) STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
) FEBRUARY 22, 2010
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 22, 2010 at 6:00 pm with the following members present:
Chairman Jimmy
Walker
Vice Chairman Ernest
Lankford
Commissioner J.
Leon Inman
Commissioner Ron
Carroll
Commissioner
Stanley Smith
County
Personnel in Attendance:
County
Manager K. Bryan Steen
Clerk
to the Board Darlene Bullins
Finance
Director Julia Edwards
Chairman Jimmy Walker called the meeting to
order and delivered the invocation.
Chairman Walker
welcomed visitors Ms. Jessica Heath and Ms. Donna Southern.
Ms. Heath, a student at Rockingham Community College, is attending
tonight’s meeting for
a class project.
Chairman Walker opened
the meeting by inviting the citizens in attendance to join the
Board with the Pledge of Allegiance.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Chairman Walker entertained a motion to
approve or amend the February 22, 2010
Agenda.
Vice Chairman Lankford moved to approve the February
22, 2010 Agenda as presented.
Commissioner Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
Chairman Walker entertained a motion to
approve or amend the following items on the
Consent Agenda:
Minutes
Commissioner
Carroll noted the following correction on Budget Amendment #53:
·
Net
increase should be $7,771.00 instead
of $1,457.00
Finance Director
Edwards confirmed Commissioner Carroll’s notation.
Commissioner Carroll noted the following
correction on page 23:
·
the
expired term should be the unexpired term
Social
Services - Budget Amendment #57
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget
Amendment #57.
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 |
|
|
|
|
100.5410.001 |
TANF County Initiated |
$185,000.00 |
$(50,000.00) |
$135,000.00 |
|
100.5410.002 |
TANF Emergency Assistance |
$135,000.00 |
$50,000.00 |
$185,000.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$320,000.00 |
$00.00 |
$320,000.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
This budget amendment is to correct an error made on
approved Budget Amendment #47.
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
this
fiscal year.
Social
Services - Budget Amendment #58
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget
Amendment #58.
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 |
|
|
|
|
100.5480.000 |
Crisis Intervention |
$111,677.00 |
$36,949.00 |
$148,626.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$111,677.00 |
$36,949.00 |
$148,626.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To appropriate additional funding for Crisis
Intervention which is 100% Federal Funding.
This will result in a net increase of $36,949.00 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 this fiscal year.
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
100.3301.202 |
Crisis Intervention |
$1,804,429.00 |
$36,949.00 |
$1,841,378.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$1,804,429.00 |
$36,949.00 |
$1,841,378.00 |
Finance -
Budget Amendment #59
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget
Amendment #59.
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 |
|
|
|
|
100.5310.000 |
Salaries & Wages |
$1,642,989.00 |
$(6,000.00) |
$1,636,989.00 |
|
100.5310.090 |
Social Security |
$109,237.00 |
$(5,000.00) |
$104,237.00 |
|
100.5310.091 |
Medicare |
$25,547.00 |
$(1,000.00) |
$24,547.00 |
|
100.5310.100 |
Retirement |
$85,689.00 |
$(750.00) |
$84,939.00 |
|
100.5310.101 |
401(k) |
$10,726.00 |
$(500.00) |
$10,226.00 |
|
100.5310.110 |
Group Insurance |
$217,567.00 |
$(3,000.00) |
$214,567.00 |
|
100.5310.001 |
Day Care TANF |
$13,827.00 |
$(5,000.00) |
$8,827.00 |
|
100.5310.310 |
Travel |
$3,234.00 |
$(1,308.00) |
$1,926.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$2,108,816.00
|
$(22,558.00) |
$2,086,258.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To correct State Aid to Counties allocation which
has been temporarily cut as a nonrecurring reduction.
This will result in a net decrease of $22,558.00 in
the expenditures and other financial use to the County’s annual budget.
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
100.3301.207 |
State Aid to Counties |
$22,558.00 |
$(22,558.00) |
$00.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$22,558.00 |
$(22,558.00) |
$00.00 |
Health
Department - Budget Amendment #60
Finance Director Julia
Edwards submitted Budget Amendment #60.
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 |
|
|
|
|
100.5100.000 |
Salaries & Wages |
$1,038,409.00 |
$(14,200.00) |
$1,024,209.00 |
|
100.5100.090 |
Social Security Tax |
$68,548.00 |
$(800.00) |
$67,748.00 |
|
100.5100.110 |
Group Insurance |
$124,782.00 |
$(1,500.00) |
$123,282.00 |
|
100.5100.261 |
Office Supplies |
$61,563.00 |
$800.00 |
$62,363.00 |
|
100.5100.311 |
Employee Training |
$17,560.00 |
$(5,800.00) |
$11,760.00 |
|
100.5100.180 |
Professional Services |
$123,500.00 |
$3,500.00 |
$127,000.00 |
|
100.5110.510 |
Capital Equipment |
12,000.00 |
$14,000.00 |
$26,000.00 |
|
100.5100.511 |
Non-Capital Equipment |
$9,710.00 |
$4,000.00 |
$13,710.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$1,456,072.00 |
$00.00 |
$1,456,072.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
This budget amendment is a revision to a previously
approved amendment due to guidelines from the State.
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 this fiscal year.
Finance - Budget
Amendment #61
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget
Amendment #61.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
Capital Project Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
Nancy Reynolds School |
|
|
|
|
400.5914.650 |
Site Development |
$632,783.00 |
$(494,783.00) |
$138,000.00 |
|
400.5914.600 |
Construction |
$3,640,925.00 |
$4,025,024.00 |
$7,665,949.00 |
|
400.5914.601 |
Architect Fees & etc. |
$2,953,268.00 |
$(2,226,217.00) |
$727,051.00 |
|
400.5914.620 |
Plumbing Contract |
$250,000.00 |
$(250,000.00) |
$00.00 |
|
400.5914.630 |
Electrical Contract |
$489,004.00 |
$(489,004.00) |
$00.00 |
|
400.5914.640 |
HVAC Contract |
$576,255.00 |
$(576,255.00) |
$00.00 |
|
400.5914.690 |
Equipment |
$756,417.00 |
$(81,417.00) |
$675,000.00 |
|
400.5914.970 |
Contingency |
$00.00 |
$119,665.00 |
$119,665.00 |
|
400.5914.750 |
Financing Fees |
$00.00 |
$40,819.00 |
$40,819.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$9,298,652.00 |
$67,832.00 |
$9,366,484.00 |
|
|
Community College |
|
|
|
|
400.5916.600 |
Construction |
$700,000.00 |
$885,000.00 |
$1,585,000.00 |
|
400.5916.602 |
Land |
$00.00 |
$320,672.00 |
$320,672.00 |
|
400.5916.970 |
Contingency |
$00.00 |
$218,312.00 |
$218,312.00 |
|
400.5916.852 |
Financing Fees |
$00.00 |
$9,532.00 |
$9,532.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$700,000.00 |
$1,433,516.00 |
$2,133,516.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To amend Capital Project Ordinances for Nancy
Reynolds and Community College (Early College) for the amount of financing,
transferring funding to appropriate accounts and to correct error on the Nancy
Reynolds Capital Project Ordinance.
This will result in a net increase of $1,514,348.00
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 this fiscal year.
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
400.3831.002 |
Proceeds from Financing |
$9,985,652.00 |
$1,514,348.00 |
$11,500,000.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$9,985,652.00 |
$1,514,348.00 |
$11,500,000.00 |
Commissioner Carroll
requested additional information regarding Budget Amendment #61.
Finance Director Edwards noted that the Capital Project Ordinances for
the Nancy Reynolds School
Project and the Early College Project were done based on estimates,
Budget Amendment #61
corrects the Capital Project Ordinances based on the amount of funding
that was borrowed by
transferring the funding to the appropriate accounts.
Schools -
Budget Amendment #62
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget
Amendment #62.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
Schools |
|
|
|
|
100.5911.000 |
Current Expense |
$10,338,277.00 |
$100,000.00 |
$10,438,277.00 |
|
|
Contingency |
|
|
|
|
100.9910.600 |
School- Current Expense |
$100,000.00 |
$(100,000.00) |
$00.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$10,438,277.00 |
$00.00 |
$10,438,277.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To transfer Contingency Funds to School Current
Expense approved at the February 8th Board of Commissioners’ meeting
and per F/Y 2009-10 Budget Ordinance guidelines.
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 this fiscal year.
Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital - Budget Amendment #63
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget
Amendment #63.
To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to
be changed as follows:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
General Fund Transfers |
|
|
|
|
100.9820.984 |
Transfer to Stokes Reynolds
Hospital Fund |
$250,000.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$902,567.00 |
|
|
|
$250,000.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$902,567.00 |
|
|
Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital Fund |
|
|
|
|
500.5700.000 |
Hospital Operations |
$550,000.00 |
$393,385.00 |
$943,385.00 |
|
500.5700.510 |
Fixed Assets |
$00.00 |
$259,182.00 |
$259,182.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$550,000.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$1,202,567.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To appropriate Fund Balance for the fixed assets
from NC Baptist Hospital and estimated hospital losses projected through June
30, 2010.
This will result in a net increase of $1,305,134.00
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 this fiscal year.
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
General Fund |
|
|
|
|
100.3991.000 |
Fund Balance |
$345,328.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$997,895.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$345,328.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$997,895.00 |
|
|
Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital Fund |
|
|
|
|
500.3981.000 |
Transfer from General Fund |
$250,000.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$902,567.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$250,000.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$902,567.00 |
Commissioner Carroll
requested additional information regarding Budget Amendment #63.
Finance Director Edwards noted that Budget Amendment #63 appropriates
Fund Balance for
the purchase of the fixed assets from NC Baptist Hospital and the
estimated hospital losses
projected through June 30, 2010 by Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital
Staff.
Commissioner Carroll
confirmed with Finance Director Edwards that Budget Amendment
#63 was in addition to the $250,000 that was appropriated at the last
meeting.
Commissioner Smith
confirmed with Finance Director Edwards that this funding
would not be released to Stokes Reynolds unless documentation is
received verifying the losses.
Finance Director Edwards noted that this
funding is placed in a separate fund, not in General
Fund, it can be left in the fund to be used next fiscal year or
transferred back to General Fund.
Commissioner Inman
suggested moving Budget Amendment #63 to tonight’s Discussion
Agenda (V.a-9: Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Inc.
–Discussion – Financial Projections).
Chairman Walker, with
full consensus of the Board, directed Budget Amendment #63
be moved to tonight’s Discussion Agenda – Stokes Reynolds Memorial
Hospital – Financial
Projections.
Tax
Administration Report – January 2010
Tax Administrator Jake Oakley presented the
following Real and Personal Property Refunds
(January 2010) which are more than $100 at the February 8th meeting
with a request for approval at
the February 22nd meeting: (Tax Administrator Oakley
recommended approval of the Refunds)
|
Refunds (Real and
Personal Property) More than $100–January
2010-Per NCGS 105-381 (b)
|
Tax Administrator Jake Oakley presented the
following Real and Personal Property Releases
(January 2010) which are more than $100 at the February 8th
meeting with a request for approval at
|
the February 22nd meeting: (Tax Administrator Oakley
recommended approval of the Releases) Releases (Real and
Personal Property) More than $100–January
2010-Per NCGS 105-381 (b)
|
Tax Administrator Jake Oakley presented the
following Late Application for Elderly
Exemption, Disabled Exemption, and Disabled Veterans for 2009 at the February
8th meeting
with a request for approval at the February 22nd meeting: (Tax
Administrator Oakley recommended
approval of the Late Application for Elderly Exemption, Disabled
Exemption, and Disabled
Veterans):
|
Name |
Parcel Number |
Acreage |
Assigned Value |
|
Glenn M. Tuttle |
5993-02-87-0420 |
Tract |
$168,800 |
& Marylee
Tuttle
Webinar: Ethics Training for Local Elected Officials
County Manager Bryan
Steen requested approval to schedule a Webinar for
Ethics Training for Local Elected Officials for March 25, 2010. Manager Steen noted that he
had invited the town boards and the city council in the county to join
the Board for the required
training and they have indicated their elected officials would be
interested in attending the Webinar
if hosted by the County.
Vice Chairman Lankford moved to approve the
Consent Agenda as amended.
Commissioner Smith 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:
·
Received notification from Danny Stovall on
Saturday that well drillers had confirmed a water flow estimated at 30-32
gallons per minute at the Early College Site, remaining procedures to obtain a
well permit will follow
·
Preliminary septic system permits for the Early
College Site were received last week
·
NCDOT driveway permit for the Early College Site
has also been received
·
Renovations for the District Attorney’s offices are
almost finished, staff will be moving within the two weeks
·
Recent email received regarding positive comments
about bringing Broadband services to Stokes County residents
·
DSS Director Jan Spencer informed Administration today
of a recent vacancy in the DSS clerical unit and requested it be moved from
Discussion Agenda to Action Agenda on the March 8th Agenda
·
DSS Director Spencer also informed Administration
of the need to transfer lapsed salaries for the continuation of a contract
worker in the Food Stamps Unit which will also be placed on the March 8th
Agenda
Manager Steen also noted that strong
participation from the other municipalities in County
has been received regarding the Webinar – Ethics Training. Manager Steen requested if the
Board would be interested in discussing with the Town of Danbury to
have the April League of
Governments’ meeting directly following the Webinar.
The Board discussed
the request from Manager Steen.
The Board unanimously
agreed to leave the April League Meeting as it stands.
Chairman Walker, with full consensus of the
Board, directed the Clerk to place the requests
from DSS Director Spencer on the March 8th Discussion
Agenda.
Chairman Walker noted
the recent quarterly meeting with CenterPoint.
Manager Steen noted
recent changes being made by CenterPoint to continue to improve
services to the County with the placement of Victor Armstrong covering
Stokes County.
Mr. Armstrong, who has been working in Rockingham County, will be
visiting Stokes County
frequently to continue to improve mental health services in Stokes
County.
Chairman Walker noted
the possibility of changing the quarterly reviews from four (4) times
a year to only two (2). Chairman
Walker also noted that Mr. Armstrong has already made contact
with the Sheriff’s Department regarding mental health training for
officers.
Vice Chairman Lankford
noted the recent screening for Teacher Fellow Scholarships in
Region 5 that he along with Commissioner Inman participated in.
Commissioner Smith
noted things are moving along with the RTI and that Economic
Development Director Alan Wood is very involved with the RTI.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – DISCUSSION AGENDA
Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Inc. - Discussion
County Manager Bryan
Steen presented the following documents related to the
change of operation for Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Inc.:
·
Articles of Restatement for Nonprofit Corporation
·
Amended and Restated Bylaws
·
Lease Agreement between Stokes County and Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital,
Inc.
Manager Steen noted that the proposed
documents had been drawn up by Special
Counsel John Crill who is available for a conference call to discuss
the proposed documents.
Chairman Walker suggested the Board discuss
each item before calling Attorney
Crill. The Board had no issues
with discussing the proposed documents before calling Attorney
Crill.
Chairman Walker
requested Manager Steen lead the discussion.
Manager Steen noted
the Articles of Restatement for Nonprofit Corporation will be
effective with the change of operation on March 1, 2010.
Manager Steen reiterated that due to the
Corporation being a nonprofit, there would
be no compensation for attendance at the Board of Trustees’ meetings.
Commissioner Carroll noted the following items
which need to be discussed with
Attorney John Crill:
·
Restated
Articles of Incorporation (Exhibit A:
Item #5) regarding a Trustee being removed from office by the County
with or without clause
o Commissioner
Carroll noted that the County could not remove a Board of Trustees member
(Commissioners will be serving as the Board of Trustees) because the County has
no authority to remove a Commissioner
·
Amended
and Restated Bylaws:
o Article IV- Meetings of the Sole Member (Section 4-Notice
of Meetings; Section 5-Waiver of Notice, and Section 7-Informal Action of the
Membership (as they relate to the Open Meetings Law)
o Article V - Board of Trustees (Section 4-Vacancies
and Section 6-Removal (as they relate to a Trustee who is currently a
Commissioner being removed from office with or without clause)
o Article VII – Meetings of
the Board of Trustees (Section 3- Notice of Meetings, Section 4- Waiver of
Notice, and Section 8-Informal Action by Trustees and Attendance by Telephone (as
it relates to the Open Meetings Law)
o Article VIII - Committees – Questions the
need of this section with wording that any Trustee may attend meetings of any
committee whether or not he is a member of that committee and may participate
to include voting on any motion
·
Lease
Agreement with Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital
o
Article
IV – Indemnification and Insurance Section 4.2 Insurance (Directors should be
replaced with Trustees)
o
Manager Steen made the Board aware of Article 1-
Section 1.14 Assignment and Subletting which would allow the Corporation to
rent or lease portions of the premises in the normal course of business without
the consent of the County
o
Commissioner Inman requested the meaning of attorn
·
Conflict
of Interest Policy – The word “Director(s)” used throughout the
document should be replaced with “Trustee(s)”
The Board discussed the following with Manager
Steen:
·
Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital – Board of Trustees
o The Board
unanimously agreed that the Board of Commissioners would serve as the Board of Trustees for Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital which will have new management, HMC/CAH Corporation,
on March 1st
o Commissioner
Carroll noted he did agree that the Board would serve as the Board of Trustees
for the immediate future, but depending on decisions that may or may not be
made in the immediate future, would reserve the right to change (Board members
agreed with Commissioner Carroll)
·
Officers
for Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital – Board of Trustees
o Need for an Acting
Chairman to open the Board of Trustees’ meeting until a Chairman is voted on
o Need for an Acting
Secretary in order take minutes until a
Secretary is voted on
o Commissioner
Carroll suggested that Chairman Walker, Vice Chairman Lankford, and Clerk to
the Board Darlene Bullins serve in the same capacity on the Board of Trustees
o The Board
unanimously agreed that Chairman Walker, Vice Chairman Lankford and Clerk
Bullins serve in the same capacity on the Board of Trustees
·
Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital – Board of Trustees’ Meeting Schedule
o Possibly meet the
same day of a regular Board of Commissioners’ meeting
o Vice Chairman
Lankford noted the need to schedule a work session shortly after the first
Board of Trustees’ meeting with HMC and Hospital CEO and CFO
o Vice Chairman
Lankford requested Manager Steen to speak with hospital officials regarding
scheduling a work session with hospital officials and HMC
·
Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital – Corporate Seal and Banking Matters
o Manager Steen
noted that the hospital has a corporate seal that will not need to be changed
o Chairman Walker
requested Manager Steen to provide the Board with a copy of the seal before the
first meeting
o Board of Trustees
will discuss and designate the Bank to used by Stokes Reynolds Memorial at their
first meeting
·
Financial
Projections and Authorization to Initiate RFP Resolution Procedure
o Financial
projections, which are estimates, have been provided to the County by Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital CFO
o County is under
obligation to pay the losses starting with February 2010 – estimated February
losses will be verified before any payment is made to Stokes Reynolds
o Commissioner Inman
noted that the estimated losses (March – June) were provided by NC Baptist
based on historical data and do not take into consideration HMC Management taking
over March 1st
o Commissioner Inman
noted that Budget Amendment #63 reflects the fixed assets being purchased by
the County that could later be leased or sold with the hospital
o Vice Chairman
Lankford requested Manager Steen to inquire about the past two fiscal year
audits related to Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital that were promised by NC Baptist to the
County
o Finance Director
Julia Edwards noted that information was given that an audit would be done
shortly after February 28th
o Manager Steen
provided Board members with procedural requirements and a timeline relating to
the lease, sale, or conveyance of Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital
o Vice Chairman
Lankford noted that it was possibly too
soon to discuss RFPs without allowing HMC to do their due diligence
o Manager Steen
expressed concerns with the possible financial impact on the County absorbing
the financial losses over a long period of time
o Chairman Walker
suggested placing Authorization to Initiate the RFP on the next Agenda for
further discussion
o Commissioner
Carroll agreed with Vice Chairman Lankford regarding discussing RFPs at this
particular time
o Commissioner
Carroll stated, as previously discussed, the need to have a Public Hearing to
inform the citizens that decisions are going to have to be made regarding
Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital
o Vice Chairman
Lankford reiterated the need to have a meeting with HMC before taking action
regarding RFPs
o Chairman Walker
directed Manager Steen to discuss scheduling a meeting with HMC regarding the
RFP process
o Commissioner
Carroll reiterated the need to schedule a Public Hearing
o Vice Chairman
Lankford agreed with Commissioner Carroll to schedule a Public Hearing
o Commissioner
Carroll stated that Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital belongs to the people of
Stokes County and we as their elected representatives owe them an opportunity
to give us their input on whatever decision is made by the Board of
Commissioners regarding the future of Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital
o Commissioner
Carroll requested the Public Hearing be held before the meeting with HMC
o Commissioner Inman
agreed with Commissioner Carroll regarding scheduling a Public Hearing for
citizen input, but noted the need to continue discussion regarding RFP with
Special Counsel
o Commissioner Smith
agreed with Commissioner Carroll regarding a Public Hearing with RFP discussion
soon afterwards
o Commissioner Inman
reiterated the need to closely look at the timeline regarding the RFP process in
consideration with the management agreement with HMC
o Commissioner
Carroll noted sending out an RFP before a Public Hearing would send a message
to the citizens that the County intends to lease, sale, or convey Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital no matter what the citizens think
o Chairman Walker,
with full consensus of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the scheduling of
a Public Hearing on the March 8th Discussion Agenda
o Vice Chairman
Lankford requested Manager Steen to inquire whether HMC officials could attend
the Public Hearing
Budget
Amendment #63
The Board had no further issues with Budget
Amendment #63.
Chairman Walker entertained a motion regarding
moving Budget Amendment #63 to
today’s Action Agenda.
Vice Chairman Lankford
moved to place Budget Amendment #63 on today’s Action
Agenda. Commissioner Inman
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Carroll
suggested completing tonight’s Agenda before calling Attorney
Crill. The Board unanimously
agreed to complete tonight’s Agenda before the conference call
with Attorney Crill.
Chairman Walker
directed the Clerk to place Budget Amendment #63 on tonight’s Action
Agenda.
Authorization
of Grant Application for Day Care Facility
Vice Chairman Lankford
presented the following information regarding a grant application
for renovations of a county facility for a day care facility:
·
Need to apply for an Economic Grant to bring a
county facility up to code which would create jobs in Stokes County (Rural
Center Building Reuse Grant)
·
Rural Center Building Reuse Grant can be matched
with an ARC Grant which would possibly upgrade the building without any county
funding
·
Statistical information regarding day care in
Stokes County provided by Stokes Partnership for Children:
o Economic impact
for child care industry for birth to 12 years old amounts to approximately
$27,991,522 per year
o Gross receipts for
child care industry in Stokes County are approximately $6,013,056 per year which creates 174 jobs
o Total gross income
made by parents with children in child care has a potential of approximately $24,540,960
o Local state and
federal taxes paid by parents with children in child care amount to approximately $7,362,288
o Grants provided by
Stokes Partnership to day care centers amount to $63,414.90
o There are 20
licensed/regulated day care centers in Stokes County
o Working with small
children and providing child care is a very important industry and need for the
County
o Grant deadline is
March 1, 2010
Chairman Walker opened the floor for
discussion.
During the discussion, the following was noted
by the Board and Manager Steen.
Chairman
Walker:
·
Several questions need to be answered before
submitting an application
·
Renter would need to pay a reasonable rent
·
Concerned if the facility is ungraded and a new provider
opens up the Day Care, will parents bring children back
·
Some of the previous parents may be satisfied with
current arrangements and not enroll children back in the day care
·
With the unemployment rate high, day care services
could not be needed now by some parents
·
Concerns that
the County could have to pay back the grant if the day care center
closes its door in the first six months
·
Believes there is another grant cycle in May
·
Willing to discuss the issue further, but not ready
to approve a grant application at tonight’s meeting
Vice
Chairman Lankford (further comments):
·
ARC Federal Grant (information provided by NWPCOG)
can be used to match the Rural Center Grant, if both are successful, possibly
no need for any county funding (ED Director Wood has been working on both
grants)
·
Information received last week indicates ARC Grant
is available
·
Day care centers in the County are currently not
all at capacity
·
Planning is being done regarding the “More at 4
Program” which will increase enrollment at day care centers
·
There is no day care center on the northern end of
the County
·
There is a need for a day care center on the
northern end of the County
·
People had to make choices when the day care center
closed
·
This is an opportunity to provide something that is
needed in this particular area
·
In past years, there had been a waiting list for
day care services and after school day care at the center previously located at
the hospital
·
Only interested parties since September 2009 have
been day care providers
·
There has been no one interested in renting the
building if they had to do all the repairs to bring the building up to code,
that is the main reason in applying for a grant to bring the building up to
code
Commissioner
Carroll:
·
No problem with upgrading a county owned facility
especially at no
cost to the County
·
Concerned that the grant application indicates a
specific business and a specific provider
·
If the county owned facility is going to be made available
to private enterprise, it must be made available to all on an equal basis,
there could be several who might be interested in using the building
·
Would not want to lock the County into a specific
business
·
Before leasing the county owned facility to a
private enterprise, it must be determined that the County has no needs for the
facility
·
Unfair to other businesses not to charge someone in
this facility a reasonable rent (fair rental value)
·
No notice has been made to the public to make them
aware that the County has a building to rent
Commissioner
Inman:
·
Information provided by ED Director Wood indicates
that a business plan and job description will need to be provided by the
business intended to created the jobs and a letter of commitment from the day
care center signed by the owner committing to the creation of jobs
·
County will have to provide a funding commitment
that would confirm that the county would be responsible for the repayment of
the loan in case the jobs are not created in a pro-rata share
·
Agreed there is no licensed day care center on the
northern end of the County
·
A very good chance that there is still a need for a
day care center in the northern end of the County
·
Have no issues with applying for a grant to repair
a county owned building
·
Only business plan is from Sandy’s Play School in
Walnut Cove
·
Questions if Sandy’s Play School is aware that rent
could be at fair rental value
Commissioner
Smith:
·
Most questions have been asked by other
Commissioners
·
Must be very cautious to not use County funding to
subsidize a private business
·
Need to make sure that there is no liability to the
County when applying for the grants
·
Supports applying for any grant that will be
beneficial to the County
·
Need to know up front what the County will be
financially responsible for
County
Manager Bryan Steen:
·
Estimated project cost to upgrade the facility has
been quoted at $140,000 and quoted at $200,000, an in depth study would need to
be done to get a more accurate quote
·
Rural Center Grant will grant back $12,000/net new
job created by the project, providing the jobs are maintained for 6 months
·
Grant covers a maximum of 50% of the verified cost
of upgrading the facility
·
Possibility that the ARC Grant Cycle has already
passed, have inquired to NWPCOG about any other grant sources
Chairman Walker questioned what is the
pleasure of the Board regarding this item.
Vice Chairman Lankford moved to place the item
on tonight’s Action Agenda.
Commissioner Carroll seconded the motion.
Commissioner Inman
stated that in the event the Board approves to apply for the grants,
it is very important that the provider who submitted the business plan
understands that the County
will not be donating the building rent free, rent will be at the fair
rental value that anyone else might
pay. Chairman Walker stated that
he is not prepared to vote tonight and needs more time.
Vice Chairman Lankford
reiterated the need to move the item to the Action Agenda due
to the March 1st grant application deadline. Vice Chairman Lankford also stated that this
project
has been in the making since September and needs to move forward.
The motion carried
unanimously.
Chairman Walker directed the Clerk to place
the item on tonight’s Action Agenda.
NCDOT –
Proposal for Community College Site
County Manager Bryan
Steen presented the following information regarding a proposal
from NCDOT for a right-of-way easement for an access road to provide a
connection from
the Early College Site property to the county
property formally known as the Department of
Correction:
·
Having been working with NCDOT regarding a
right-of-way easement for an access road to provide a connection from the Early
College Site property to the county property formerly known as Department of
Correction
·
Construction of a gravel road by NCDOT that is
acceptable to the County and will link the Community College Site to the former
Prison Site with NCDOT being responsible for all nonmaterial construction costs
as agreed upon by both parties
·
NCDOT would be responsible for any cost associated
with a formal survey for location of the road and all related property lines as
well as any recording fees and construction of a chain link fence and gate
between the properties
·
Swap of an equal amount of land
·
NCDOT accepts responsibility for all cost
associated with installment and perpetual maintenance of a water line from their facilities to the
county water distribution line that will be located on property purchased by
the County for placement of Forsyth Technical Community College facilities and
the NCDOT waterline must meet County standards and include a backflow
prevention device acceptable to the County
·
NCDOT would pay for water usage exceeding 2,000
gallons a month at the rate charged to customers of the Danbury Water System
during the ten year time period that would initiate when water services is
actually available
·
NCDOT understands and agrees that should they
request additional utility services during the ten year period the provision of
water without charge is subject to change
·
NCDOT would be considered for provision of work
related to parking lots and driveways to be located on the Community College
Site to include placement of stone, paving, and marking at an agreed upon
actual price for construction materials provided that NCDOT could complete all
related work within the time frame specified by the County
·
The County would make available up to 2,000 gallons
of water per month to NCDOT without charge for a maximum period of ten years
from the date of water service initiation
·
County Utilities Director has confirmed the amount
of water requested each month at no charge from NCDOT is not an issue
·
Revisions could be done , should at some later
date, NCDOT decides to purchase sewer service from the County if available in
the area
Manager Steen requested the Board authorize
execution of an agreement with NCDOT
based on the proposal being beneficial to Stokes County and NCDOT.
Manager Steen also
noted that NCDOT would like to make the County an offer to
construct the driveway and do the paving into the Community College
Site at material cost.
The Board had no
issues with Manager Steen’s request.
Chairman Walker, with
full consensus of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the item
on the March 8th Action Agenda.
Use of
Holiday Leave
Manager Bryan Steen
provided information regarding the use of the County’s
Floating Holiday:
·
Floating holiday is considered the same as accrued
holiday which is mandated to be
use before any other leave type (policy approved by the Board on 08-24-09)
·
Understand some employees are upset having to use
their floating holiday before any other leave type
·
Going back to the previous policy for use of
Floating Holiday may be interpreted as setting a double standard if employee
designation for use of the Floating Holiday is not available to all county
employees to include Sheriff’s Department, Jail, Communications and EMS
·
Allowing the employees to use the floating holiday
at anytime can place supervisors in a difficult situation of having to either
deny use of the floating holiday or possibly diminish services to our citizens
in order for employees to be able to use their floating holiday prior to the
end of the year
·
Suggest an alternate policy by leaving the current
policy in place which solves the banking of holiday leave in the Sheriff’s
Department, Jail, Communications, and EMS
·
Suggest the floating holiday be re-titled to
Special Leave and consider adoption of a policy stating the following:
o Special Leave is a non-compensatory time
limited leave benefit awarded to employees on January 1st of each calendar
year
o Special Leave is
available to employees at any time during the year to employees employed by the
county prior to December 1st
of the calendar year in which the leave is to be used
o Special Leave
can’t be carried over to the next calendar year and must be approved by the
employee’s direct supervisor
o Use of Special
Leave will not take priority over the adequate provision of services to the
citizens of Stokes County even if the denial of the Special Leave request
results in loss of benefit to the requesting employee for the calendar in which
it was awarded
·
The Special Leave Policy would allow the employees
the use of the floating time at anytime upon approval of their direct
supervisor
Vice Chairman Lankford stated the Floating
Holiday was created to be used at anytime
upon approval of the employee’s direct supervisor and employees should
be able to take the
Floating Holiday at anytime upon approval of their direct supervisor.
Commissioner Carroll
stated that the taking of the Floating Holiday before any other
type of leave was never his intention and not the context of the new
policy which requires
employees who accrue Holiday Leave to take Holiday Leave before any
other time to include the
Floating Holiday in the policy.
The new Holiday Leave Policy was intended strictly to those
departments whose employees are required to work on holidays and are
not able to take off on
holidays.
Finance Director Julia
Edwards noted that the Floating Holiday is credited to each
employee on January 1st of each year.
The Board agreed that it
was not the Board’s intention that the Floating Holiday be
considered as an accrued holiday.
Vice Chairman Lankford
suggested to clarify the issue, the item should be placed on the
March 8th Action Agenda.
Chairman Walker, with
full consensus of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the
item on the March 8th Action Agenda.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – ACTION AGENDA
Appointments
– Stokes County Animal Control Advisory Council
Chairman Walker noted
the following were nominated at the February 8th meeting:
·
Mona S. Triplett – Appointment from Animal Advocacy
Organization
·
Bob Sullivan – Citizen Appointment
·
Leonard Hicks – Citizen Appointment
Clerk to the Board Darlene Bullins presented
an application from Joseph Williams who
requests appointment to the Stokes County Animal Control Advisory
Council.
Commissioner Inman
moved to appoint Mona Triplett, Bob Sullivan, and Leonard Hicks
to serve on the Stokes County Animal Control Advisory Council. Vice Chairman Lankford
seconded the motion.
Commissioner Carroll noted the need (per Board guidelines) to call the
roll regarding the appointment instead of making a motion.
Chairman Walker polled
the Board members regarding the Stokes County Animal Control
Advisory Council:
·
Commissioner Smith voted for Mona Triplett, Bob
Sullivan, Leonard Hicks
·
Commissioner Inman voted for Mona Triplett, Bob
Sullivan, Leonard Hicks
·
Chairman Walker voted for Mona Triplett, Bob Sullivan, Leonard Hicks
·
Vice Chairman Lankford voted for Mona Triplett, Bob Sullivan, Leonard Hicks
·
Commissioner Carroll Mona Triplett, Bob Sullivan,
Leonard Hicks
Chairman Walker stated that Mona Triplett will
serve as an appointment from an Animal
Advocacy Organization, and Bob Sullivan and Leonard Hicks will serve as
citizen appointments.
Chairman Walker noted that the appointments were approved (unanimously)
to serve on the Stokes
County Animal Control Advisory Council.
Appointments
– Stokes County Fire Commission
Chairman Walker noted
that David Parker was nominated at the February 8th meeting to
fill the unexpired term of David Manuel who had recently resigned.
Clerk to the Board
Darlene Bullins noted no other applications have been received for
the Fire Commission appointment.
Chairman Walker polled
the Board members regarding the Stokes County Fire Commission
appointment:
·
Commissioner Inman voted for David Parker
·
Chairman Walker voted for David Parker
·
Vice Chairman Lankford voted for David Parker
·
Commissioner Carroll voted for David Parker
·
Commissioner Smith voted for David Parker
Chairman Walker stated that David Parker has
been approved (unanimously) to fill the
unexpired term on the Stokes County Fire Commission.
Firemen’s
Relief Fund – Board of Directors
Chairman Walker noted
the following were nominated at the February 8th meeting to
serve on the Firemen’s Relief Fund – Board of Directors:
Recommended for re-appointment to serve a one-year term with an
effective date of 01-01-2010:
|
FIRE DEPARTMENT |
TRUSTEE NAME |
|
PINNACLE
VFD |
Mr. Travis Sink |
|
LAWSONVILLE
VFD |
Mr. Ronnie Mabe |
|
FRANCISCO
VFD |
Mr. Atherton Jessup |
|
WALNUT
COVE VFD |
Mr. James Teague |
|
NORTHEAST
STOKES VFD |
Mr. Jonathan Wall |
|
STOKES
ROCKINGHAM VFD |
Ms. Kay Morris |
|
SAURATOWN
VFD |
Mr. Jim Walton |
|
DANBURY
VFD |
Mr. Norman Scott |
|
SOUTH
STOKES VFD |
Mr. Bobby Boles |
|
DOUBLE
CREEK VFD |
Mr. Tom Tilley |
Recommended for re-appointment to serve a two-year term with an
effective date of 01-01-2010:
|
FIRE DEPARTMENT |
TRUSTEE NAME |
|
PINNACLE
VFD |
Mr. Jeremy Bowman |
|
LAWSONVILLE
VFD |
Mr. Arthur
Glidewell |
|
FRANCISCO
VFD |
Ms. Ashley Pack |
|
WALNUT
COVE VFD |
Mr. Dwight Ball |
|
NORTHEAST
STOKES VFD |
Mr. Bobby Dunlap |
|
STOKES
ROCKINGHAM VFD |
Mr. Devin
Rhodes |
|
SAURATOWN
VFD |
Mr. Randall
Patterson |
|
DANBURY
VFD |
Mr. Elmer Manuel |
|
SOUTH
STOKES VFD |
Ms. Jean Young |
|
DOUBLE
CREEK VFD |
Mr. Donald Durham |
Clerk to the Board
Darlene Bullins noted the Fire Chiefs had requested the following
changes since the February 8th submission to the Board:
·
Pinnacle Vol. Fire Department - Replace Travis Sink
with Robert Snyder
·
Sauratown Vol. Fire Department - Replace Jim Walton
with Randall Smith
·
Sauratown Vol. Fire Department - Replace Randall
Smith with Wayne Barneycastle
·
Double Creek Vol. Fire Department – Replace Tom
Tilley with Barbara Coe
Clerk to the Board Darlene Bullins noted no
other applications have been received for
the Firemen’s Relief Fund – Board of Directors’ appointments.
Commissioner Carroll nominated the following
to serve on the Firemen’s Relief Fund –
Board of Directors:
·
Pinnacle Vol. Fire Department - Robert Snyder (one
year term)
·
Sauratown Vol. Fire Department - Randall Smith (one
year term)
·
Sauratown Vol. Fire Department - Wayne Barneycastle
(two year term)
·
Double Creek Vol. Fire Department – Barbara Coe
(one year term)
Chairman Walker polled the Board members
regarding the Firemen’s Relief Fund –
Board of Directors’ appointments:
·
Chairman Walker voted for the following:
Recommended for re-appointment to serve a one-year term with an
effective date of 01-01-2010:
|
FIRE DEPARTMENT |
TRUSTEE NAME |
|
PINNACLE
VFD |
Mr. Robert Snyder |
|
LAWSONVILLE
VFD |
Mr. Ronnie Mabe |
|
FRANCISCO
VFD |
Mr. Atherton Jessup |
|
WALNUT
COVE VFD |
Mr. James Teague |
|
NORTHEAST
STOKES VFD |
Mr. Jonathan Wall |
|
STOKES
ROCKINGHAM VFD |
Ms. Kay Morris |
|
SAURATOWN
VFD |
Mr. Randall Smith |
|
DANBURY
VFD |
Mr. Norman Scott |
|
SOUTH
STOKES VFD |
Mr. Bobby Boles |
|
DOUBLE
CREEK VFD |
Ms. Barbara Coe |
Recommended for re-appointment to serve a two-year term with an
effective date of 01-01-2010:
|
FIRE DEPARTMENT |
TRUSTEE NAME |
|
PINNACLE
VFD |
Mr. Jeremy Bowman |
|
LAWSONVILLE
VFD |
Mr. Arthur
Glidewell |
|
FRANCISCO
VFD |
Ms. Ashley Pack |
|
WALNUT
COVE VFD |
Mr. Dwight Ball |
|
NORTHEAST
STOKES VFD |
Mr. Bobby Dunlap |
|
STOKES
ROCKINGHAM VFD |
Mr. Devin
Rhodes |
|
SAURATOWN
VFD |
Mr. Waynecastle |
|
DANBURY
VFD |
Mr. Elmer Manuel |
|
SOUTH
STOKES VFD |
Ms. Jean Young |
|
DOUBLE
CREEK VFD |
Mr. Donald Durham |
Commissioner Inman,
Commissioner Smith, Vice Chairman Lankford, and Commissioner
Carroll voted for the appointees Chairman Walker named and voted for.
(unanimous vote)
Stokes County
Community Child Protection Team
Chairman Walker noted
there were no nominations at the February 8th meeting.
Clerk to the Board
Darlene Bullins noted that no application for appointment to the
Stokes County Community Child Protection Team had been received by Stokes
County.
Commissioner Smith stated that he would possibly have a nomination at
the March 8th meeting.
Stokes County
Board of Adjustments
Chairman Walker noted
the following were nominated at the February 8th Meeting:
·
Don Lester – Member
·
Larry Boles - Member
·
Russel Slate – Alternate member
Clerk to the Board Darlene Bullins noted that
no application for appointment to the
Stokes County Board of Adjustments had been received by Stokes County.
Chairman Walker polled the Board regarding the
appointment to the Stokes County
Board of Adjustments:
·
Vice Chairman Lankford voted for Don Lester and
Larry Boles for regular members and Russel Slate for alternate member.
·
Commissioner Carroll voted for Don Lester and Larry
Boles for regular members and Russel Slate for alternate member.
·
Commissioner Smith voted for Don Lester and Larry
Boles for regular members and Russel Slate for alternate member.
·
Commissioner Inman voted for Don Lester and Larry
Boles for regular members and Russel Slate for alternate member.
·
Chairman Walker voted for Don Lester and Larry
Boles for regular members and Russel Slate for alternate member.
Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital - Budget Amendment #63
Chairman Walker
entertained a motion regarding Budget Amendment #63.
Commissioner Inman
moved to approve Budget Amendment #63:
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
General Fund Transfers |
|
|
|
|
100.9820.984 |
Transfer to Stokes Reynolds
Hospital Fund |
$250,000.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$902,567.00 |
|
|
|
$250,000.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$902,567.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital Fund |
|
|
|
|
500.5700.000 |
Hospital Operations |
$550,000.00 |
$393,385.00 |
$943,385.00 |
|
500.5700.510 |
Fixed Assets |
$00.00 |
$259,182.00 |
$259,182.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$550,000.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$1,202,567.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To appropriate Fund Balance for the fixed assets
from NC Baptist Hospital and estimated hospital losses projected through June
30, 2010.
This will result in a net increase of $1,305,134.00
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 this fiscal year.
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
Account |
Account |
Budgeted |
Increase |
As |
|
Number |
Description |
Amount |
(Decrease) |
Amended |
|
|
General Fund |
|
|
|
|
100.3991.000 |
Fund Balance |
$345,328.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$997,895.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$345,328.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$997,895.00 |
|
|
Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital Fund |
|
|
|
|
500.3981.000 |
Transfer from General Fund |
$250,000.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$902,567.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$250,000.00 |
$652,567.00 |
$902,567.00 |
Vice Chairman Lankford
seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Authorization
of Grant Application for Day Care Facility
Chairman Walker
entertained a motion.
Vice Chairman Lankford
moved the County proceed to make the grant applications for
funding to bring the county owned facility up to code for a specific day
care center by the
March 1st deadline. Commissioner Inman seconded the motion.
Commissioner Inman reiterated that he had no
issues with bring a county owned facility up
to code, but feels that the provider who submitted the business plan
does not fully understand
that the rent will be based on fair rental value. Commissioner Inman requested if the motion
passed
that the provider be made aware that the rent would be based on fair
rental value.
Vice Chairman Lankford
reiterated this grant would be creating jobs in Stokes County.
Commissioner Smith
confirmed with Vice Chairman Lankford that the grant application
will be a Rural Center Grant which will create 6 jobs and the County
would be responsible for the
repayment of the loan on a pro rata share if the jobs were not
created. Commissioner Smith
also confirmed with Vice Chairman Lankford that the ARC Grant was 100%
stimulus funding and
would have to be paid back if the jobs were not created.
Commissioner Smith
reiterated the County must be very careful not use county funding to
subsidize a private entity.
Vice Chairman Lankford
noted at this time, the County is only making grant applications.
If awarded and approved to proceed by the County, the grants would bring
a county owned facility
up to code, saving the County approximately $140,000.
Commissioner Carroll
reiterated he had no problem with applying for a grant, his
opposition was the inequity of singling out one business to participate
with no other businesses
being made aware this is a potential.
Chairman Walker
reiterated that he had not had sufficient time nor acquired enough
information to be able to make a valid decision on the topic right now,
but have no problems
with revisiting the item before the next grant cycle in May.
Manager Steen stated
that the Rural Center Grant will cover a maximum of 50% of the
verified cost of upgrading the facility and the funds will be paid
after the work is completed and
invoices are submitted to the Rural Center.
Manager Steen also noted
that the County would have to provide a funding commitment
letter and a local government support letter along with executing a lease
between the provider
and the county before submission to the Rural Center. Manager Steen noted that the Board
would have decide on the terms of the lease tonight.
The motion failed (2-3) with Chairman Walker,
Commissioner Smith, and Commissioner
Carroll voting against the motion.
Vice Chairman Lankford
requested the item be placed on the March 8th Discussion
Agenda.
The Board discussed
placing the item on the March 8th Discussion Agenda.
Chairman Walker, with
full consensus of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the
item on the March 8th Discussion Agenda.
Manager Steen
requested direction whether staff needed to continue to engage in the
steps needed to be taken in order to have all the required elements
done before the next meeting.
Chairman Walker noted
there would be no urgency for the staff to continue with the
grant application before the March 8th meeting.
Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital Inc.
Manager Steen placed a
conference call with Special Counsel John Crill to discuss
the proposed documents regarding the operational change with Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital.
Manager Steen presented
the following items to Attorney Crill that the Board had concerns
with. (Attorney Crill discussed
the items with the Board)
·
Restated
Articles of Incorporation (Exhibit A:
Item #5) regarding a Trustee being removed from office by the County
with or without clause
o Commissioner
Carroll noted that the County could not remove a Board of Trustees member
(Commissioners will be serving as the Board of Trustees) because the County has
no authority to remove a Commissioner
§ Attorney Crill discussed the
item with the Board. Attorney Crill
noted after the Restated Articles of Incorporation were approved by the State
and the Board of Commissioners was named
the Board of Trustees they could change the Restated Articles of Incorporation
·
Amended
and Restated Bylaws:
o Article IV- Meetings of the Sole Member (Section 4-Notice
of Meetings; Section 5-Waiver of Notice, and Section 7-Informal Action of the
Membership as they relate to the Open Meetings Law)
§ Attorney Crill discussed the
item with the Board and noted the items could be changed to comply with the
Open Meetings Law. Attorney Crill noted changes
could be made before the Special Called Meeting next week
o Article V - Board of Trustees (Section
4-Vacancies and Section 6-Removal as they relate to a Trustee who is currently
a Commissioner being removed from office with or without clause)
§ Attorney Crill noted that this is
another example of the Bylaws relating to a non-profit corporation and can be
revised before the approval at the Special Called Meeting next week
o Article VII – Meetings of
the Board of Trustees (Section 3- Notice of Meetings, Section 4- Waiver of
Notice, and Section 8-Informal Action by Trustees and Attendance by Telephone,
as it relates to the Open Meetings Law)
§ Attorney Crill noted that these
could be changed to comply with the Open Meetings Law before the Special Called
Meeting next week
§ Commissioner Carroll suggested that
anything that has to do with meetings should just stated that as long as the
Board of Commissioners is the Board of Trustees, they will comply in all
respects to the Open Meetings Law
o Article VIII - Committees – Question the
need of this section with wording that any Trustee may attend meetings of any
committee whether or not he is a member of that committee and may participate
to include voting on any motion
§ Attorney Crill noted the section
could be revised to only say that the Board of Trustees has the authority to
create committees before the Special Call Meeting next week
·
Lease
Agreement with Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital
o
Article
IV – Indemnification and Insurance (Section 4.2 Insurance- Directors should be
replaced with Trustees
o
Manager
Steen made the Board aware of Article 1- Section 1.14 -Assignment and
Subletting which would allow the Corporation to rent or lease portions of the
premises in the normal course of business without the consent of the County
o
Commissioner
Inman requested the meaning of attorn
§ Attorney Crill noted “attorn” is
a technical word which needs to be
included in the document
§ Attorney Crill noted that “Director(s)”
could be changed to “Trustee(s)”
§ Attorney Crill noted that Article
1- Section 1.14 needs to be included in order for the hospital to rent office
space without having to have a special called meeting to get the County to
approve the lease
·
Conflict
of Interest Policy – The need word “Director(s)” used throughout the
document should be replaced with “Trustee(s)”
§ Attorney Crill noted the need to
add a third paragraph under Article III which states that “If the Board
determines that a conflict of interest exist that violates the provisions of
the General Statutes, then the Board would take appropriate action
§ Attorney Crill noted “Director(s)”
could be changed to “Trustee(s)”
throughout the documents
The Board discussed the following with Attorney
Crill:
·
Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital – Board of Trustees
§ Attorney Crill stated the Board would
designate this at the Special Call Meeting next week
·
Officers
for Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital – Board of Trustees
§ Chairman Walker informed Attorney
Crill that the Board had tentatively decided that Chairman Walker, Vice
Chairman Lankford and Secretary Bullins be named at the Special Called Meeting to
continue to serve as Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary for the Board of
Trustees
·
Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital – Board of Trustees’ Meeting Schedule
§ Attorney Crill noted the need to
decide on a meeting schedule at the Special Call Meeting next week, only
requirement is to have quarterly meetings
·
Stokes
Reynolds Memorial Hospital – Corporate Seal and Banking Matters
§ Attorney Crill noted the
Corporate Seal would remain the same and the Board of Trustees would not have
to change the seal
·
Financial
Projections and Authorization to Initiate RFP Resolution Procedure
§ Attorney Crill noted it is the
Board’s decision on initiating an RFP.
Attorney Crill suggested starting on the RFP
so that when the Board is ready to initiate the RFP, it would be ready. Attorney Crill discussed the Authorization to
Initiate a RFP Procedures with the Board.
In placing an RFP, the Board would need to decide how long they would
give someone an opportunity to submit an RFP, this can be one thing that makes
it a long process and negotiations can also take a long time if there are items
that can’t be agreed upon.
Vice Chairman Lankford questioned Attorney
Crill if he had gotten the last two previous
audits for Stokes Reynolds Memorial Hospital which were promised. Manager Steen noted that the
hospital would be having an audit done the first of March and he would
contact Baptist regarding
the two previous audits.
Chairman Walker
expressed the Board’s appreciation to Attorney Crill.
Attorney Crill noted
that he would make the changes discussed tonight and send a revised
copy to Manager Steen to forward to the Board before the Special Call
Meeting.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before
the Board, Chairman Walker entertained a
motion to adjourn the meeting.
Commissioner Inman moved to adjourn the
meeting. Commissioner Smith seconded and
the motion carried unanimously.
_________________________
_____________________________
Darlene M.
Bullins
Jimmy Walker
Clerk to the Board Chairman