STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
OCTOBER 27, 2008
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,
October 27, 2008 at 6:00 pm with the following members present:
Chairman J. 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
Finance
Director Julia Edwards
Arts
Council Director Eddy McGee
Support
Services Supervisor Danny Stovall
Public
Works Director Mark Delehant
Planning Director
David Sudderth
Chairman J. Leon Inman called the meeting to
order and delivered the invocation.
Chairman Inman opened
the meeting by inviting the citizens in attendance to join the
Board with the Pledge of Allegiance.
EMS PRESENTATION
– NC PARAMEDIC 2008 CHAMPIONSHP
Chairman Inman informed the Board that the NC
Paramedic 2008 Championship
Presentation would be postponed until the November 10th
meeting due to a member of the team
being unable to attend.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve
or amend the October 27, 2008
Agenda.
County Manager Bryan
Steen requested to add the following to the Discussion Agenda:
·
Proposed letter to the Rural Center (to be executed
by the Chairman)
giving the County
Manager authorization to sign documentation
regarding the
Danbury Water System Rehabilitation Project
·
Proposed Capital Project Ordinance regarding the
Stokes
Opportunity Center Renovation Project
The Board had no
issues adding the requested items to the Discussion Agenda.
Commissioner Lankford
moved to approve the October 27, 2008 Agenda as amended.
Vice Chairman Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following spoke during Public Comments:
Mr. Russ Slate
PO Box 122
Lawsonville, NC 27022
Re: Banner for County
Mr. Russ Slate presented the results of the State Fair Sweet Potato
Competition. Mr. Slate noted that there
were 18 different varieties of sweet potatoes entered at the fair this
year. Stokes County took 59 ½% of all
points given during the competition. Mr.
Slate noted the soil and climate in Stokes County are what makes the
difference. Mr. Slate presented the
State Fair Championship Banner to the County for the fifth consecutive year.
The Board commended Mr. Slate and those involved for their outstanding
accomplishment.
CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve
or amend the following items
on the Consent Agenda:
Minutes
Social Services –
Budget Amendment #19
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #19.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
Social Services |
|
|
|
|
100.5310.030 |
Salaries &
Wages-Contract |
$35,822.00 |
$13,300.00 |
$49,122.00 |
|
100.5310.082 |
Incentive Pay |
$25,200.00 |
$15,400.00 |
$40,600.00 |
|
100.5310.261 |
IV-D Incentive Expense |
$62,265.00 |
$(28,700.00) |
$33,565.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$123,287.00 |
$00.00 |
$123,287.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To transfer funds for the Child Support Incentive
Plan and contract worker for the Child Support Division of Social
Services. The funding source for this
plan is the IV-D Incentive Funds that are to be used to enhance the Child
Support Program.
This will result in a net increase of $00.00 in the
expenditures and other financial use to the County’s annual budget. To provide the additional revenue for the
above, the following revenues will increase.
These revenues have already been received or are verified they will be
received in this fiscal year.
Finance – Budget
Amendment #20
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #20.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
Public Buildings |
|
|
|
|
100.4190.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$274,911.00 |
$1,071.00 |
$275,982.00 |
|
|
Sheriff’s Department |
|
|
|
|
100.4310.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$1,373,716.00 |
$8,167.00 |
$1,381,883.00 |
|
|
Jail |
|
|
|
|
100.4320.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$574,439.00 |
$4,502.00 |
$578,941.00 |
|
|
Emergency Communications |
|
|
|
|
100.4325.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$387,359.00 |
$931.00 |
$388,290.00 |
|
|
Emergency Medical Services |
|
|
|
|
100.4370.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$1,112,323.00 |
$7,846.00 |
$1,120,169.00 |
|
|
Solid Waste |
|
|
|
|
100.4720.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$176,781.00 |
$2,450.00 |
$179,231.00 |
|
|
Health Department |
|
|
|
|
100.5100.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$935,774.00 |
$3,191.00 |
$938,965.00 |
|
|
Home Health |
|
|
|
|
100.5190.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$326,915.00 |
$5,722.00 |
$332,637.00 |
|
|
King Clinic |
|
|
|
|
100.5191.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$59,781.00 |
$493.00 |
$60,274.00 |
|
|
Environmental Health |
|
|
|
|
100.5192.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$199,269.00 |
$10,119.00 |
$209,388.00 |
|
|
Social Services |
|
|
|
|
100.5310.000 |
Salaries and Wages |
$1,624,759.00 |
$4,605.00 |
$1,629,364.00 |
|
|
Contingency |
|
|
|
|
100.9910.100 |
Leave Contingency |
$100,000.00 |
$(49,097.00) |
$50,903.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$7,146,027.00 |
$00.00 |
$7,146,027.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To transfer funds from leave contingency for
employees’ payoff for unused vacation, comp. time and holiday time.
This will result in a net increase of $00.00 in the
expenditures and other financial use to the County’s annual budget. To provide the additional revenue for the
above, the following revenues will increase.
These revenues have already been received or are verified they will be
received in this fiscal year.
Sheriff’s
Department – Budget Amendment #21
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #21.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
Sheriff’s Department |
|
|
|
|
100.4310.351 |
Maintenance & Repairs -
Auto |
$65,449.00 |
$456.00 |
$65,905.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$65,449.00 |
$456.00 |
$65,905.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To appropriate insurance claim funds for the repairs
of a wrecked vehicle.
This will result in a net increase of $456.00 in the
expenditures and other financial use to the County’s annual budget. To provide the additional revenue for the
above, the following revenues will increase.
These revenues have already been received or are verified they will be
received in this fiscal year.
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
General Fund |
|
|
|
|
100.3839.850 |
Insurance Claims |
$1,644.00 |
$456.00 |
$2,100.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$1,644.00 |
$456.00 |
$2,100.00 |
Senior Services –
Budget Amendment #23
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #23.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
Senior Services |
|
|
|
|
100.5860.250 |
Auto Supplies |
$2,775.00 |
$100.00 |
$2,875.00 |
|
100.5860.260 |
Departmental Supplies |
$3,559.00 |
$500.00 |
$4,059.00 |
|
100.5860.290 |
Miscellaneous |
$2,224.00 |
$2,400.00 |
$4,624.00 |
|
100.5860.310 |
Travel |
$192.00 |
$150.00 |
$342.00 |
|
100.5860.311 |
Training |
$576.00 |
$150.00 |
$726.00 |
|
100.5860.320 |
Telephone |
$4,210.00 |
$300.00 |
$4,510.00 |
|
100.5860.321 |
Postage |
$410.00 |
$100.00 |
$510.00 |
|
100.5860.340 |
Printing |
$1,200.00 |
$500.00 |
$1,700.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$15,146.00 |
$4,200.00 |
$19,346.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To appropriate funding from NC Department of
Insurance to support Senior Health Insurance Information Program.
This will result in a net increase of $4,200.00 in
the expenditures and other financial use to the County’s annual budget. To provide the additional revenue for the
above, the following revenues will increase.
These revenues have already been received or are verified they will be
received in this fiscal year.
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
General Fund |
|
|
|
|
100.3301.366 |
State of NC Department Of
Insurance |
$00.00 |
$4,200.00 |
$4,200.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$00.00 |
$4,200.00 |
$4,200.00 |
Tax
Administration Report – September 2008
Tax Administrator Jake Oakley submitted the
following Real and Personal Property
Releases and Refunds (September 2008), which are more than $100 at the
October 13th meeting,
with a request for action by the Board of Commissioners at the October
27th meeting:
|
Real
and Personal Property Releases More |
|
|
|
|
than
$100 –September 2008- Per NCGS 105-381 (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
Account |
Amount |
|
|
Name |
Number |
|
Reasons |
|
Charles
Dalton and |
08A598304937940 |
9405.15 |
Deferment
not given |
|
Parks
H Dalton |
|
|
|
|
R
J Reynolds |
08A12328.07 |
1983.43 |
Bus
Per Listed in Error |
|
Donaldson
Auto Parts |
08A156020421.09 |
103.24 |
Bus
Per Listed in Error |
|
DL
& JH Inc |
98A1998005811 |
253.35 |
Business
Dissolved |
|
Delma
Collins |
08A69040413199 |
117.04 |
Acreage
Correction |
|
Ronald
Kiger |
98A1998051117 |
115.69 |
SWMH
Double Billed |
|
Larry
Barnes |
99A1999016080 |
116.59 |
SWMH
not in Stokes |
|
|
99A1998050394 |
117.30 |
SWMH
not in Stokes |
|
|
Total |
$12,211.79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real
and Personal Property Refunds More |
|
|
|
|
than
$100 –September 2008- Per NCGS 105-381 (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
Account |
Amount |
|
|
Name |
Number |
|
Reasons |
|
Howard
Bowman |
08A598902789814 |
133.67 |
SWMH
owned by Shelia Palmer |
|
|
07A598902789814 |
133.67 |
SWMH owned by Shelia Palmer |
|
|
06A598902789814 |
131.66 |
SWMH owned by Shelia Palmer |
|
|
05A598902789814 |
131.66 |
SWMH owned by Shelia Palmer |
|
|
Total |
$530.66 |
|
Proposed
Resolution – NCDOT Secondary Road Construction Program – Fiscal Year 2008-09
Clerk to the Board Darlene Bullins submitted
the following proposed Resolution for the
NCDOT Secondary Road Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2008-09,
which was presented
by NCDOT at the October 13th meeting with a request for
action by the Board of
Commissioners at the October 27th meeting:
RESOLUTION CONCURRING WITH THE
SECONDARY ROAD CONSTRUCTION
PROGRAM FOR STOKES COUNTY AS
PROPOSED BY THE
NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 -2009
WHEREAS,
pursuant to the provision of N.C.G.S. 136-44.5 through 136-44.7, the North
Carolina Department of Transportation/Division of Highways has completed a
study of all State maintained unpaved secondary roads to determine the number
of miles of unpaved State maintained roads in the State, developed a uniformly
applicable formula of the allocation of secondary roads maintenance funds for
use in each county, and developed criteria for improvements and maintenance of
secondary roads and annual work programs for construction and maintenance of
secondary roads in each county in accordance with those criteria;
WHEREAS,
pursuant to the provision of N.C.G.S. 136-44.8 the North Carolina
Department of Transportation has posted
in the Stokes County courthouse a county map showing tentative secondary road
paving projects rated according to the priority of each project in accordance
with the criteria and standards adopted by the Board of Transportation;
WHEREAS,
the said map has been posted for at least two weeks prior to the public meeting
and discussion of the secondary road construction program for Stokes County by
the North Carolina Department of Transportation representatives with the Stokes
County Commissioners;
WHEREAS,
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has provided a notice to the
public of the public meeting of the Stokes County Board of Commissioners at
which the annual secondary road construction program for Stokes County is to be
presented to the said board and other citizens of the county;
WHEREAS,
the notice was published in a newspaper published in Stokes County or
having a general circulation in the
county once a week for two weeks succeeding weeks prior to the meeting and
advised that a county map is posted in the courthouse showing tentative
secondary road paving projects rated according to the priority of each project;
WHEREAS,
representatives of the North Carolina Department of Transportation have met
with the Stokes County Board of County Commissioners at a regular meeting and
have made a presentation to and discussed with the said board and other citizens
present at the meeting the proposed secondary road construction program,
specifically including the priority rating of each tentative secondary road
paving project in the program, according to the criteria and standards adopted
by the Board of Transportation;
NOW
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Stokes County Board of
Commissioners, based on the presentation
and discussion of the secondary road construction program for Stokes County,
hereby concurs with the construction program as proposed by the North Carolina
Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2008-2009.
Adopted
this 27th day of October 2008.
____________________________ _____________________________
J. Leon Inman- Chairman Jimmy
Walker – Vice Chairman
____________________________
_____________________________
____________________________
Attest:
________________________________
Vice Chairman Walker moved to approve the
Consent Agenda as submitted.
Commissioner Lankford seconded and the motion carried unanimously
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – INFORMATION AGENDA
Update –
Manager and Board of Commissioners
County Manager Bryan
Steen noted the following:
·
The County was notified on Friday, October 24th
that there was an issue with an alleged telephone number for the Economic
Development Office which was located in King several years ago
·
The number is printed in the current Alltel
(Windstream) Phonebook which is only distributed in the King area
·
The Economic Development Office in King was closed
and moved to Danbury in July 2003 at which time the number was disconnected
·
Due to a printing error by Alltel, the number has
been printed in the Alltel (Windstream) Phonebook every year since July 2003
and when called, the caller received a message that the number has been
disconnected
·
Alltel (Windstream) acknowledged the mistake and
has taken steps to resolve the issue by placing the correct number 336-593-2496
on the message when someone calls the King number
·
This new message will run until August 2009 when a
new phonebook will be printed at which time the number will be removed
·
The County had no knowledge of the error until last
Friday
Vice Chairman Walker urged citizens to call
the manager’s office with issues that do
not seem to be exactly right, so that the County can investigate the
issue.
Commissioner Smith
noted that the RTI Board of Directors would be meeting on
Friday, October 31st to finalize the director’s appointment.
Commissioner Lankford
noted that the Piedmont Triad Partnership is working very
hard to bring economic development to our region which is made up of 12
surrounding
counties and there is a possibility that 2 or 3 companies may be
interested in this region.
Chairman Inman noted
the first quarter revenue update (F/Y 08/09) from the North
Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC):
·
Spending has been cut by 3%
·
Travel is being curtailed
·
Hiring freeze at the state level
·
Not as bad as Fiscal Year 2001
·
Sales tax declined 1.6% during the first quarter
·
Unemployment rate is at approximately 7%
·
Counties could be impacted later on
·
County’s fund balance is 19.57%
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – DISCUSSION AGENDA
Comprehensive
Land Use Plan – Discussion
Planning Director
David Sudderth presented the following items for the Board to
consider regarding a Comprehensive Land Use Plan:
|
|
CIP Consideration
Items |
Recommendation |
Comments |
|
1 |
Land
Use - |
|
|
|
|
1.1 General Land Uses |
Yes |
|
|
|
1.2 Residential Growth & Density |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
|
1.3 Nonresidential Growth & Density |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
|
1.4 Industrial Districts |
Yes |
|
|
|
1.5 Commercial Districts |
Yes |
|
|
|
1.6 Downtown Districts |
N/A |
|
|
|
1.7 Compatible Infill Development |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
2 |
Community
Character & Quality of Life - |
|
|
|
|
2.1 Appropriate Residential Design |
Yes |
|
|
|
2.2 Appropriate Nonresidential Design |
Yes |
|
|
|
2.3 Effective Parking |
|
Currently not a
problem |
|
|
2.4 Transit-Oriented Parking |
Yes/Joint |
PART, YVEDDI |
|
|
2.5 Protecting Rural Character |
Yes |
|
|
|
2.6 Streetscape Appearance |
N/A |
|
|
|
2.7 Zoning as it relates to - |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
|
2.7.1 Signage |
|
|
|
|
2.7.2 Junk Vehicles |
|
|
|
|
2.7.3 Landscape Standards |
|
|
|
|
2.7.4 Grading/Clearing Standards |
|
|
|
|
2.7.5 Manuf. Housing |
|
|
|
|
2.8 Scenic Byways |
Yes |
|
|
|
2.9 Dilapidated and Vacant Structures |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
3 |
Historic
Preservation - |
|
Consult Historical Society |
|
|
3.1 Protection of Historic Resources |
Yes |
|
|
|
3.2 Historic Districts |
Yes |
|
|
|
3.3 Historic Landmarks & Cemeteries |
Yes |
|
|
|
3.4 Community Awareness |
Yes |
|
|
|
3.5 Incentives & Funding |
Yes |
|
|
|
3.6 Historic Travel Corridors |
Yes |
|
|
4 |
Economic
Development - |
|
Consult EDC |
|
|
4.1 Balanced Economic Growth |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
|
4.2 Business & Industry |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
|
4.3 Tourism |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
|
4.4 Economic Initiatives |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
|
4.5 Educational Training & Opport. |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
|
4.6 Residential Industry |
Yes/Joint |
|
|
5 |
Conservation
& Environment - |
|
Consult Soil &
Water |
|
|
5.1 Water Quality |
Yes |
|
|
|
5.1.1 Floodplain Protection |
Yes |
|
|
|
5.1.2 Stormwater Measures |
Yes |
|
|
|
5.2 Air Quality |
Yes |
|
|
|
5.3 Open Space Preservation |
Yes |
|
|
|
5.4 Farmland Preservation |
Yes |
|
|
|
5.5 Energy Conservation |
Yes |
|
|
6 |
Transportation
- |
|
|
|
|
6.1 Update Throughfare Plan |
No |
CTP Plan just approved |
|
|
6.2 Mass Transit Stops |
Yes |
|
|
|
6.3 Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan |
|
Plan exists |
|
|
6.4 Sidewalks & Multi-purpose Trails |
No |
Hanging Rock,
Sauratown Trails |
|
7 |
Water
& Wastewater Systems - |
|
Consult Public
Works |
|
|
7.1 Water |
|
|
|
|
7.1.1 Waterlines & Distribution |
Yes |
|
|
|
7.1.2 Water Treatment |
Yes |
|
|
|
7.1.3 Water Line Exten. & Growth |
Yes |
|
|
|
7.2 Wastewater |
|
|
|
|
7.2.1 Wastewater lines &
Distrib. |
Yes |
|
|
|
7.2.2 Wastewater Treatment |
Yes |
|
|
|
7.2.3 Wastewater Exten. & Growth |
Yes |
|
|
|
7.3 Water Supply Protection |
Yes |
|
|
|
7.4 Water Conservation |
Yes |
|
|
8 |
Parks/Recreation/Community
Facilities |
|
|
|
|
8.1 Parks & Rec. Level of Service |
Yes |
|
|
|
8.2 Existing Facilities |
Yes |
|
|
|
8.3 New or Expanded Facilities |
Yes |
|
|
|
8.4 Intergovernmental Participation |
Yes |
|
|
|
8.5 Greenways |
Yes |
|
|
9 |
Schools
- |
|
Schools System
Function |
|
|
9.1 School Level of Service |
|
|
|
|
9.2 Existing Facilities |
|
|
|
|
9.3 Improvement of Current Facilities |
|
|
|
|
9.4 Location of Future Facilities |
|
|
|
|
9.5 Mobile Classroom Usage |
|
|
|
10 |
Public
Safety - |
|
Consult SCFM, EM
& EMS Dept. |
|
|
10.1 Fire Protection |
|
|
|
|
10.1.1 Fire Protection Level of Serv. |
Yes |
|
|
|
10.1.2 Future Stations |
Yes |
|
|
|
10.1.3 Future Equipment Needs |
Yes |
|
|
|
10.2 Emergency Medical Services |
|
|
|
|
10.2.1 EMS Level of Service |
Yes |
|
|
|
10.2.2 EMS Future Stations |
Yes |
|
|
|
10.2.3 EMS Future Equip. Needs |
Yes |
|
|
|
10.3 Emergency Management |
|
|
|
|
10.3.1 EM Services |
Yes |
|
|
|
10.3.2 EM Interagency Cooperation |
Yes |
|
|
|
10.4 Law Enforcement |
|
Consult Sherriff's
Department |
|
|
10.4.1 LE Level of Service |
Yes |
|
|
|
10.4.2 LE Future Stations |
Yes |
|
|
|
10.4.3 LE Future Equipment Needs |
Yes |
|
|
11 |
Solid
Waste - |
|
Solid Waste
Management Plan |
|
|
11.1 Solid Waste Level of Service |
Yes |
|
|
|
11.2 Solid Waste Disposal/Sites |
Yes |
|
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11.3 Solid Waste Reduction |
Yes |
|
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11.4 Recycling |
Yes |
|
|
12 |
Libraries
- |
|
Northwestern
Regional Library |
|
|
12.1 Libraries Level of Service |
Yes |
|
|
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12.2 Existing Facilities |
Yes |
|
|
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12.3 New Facilities |
Yes |
|
|
|
12.4 Technology Management Plan |
Yes |
|
|
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12.5 Library Programs |
Yes |
|
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13 |
Capital
Improvements |
|
|
|
|
13.1 Funding for Projects |
Yes |
|
Director Sudderth
discussed the recommendations with the Board and also noted the
following:
·
Recommends the Board decide what areas the Board
cares to focus on before committing to a plan proposal
·
Purpose of a Comprehensive Plan is to inventory
what is available, project what may be needed, and to give recommendations on
how to accomplish stated goals
·
Some areas such as schools are already in place by
the Board of Education and would not need to be included in a comprehensive
plan
·
A Comprehensive Transportation Plan has recently
been adopted
·
Some departments/organizations should be consulted
such as Economic Development Commission, PART/YVEDDI, Historical Society,
Soil/Water Board, Solid Waste Department, Emergency Management/EMS, Fire Marshal,
Sheriff’s Department, Northwestern Regional Library, etc.
·
Need to consider areas in the county where growth
and expansion could occur
·
There could be several areas where consistency in
plans and regulations would be beneficial for the towns, cities, and the county
·
A Comprehensive Plan is inclusive
·
The Planning Board would also need to be involved
·
A Comprehensive Plan can be updated and should be
revised
·
Most importantly, a Comprehensive Plan must be
utilized by the County and not just stored on a shelf
The Board discussed
the recommendations presented by Director Sudderth.
Commissioner Lankford,
Commissioner Carroll, and Chairman Inman all concluded
that planning for the schools is already in place by the Board of
Education.
Commissioner Carroll
recommended the following:
·
If needed, prioritize the components
§ General Land Use
(Items 1-5)
§ Traditional
Infrastructure such as water, sewer, transportation, etc.
(Items 6-7)
§ Programs and
services such as libraries, schools, EMS, etc (Items 8-13)
Commissioner Lankford noted his main objective
of a Land Use Plan would be to
designate areas for potential Economic Development (business,
manufacturing, etc.) and then
plan for infrastructure for those areas.
Vice Chairman Walker
noted that any improvement in the county whether it be in a city
or town, improves the entire county.
Vice Chairman Walker discussed the river being a very
valuable asset, joint CIP items that would benefit cities, towns, and
the county, and Economic
Development as mentioned by fellow Board members.
Commissioner Smith
noted that he supports a land use plan that manages growth,
inventories the county, and gives direction.
Chairman Inman noted
that a Comprehensive Land Use Plan had been discussed
by the Economic Development Commission several times and stressed its
importance regarding
Economic Development in Stokes County.
Chairman Inman also stressed the importance of a
Comprehensive Land Use Plan when applying for grants.
Director Sudderth noted that the County could
let the City of King bid the entire
list and possibly eliminate items after receiving the bid quote.
The Board unanimously
agreed to submit all components recommended by Director
Sudderth for bid quotes.
Arts Council
Update
Art Council Director
Eddy McGee presented the following update for Fiscal Year
08-09:
·
34th Stokes Stomp Festival on Dan held
on September 20th and 21st attracted the largest audience
in festival history, only had $2,894.17 loss
·
Arts Council has received $20,000 in matching
grants for touring and in-school art programs in all 18 Stokes County Schools;
Supports Stokes County Libraries Summer Reading Programs; Support for Senior
Art Programs. Grants are funded through NC Arts Council’s Grassroots Grant, and
RJReynolds Foundation
·
Stokes County’s 3-5 graders will attend a touring
professional production of “Swan Lake” presented by Opera Carolina at Reynolds
Auditorium as part of the NC Arts Council’s CARTWHEELS Program, total cost of
this program will be over $14,000 – at no cost to the students or county
·
Arts Council has received $2,500 in support of
theatre and drumming classes for participants of the Stokes Opportunity Center
for developmentally and intellectually disabled adults which is funded by Mary
Duke Biddle Foundation
·
Arts Council has received $5,800 in support of the
“The Living Storybook” which will tour all 11 Stokes County Elementary Schools
and Northwest Middle School in Forsyth County in October and November, funding
provided by John and Anna Hanes Foundation and Duke Energy Foundation.
·
Arts Council’s Apple Gallery will host the Vietnam
Experience during January, February, and March 2009, which is a touring
national exhibit from the Department of the Navy – paintings done by Vietnam
battlefield Veterans
Arts Council is
very proud and honored to host the Vietnam Experience
Proposed
Foothills Amphitheatre Project
Arts Council Director
Eddy McGee presented the following information regarding the
Proposed Foothills Amphitheatre Projects:
·
The Stokes County Arts Council is proud to announce
support for the creation of the “Foothills Amphitheatre”, to be built on County
of Stokes property located behind the current Arts Council Office/Apple
Gallery, 500 North Main Street, Danbury.
The Stokes County Arts Council requests support from the County of
Stokes and Town of Danbury in continuing organization of the project design,
funding, and mission, with ground breaking of the project to begin in
2009.
·
This project idea began with a conversation between
Arts Council Executive Director Eddy McGee and Mr. Ben Vernon, Senior Trustee
of the Ben and Lemma Apple Foundation for a stone/beam amphitheatre structure,
25’ x 15’ stage dimension, with a 10’ x 10’ storage/dressing room behind the
stage; sloped grass seating to accommodate 300 to 400 people, bathrooms, and
initial phase gravel parking lot behind the Embarq sub-station.
Why build an amphitheatre in Danbury?
·
In 2007, over 475,000 people visited Hanging Rock
State Park, with the majority of these visitors from Raleigh/Durham/Chapel
Hill, and Burlington/Greensboro/Winston-Salem, as noted in the visitor logbook
at the Dan River Art Market. The
Foothills Amphitheatre would offer concerts, theatre, and other events from
April through October for tourists visiting Stokes County, as well as for
Stokes County residents.
·
This facility would support the Arts Council’s
mission of supporting and promoting visual and performing arts in Stokes County
by offering a performing arts venue in addition to the already existing Apple Gallery
and Dan River Art Market.
·
The facility would provide an economic impact to
local merchants with the addition of car and foot traffic into the Town of
Danbury.
·
The facility would attract potential developers of
accommodations, restaurants, etc.
·
In addition to the promotion of visual and
performing arts, this facility would provide a consistent location for what
many consider Stokes County’s greatest asset, the performing of traditional
music.
·
This facility would serve the entire Stokes
community for farmers’ markets, award ceremonies, holiday celebrations, and
recognition programs.
What has been done?
·
The Ben and Lemma Apple Foundation has verbally
committed $30,000 to the project.
·
The Cannon Foundation has verbally committed to
match the $30,000 from the Apple Foundation.
·
Embarq Real Estate Division is discussing donation
of the property behind their Danbury sub-station to the Arts Council,
contingent upon the property being used for the amphitheatre project.
·
Area contractors are working with the Arts Council
to determine approximate costs.
Potential issues regarding the amphitheatre
· Noise
The Stokes County
Arts Council has scheduled “Pickin on the Porch” concerts on the steps of the
Historic Stokes County Courthouse and outside of the current Arts Council
office, as well as hosted monthly gallery exhibits for over ten years, and has
never received one complaint regarding noise.
· Traffic
Arts Council
Director Eddy McGee and Stokes County Mapping Department’s Greg Hunsucker laid
a parking grid over the proposed Embarq property and estimated that 45 cars and
one bus could park in this space. On
three separate dates, data collected during working hours within one block of
the Arts Council Office/Board of Education Offices, counted 97, 105, and 108-parked
cars. Combined, this data shows that 150
cars could park for events held at the amphitheatre, more than sufficient for
300 attendees to the amphitheatre.
What is yet to be done?
·
Approval from Stokes County Board of Commissioners
to continue research of the project.
·
Approval of Embarq for donation of property to be
determined.
·
More specific cost estimates for amphitheater,
bathrooms, parking, and landscaping.
·
Discussion with Ellen Tilley family for donation of
¼ acre to complete project border.
What happens after amphitheatre is built?
·
County of Stokes owns and insures the property, and
provides maintenance.
·
The Stokes County Arts Council manages facility
scheduling, including organization of free and admission charged programs, as
well as rental of the facility. Rental
fees are the property of the County of Stokes.
·
Programming funding will be sought through
corporate sponsorships, state and regional tourism/cultural grants, and
admission fees.
Director McGee
requested support from the County to continue with project design,
funding, and mission, with ground breaking of the project to be in
2009.
The Board discussed
the proposed project with Director McGee.
Commissioner Carroll
suggested the possibility of naming the amphitheatre the
“Cascade Highlands Amphitheater” in conjunction with the RTI’s Cascade
Highlands.
The Board commended
Director McGee for his dedication too not only this outstanding
project, but all the projects sponsored by the Arts Council.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, directed Arts Council Director McGee
to go forward with this outstanding idea.
CenterPoint
Human Services – Transportation Funding Update
Director Cathy Long,
Stokes Opportunity Center, presented the following information
regarding Mental Health Transportation Fund:
·
Cost Comparisons with mileage used in July, August
and September
·
Voucher System, currently being used by DSS, would
have used considerably less funding during the first quarter
·
$2,574.00 was actually paid in July to vendors,
with the voucher rates, it would have only cost $590; using mileage
reimbursement it would have cost $621
·
$1,954.08 was actually paid in August to vendors,
with the voucher rates, it would have cost $250; using mileage reimbursement it
would have cost $468
·
$799.37 was actually paid in September to vendors,
with the voucher rates, it would have cost $150; using mileage reimbursement it
would have cost $193
·
Survey indicates that some consumers could possibly
arrange a ride to their appointments, while others could not
·
Survey indicates that some consumers could possibly
make some type of contribution to the transportation cost
·
Another consideration would be to apply for grants
·
Feels that the individuals using transportation are
in dire need of the service
·
Currently, $327 in the red and have not received
all October invoices
·
Feels the voucher system would work
·
New group sessions have increased the need for
transportation
The Board discussed the options submitted by
Director Long.
Commissioner Lankford
suggested the WIRED Grant for funding.
Commissioner Carroll
noted the need for a safety net to allow Director Long
to contract with YVEDDI or JD Cruise when needed.
Vice Chairman Walker
suggested using the vouchers on a trial basis and possibly
submitting information to the Stokes Alliance for funding
consideration.
The Board noted the
need for transportation funding to get clients to their
appointments.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, directed Director Long to continue
transportation services and to start using the voucher system on a
trial basis, apply for any
available grants, and take voluntary contributions until the county
meets with CenterPoint
to discuss the issue.
Chairman Inman noted
that there may be a need for a budget amendment at the next
meeting, but would like to meet with CenterPoint first.
Town of Danbury Voluntary Annexation
Mayor
Jane Priddy-Charleville presented the following request:
·
Mike Barsness, property owner, is building a home
in the Danbury
ETJ
and has requested that his property be annexed into the town
·
The Barsness property abuts the north side of the
Stokes County
Government Center and a small portion of the
county’s property
(approximately
15 acres) that is outside of the town limits
will
need to be annexed to accomplish the request.
·
The annexation will not affect the county other
than the re-drawing
of
the town limits
·
The new home will have its own well and septic
system; there will
be no
need to extend water/sewer to the home site
·
New home will increase Ad Valorem Taxes for the
Town of Danbury
·
Possibility of additional annexations in the future
which could mean
increased revenue for the county by providing
water and sewer to more customers
·
Town Charter does not allow satellite annexation,
annexation has to be contiguous with the town limits
·
Property owners include Michael and Mary Anne
Barness, YVEDDI, and County of Stokes
·
Michael and Mary Anne Barness and YVEDDI have
already signed the Petition Requesting Annexation
Mayor
Priddy-Charleville presented a proposed petition requesting annexation for the
Board’s consideration.
Mayor
Priddy-Charleville requested the Board approve the request for annexation.
The Board discussed
the agenda item with Mayor Priddy-Charleville.
Chairman Inman
requested the Clerk have the County Attorney review the proposed
petition and place the item on the November 10th Action
Agenda.
Appointments
– Stokes County Aging Planning Committee
Chairman Inman
presented the following nomination made at the October 13th meeting
to serve on the Stokes County Aging Planning Committee:
·
Jean Sands
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion.
Commissioner Lankford
moved to appoint Jean Sands to the Stokes County Aging
Planning Committee. Vice Chairman
Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Appointments
– Stokes County Fire Commission
Chairman Inman noted
the following:
·
Steve Fowler nominated at the October 13th
meeting for a member not affiliated with a Service District Agency
·
James Griffin nominated at the October 13th
meeting for a member affiliated with a Service District Agency
·
James Griffin
submitted a letter withdrawing his nomination due to personal reasons
·
Joe James was also recommended by the Stokes County
Fire and Rescue Association for the member affiliated with a Service District
Agency
Commissioner Smith nominated Joe James to
serve as a member affiliated with a
Service District Agency.
Commissioner Lankford
requested additional information from Chairman Clifford Hall
regarding the addresses of the other members of the Fire
Commission. Commissioner
Lankford noted the need to have members from all sections of the County
if possible.
The Board discussed
the areas currently being represented by the present Fire
Commissioners with Chairman Hall.
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion regarding appointment to the Stokes
County Fire Commission.
Commissioner Carroll
moved to appoint Steve Fowler to serve as a member not
affiliated with a Service District Agency. Commissioner Lankford seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
Grant Letter
for Danbury Water System Rehabilitation Project
County Manager Bryan
Steen presented a letter to be executed by the Chairman of the
Board of Commissioners authorizing the County Manager to execute all
Rural Center
documents relating to the Danbury Water System Rehabilitation Project.
The Board discussed
the issue with Manager Steen.
The Board had no
issues with Chairman Inman executing a letter to the Rural Center
authorizing the County Manager to sign all documents related to the
Danbury Water System
Rehabilitation Project as long as the manager provides the Board with
copies of the
documentation.
The Board, by
consensus, authorized the Chairman to execute the necessary
paperwork to allow the County Manager to sign all Rural Center
documents relating to the
Danbury Water System Rehabilitation Project.
Capital
Project Ordinance – Stokes Opportunity Renovation Project
County Manager Bryan
Steen presented the following proposed Capital Project
Ordinance for the Stokes Opportunity Renovation Project:
Capital Project Ordinance
BE IT ORDAINED by the Governing Body of the
County of Stokes, North Carolina that, pursuant to Section 13.2 of Chapter 159
of the General Statutes of North Carolina, the following capital project
ordinance is hereby adopted:
Section 1.
The project authorized is for construction of an addition to the Stokes
Opportunity Center for classrooms and workspace to be financed by funds from
the Mental Health Fund Balance.
Section 2.
The officers of this unit are hereby directed to proceed with the
capital project within the budget contained herein.
Section 3.
The following amounts are appropriated for the project: