) STOKES COUNTY GOVERNMENT
COUNTY OF STOKES ) DANBURY, NORTH CAROLINA
) MARCH 8, 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,
March 8, 2010 at 1:30 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
DSS
Director Jan Spencer
Economic
Development Director Alan Wood
Support
Services Supervisor Danny Stovall
Tax
Administrator Jake Oakley
Chairman Jimmy Walker called the meeting to
order.
Commissioner Inman delivered the invocation.
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 March 8, 2010
Agenda.
Commissioner Inman suggested
moving “Request for Master Plan” from the Discussion
Agenda to the Information Agenda. Vice Chairman Lankford agreed with
Commissioner Inman.
The Board had no
issues with Commissioner Inman’s request to move “Request for Master
Plan” from the Discussion Agenda to the Information Agenda.
Vice Chairman Lankford moved to approve the March
8, 2010 Agenda as amended.
Commissioner Smith 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
Cooperative
Extension - Budget Amendment #64
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget
Amendment #64.
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 |
|
|
|
|
100.4950.511 |
Equipment – Capital Outlay |
$00.00 |
$1,800.00 |
$1,800.00 |
|
100.4950.440 |
Misc. Contractual Services |
$171,818.00 |
$(1,800.00) |
$170,018.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$171,818.00 |
$00.00 |
$171,818.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To transfer funds for the purchase of a replacement
computer for the Cooperative Extension Director. The Director’s computer is 15 years old and
has not worked for the past six months.
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.
Chairman Walker confirmed with Manager Bryan Steen
that $1,800 was normally
the
price the County paid for computers. Manager
Steen noted that every computer purchase
request
was screened by the IT Department to make sure that employees have the right computer
and
software needed for their job and the best price available.
Sheriff’s Department
- Budget Amendment #65
Finance Director Julia Edwards submitted Budget
Amendment #65.
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 |
|
|
|
|
100.4310.260 |
Departmental Supplies |
$23,700.00 |
$370.00 |
$24,070.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$23,700.00 |
$370.00 |
$24,070.00 |
This budget amendment is justified as follows:
To appropriate funding to purchase night vision
helmet and mount connectors.
This will result in a net increase of $370.00 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 |
|
100.3301.413 |
State Fines/Forfeitures |
$260.00 |
$370.00 |
$630.00 |
|
|
Totals |
$260.00 |
$370.00 |
$630.00 |
Proposed
Resolution – Farmer Appreciation Day
County Manager Bryan Steen submitted the
following proposed Farmer Appreciation Day
Resolution for the Board’s approval:
RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING
FARMER APPRECIATION DAY IN STOKES COUNTY
Whereas, the
County of Stokes, the Stokes Soil & Water Conservation District, the
Cooperative Extension, Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation
Service and the NC Forest Service desire to sponsor the Farmer Appreciation Day
to recognize the contributions of our farmers to Stokes County; and
Whereas, the
Board of Commissioners recognizes that the county's farmers contribute greatly
to Stokes County's economic base; and
Whereas, the
Board believes that all county citizens benefit from farming activities in some
manner; and
Whereas, the
Board agrees that a Farmer Appreciation Day would show our county's support for
the existing farming community and honor past activities that have contributed
so much to the culture and heritage of Stokes County; and
Whereas, the
Board recognizes and supports a BBQ and Chicken Dinner along with live entertainment
that will be held at North Stokes High School with all Stokes County citizens
invited.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, THAT
The Stokes County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims Thursday, April 1, 2010 as Farmer Appreciation Day in Stokes County and
extends its appreciation and gratitude to the county's farmers for their many
contributions to Stokes County.
Adopted by the Stokes County Board of Commissioners this 8th day March, 2010.
_______________________________ _____________________________
Chairman
Jimmy Walker Vice
Chairman Ernest Lankford
_______________________________ _____________________________
Commissioner
J. Leon Inman Commissioner
Ron Carroll
_______________________________
Commissioner
Stanley Smith
Attest:
_________________________________
Darlene
M. Bullins - Clerk to the Board
Commissioner Inman moved to approve the
Consent Agenda as presented. Vice
Chairman
Lankford seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – INFORMATION AGENDA
Update –
Manager and Board of Commissioners
County Manager Bryan
Steen noted the following:
Commissioner Smith requested the Board allow
Economic Development Director Alan
Wood to report on the RTI meeting held last week. (Commissioner Smith
was unable to attend the meeting due to a prior engagement)
Vice Chairman Lankford
noted that information received last week from the NCACC
indicates the County could receive a small increase in health and
dental premiums, but NCACC is
committed to try to keep the increases as low as possible.
RTI Update
Economic Development
Director Alan Wood presented the following RTI update:
Request for
Master Plan Funding
Economic Development
Director Alan Wood presented the following regarding the
Request for Master Plan Funding:
Director Wood submitted the following proposals for the Board to review:
·
Proposal for Dan River Corridor Place-Based
Economic Development Master Plan submitted by Helen Ruth Almond, Antaeus
Consulting, LLC
·
Proposal from Eric Woodridge – Site Specific
Project
Helen Ruth Almond’s proposal included the
following:
·
Will develop a master plan focusing on
tourism-related place-based economic development opportunities along the Dan
River Corridor
·
Corridor Study will be in conjunction and
coordination with the development of the Moratock Park Master Plan and an
Economic Impact Study of the Dan River Corridor utilizing place-based economic
development through nature-based tourism
·
Plan will include the following components:
o Vision, Goals, and
Objectives
o Review of Existing
Studies and Plans to Identify Major Themes
o Review and
Prioritize Key Tourism Assets in the County
o Identification of
key local, regional and state partners
o Identification of
regional collaborations and connections
o Profile of Dan
River Corridor
o Summary of
Economic Impact Study of Dan River Corridor (to be completed by 3rd
party vendor)
o Asset Mapping of
priority areas including Moratock Park and Dan River Corridor Planning Sections
(to be completed by 3rd party vendor)
o Prioritized
recommendations for implementation
·
Development and presentation of master plan will be
approximately $20,000 with additional associated costs including travel and any
meeting expenses billed separately to Stokes EDC
·
Preparation of final master plan document will
include the assistance from a 3rd party graphic designer and is
estimated to be up to but not exceeding $500
Eric Woodridge’s proposal included the
following:
·
Site Specific Project centered around Moratock Park
with input regarding enhancements to the park, walking trails, current assets,
etc.
·
Moratock Park Master Plan will adhere to the PARTF
guidelines for developing site-specific recreation plans which is a 50/50 match
·
Applications without a master plan lose 20 points
·
Plan will include the following phases:
o Preliminary
Mapping and Site Analysis
o Brainstorm Meeting
– Project Oversight Group and Planning Team
o Site Plan Concept
Development
o Public Meeting
o Draft Plan
o Final Plan
·
Estimated cost = not to exceed $9,500 (printing
budget $500)
Economic Development Director Alan Wood
reiterated the need for a master plan in
order to acquire grant funding for Stokes County, know where we are,
where we want to go,
and who are our partners.
Chairman Walker, with
full consensus of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the item on
the March 22nd Discussion Agenda.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – DISCUSSION AGENDA
Early College
Campus – Grading and Paving Bids
Support Services
Supervisor Danny Stovall presented the following information:
The following submitted bids for the grading:
Mr. Stovall noted Doggett Construction Co.
Inc. came in with the lowest bid. Mr.
Stovall
noted the following additional items, if needed, that were not included
in the bid proposal that
would be billed separately:
·
Blasting rock on site to sub-grade = $35 per cubic
foot
·
Mass rock excavation & on-site disposal = $12
per cubic foot
·
Trench rock excavation & on-site disposal = $35
per cubic foot
·
Unsuitable soils removal & on-site disposal =$4
per cubic foot
·
General borrow backfill & compaction using
offsite fill = $15 per cubic foot
·
General backfill & compaction using on-site
fill = $3.50 per cubic foot
Mr. Stovall also noted that he had spoken to
Engineer Darren Creed who has worked with
the Doggett Construction, Inc. and Mr. Creed has no issues with the
company nor has heard any
complaints against the company.
Mr. Stovall also checked with Better Business Bureau where their
rating is A+.
Vice Chairman Lankford inquired if the County
contacted NCDOT regarding the
bids.
Mr. Stovall noted the
grading proposal includes grading, seeding, and erosion control per
NCDEHR recommendations. NCDOT is only interested in the paving
proposal. Manager Steen
noted he is working with NCDOT officials regarding paving at the
project site.
The Board discussed
the grading bids with Mr. Stovall.
Mr. Stovall requested
the Board move the item to today’s Action Agenda in order to keep
the project moving.
The following submitted bids for the paving
which includes stone, pavement, curbing,
guttering around parking lots, sidewalks, and dumpster pad:
Mr. Stovall noted the price for 10” stone
overflow parking lot from Larco is $24,738 which
was also the lowest bid and would be billed separately if desired by
the Board.
The Board discussed
the paving bids with Mr. Stovall which can be placed on the
March 22nd Action Agenda.
Vice Chairman Lankford
confirmed with Manager Steen that information from NCDOT
regarding the paving would be available at the next meeting.
Chairman Walker, with
full consensus of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the grading
bids on today’s Action Agenda and the paving bids on the March 22nd
Action Agenda.
Tax
Administration Report – February 2010
Tax Administrator Jake Oakley presented the following informational data:
|
Fiscal Year 2009-10 |
Budget Amt |
Collected Amt |
Over |
Under |
||||
|
|
|
|
Budget |
Budget |
||||
|
County Regular & Motor
Vehicles |
$(20,702,277.00) |
$19,549,187.82 |
|
$1,153,089.18 |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Prior Taxes 93-08 Tax
Years |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
County Regular & Motor
Vehicles |
$ 600,000.00 |
$ 549,977.35 |
|
$50,022.65 |
||||
|
EMS Collections |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Total Collected (02-01-10/02-28-10) |
$13,340.08 |
|
|
|
||||
|
Total Collected (07-01-09/6-30-10) |
$63,394.17 |
|
|
|
||||
|
Delinquent accounts
received from EMS (February 2010) 101 accounts = $39,575.97 |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Personal Property
Discovery Report |
# of |
Total |
Taxes |
|
||||
|
Audit Dates |
Accts |
Value |
Due |
|
||||
|
02-01-10/02-28-10 |
11 |
$211,637 |
$1,928.93 |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Business Personal
Property Discovery Report |
# of |
Total |
Taxes |
|
||||
|
Audit Dates |
Accts |
Value |
Due |
|
||||
|
02-01-10/02-28/10 |
0 |
$00.00 |
$00.00 |
|
||||
|
Motor Vehicle Release
Report |
Accounts |
Total Value |
|
||||||||
|
Audit Dates |
|
|
|
||||||||
|
02-01-10/02-28-10 |
49 |
$1,097.25 |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
Motor Vehicle Refund
Report |
Accounts |
Total Accounts |
|
||||||||
|
Audit Dates |
|
|
|
||||||||
|
02-01-10/02-28-10 |
15 |
$451.71 |
|
||||||||
|
Number billed for Feb.
2010 |
3431 |
|
|
||||||||
|
Garnishment Totals |
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Month |
Total Accounts |
Original Levy Amt |
Collected Amt |
|
|||||||
|
F/Year 2009-10 |
|
||||||||||
|
(July 1 – June 30) |
1533 |
$294,077.28 |
$263,655.45 |
|
|||||||
|
February-2010 |
67 |
$30,889.03 |
$26,804.05 |
|
|||||||
Tax Administrator Oakley presented the following Real and Personal Property Releases
|
(February 2010) which are less than $100 for the Board’s review: Releases (Real and
Personal Property) Less than $100–February
2010-Per NCGS 105-381 (b)
|
Tax Administrator Oakley presented the following Real and Personal Property Releases
(February 2010) which are more than $100 for the Board’s consideration:
|
Releases (Real and
Personal Property) More than $100– February
2010-Per NCGS 105-381 (b)
|
Tax Administrator Oakley presented the following Real and Personal Property Refund
(February 2010) which is more than $100 for the Board’s consideration:
|
Refund (Real and
Personal Property) More than $100–February
2010-Per NCGS 105-381 (b)
|
Tax Administrator Oakley presented the following Present-Use Late Applications for the
Board’s consideration:
|
Name |
Parcel Number |
Acreage |
Bettie Sheff Heirs 690900429509 51.7 Forestry-land in family for many yrs
Allen & Carolyn Venable 691700365203 44.81 Forestry-owned the land since 2004
Polly Anna Stewart 597504518866
11.16 Agriculture-owned land for yrs-farming land
Kent & Pamela Fulp 690900347053 15.36
Agriculture-other property under the program
Jason & April Pendleton
603100904569 23.87 Agriculture-other property under the program
Robert & Judy Griffin 597415741486 13.0 Agriculture-owned
land since 2003
Tax Administrator Oakley presented the following Motor Vehicle Appeal for the
Board’s consideration:
Tax Administrator Oakley noted the Tax Office recommends that the value be changed to
$1,500 instead of $5,000 and the amount of $23.28 be released.
Tax Administrator Oakley presented the following Personal Property Tax Release for
the Board’s consideration:
· Bill #10A440.09.1 = $212.45
· Discovery of a 12x60 mobile home for the years of 2005-2009
· Terry & Myrtle Allen purchased .73 acres of land and this mobile home in 2009
· Unknown to Mr. & Mrs. Allen, the single wide mobile home had never been listed by the former owners
· Mr. & Mrs. Allen listed the mobile home for the year 2010
· Discovery bill was processed in the name of Terry & Myrtle Allen
· Since the prior owners no longer own the home, no enforced collection could be implemented against them
· NCGS 105-312(k) (discovery property) gives the Board of Commissioners power to “compromise, settle, or adjust the county’s claim for taxes arising therefrom”
· As a matter of fairness (considering the new owners listed the property for the year of 2010), the Tax Department is requesting under NCGS 105-312(k), that the bills covering 2005-2009 be removed from the tax scroll
Tax Administrator Oakley presented the following Leasehold Personal Property Tax
Release for the Board’s consideration:
· Bill #97A1997000244 = $145.70
· Bill #96A1996000419 = $147.92
· Bills for 1996 & 1997 most likely cover leasehold property than can’t be identified or located
· Since the bills are over ten (10) years old, no enforcement of collection can be implemented
· Tax Department is requesting under NCGS 105-378 that the bills be removed from the tax scroll
Tax Administrator Oakley recommends approval of the following:
· Refund more than $100 – Real & Personal Property
· Releases more than $100 - Real & Personal Property
· Present-Use Value Late Applications
· Motor Vehicle Appeal
· Personal Property Tax Release
· Leasehold Personal Property Tax Release
The Board had no issues with the requests presented by Administrator Oakley.
Vice Chairman Lankford acknowledged the increase in the number of bills being referred to
the Tax Department from EMS. Tax Administrator Oakley stated each department has a better
understanding of each department’s procedures and how they interact with each other.
Commissioner Inman expressed appreciation to Administrator Oakley and his staff for
the continued hard work and dedication collecting taxes especially in a very challenging economic
environment.
Chairman Walker, with
full consensus of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the
following items on the March 22nd Consent Agenda:
· Refund more than $100 – Real & Personal Property
· Releases more than $100 - Real & Personal Property
· Present-Use Value Late Applications
· Motor Vehicle Appeal
· Personal Property Tax Release
· Leasehold Personal Property Tax Release
Proposed
Resolution – Broadband Access in Unserved/Underserved Areas within NC
Economic Development Director
Alan Wood presented the following information regarding
a request to support an application for a BTOP Grant by MCNC’s “Middle
Mile” Broadband
Technology Opportunities Program:
·
Stokes County has received a request to support an
application of a BTOP Grant Application by MCNC
·
Feels it is very important for Stokes County to
respond in a positive manner to this request for the following reasons:
o Improving
Broadband access to all of Stokes County is important to our long range
economic vitality
o MCNC was
successful in applying for and receiving grant funding in Round #1 of the
broadband stimulus funding
o MCNC’s Round 2
grant application would help increase the “middle mile backbone” of Stokes
County
o This “middle mile
backbone” being proposed in this grant request will be an asset to Stokes
County as we work to expand our “last mile” coverage by providing the County
with a better fiber network to support out WiMax network when it is deployed
o It is possible, if
approved, the MCNC application can provide greater bandwidth to local providers
and reduce the wholesale cost of internet service to “last mile” providers,
thus lowering the cost of internet service to our citizens
·
This application will not affect the County’s
application
·
Mr. Howell, who is preparing the County’s
application, has reviewed the request and urges the County to support the BTOP
Grant Application
·
Time sensitive due to deadline being Tuesday, March
9th
·
Request approval of letter of support and /or
proposed Resolution in support of the BTOP Grant Application which simply
confirm that Stokes County will consider using the “middle mile service” if
feasible
·
A letter of support has been requested from MCNC to
support Stokes County’s application for stimulus funding
Director Wood requested the item, due to the
March 9th deadline, be moved to today’s
Action Agenda.
The Board discussed the request with Director
Wood.
Vice Chairman Lankford
requested Director Wood verify the unemployment rate, his
understanding was the rate was higher than 10.5%. The Board unanimously agreed to allow
Director Wood to change the unemployment rate in the support letter if
necessary.
Chairman Walker, with
full consensus of the Board, directed the Clerk to place the item
on today’s Action Agenda.
Proposed
Resolution – Guaranteed Energy Performance Savings Contract
County Manager Steen
noted that the County had recently received a letter of request
from Dr. Hobbs indicating that the School System was interested in
pursuing the Guaranteed
Energy Performance Savings Contract with Johnson Controls and requested
the Board of
Commissioners agree to pass a Resolution agreeing not to cut their
capital funding due to the
savings accrued. Manager Steen
noted that general statute does not require the adoption of the
Resolution, but Local Government Commission (LGC) does when submitting
a loan application.
Manager Steen concluded that the School Board does meet the
requirements of G.S. 143-64.17C
and G.S.160A-20 as amended.
Dr. Stewart Hobbs, Superintendent of Stokes
County Schools, presented the following
information regarding the Guaranteed Energy Performance Savings Contract:
·
Stokes County Schools have been investigating the
possibility of entering into a Guaranteed Energy Performance Savings Contract
for 6-8 months
·
This is a way to do capital improvements that deal
with reducing energy costs without having the funding available
·
School System will determine what projects will be
done and to what extent and would like to focus on three areas lighting, HVAC,
and controls
·
RFPs were issued with two responding and Johnson
Controls being selected
·
School Board will agreed on the projects, Johnson
Controls will do the work, school system will borrow the funding, and the
utilities’ savings should be enough to support the loan payment, if not,
Johnson Controls will be obligated to pay the school system the difference
·
Before Stokes County Schools proceeds any further,
the Stokes County Board of Education wanted to present this process to the
Stokes County Board of Commissioners in order that both parties were aware of
the process and that the Stokes County Board of Commissioners were willing to
pass a Resolution
·
Guaranteed Energy Performance Savings Contract does
not require the County to assume more debt; however, it does require the County
Commissioners pass a Resolution stating that the Board will not cut the LEA’s
capital funding due to the savings since the savings must go to pay off the
LEA’s debt
·
Guaranteed Energy Performance Savings Contract is
an alternative funding source which allows the school system to use future
energy and operational savings to upgrade facilities and reduce operating costs
now without tax increases and without the county assuming more debt
·
Vendor would implement self-funding energy savings
measures, make facilities upgrades, and
guarantee the result
·
School System would borrow the funding upfront and
the vendor will guarantee the savings will cover the debt or the vendor will
write a check for the difference
·
Johnson Controls has been involved with several
school systems with this type of contract such as systems in Elkin City,
Lexington City, Rockingham County, Madison County, Alleghany County and others
·
Key to this process is the Guarantee
·
Johnson Controls has a three part guarantee:
o Price – Guarantee
(there are no change orders)
o Performance – Guarantee
(the implemented solutions must work)
o Financial –
Guarantee (the project must be self-funded or Johnson Controls will write a
check)
·
Johnson Controls would be more than willing to present
the concept of Guaranteed Energy Performance Savings Contract to the Stokes
County Board of Commissioners if so desired
Chairman Sonya Cox, who was in attendance for
the meeting, noted that this could be
a way to do some work at Southeastern School now and not have to wait
for the renovation project,
plus reduce the renovation project total.
Dr. Hobbs, on behalf of the Stokes County
School System and Stokes County Board of
Education, requests that the Stokes County Board of Commissioners agree
to pass a Resolution
agreeing not to cut the schools’ capital funding due to the savings
accrued from the Guaranteed
Energy Performance Savings Contract.
The Board discussed
the request with Superintendent Hobbs and Chairman Cox.
Commissioner Carroll
confirmed with Dr. Hobbs that there is a clear understanding with
both Boards that the proposed Resolution does not say the Board of
Commissioners will not cut
your capital budget and does not lock the Board of Commissioners into a
certain level of capital
funding.
Vice Chairman Lankford
stated that he was also concerned with both Boards understanding
this proposed Resolution would not lock the Board of Commissioners into
a certain level of capital
funding for the school system.
Dr. Hobbs noted that
the Board of Education wanted to make sure the Board of
Commissioners did not have reservations about the program and would
agree to sign the proposed
Resolution before the School Board continued with the program. The Board of Education now has
a project for every school, except Nancy Reynolds, but have not
approved any specific projects and
would like to have everything in place in order to possibly start in
the summer while school is out.
The Board discussed
placing the item on March 22nd Action Agenda.
Dr. Hobbs stated that
the School System would not need the Resolution approved until
the Board of Education decides what specific projects are going to be
done, will need the proposed
Resolution adopted when making
an application to LGC.
The Board unanimously
agreed to support the Board of Education with proceeding with the
Guaranteed Energy Performance Savings Project and that the Board of
Education’s capital funding
would not be cut due to the savings of the project.
Discussion –
Scheduling Public Hearing Regarding Stokes-Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Inc.
Chairman Walker
yielded the floor to Commissioner Carroll who had requested at an
earlier meeting to begin discussion regarding a public hearing pertaining
to the future of Stokes-
Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Inc.
Commissioner Carroll
noted that this Board has to make some decisions regarding the
long-term future of Stokes-Reynolds Memorial Hospital. Commissioner Carroll stated that his
position is and has been all along that before this Board considers any
given options, a public
hearing be held to inform the people of Stokes County that decisions
must be made, what the
options are, this is their hospital, and allow them to speak.
Commissioner Inman
stated that he concurred with Commissioner Carroll and reminded the
Board that the press release stated that the hospital belongs to the
citizens of Stokes County and
their voices would be heard.
Vice Chairman Lankford
stated that he also agrees that a public hearing is absolutely
necessary, but feels the Board needs to wait until HMC has had a few
weeks managing the hospital
in order to have as much information available as possible to share
with the people.
Commissioner Smith
concurred that a public hearing is necessary to inform the citizens of
the County what options are available.
Commissioner Smith stated that he had no problems waiting
a couple of weeks, but doesn’t want to put it off very long.
Chairman Walker
concurred that he is also on board for a public hearing to hear public input
from the citizens of Stokes County regarding Stokes-Reynolds Memorial
Hospital.
Vice Chairman Lankford
noted that the Board of Trustees will be hold their first meeting
on March 22nd and feels that information from that meeting
would be very beneficial to have
before a public hearing.
Chairman Walker polled
the Board regarding a date:
o Commissioner
Carroll stated, “as soon as possible”
o Vice Chairman
Lankford stated “not until statistical financial information is available from
the new management company, which could be given at the March 22nd meeting”
o Commissioner Inman
concurred with Commissioner Carroll
o Commissioner Smith
stated he would put some urgency on the date, but not immediately
Commissioner Carroll stated that he disagreed
somewhat with Vice Chairman Lankford
in terms that he does not think the current management team is relevant
to this Board’s decision
about the future of the hospital.
Chairman Walker stated
that by moving the public hearing date out, it will allow the
Board to get out and talk to the citizens regarding the future of the
hospital.
The Board discussed possible dates such as the
end of April or first of May for a public
hearing.
Commissioner Inman
noted the importance of getting the date and purpose of the public
hearing out to the people.
Commissioner Inman also noted that although he concurred with
Commissioner Carroll with holding the public hearing as soon as
possible, the citizens of the
County may feel different about the decision of the hospital if another
management entity can
improve the losses at the hospital and thinks possibly one or two
months of statistical financial
information would provide that type of information.
Chairman Walker entertained
a motion.
Vice Chairman Lankford
moved to hold a public hearing regarding the hospital on
May 10th.
Chairman Walker stated
the motion dies for lack of second.
Commissioner Carroll
noted the motion was out of order, the Board had not agreed to
move the item to the Action Agenda.
Chairman Walker, with full consensus of the
Board, directed the Clerk to place the item on
the March 22nd Action Agenda (possible May 6th,
May 13th)
Proposed
Amendment – Restated Articles of Incorporation of Stokes-Reynolds Memorial
Hospital, Inc.
County Manager Bryan Steen noted that
Commissioner Carroll had requested at the
March 1st Special Meeting to delete the following sentence from
Section #5 of the Reinstated
Articles of Incorporation of Stokes-Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Inc:
Commissioner Carroll recommended to also
delete the following sentence:
The Board had no issues with removing the
following last two sentences from Section #5:
Chairman Walker, with full consensus of the
Board, directed the Clerk to place the item on
the March 22nd Action Agenda.
Authorization
for Grant Application for Day Care Facility
Chairman Walker noted
that this item was on the February 22nd Discussion and Action
Agendas and requested to be placed back on the March 8th
Discussion Agenda by Vice Chairman
Lankford. Chairman Walker turned
the discussion over to Vice Chairman Lankford.
Vice Chairman Lankford
noted the following regarding the Authorization for Grant
Application for Day Care Facility:
·
Vote failed at the February 22nd meeting
to proceed with making two grant applications for funding to bring a county
owned facility up to code
·
It was noted that the members of the Board
expressed concerns with not having enough time to thoroughly examine the issue
before the March 1st deadline
·
Deadline for second round of funding for the grants
is May 1st giving the County almost two months to thoroughly examine
the issue
·
Still strongly feel, it is important to have a
Stokes County owned facility brought up to code by grant funding – saving
county dollars
·
Have the opportunity to possibly create jobs in
Stokes County
·
Have the opportunity to provide a service that is
very much needed in the northern part of the County
Vice Chairman Lankford concluded that he feels
the County should pursue the grant
opportunities and proceed with the application process for both grants
in the second round.
Commissioner Carroll
noted the following:
·
No problem whatsoever trying to obtain grant
funding to bring a county owned facility up to code
·
First, must establish if the County has a need for
the facility before considering looking elsewhere
·
Look at all immediate and future needs of the
County
·
Make sure that other entrepreneurs or private
providers/businesses are aware that the County has a facility that may be made
available for a reasonable rent if they
are willing to operate their business out of that facility rather than
identifying one particular business and not giving anyone else the opportunity
to at least express an interest
Commissioner Smith inquired if the owner of the
business who supplied the business plan
is still on board with renting the facility at a normal rental fee and
reiterated that he also does not
have any issues with applying for grant funding to bring a county owned
facility up to code.
Vice Chairman Lankford
noted the business plan has already been submitted to Economic
Development Director Wood, the grant applications are ready to go, and the
rental rate would be
set by the Board at the time of occupancy and the provider would have
the opportunity
to decline or accept.
Commissioner Smith
also inquired about the census of available day care slots within
the County. Vice Chairman
Lankford noted that he did not have the actual number of day care
vacancies within the County – County has approximately 20 licensed day
care providers.
Chairman Walker
requested the County Manager to provide the Board with the
following information:
·
Confirm that if the County accepts the grants and
the provider declines to rent the facility after repairs have been done, the
county would have to repay back grant funding that had been spent on the
repairs
Vice Chairman Lankford suggested that Manager
Steen verify the conditions of both grants
(Rural Center and ARC). Vice
Chairman Lankford concluded that he had received several
comments on the need a day care in this particular area.
Chairman Walker, with full consensus of the
Board, directed the Clerk to place the item
on the Discussion Agenda for the first meeting in April.
Job Vacancies
County Manager Bryan Steen noted the following
requests from DSS Director Jan Spencer
who was in attendance for today’s meeting:
·
Request to fill vacant Processing Assistance III
position
·
Request to fill Director’s position that will be
vacated on July 30, 2010
·
Request to use lapsed salaries for a contract
position
The Board had no issues with DSS Director
Spencer providing information to the Board
regarding the requests.
DSS Director Jan
Spencer discussed the following with the Board:
·
Request to use lapsed salaries to extend the
contract for a Food & Nutrition ARRA worker
- funding will exhaust on March 13th unless additional
funding is awarded
o Information has
been received that the State has received additional funding to possibly extend
the position for one year, but unsure about the amount of funding until
documentation is provided by the State
o The position has
been a tremendous help to the Food & Nutrition Unit
o The Food &
Nutrition Unit is experiencing a big increase in caseload size and there is no
end in sight at this time
o Request the item
be moved to today’s Action Agenda in order to be able to keep the worker on the
job with hopes documentation will soon be provided from the State regarding the
additional funding
The Board had no issues with Director
Spencer’s request and unanimously agreed to move
the item to today’s Action Agenda.
·
Request to fill vacant Processing Assistant III
position
o Processing
Assistant was promoted to an Accounting Tech I position thus leaving the
Processing Assistant III vacant
o Clerical unit has
consistently had to work overtime to keep up with the work flow due to being
understaffed and with one vacancy, comp. time is expected to increase
o Will take
approximately 4-6 weeks to fill the position
o Request to move
the item to today’s Action Agenda in order to proceed with internal posting of
the position
The Board had no issues with Director
Spencer’s request and unanimously agreed to move
the item to today’s Action Agenda.
·
Request, on behalf of the DSS Board, to fill the Director
of Social Services position which will become vacant on July 30, 2010
o I submitted my
letter of retirement to the DSS Board on Feb. 24th to be effective
on August 1, 2010
o DSS Board would
like permission to begin the recruitment process as soon as possible in order
to be able to hire a new director by that date
o Would like to have
adequate time to have a smooth transition period
o Request to move
the item to today’s Action Agenda in order to proceed with the recruitment
process
The Board had no issues with Director
Spencer’s request.
Commissioner Inman noted the need to move the
item to today’s Action Agenda in order
to allow the DSS Board to have adequate time to replace Director
Spencer and allow for a smooth
transition.
The Board unanimously agreed to move the item
to today’s Action Agenda.
The Board expressed their appreciation to
Director Spencer for her dedication to Stokes
County and the Department of Social Services.
Appointments
Stokes County
Community Child Protection Team
Chairman Walker noted
the vacancy for the Stokes County Community Child Protection
Team was announced at the February 22nd meeting with no
nominations presented.
Clerk to the Board
Darlene Bullins noted the County had not received any appointment
applications for the vacancy.
Commissioner Smith
nominated Pam Hooker to serve on the Stokes County Community
Child Protection Team.
Commissioner Smith
requested the item be moved to today’s Action Agenda due to the
CCPT actually meets tomorrow.
The Board unanimously
agreed to move the item to today’s Action Agenda.
Stokes County
Board of Health
Chairman Walker
announced the following vacancies on the Stokes County Board of
Health: (filling unexpired terms)
·
Optometrist Representative (Dr. Kevin Walker)
·
Professional Engineer Representative (Jerry Moorefield)
Commissioner Smith nominated Ms. Cheryl
Ferguson to serve on the Board of Health.
Commissioner Carroll, who serves on the Board
of Health, noted the open vacancies were
for the following:
·
Optometrist Representative
·
Professional Engineer Representative
Commissioner Smith inquired about the Board of
Health already having a member on the
Board who qualifies as the Professional Engineer Representative.
Clerk Darlene Bullins confirmed
that Jerry Mitchell, who serves as an at-large member,
would qualify as a Professional Engineer Representative per Health
Director Josh Swift.
Commissioner Carroll
confirmed that Mr. Mitchell had no issues with being transferred to
the Professional Engineer Representative and if the Board agreed to
transfer Mr. Mitchell, there
would definitely be an at-large vacancy.
Commissioner Smith
nominated Jerry Mitchell for the vacant Professional Engineer
Representative appointment.
Commissioner Carroll
also noted the possibly of the optometrist appointment being changed
to an at-large appointment if there were no other optometrists who
reside in Stokes County.
Commissioner Carroll stated
that he would verify that the optometrist appointment can be
changed to an at-large appointment.
Chairman Walker
requested the Clerk to have Director Swift verify if Dr. Kevin Walker
can be reappointed and if Dr. Walker would be interested in being reappointed.
Chairman Walker
directed the Clerk to place the Professional Engineer vacancy on the
March 22nd Action Agenda and the optometrist vacancy with
Commissioner Smith’s nomination
for an at-large appointment on the March 22nd Discussion
Agenda.
GENERAL
GOVERNMENT – GOVERNING BODY – ACTION AGENDA
NCDOT –
Proposal for Community College Site
Chairman Walker
entertained a motion.
Vice Chairman Lankford
moved to approve the County Manager’s recommendation
to proceed with the execution of agreement with NCDOT regarding the
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 the Department of Correction). Commissioner Inman seconded the motion.
Manager Steen noted
the items of the agreement were presented at the February 22nd
meeting and also included in the minutes.
The motion carried
unanimously.
Use of
Holiday Leave
County Manager Bryan
Steen briefly discussed the information presented at the
February 22nd meeting regarding the use of the “Floating
Holiday” for all employees before
any type of leave. Manager
Steen noted the “Special Leave Policy” also presented at the
February 22nd meeting and would appreciate the Board
considering the adoption of that
policy.
Chairman Walker
entertained a motion.
Vice Chairman Lankford
moved to continue the “Floating Holiday” as it was created
with an effective date retroactive to January 1, 2010. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion.
The Board continued
discussion regarding the “Floating Holiday Leave”.
Commissioner Carroll
noted the point of confusion is over the issue of accrual and it was
the intention of this Board that the Floating Holiday not be considered
as holiday time that is
accrued because a person is not allowed to take the time on the
designated holiday.
The motion was read
for clarification.
Commissioner Carroll
noted it would be easier to take the County Manager’s
recommendation and completely separate the Floating Holiday from
accrued holiday time.
The motion carried
(4-1) Commissioner Carroll voting against the motion.
Early College
- Grading and Paving Bids
Chairman Walker
entertained a motion.
Commissioner Inman
moved to approve Doggett Construction Company Inc at a bid price
of $156,480 for the grading for the Early College Project. Vice Chairman Lankford seconded
and the motion carried unanimously.
Proposed
Resolution – Broadband Access in Unserved and Underserved Areas with
North
Carolina
Chairman Walker
entertained a motion.
Vice Chairman Lankford
moved to approve the letter of Support and Resolution submitted
by Economic Development Alan Wood for the MCNC’s Middle Mile Broadband
Technology
Opportunities Program (BTOP Grant Application). Commissioner Smith seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
DSS - Lapsed
Salaries and Job Vacancies
Chairman Walker entertained a motion
Commissioner Smith
moved to approve the DSS Director’s request to use lapsed salaries
to continue a contract position in Food & Nutrition and hire the
Director’s position that will be
vacated on August 1, 2010 and a Processing Assistant III position that
is already vacant.
Commissioner Inman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Stokes County
Community Child Protection Team
Chairman Walker polled the Board regarding the
nomination of Pamela Hooker to serve
on the Stokes County Community Child Protection Team (CCPT).
Commissioner Smith
voted yes for Pam Hooker to serve on the CCPT.
Commissioner Inman
voted yes for Pam Hooker to serve on the CCPT.
Chairman Walker voted yes for Pam Hooker to
serve on the CCPT.
Vice Chairman Lankford voted yes for Pam
Hooker to serve on the CCPT.
Commissioner Carroll voted yes for Pam Hooker
to serve on the CCPT.
Chairman Walker stated Pam Hooker was voted
unanimously to serve on the CCPT.
Closed
Session
Chairman Walker entertained a motion for the
following:
·
To consider and take action with respect to the
position to be taken by
the county in
negotiating the price or other material terms of an agreement
for the
acquisition or lease of real property pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5)
Commissioner Inman moved to enter closed
session for the following:
·
To consider and take action with respect to the
position to be taken by
the county in negotiating
the price or other material terms of an agreement
for the
acquisition or lease of real property pursuant to G.S. 143-318.11(a)(5)
Vice Chairman Lankford seconded and the motion
carried unanimously.
The Board entered closed session.
The Board returned to the open session of the March
8th meeting.
Danbury Water
Project – Land Purchase
Chairman Walker
entertained a motion.
Commissioner Inman
moved the County purchase two parcels of land from
Charles M. Martin (.229 acre tract to be surveyed and .345 acre to be
surveyed) concurrent
with a 30 ft access from Sheep Rock Road at a cost of $4,583 with one
purchase being contingent
on suitability of the parcel for a well. Commissioner Smith seconded and the motion
carried
unanimously.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before
the Board, Chairman Walker
entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Vice Chairman Lankford moved to adjourn the
meeting. Commissioner Inman seconded
and the motion carried unanimously.
_________________________
_____________________________
Darlene M.
Bullins
Jimmy Walker
Clerk to the Board Chairman