
with the following additions:
Discussion Agenda – “Land for Tomorrow Request” and Action Agenda –
“Board of Health-
Engineer Appointment”.
Commissioner Carroll seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING –
PROPOSED STOKES COUNTY FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE
Chairman Inman opened the Public Hearing for
the proposed Stokes County Flood
Damage Prevention Ordinance to order.
There were no public comments.
Chairman Inman closed
the Public Hearing.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Lonnie P Bowman
1145 Power House Road
Walnut Cove, NC 27052
Re: 10 Year/10 month old
Ambulance Bill and a Suggestion or Two
Mr. Bowman spoke to the Board regarding the 10-year/10 month old
ambulance bill, which he stated he did not owe. Mr. Bowman presented information received from the county last
week regarding the bill which was in a foreign language. Mr. Bowman suggested that the County go back
no more than 3 years in trying to collect unpaid EMS Bills and that the County
should consider contracting out the EMS services. Mr. Bowman spoke regarding the following other issues: Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Burning
Solid Waste for electricity, Fair Labor Standard Act, Freedom Information Act,
and Sunshine Act. Mr. Bowman concluded
that he had received over 100 calls regarding the collection of old EMS bills.
CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to approve or amend Consent Agenda:
·
Minutes of April 5, 2007
·
Minutes of April 9, 2007
·
Minutes of April 16, 2007
Commissioner Carroll noted the following
corrections:
April 5, 2007 – Page #2 - change the following: Commissioner Carroll stated pursuant
to General Statute 105-294, I moved that the Tax Administrator… to Commissioner Carroll moved pursuant to
General Statute 105-294, that the Tax Administrator…
April 9, 2007 - Page #9 change
the following: Setting a precedence…
to Setting a precedent…
Page # 9 - change the following: document is revised to confront… to
document is revised to conform…
Page #12 -
change the following: two deaths
involving the river was reviewed… to two deaths involving the river were
reviewed…
County Manager Steen noted the following
corrections:
April 9, 2007 – page #13 - change the following: Town of Walnut… to Town of Walnut Cove and
page #14 – spelling of Stanley County to Stanly County
Social Services -
Budget Ordinance Amendment # 70
Finance Director Julia Edwards
requested the approval of Budget Ordinance
Amendment #70, which is necessary to amend the General Fund
to transfer funds for the
matching of HCCBG Funding. The appropriations are to be as
follows:
|
Account Number |
EXPENDITURES |
Decrease |
|
Increase |
|
|
Social Services Department |
|
|
|
|
100.5310.184 |
Prof. Serv.
HCCBG-InHome |
|
|
$818.00 |
|
|
Contingency |
|
|
|
|
100.9910.000 |
Contingency |
$818.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
$818.00 |
|
$818.00 |
Finance Director
Edwards noted that the following justification of the budget
ordinance amendment for fiscal year 2006-07:
Proposed
Proclamation – Mental Health Month
Clerk to the Board Darlene Bullins submitted the following proposed Proclamation for
Mental Health Month – May 2007:
Mental Health Month
WHEREAS, mental health is a critical issue which affects all individuals, families and communities in Stokes County; and
WHEREAS, mental health disorders and problems affect persons regardless of background, lifestyle, or age, and no one is immune; and
WHEREAS, the National Institute of Mental Health lists mental disorders as the leading cause of disability in the United States; and
WHEREAS, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety and other mental illnesses are real and treatable; and
WHEREAS, Mental Health America (formerly National Mental Health Association), and the United States Congress have observed each May since 1949 as Mental Health Month, in order to increase awareness and understanding of mental health and mental illness;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the County Commissioners of Stokes, do hereby recognize and proclaim May 2007 as
Mental Health Month
in Stokes County. We ask all residents to join us in increasing awareness and understanding of mental health/mental illness, and of treatment needs and opportunities in Stokes County, for our children and adults with mental illness.
____________________________ ___________________________
____________________________ ___________________________
____________________________ ____________________________
Policy Documents
for the 2007 NCHFA Single Family Rehabilitation Program
Ms. Alicia Broadway, Benchmark, presented the following proposed policy
documents for the Board’s review and consideration at the April 9th meeting:
· The Assistance Policy
· Procurement Policy
· A Code of Conduct
· Resolution Authorizing the Manager to award and sign rehabilitation contracts on behalf of the Board
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve
the Consent Agenda as amended.
Commissioner Lankford moved to approve the
Consent Agenda as amended.
Commissioner Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – DISCUSSION AGENDA
Southwestern
Service Center - Update
Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall presented the following updated
information regarding the Southwestern Service Center:
· Report from Workplace Group – Spore Trap Air Sampling Results done on April 2, 2007 – Comparison of indoor air versus outdoor air results did appear indicative of fungi amplification or reservoirs within the building
· Samples were collected in the basement and the ground level floor and one outdoors as reference
· Comparisons of outdoor to indoor air sampling results did appear indicative of mold amplification in the building
· Recommendations – carpeting in the building to be removed and replaced which will likely remove or reduce a major sources of fungal spores; HEPA vacuuming and wet wiping all surfaces with a disinfectant; HVAC system should be turned on to filter the air and control humidity levels; if basement is to be reused, it may be necessary to conduct additional investigation into the presence of fungal amplification sites; if basement is not to be used, any return air ducts from it to the upper level HVAC system should be sealed; and all doors or other known openings should be sealed to prevent the transfer of spores from the basement
· Dehumidifiers should also be placed on the upper level to control humidity levels until the HVAC system is operational
· All Kleen Environmental Services – Estimate for cleaning of first floor, removal of carpet, clean HVAC system, etc. = estimate total = $3800.00
· All Kleen Environmental Services = Estimate for cleaning of basement, remove paneling, clean HVAC system, etc. = Estimate total = $2200.00
· First air sampling done December 5, 2003 and last air sampling done
July 6, 2005
· Second quote for cleaning of the building should be in within the next few days
· Not a major problem regarding the air quality issue
The Board discussed air sampling results, need to determine that the building would be
occupied before allocating any more money for cleanup and renovation, recommendations from
All Kleen Environmental Services, and the need to continue with the process to clean up the
facility in order to be able to provide services to the citizens of the County.
County Manager Steen noted the need to pipe the dehumidifiers to the outside in order
for them to run constantly and also place fans in the building to help circulate the air until the
HVAC is cleaned.
The Board directed Mr. Stovall to return to the Board on May 14th with a second quote,
talk with Mr. David Burge-Stokes School regarding other vendors, and start to move forward
with the painting which has already been approved.
Proposed County
Surplus Sale
Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall stated a tentatively date had been scheduled
with Mr. Frank Plunkett for Stokes Realty and Auction to conduct a public auction on the
County’s behalf –Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 10:00 am in the parking lot of the Ronald W.
Reagan Memorial Building. Majority of items to be sold will be vehicles and a complete list
will be presented to the Board at a later date for approval. Mr. Stovall requested the Board’s
approval to move forward with planning of the public auction on June 30, 2007 and
contracting with Stokes Realty and Auction to conduct the sale. Mr. Stovall presented
N.C.G.S. #14-234 – Public Officers or Employees Benefiting from Public Contracts;
exceptions.
Chairman Inman stated that he would have to excuse himself from voting or taking part
in the sale.
Commissioner Carroll requested that Mr. Stovall obtain an additional quote for the
auctioneering service.
Chairman Inman directed Mr. Stovall to obtain an additional quote for the auctioneering
services and return to the May 14th meeting.
Proposed 2007-08
Budget Schedule
County Manager Bryan Steen presented a proposed budget schedule for the Board’s
consideration. Manager Steen noted the submission of the proposed 2007-08 County Budget
would be at the scheduled Tuesday, May 29th meeting (rescheduled from Monday, May 28th
due to Memorial Day) and requested dates for the public hearing and budget work sessions.
The Board discussed possible dates for the public hearing and budget work sessions.
The Board unanimously agreed upon the following 2007-08 budget schedule:
· Public Hearing – Monday – June 4, 2007 – 6:00 pm – Courtroom “A”
· Budget Work Session – Thursday – June 7, 2007 – 2:00 pm – Commissioner Chambers
· Budget Work Session – Tuesday – June 12, 2007 – 4:00 pm – Commissioner Chambers
· Budget Work Session – Thursday – June 14, 2007 – 2:00 pm – Commissioner Chambers
· Budget Work Session – Monday – June 18, 2007 – 2:00 pm – Commissioner Chambers
The Board discussed having a separate budget work session for department heads only.
The Board agreed that there would be no separate budget work session for department
heads only, but that all department heads and employees have to right to speak regarding
proposed budgets at the Public Hearing on June 4th.
Land For Tomorrow - Request for Approval of Resolution
County Manager Bryan Steen stated that the Commissioners in Stanly County
had discussed the request from Land for Tomorrow for $1.2 billion over the next 5 years
and regarded that this is taking tax dollars to buy land to permanently take out of the county’s
tax base. Counties are not like cities that can annex additional land to offset the land lost. In
speaking with the NC County Commissioners Association, this topic was discussed as
one of the Legislative Goals, but was not adopted and was not supporting the request as an
entity. The League of Municipalities and Cities did not support this particular bond issue, did
endorse an issue with land preservation and their priorities are with water/sewer and
transportation.
The Board discussed the information presented by the Manager Steen and the proposed
Resolution recently requested by the Board regarding the Land for Tomorrow Request.
Chairman Inman directed Clerk to the Board Bullins to not place the proposed
Resolution on the agenda unless directed by the Board.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – ACTION AGENDA
Proposed Stokes
County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance
Planning Director David Sudderth presented the final draft of the proposed Stokes
County Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance for the Board’s consideration which includes the
incorporated areas within the county, City of King, Town of Walnut Cove, and Town of
Danbury.
Director Sudderth reiterated that the original Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and
Associated FIRM Maps were effective on September 30, 1988 and the adoption of the revised
ordinance must take placed before May 16, 2007. Failure for the county to amend and adopt
the new requirements will cause the county to be suspended from the National Flood Insurance
Program and be subject to the prohibitions contained in Section 202(a) of the 1973 Flood
Disaster Protection Act as amended.
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve the proposed Stokes County
Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
Commissioner Lankford moved to approve the revised Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance. Commissioner Carroll seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Home Health Point
of Care Software – Bid proposal – Fiscal Year 2006-07
Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall reiterated the recommendation given to the
Board at the April 9th meeting for Home Health Software from Care Anyware:
Care Anyware – Cary,
NC
Total up front investment – due 7 days after contract signing $30,000.00
Implementation, training for office and clinical staff, setup clinical
Templates, payors, load and configure, clinical tablets
Database will be hosted off site at their location -
Yearly maintenance fee due July 1 - $28,500.00
County references: McDowell, Catawba County, Home Health, Robeson County Home Health
Cabarrus Health Alliance Home Health, and Columbus County Home Health
The Board discussed the yearly maintenance fee and available funding which was allocated in
the fiscal year 2006-07 budget. Finance Director Julia Edwards noted that Home Health
Fees would cover the expenses of the software program.
Commissioner Lankford moved to approve Care Anyware for the Home Health
Software as recommended by Health Department. Commissioner Smith seconded and the
motion carried unanimously.
Senior Services
Meal Program – Bid Proposal – Fiscal year 2007-08
Support Services Supervisor Danny Stovall and Senior Services Program Director
Lynn Martens reiterated the following bids received by Stokes County to provide meals to
the Stokes County Senior Service nutrition program:
Bateman Senior
Meals – Lafayette Louisiana
Congregate $2.99 per meal x 60 meals x 250 serving days = $44,850.00
Home Delivered $2.99 per meal x 150 meals x 250 serving days = $112,125.00
Total yearly cost = $156,975.00
Shelf stable $2.99 per meal
Frozen $2.99 per meal
Option #1 entrée upgrade once per week – cost $.45 x 210 x 52 = $4,914.00
Option #2 total meal upgrade once per week – cost $1.00 x 210 x 52 = $10,920.00
References: Stokes County, Yadkin County, Surry County, and Chatham County
Golden Corral –
Winston Salem, NC
Congregate $3.35 per meal x 60 meals x 250 serving days = $50,250.00
Home Delivered $2.99 per meal x 150 meals x 250 serving days = $125,625.00
Total yearly cost = $175,875.00
Shelf stable $3.35 per meal
Frozen $3.35 per meal
References: Craven County, Arts Based Elementary – Winston Salem, and River Mill Academy - Graham
Director Martens present the following information obtained during site visits to
both locations:
· Golden Corral will provide a quality product similar to what is served in their restaurants whenever possible according to guideline specifications
· Golden Corral does grind their own meat, chicken is not a frozen patty, potatoes are made from scratch and whenever possible, items will be similar to what is being served at the restaurant
· Bateman will offer what they current offer at $2.99 per meal, but will have options this year to upgrade entrée once per week or total meal upgrades once per week at an added cost – an example of the upgrade would be a cube steak instead of a hamburger patty
· Important criteria – cost of the meal and proximity to the site
· Bateman has the lower cost, but Golden Corral would be closer to the sites in the County and quote a higher quality meal
· Cost for Golden Corral = $175,875/county 18% cost
· Cost for Bateman with current program = $156,975.00
· Cost for Bateman with entrée upgrade once a week = $161,889
· Cost for Bateman with total meal upgrade once a week = $167,895
· Contract being proposed for three years – current contract ends June 30, 2007 with a 30 day termination clause
Director Martens noted this year’s survey (conducted in November/December 2006)
which indicates satisfaction is down regarding the quality of the meals being provided from
Bateman.
The Board discussed the quality of the current meal program, cost of the each program,
and current contact terms.
The Board unanimously directed Mr. Stovall to further negotiate cost of each proposal
for best possible cost and return to the May 14th meeting.
Appointments
Board of
Adjustment – Appointments
Chairman Inman presented the following individual who were nominated at the
March 12th meeting for the Board’s consideration to serve on the Board of Adjustments:
(Term to expire March 1, 2010)
· Mr. Don Lester
· Mr. Larry Boles
Chairman Inman also noted Matthew Tilley has agreed to re-appointment as an
alternate member.
Commissioner Lankford moved to appoint Mr. Don Lester and Mr. Larry Boles to serve
on the Board of Adjustments. Commissioner Smith seconded and the motion carried
unanimously.
Vice Chairman Walker nominated Matthew Tilley for consideration as an alternate
member on the Board of Adjustments. Commissioner Lankford requested to have the
opportunity for nominations at the next meeting.
Stokes Adult Care
Home Advisory Committee- Appointment
There were no nominations for the Stokes Adult Care Home Advisory Committee.
Board of Health –
Engineer Appointment
Vice Chairman Walker reiterated the information received at the April 9th meeting
from David Lawrence – Institute of Government who confirmed that Mr. Jerry Mitchell who
was a licensed engineer was eligible to serve on the Board of Health and information from
Mr. Chris Hoke – Chief Regulatory and Legal Affairs – NC Division of Public Health who
indicated that licenses must be current and inactive licensure does not qualify for Health
Board appointment. Mr. Jerry Mitchell currently has an inactive status. After receiving further
information from Mr. Hoke during the past week, which confirms with Mr. Lawrence’s
opinion that currently licensed in an inactive status can serve on the Board of Health.
Chairman Inman requested a legal opinion from County Attorney Edward Powell.
Attorney Powell noted that the Attorney General’s office had been contacted, but will take
some time to get a written opinion on the matter.
The Board discussed issue of inactive/active status, opinions received from David
Lawrence and Chris Hoke, and the request made for an opinion from the Attorney General’s
office.
Commissioner Smith moved to appoint Mr. Jerry Mitchell to serve on the Stokes
County Board of Health. Vice Chairman Walker seconded and the motion failed (2-3)
with Chairman Inman, Commissioner Lankford, and Commissioner Carroll voting
against the motion.
Health and Dental
Insurance – Bid Proposal – Fiscal year 2007-08
Personnel Officer Darlene Bullins presented additional information (as requested by the
Board) regarding bids received by the County regarding Dental benefits for fiscal year
2007-08:
· Other bids did not have carryover benefits and some did not include
Orthodontics
· Ameritas (monthly premium)
o Employee only = $21.96
o Employee/spouse premium = $26.08
o Employee/one dependent child premium = $27.52
o Employee/family premium = $63.54
Chairman Inman entertained a motion regarding dental benefits for fiscal year
2007-08.
Commissioner Lankford moved to approve Ameritas (current carrier) for dental benefits
for fiscal year 2007-08. Vice Chairman Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Health Insurance
Personnel Officer Darlene Bullins presented additional information as requested
by the Board regarding health benefits with NCACC-CIGNA:
· Alternative #1 (8% increase) ($750.00)
· Alternative #2 (4% Increase) ($1000 deductible)
· Alternative #7 (2% Increase) (90/10) ($2000 Co-insurance) ($750 deductible)
· Alternative #3 (1.6% Increase) (90/10) ($3000 Co-insurance) ($750 deductible)
· Alternative #8 (2.5% decrease) (80/20) ($2000 Co-insurance) ($750 deductible)
· Alternative #4 (3.6% Decrease) (80/20) ($3000 Co-insurance)
($750 deductible)
· Alternative #9 (1.7% Decrease) (90/10) ($2000 Co-insurance)
($1000 deductible)
· Alternative #5 (2.2% Decrease) (90/10) ($3000 Co-insurance)
($1000 deductible)
· Alternative #10 (6.1% Decrease) (80/20) ($2000 Co-insurance)
($1000 deductible)
· Alternative #6 (7.2% Decrease) (80/20) ($3000 Co-insurance)
($1000 deductible)
Personnel Officer Bullins noted to keep the current coverage; there would be an 8%
premium increase and explained alternatives which provide 90/10 or 80/20 coverage after the
$750 or $1000 deductible. Personnel Officer Bullins also provided statistical information
regarding the number of individuals on the plan who exceeded their deductible.
The Board discussed the Alternatives and requested the item be placed on the May 14th
Action Agenda.
Tax Administrator
Position
Vice Chairman Walker moved that pursuant to General Statute 105-294, that the Board
of Commissioners having previously at a public meeting determined good cause existed for the
removal and termination of Wren Carmichael as Tax Administrator, Tax Assessor, and Tax
Collector of Stokes County and the Board of Commissioners having given personal notice to
Mr. Carmichael of his right under the statute to appear and be heard at public session of the
Board of Commissioners on Monday, April 23, 2007 at their regular meeting beginning at
6:00 pm and Mr. Carmichael having failed to appear; that the Board of Commissioners remove
and terminate Wren Carmichael as Tax Administrator, Tax Assessor, and Tax Collector of
Stokes County effective immediately. Commissioner Lankford seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
Stokes Opportunity
Center – Renovation Request
Clerk to the Board Darlene Bullins presented the renovation request from Stokes
Opportunity Center submitted to the Board at the April 9th meeting.
Commissioner Carroll moved to approve the request to allow the Stokes Opportunity
Center to apply for the Extreme Makeover “Home Edition”. Vice Chairman Walker seconded
and the motion carried unanimously.
CLOSED SESSION
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to enter into Closed Session for the following:
To
consult with an 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 administrative procedure G.S.
143-318.11(3).
To consider the initial employment or appointment of an
individual to any office or position, other than a vacancy in the Board of
County Commissioners or any other public body, or to consider the
qualifications, competence, performance, character, and fitness of any public
officer or employee, other than a member of the Board of Commissioners or of
some other public body pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(6)
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 Lankford
moved to enter into Closed Session for the following:
To
consult with an 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 administrative procedure G.S.
143-318.11(3).
To consider the initial employment or appointment of an
individual to any office or position, other than a vacancy in the Board of
County Commissioners or any other public body, or to consider the
qualifications, competence, performance, character, and fitness of any public
officer or employee, other than a member of the Board of Commissioners or of
some other public body pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(6)
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 Smith
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
The Board returned to the regular session of the April 23rd
meeting.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before
the Board, Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Lankford moved to adjourn the
meeting. Vice Chairman Walker
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
_________________________ _____________________________
Darlene M.
Bullins J. Leon Inman
Clerk to the
Board
Chairman