) STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
) FEBRUARY 9, 2009
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 (Administration Building) located in Danbury, North Carolina
on Monday,
February 9, 2009 at 1:30 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
Emergency
Medical Services Director Monty Stevens
Tax
Administrator Jake Oakley
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.
Chairman Inman acknowledged that he is a Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of
North Carolina and due to a potential conflict of interest pertaining to today’s agenda item,–
“Acquisition of Land for a New Elementary School”, he requests to be recused from approving
the Agenda and any discussion pertaining to “Acquisition of Land for a New Elementary
School in the Yadkin Township”.
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion.
Commissioner Lankford moved to recuse Chairman Inman from approving the Agenda
and any discussion pertaining to “Acquisition of Land for a New Elementary School in the
Yadkin Township”. Commissioner Smith seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Inman turned the meeting over to Vice Chairman Walker.
Chairman Inman excused himself from the meeting.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Vice Chairman Walker entertained a motion to
approve or amend the February 9, 2009
Agenda.
Commissioner Lankford
moved to approve the February 9, 2009 Agenda as submitted.
Commissioner Carroll
seconded the motion.
County Manager Bryan Steen requested to add a
Closed Session regarding attorney
client privileges.
Commissioner Smith
requested to add a Closed Session.
The Board discussed
adding a Closed Session to today’s Agenda.
Commissioner Lankford
expressed concerns regarding adding additional items to the
Agenda, unless it was an emergency.
The motion failed 1-3
with Vice Chairman Walker, Commissioner Carroll, and
Commissioner Smith voting against the motion and Chairman Inman being
approved to
abstain from the vote.
Commissioner Carroll
moved to approve the February 9, 2009 Agenda with the addition
of a Closed Session.
Commissioner Smith seconded and the motion carried 3-1 with
Commissioner Lankford voting against the motion and Chairman Inman
being approved to
abstain from the vote.
Chairman Inman returned to the meeting.
Vice Chairman Walker
turned the meeting back over to Chairman Inman.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following spoke during public comments:
Chairman Kay
McGee Phillips
101 Pilot View Drive
King, NC 27021
Re: King Public Library
King Library Board Chairman Kay Phillips presented the following
update:
(King Librarian Ann Nichols was also in attendance for the public
comments)
·
Appreciation to the Board of Commissioners for the
continued support for the Stokes County Libraries
·
Appreciation to the Board of Commissioners for the
funding in the fiscal year 2008-09 budget to complete the new salary scale
started in fiscal year 2007-08 for library staff and for funding additional
staff hours (part time position to full time position)
·
King Library is one of the two largest libraries in
the Northwest Regional System
·
Currently have 12,746 registered patrons
·
Summer reading – 595 children attended
·
3,766 Stokes County citizens voted in the November
2008 Election at the King Library
·
In January 2009, there were 6,150 materials checked
out
·
In January 2009, the Shelton Room was booked for 29
meetings with 656 attendees
·
Sunday afternoon hours have been changed to
Saturday afternoons
·
Request for additional book funding and computers
in the upcoming fiscal year
·
Update was given to the King City Council last week
·
Would like to be able to include the proposed King
Library Expansion Project in the fiscal year 2010-11 budget in conjunction with
the City of King
Chairman Phillips reiterated the need for the
continued support from the County for
the three public libraries in Stokes County – King, Danbury, and Walnut
Cove.
Stokes County
Mental Health Association Chairperson Keith Merritt
Stokes County
Mental Health Coordinator Angela Grubb
Stokes County
Re: Stokes Mental Health Association
Mr. Keith Merritt introduced Mental Health Coordinator Angela Grubb.
Mental Health Coordinator Angela Grubb presented and discussed the
following Progress Report as of February 5, 2009:
·
Linked 97
consumers to mental health services (followed up to determine services have
been received)
·
Assisted 23 calls
from area providers with questions regarding accessing mental health services
for consumers
·
Increased
community awareness regarding ACCESS# and how to access mental health services (# calls
increased each month from Stokes County since implementation of coordinator
position July 2007 to Dec 2007=622 calls vs. July 2008 to Dec 2008=762 calls
or increase in 140 calls)
o
Thru community
presentations
o
Involvement in
community meetings-Interagency, Stokes Collaborative, LICC, HC, MHA, First
Responders, Stokes Steering Committee, Court Improvement Project/Child Planning
Conferences
o
Newspaper
articles in local paper
o
Distribution of
materials -ACCESS# posters/cards and coordinator brochures throughout the
community
·
Maintain ongoing
data collection regarding mental health needs and barriers to accessing
services
o
Facilitate focus
groups
o
Contacts with
community leaders
o
Collaboration
with agencies to develop solution
(ie.
Mtg with courts/DSS/Domestic Violence Services/Day Reporting Ctr regarding need
for domestic violence support group and how to link folks to mental health
services)
• Established Stokes CFAC Committee
• Established 2 NEW support groups
o
King Moravian
Church for depression/bipolar disorder
(2nd/4th
Mon. - 7pm) started Nov 10
o
Walnut Cove
Senior Center for depression
(1st and 3rd
Mondays - 10:30am) started Feb 2
·
Coordinated 1st
Annual Out of the Darkness WALK in Stokes County
Well attended - over 200 people and
raised over $2000 to share services available and reduce stigma with accessing
services, increase awareness suicide problem in Stokes County (highlighted one
of top news stories in 2008 in Stokes NEWS)
(up to 50% of money raised will come
back to community to MHA and HC)
o
Resulted in
Memory Quilt
o
Resulted in
Prayer Quilt
o
Community
involvement in planning and implementation of all facets of walk (media,
churches, schools, MHA, HC, community leaders)
• Coordinated providing WRAP Training
for consumers/providers - March 10
• Coordinator Brochure developed and
distributed in Community
·
Collaborating
with Stokes Mental Health Assn to address mental health needs in county (Feb.
10 - Ministers Conference scheduled to involve churches)
·
Collaborating
with Healthy Carolinians to develop solutions to mental health needs in the
community (facilitated workgroup to develop action plan for HC)
·
Facilitated
Emergency Responders Meetings to address mental health crises
·
Communicating with
community leaders to provide CIT Training for law enforcement
·
Communicating
with community leaders to provide ASIST Training for professionals and
laypersons
·
Planning
Community Forum in April 2009 for providers and consumers regarding mental
health needs -Coordinator Annual Report to the Community
·
Grant writing
-Kate B. Reynolds- Application submitted March 16- to sustain coordinator
position (CenterPoint Funding to end 6/30/09) Kate B. Reynolds will not fund
the entire mental health coordinator position
·
Referral sources
·
Calls received
from Consumer or potential consumers since April 2008 = 97
·
Calls for
assistance from Area Providers since July 2008 = 23
Ms. Grubb reiterated the need for the Mental Health
Coordinator position especially
with the current economy
situation.
Mr.
Merritt also reiterated the need for the Mental Health Coordinator position and
stated that it is only fair that
Ms. Grubb know the future of the position.
Mr. Merritt requested
the Board consider the position
as soon as possible.
Vice
Chairman Walker requested to add this item to the February 23rd
Agenda.
Chairman
Inman directed the Clerk to place the item on the February 23rd
Discussion
Agenda.
Ms. Barbara
Edwards
1560 NC HWY 772
Pine Hall, NC 27042
Re: School
Construction/Renovation
Ms. Edwards spoke on behalf of Southeastern Middle School. Ms. Edwards noted the need
for renovation at Southeastern and requested the Board of Commissioners
fund all of the
top three priority school projects submitted by the Board of Education. Ms. Edwards expressed concerns regarding
safety issues at Southeastern.
CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Inman entertained a motion to approve
or amend the following items
on the Consent Agenda:
Minutes
Cooperative Extension
– Budget Amendment #49
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #49.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
Cooperative Extension |
|
|
|
|
100.4950.321 |
Postage |
$600.00 |
$620.00 |
$1,220.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$600.00 |
$620.00 |
$1,220.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To appropriate revenue from the “Eat Less Move More
Program” for mailings.
This will result in a net increase of $620.00 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 |
|
100.3839.000 |
Miscellaneous Revenue |
$8,920.00 |
$620.00 |
$9,540.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$8,920.00 |
$620.00 |
$9,540.00 |
Sheriff’s
Department – Budget Amendment #50
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #50.
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 |
$67,782.00 |
$651.00 |
$68,433.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$67,782.00 |
$651.00 |
$68,433.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To appropriate insurance claim funds due to deer
damage to a vehicle.
This will result in a net increase of $651.00 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 |
|
100.3839.850 |
Insurance Claims |
$4,762.00 |
$651.00 |
$5,413.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$4,762.00 |
$651.00 |
$5,413.00 |
Library Funding –
Budget Amendment #51
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #51.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
Library |
|
|
|
|
100.6110.682 |
Building Appropriation |
$00.00 |
$160,000.00 |
$160,000.00 |
|
|
Total |
$00.00 |
$160,000.00 |
$160,000.00 |
|
|
Capital Reserve Fund |
|
|
|
|
201.6110.000 |
Library |
$160,000.00 |
$(160,000.00) |
$00.00 |
|
201.9810.000 |
Transfer to General Fund |
$228,785.00 |
$160,000.00 |
$388,785.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$388,785.00 |
$00.00 |
$388,785.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To transfer funds from Capital Reserve Fund for the
County’s appropriation for the Walnut Cove Library Project.
This will result in a net increase of $160,000.00 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 |
|
100.3982.960 |
Transfer from Capital
Reserve |
$228,785.00 |
$160,000.00 |
$388,785.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$228,785.00 |
$160,000.00 |
$388,785.00 |
Health Department
– Budget Amendment #52
Finance Director Julia Edwards
submitted Budget Ordinance Amendment #52.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
Health Department |
|
|
|
|
100.5100.260 |
Office Supplies |
$23,837.00 |
$5,727.00 |
$29,564.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$23,837.00 |
$5,727.00 |
$29,564.00 |
.
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
Stokes County has once again been awarded funding
for the Healthy Carolinians Coalition. This program is coordinated by the
Healthy Carolinians’ Coordinator located at Stokes Reynolds Memorial
Hospital. The Funds must pass through
the Health Department’s budget each year.
These funds will be used for various projects that promote health and
nutrition for residents of Stokes County.
This will result in a net increase of $5,727.00 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 |
|
100.3301.232 |
Healthy Carolinians |
$00.00 |
$5,727.00 |
$5,727.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$00.00 |
$5,727.00 |
$5,727.00 |
Proposed Letter –
Double Creek Vol. Fire Department – Equipment Purchase
County Manager Bryan Steen submitted a proposed letter, on behalf of Double Creek
Volunteer Fire Department, to United Financial of North Carolina. The correspondence
verifies that Double Creek Vol. Fire Department is a qualified Volunteer Fire Department
assigned to a specific Fire District within Stokes County. The proposed letter acknowledges
that the Board of Commissioners is aware of Double Creek Vol. Fire Department’s intention to
acquire a new capital asset through Lease Purchase and has no objection to the transaction and
such approval does not obligate the County or its Board of Commissioners in any way
regarding repayment of the debt.
Double Creek Vol. Fire Department requests the Board of Commissioners approve
the Chairman of the Board to execute the proposed letter. (Letter will be retained by the Clerk).
Liquidation of EMS
Charges
Emergency Services Director Monty Stevens submitted the following charges for
individuals who were incarcerated in the Stokes County Jail at the time of the service:
|
Call |
Date of |
Total |
|
Number |
Call |
Charges |
|
804204 |
7/9/2008 |
$
661.00 |
|
803115 |
5/20/2008 |
$
362.00 |
|
802569 |
4/27/2008 |
$
481.00 |
|
800894 |
2/9/2008 |
$
356.00 |
|
800733 |
2/3/2008 |
$
356.00 |
|
800538 |
1/25/2008 |
$
356.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
$2,572.00 |
Director Stevens requested the Board of Commissioners approve liquidation of the
submitted charges.
Proposed Audit
Contract – Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted the proposed Audit Contract for Fiscal Year
beginning July 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2009 between Martin Starnes & Associates and
Stokes County. Finance Director Edwards requested the Board’s approval. County Attorney
Edward Powell has reviewed and approved the proposed Audit Contract. (A copy of the
Audit Contract will be retained by the Clerk and the Finance Director)
Economic
Development Commission – Proposed Member Terms
Clerk Darlene Bullins submitted the following Economic Development Commission
request from EDC Chairman Worth Hampton:
Request for approval for one-year terms:
§ Worth Hampton
§ Sam Hill
§ Russel Slate
§ Turk Tergliafera
Request for two-year terms:
§ Chairman of the
Board of Commissioners (Currently J. Leon Inman)
§ Jane Priddy-Charleville
§ Bruce Younts
Proposed Public
Access Agreement – South Stokes Vol. Fire Department
County Manager Bryan Steen submitted the NCDOT State Public Access Agreement
on behalf of South Stokes Volunteer Fire Department. The Municipal Agreement consist
of paving the driveway entrance up to the two bays for the South Stokes Vol. Fire
Department’s substation, Forest Hill, which is located off of NC 8. County Attorney
Edward Powell has reviewed and approved the proposed Public Access Agreement.
(A copy of the executed agreement will be retained by the Clerk)
Vice Chairman Walker moved to approve the
Consent Agenda as submitted.
Commissioner Carroll seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – INFORMATION AGENDA
Embarq Corporation
– Internet Access Update
Public Affairs Manager Patricia H. Elmore, Embarq, presented the following update:
(Embarq Business Manager Maury Scruggs was also in attendance for the meeting)
o Embarq serves over 9,700 access lines in Stokes County, 5,295 currently have DSL capability with 1,769 subscribing to DSL Services
o Embarq provides DSL access to the following
· Danbury Exchange = (46%)
· Quaker Gap Exchange = (41%)
· Sandy Ridge Exchange = (46%)
· Walnut Cove Exchange = (46%)
· Madison Exchange = (21%)
· Pilot Mountain = (34%)
o Surry Telephone provides DSL access to the areas of Stokes County served by the Shoals (100%) and Westfield (100%) exchange
o Windstream provides DSL access in the King (100%) exchange and to the area served by the Rural Hall (100%) exchange
o New fiber ring provides a high level of reliability for communication services in Stokes County
o Embarq Networks have on the average of one hour per year of down time versus an estimated 80 hours with various internet providers
o Households with cable access in Stokes County = 56.95%
o Embarq is held accountable by the NC Utilities Commission
o Can build services to meet the needs if feasible for businesses and residential customers – no difference in providing service to businesses and residential customers
o Will work with communities with cost sharing to provide DSL Services, demand drives the area for service
o In 2009, one site is scheduled in Stokes County (Quaker Gap Area) to “build out”, this will offer approximately 200 additional customers capability of subscribing to DSL
o Embarq’s goal is to provide all customers anything and everything that a customer can want; however, Embarq must be able to recoup the investment within a reasonable amount of time
The Board discussed Embarq’s DSL services in Stokes County.
Ms. Elmore expressed her appreciation to the Board for being allowed to present the
Embarq update.
The Board discussed DSL Services with Ms. Elmore.
Update –
Manager and Board of Commissioners
County Manager Bryan
Steen noted the following:
·
County is working with US Census to provide space
for training sessions and also establishing a 2010 Census Complete Count
Committee which will increase the awareness and motivate citizens to
participate in the 2010 Census
·
Meadows Property – Spoke with DEHNR this week,
DEHNR is waiting on the results from the last environmental testing
·
Mr. Alan Wood, Economic Development Director
started on February 9th.
·
Economic Director Wood is in Raleigh for a Stimulus
Workshop
·
Will be introducing Director Wood to town/city
managers and mayors this upcoming week
Vice Chairman Walker volunteered to serve on
the 2010 Census Complete Count
Committee.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – DISCUSSION AGENDA
Tax
Administration Report – January 2009
Tax Administrator Jake Oakley presented the
following informational data:
|
Fiscal
Year 2008-09 |
Budget Amt |
Collected
Amt |
Over |
Under |
|
|
|
|
Budget |
Budget |
|
County
Regular & Motor Vehicles |
$(19,053,616.00) |
$17,059,928.31 |
|
$1,993,687.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior
Taxes 1991-2007 Tax Years |
|
|
|
|
|
County
Regular & Motor Vehicles |
$ 700,000.00 |
$ 511,414.08 |
|
$ 188,585.92 |
|
EMS
Collections |
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Collected (1-1-09/1-31-09) |
$ 3,525.83 |
|
|
|
|
Total
Collected (7-01-08/6-30-09) |
$ 37,028.44 |
|
|
|
|
Delinquent
accounts received from EMS (01-01-09/01-31-09) = 230 |
|
|
|
|
|
Personal
Property Discovery Report |
# of |
Total |
Taxes |
|
Audit
Dates |
Accts |
Value |
Due |
|
01-01-09/01-31-09 |
7 |
$159,031 |
$1,247.21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Business
Personal Property Discovery Report |
# of |
Total |
Taxes |
|
Audit
Dates |
Accts |
Value |
Due |
|
01-01-09/01-31-09 |
0 |
$00.00 |
$00.00 |
|
Motor
Vehicle Release Report |
Accounts |
Total Value |
|
Audit Dates |
|
|
|
01-01-09/01-31-09 |
66 |
$3,206.17 |
|
|
|
|
|
Motor
Vehicle Refund Report |
Accounts |
Total Accounts |
|
Audit Dates |
|
|
|
01-01-09/01-31-09 |
0 |
$00.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Number
billed for January 2009 |
3968 |
|
|
Garnishment Totals |
|
|
|
|
Totals |
Original
Levy |
|
Month |
Accounts |
Amount
|
|
F/Y
07-08 (July-June) |
1547 |
$ 585,042.84 |
|
F/Y
08-09 (July-Dec. 08) |
998 |
$300,522.22 |
|
January
2009 |
219 |
$36,908.15 |
|
Totals |
2764 |
$922,473.21 |
|
Real
and Personal Property Releases Less |
|
|
|
than
$100–January 09- Per NCGS105-381 (b) |
|
|
|
Thomas Bowen |
08A692301383974 |
$2.00 |
|
|
08A6923012987769 |
$9.31 |
|
Jerrold Wade |
08A155893059.06 |
$15.57 |
|
Karen Mankins |
08A72099.0979 |
$54.88 |
|
Total Amount |
|
$81.76 |
|
Real
and Personal Property Refunds Less |
|
|
|
than
$100–January 09–per NCGS 105-381(b) |
|
|
|
Robert McGuire |
08A43196.03 |
$37.14 |
|
Michael Overton |
08A155922271.06 |
$81.28 |
|
|
07A599600076780 |
$86.59 |
|
|
06A599600076780 |
$85.01 |
|
James Lynch |
08A61531.06 |
$4.62 |
|
|
07a599700482831 |
$5.32 |
|
Totals |
|
$299.96 |
Tax Administrator Oakley presented the
following Real and Personal Property Releases
(January 2009) which are more than $100 for the Board’s consideration:
|
Real
and Personal Property Releases More |
|
|
|
|
than
$100–January 09-Per NCGS 105-381 (b) |
|
|
|
|
|
Account |
Amount |
|
|
Name |
Number |
|
Reasons |
|
Doris
Fritts |
08A691401058421 |
$334.50 |
Approval
of Late Elderly Exemption |
|
Shelly
Conner |
08A155928458.09 |
$106.22 |
Owned
by another taxpayer |
|
|
|
$440.72 |
|
Tax Administrator Oakley presented the
following EMS Delinquent Release Report
(January 2009) for the Board’s consideration:
|
|
Call |
|
|
|
Name |
Number |
Amount |
Reason |
|
April
Smith |
201512 |
$
464.87 |
Deceased-no
estate |
|
April
Smith |
201515 |
$
486.75 |
Deceased-no
estate |
|
April
Smith |
203158 |
$ 410.17 |
Deceased-no
estate |
|
Total |
|
1,361.79 |
|
Commissioner Lankford noted the need for the
County Manager and EMS Director
to make sure EMS accounts are kept up to date in order to eliminate
delinquent accounts.
Tax Administrator
Oakley concluded 93% of the approved 2008-09 budget has been
collected and the Tax Department is currently working with taxpayers by
establishing monthly
payments if the taxpayer is unable to pay the full amount due.
Report of
Unpaid Taxes for Fiscal Year 2008-09 – Liens on Real Property
Tax Administrator Jake
Oakley presented the following total amount of unpaid taxes for
the current fiscal year (2008-09) that are liens on real property,
including the county and
municipalities, which is required to be reported to the Governing Body
per NCGS 105-369(a)
in the month of February each year:
·
Levy Amount (County) = $1,434,393.56
·
Levy Amount (Walnut Cove) = $36,460.56
·
Levy Amount (Danbury) = $1,541.32
Tax Administrator Oakley noted that the
Governing Body must order the Tax
Collector to advertise the tax liens.
Tax Administrator
Oakley also noted that per NCGS 105-369(b1), after the
Governing Body orders the Tax Collector to advertise the tax liens, the
Tax Collector must
send a notice to the owner of record of each affected parcel at the
last known address by first
class mail at least thirty days (notices were mailed February 5th)
before the advertisement is to
be published.
Tax Administrator
Oakley requested the Board order advertisement of the submitted tax
liens and move the item to today’s Action Agenda in order to proceed
with the advertisement.
Tax Administrator Oakley noted if ordered by the Board, the tax liens
would be advertised on
03-12-09 in the Stokes News.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the item on
today’s Action Agenda.
Social
Services – Temporary Staffing Needs
DSS Director Jan
Spencer presented the following information regarding temporary
staffing needs:
·
Faltering economy is being felt by Stokes County
citizens
·
In 2007, there were 15,843 visits to the DSS office
·
In 2008, there were 16,657 visits to the DSS
office, a 5% increase
·
Three areas are currently feeling a greater impact
– Food and Nutrition Services, Foster Care Services and Administrative Unit
which is requiring more overtime to keep up the demand
·
Food & Nutrition Services
§ Caseloads size has
increased 27% since 12/2004
§ Applications taken
have increased 41% since 2/2008
§ Because of job
losses, new people are applying each week
§ Each IMC II
carries an ongoing caseload of approximately 446 cases, processes approximately
59 applications each month and may review 35 cases per month to re-determine
eligibility
§ There is currently
no caseload standards for this program
§ An ongoing
caseload may require 62 changes each month
§ Workers must work
overtime to keep up
·
Foster Care Services
§ Increased number
of children entering foster care due to child maltreatment
§ Experiencing an
increase in substance abuse and domestic violence situations where children are
unsafe, steps must be taken to protect these children
§ Supervisor in the
unit carries a caseload which dictates that she be out of the office a big
portion of her time
§ Current caseload
size mandates are one Social Worker – no more that 15 children
§ There is a lot of
time dedicated to each child when they enter the program
§ Another full time
social worker is needed which would allow the supervisor to be available and do
her job
·
Administrative Unit
§ A unit of five
plus a supervisor provides supportive services for the entire agency with the
exception of the Adult Services Unit and the Child Welfare Unit
§ With increasing
number of clients requesting services, files continue to increase and must be
maintained
·
Imaging Services
§ Sixty of the 100
counties (DSS Departments) already have imaging services
§ Imaging must be in
place by 2010 in order to be in compliance with the NC Fast Case Management
System (new case management system)
·
Summary
§ Department is
meeting the day to day challenges to the best of their ability
§ Would request the
Board consider imaging services in the upcoming budget to improve efficiencies
in the Department
§ Would request
consideration of temporary, part time Income Maintenance Caseworker II for Food
and Nutrition Services (50% position – approximately $4,731 annual county cost)
§ Would request
consideration of temporary, part time Social Worker III for Foster Care
Services (50% position – approximately $6,042 annual county cost)
§ Would request
consideration of temporary, part time Processing Assistance III (50% position –
approximately $3,773 annual county cost)
DSS Director Spencer expressed her
appreciation to Board and requested any
assistance available for the Department.
DSS Director Spencer
commended the hard work of the DSS Staff during these hard
economical times.
The Board discussed
the requested temporary, part time positions, benefits of imaging
services, and other possible options.
Commissioner Carroll
noted a motion made by Vice Chairman Walker during the
2008-09 budget process, to hold funding in Contingency for positions
requested by DSS
Director Spencer that were not approved and review the situation during
the first of 2009.
Vice Chairman Walker
requested the item be placed on the February 23rd Action
Agenda. The Board unanimously
agreed to place the item on the February 23rd Discussion
Agenda with the option to move the item to the Action Agenda.
Chairman Inman
directed Director Spencer to meet with the County Manager
to look at any other available options, possible employee sharing.
Proposed
Warranty Deeds for Calvin & Ila Overby – Scattered Site Housing Grant
County Manager Bryan
Steen presented the proposed Warranty Deeds for Calvin
and Ila Overby for the Board’s consideration.
Manager Steen noted
that the Board had approved for the Overby family to proceed
with transferring the Overby property to the children at the December
22, 2008 meeting. The
Board of Commissioners must approve any deed transfer due to
requirements of the Scatter Site
Housing Grant.
Mr. Sam Couch, on
behalf of Calvin and Ila Overby, submitted two proposed
Warranty Deeds, which are both subject to life estate retained by the
Grantor (Calvin & Ila
Overby) which was requested by the Board of Commissioners and Scattered
Site Housing
Grant Authorities.
Manager Steen stated
that County Attorney Edward Powell along with Gary Wilson,
Benchmark have both reviewed the documents and found no conflicts with
Scattered Site
Housing Grant regulations.
Manager Steen requested
to move the item to today’s Action Agenda in order
to proceed with the transaction.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the
item on today’s Action Agenda.
Approval for
Asphalt Project
County Manager Bryan
Steen requested direction for the Board regarding moving
forward with the asphalt project that was proposed earlier this year.
Manager Steen noted
that the funding had already been obtained, but re-bidding would
need to be done due to the time that has lapsed since the first
bidding. Manager Steen noted
that paving would be done in June to accommodate the court system.
The Board discussed
re-bidding the project, included examining the Greenbox Sites
before re-bidding, possible patching in certain areas if paving is not
approved, possible lower
cost due to lower petroleum cost, and determining the direction of the
project after bids are
received.
Support Services
Supervisor Danny Stovall submitted the low bid that was rejected
by the Board on October 27, 2008:
|
Area |
Square foot |
Cost |
|
Government
Center Complex |
174,268 |
$187,269.53 |
|
E911
communication |
6,023 |
$
7,943.50 |
|
Danbury
Library |
12,683 |
$ 27,078.75 |
|
Community
Services Building |
12,732 |
$ 27,842.50 |
|
Moratock
Park |
14,339 |
$ 16,628.75 |
|
Walnut
Cove EMS Station |
3,938 |
$ 10,384.00 |
|
Community
Services Bldg Addition |
5,642 |
$ 19,040.00 |
|
|
Total |
$296,187.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bidders
in October 2008: |
|
|
|
Larco
Construction |
|
|
|
APAC
Atlantic |
|
|
|
Triangle
Grading & Paving |
|
|
|
JC
Joyce Trucking & Paving |
|
|
|
Turner
Asphalt |
|
|
Commissioner Lankford
requested the County not only re-bid to those who placed bids
in the fall, but look for additional companies due to the current
economic situation.
Chairman Inman noted
that he would not consider paving projects until the proposed
EMS station is underway and decisions have been made about schools.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, directed the County Manager
to proceed with re-bidding the projects.
School
Facility Needs – Purchase of PODS – Projected Costs and Financing Options
County Manager Bryan
Steen stated that Dr. Stewart Hobbs, School Superintendent,
on behalf of the Board of Education, has requested two (2) new ten room
PODS at a total cost
of $1,040,376.
Manager Steen presented the following options
for purchase:
1) County can front
the necessary funds until total Nancy Reynolds Project can meet requirements
for a complete capital loan. This will
require adoption of a reimbursement resolution to enable the county to recoup
county funds from loan proceeds
2) Obtain capital
loan only for the purchase of PODS and related site preparation cost. This may
be a solution due to immediacy of the need to purchase PODS. This will require
LGC approval and possibly a reimbursement resolution due to timing.
3) Include cost of
PODS with other capital projects (new elementary school construction and Nancy
Reynolds) and get one loan ($500 loan fee).
This would likely require the county to front cost and make installment
payments, possibly through October, until all necessary steps are completed to
meet LGC requirements and timetable for loan approval.
Manager Steen noted that the School System
would need to request bids for PODs in
late February with bid opening anticipated during the first week of
March.
Manager Steen noted
that the County could make installment payments on the PODS
until a loan could be finalized with LGC to possibly include other
school needs, but funding
that was used and not reimbursed before June 30th could have
a small impact on the County’s
Fund Balance.
Finance Director Julia
Edward confirmed that paying installment payments would
have a small impact on the County’s Fund Balance.
The Board discussed
the request for the purchase of two (2) ten unit PODs, possible
financing options, need to move forward with the PODS purchase, and the
use of a
Reimbursement Resolution.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the
item on today’s Action Agenda.
School
Facility Needs – Nancy Reynolds Project
County Manager Bryan
Steen stated that Dr. Stewart Hobbs, School Superintendent,
on behalf of the Board of Education, has requested to proceed with
purchasing adjoining land
for Nancy Reynolds School.
The Board discussed
the request to purchase land adjoining Nancy Reynolds School.
Dr. Hobbs confirmed
that the school’s sewage system, if the school stays on that site,
must be upgraded no matter what.
Chairman Inman, with
full consent of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the item
on today’s Action Agenda.
Being recused from
participate in any discussion pertaining to acquisition of land for
a new elementary school in the Yadkin Township, Chairman Inman turned
the meeting
over to Vice Chairman Walker.
Chairman Inman excused
himself from the meeting.
School
Facility Needs – Acquisition of Land for New Elementary School In Yadkin
Township
Vice Chairman Walker
opened the floor for discussion pertaining to the acquisition
of land for a new elementary school in the Yadkin Township.
Commissioner Carroll
noted that the requested information had been received from
the Stokes County Board of Education, which is to remain with the
original request to
purchase approximately 62 acres –Kiser Property along with information
requested from
the Tax Department. Based on the
information received, Commissioner Carroll stated that he
was ready to withdraw his earlier objection and is ready to proceed
with the purchase.
Commissioner Smith
stated he has no objections and is ready to vote. Commissioner
Smith noted the land purchase would provide space for another school in
the future.
Commissioner Lankford
stated after his research, he had no issues with proceeding with
the purchase of the Kiser Property for a new elementary school in the
Yadkin Township.
Vice Chairman Walker
commended the Board of Education’s commitment to research
other available properties before finalizing their decision.
Vice Chairman Walker,
with full consent of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the
item on today’s Action Agenda. .
Chairman Inman
returned to the meeting.
Vice Chairman Walker
turned the meeting back over to Chairman Inman.
Appointment –
King Planning Board/Board of Adjustments – ETJ Vacancy
Clerk Darlene Bullins
informed the Board that the City of King had notified the
County that Mr. Ron Clifford had recently resigned his Planning Board
ETJ appointment
due to illness. Clerk Bullins
noted the vacancy would be advertised in the Stokes News and
placed on the County Website.
There were no
nominations.
Appointment –
CenterPoint Human Services – Board of Directors
Clerk Darlene Bullins informed the Board that
CenterPoint had recently notified the
County that DSS Director Jan Spencer’s appointment on the Board of
Director terminates
02-28-09. Clerk Bullins noted
the vacancy would be advertised in the Stokes News and
placed on the County Website.
DSS Director Spencer had indicated that she is willing to be
considered for re-appointment.
Vice Chairman Walker
nominated DSS Director Jan Spencer for re-appointment.
There were no further
nominations.
Stokes County
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Clerk Darlene Bullins informed the Board that
information has been received from
the Northwest Piedmont Council of Government that no nominations were
received from
nursing home facilities in the County; therefore, all vacancies can be
appointed by the Board
of Commissioners. Clerk Bullins noted the five vacancies would be
advertised in the Stokes
News and placed on the County Website and new terms would be for one
year with re-
appointments for three-year terms.
Commissioner Smith
nominated Myra Morgan.
There were no further
nominations.
Stokes County
Adult Care Homes Community Advisory Committee
Clerk Darlene Bullins informed the Board that
information has been received from
the Northwest Piedmont Council of Government that no nominations were
received from
nursing home facilities in the County; therefore, all vacancies can be
appointed by the Board
of Commissioners. Clerk Bullins noted the three vacancies would be
advertised in the Stokes
News and placed on the County Website.
Ms. Dennie Charland would like to be considered for
re-appointment.
Commissioner Lankford
nominated Ms. Dennie Charland for re-appointment.
There were no further
nominations.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – ACTION AGENDA
Proposed
Pinnacle EMS Station
County Manager Bryan
Steen requested direction from the Board regarding the
proposed plan for the Pinnacle EMS Station in order for staff to
proceed with bidding for
architectural and engineering services.
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion.
Commissioner Lankford
moved to proceed with the proposed plan submitted at the
January 26th meeting, direct the administrative staff to
obtain architectural bids as soon as
possible, and return back to the Board to decide bidding options. Vice
Chairman Walker
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Manager Steen noted
that he had instructed Danny Stovall to make initial contacts
and should have architectural proposals at the next meeting.
Proposed
Water & Sewer Planning Grant - Meadow Property
County Manager Bryan Steen requested
approval from the Board regarding the
following
documents that must be executed in order to proceed with the proposed Water
&
Sewer Planning
Grant – Meadows Property that was presented to the Board at the
January 26th
meeting by Mr. Bill Lester, Hobbs & UpChurch:
·
The following documents must be reviewed and
approved by the Board of Commissioners in order to submit the application:
§ Certification by
Chief Elected Official
§ Memorandum of
Understanding between NC Rural Economic Development Center and Stokes County
§ Commitment of
other Funds Form (Capital Building Program between NC Rural Economic
Development Center and Stokes County)
§ Authorizing
Resolution by Governing Body of the Applicant
§ Resolution
Establishing Goal for Participation of Minority Business In Building
Construction Contracts
§ Certification of
Minority Business Participation
Manager Steen noted that there would only be a
$5,000 match for the Planning Grant
with funding available in Capital Reserve.
Chairman Inman entertained a motion.
Vice Chairman Walker moved to
proceed with the Water & Sewer Planning Grant
and approve the
documents submitted by Mr. Bill Lester, Hobbs & UpChurch at the
January 26th
meeting. Commissioner Smith seconded and
the motion carried unanimously.
Report of
Unpaid Taxes for Fiscal Year 2008-09 – Liens on Real Property
Chairman Inman entertained
a motion.
Commissioner Lankford
moved to order Tax Administrator Jake Oakley to advertise
unpaid taxes submitted to the Board of Commissioners for the current
fiscal year (2008-09) that
are tax liens on real property, including the county and
municipalities. Vice Chairman Walker
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Proposed
Warranty Deeds for Calvin & Ila Overby – Scattered Site Housing Grant
Chairman Inman entertained a motion.
Vice Chairman Walker moved to approve the
proposed Warranty Deeds for
Calvin & Ila Overby as pertains to the Scattered Site Housing
Grant. Commissioner
Lankford seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
School
Facility Needs – Purchase of PODS – Projected Costs and Financing Options
Chairman Inman entertained a motion.
Commissioner Lankford moved to purchase two
(2) new, ten unit PODS.
Vice Chairman Walker seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
School
Facility Needs – Nancy Reynolds Project
Chairman Inman entertained a motion.
Vice Chairman Walker moved to allow the Board
the Education to proceed with
additional land purchase for the Nancy Reynolds School Site. Commissioner Smith seconded
and the motion carried unanimously.
Being recused from
participate in any discussion pertaining to acquisition of land for
a new elementary school in the Yadkin Township, Chairman Inman turned
the meeting
over to Vice Chairman Walker.
Chairman Inman excused
himself from the meeting.
School
Facility Needs – Acquisition of Land for New Elementary School In Yadkin
Township
Vice Chairman Walker entertained a motion.
Commissioner Smith moved to approve the Board
of Education’s request to
purchase approximately 61.82 acres of land – Kiser Property for $1.298
million dollars.
Commissioner Carroll seconded and the motion carried (4-0) with
Chairman Inman being
approved to abstain from the vote.
Chairman Inman
returned to the meeting.
Vice Chairman Walker
turned the meeting back over to Chairman Inman.
Chairman Inman
expressed the Board’s appreciation to the Board of Education for their
cooperation and noted that the needs in the Southeastern part of the
County would not be
forgotten.
Vice Chairman Walker
echoed Chairman Inman’s comments regarding the needs
in the Southeastern part of the County along with all the other schools
needs would not be
forgotten.
Closed
Session
Chairman Inman
entertained a motion to enter into closed session for the following:
· 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 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 handling or settlement of a claim
judicial action, mediation, arbitration, or administrative procedure G.S.
143-318.11(3).
Commissioner Smith moved to enter into closed
session for the following:
· 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 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 handling or settlement of a claim
judicial action, mediation, arbitration, or administrative procedure G.S.
143-318.11(3).
Vice Chairman Walker seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
The Board returned to the open session of the
February 9th meeting.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before
the Board, Chairman Inman entertained
a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Vice Chairman Walker moved to adjourn the
meeting. Commissioner Smith seconded
and the motion carried unanimously.
_________________________ _____________________________
Darlene M.
Bullins
J. Leon Inman
Clerk to the Board Chairman