The Martin County Board of Commissioners Met in Regular Session on Wednesday, September

September 21, 2005

The Martin County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Martin County Governmental Center, 305 East Main Street, Williamston, North Carolina.

This meeting had originally been scheduled for September 14, 2005 but was rescheduled because of the approaching Hurricane Ophelia.

ASSEMBLY

Chairman C. Mort Hurst, Vice Chairman Tommy W. Bowen, Commissioners Ronnie Smith, Elmo “Butch” Lilley and Alphonzo Perry, County Manager W. Russell Overman, County Attorney J. Melvin Bowen and Clerk to the Board Linda G. Hardison were present. No one was absent.

Chairman Hurst called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Following the Pledge of Allegiance which was led by Vice Chairman Bowen, Commissioner Smith offered the Invocation.

Before commencing with the business of the meeting, Chairman Hurst introduced fellow Board members, staff, press and Clerk of Superior Court, Phyllis Pearson.

AGENDA APPROVAL

MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowen, SECOND by Commissioner Smith, to approve the Agenda as presented. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

No one had signed up to address the Board.

MINUTES – AUGUST 10, 2005 REGULAR AND CLOSED SESSIONS; AUGUST 17, 2005 SPECIAL AND CLOSED SESSIONS; SEPTEMBER 3, 2005 SPECIAL MEETING

MOTION by Commissioner Smith, SECOND by Vice Chairman Bowen, to approve the Minutes of the August 10, 2005 Regular and Closed Sessions, August 17, 2005 Special and Closed Sessions, and September 3, 2005 Special Meeting as presented. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE

Manager Overman explained that this is a new item to be included each month. Any new employee hired after the last Board meeting will be introduced to the Board as well as the general public.

Manager Overman went on to explain that a new position was included in this year’s budget. The person hired for this position will “float” between offices to relieve times of high volume of work. Manager Overman then introduced Ivory Leary who is a native of Williamston and a recent graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in Accounting.

RETIREMENT OF CLERK OF COURT

Chairman Hurst introduced Clerk of Superior Court Phyllis Pearson as “a legend in Martin County”. Ms. Pearson announced that she will be retiring as Clerk of Superior Court as of October 1, 2005 and invited everyone to a reception to be held in her honor in the Superior Courtroom on September 30, 2005. She informed the audience that she has worked in the Clerk’s office 29 years, serving as Clerk 21 years. She said it has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Martin County, and she thanked the Board for their support. Ms. Pearson then introduced Tonya C. Leggett who will be the next Clerk of Superior Court. Ms. Leggett has worked in the Clerk’s office 11 years. Ms. Pearson said she felt confident that she was leaving the office in good hands.

PUBLIC HEARING – AMBULANCE FRANCHISE ORDINANCE

MOTION by Commissioner Lilley, SECOND by Commissioner Perry, to open the Public Hearing for an ambulance franchise in Martin County. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote, and the Board opened the hearing at 7:09 p.m.

No comments, written or oral, were received from the audience. However, Commissioner Smith asked if the Ordinance had been published so that everyone would know the amounts of money that were included in the ordinance. He was informed that it had not been published, but the amounts were discussed at the previous meeting and were recorded in the minutes.

With no further comments, MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowen, carried by Chairman Hurst, to close the Public Hearing. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote, and the Public Hearing was closed at 7:14 p.m.

Chairman Hurst reminded the Board that an ordinance must be voted on and passed at two consecutive meetings. He then called for a vote on the first reading. MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowen, SECOND by Commissioner Smith, to approve the first reading of the Ambulance Franchise Ordinance as presented. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

COUNTY-WIDE CURFEW

Chairman Hurst explained that Mr. Clay Wagner, who had asked to address the Board about this subject, could not attend this meeting because of a prior commitment. He would have been able to attend if the meeting date had not been changed. Mr. Wagner requested that this item be placed on the October agenda.

INTERSECTION BEHIND BOJANGLES

Ms. Regina French addressed the Board concerning the safety of our citizens, as well as the thousands of travelers who drive through Martin County each month, who use the intersection of the new Hwy 64 behind Bojangles. She then described an accident she and her daughter were involved in on August 21st.

She then discussed the engineering of the intersection, pointing out that she understood that a clover-leaf was originally designed but there was not enough money appropriated so the design was changed. Short of going back and constructing a clover-leaf, there are other options to make the intersection safer.

She then asked the Board to present a collective voice (including not only County Commissioners, but city councilmen, economic development and travel and tourism) to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Chairman Hurst recommended that the NCDOT safety team be contacted to attend the October meeting to discuss this intersection. He also asked all the towns in Martin County to endorse this plea that something be done to assure the safety of travelers through this intersection.

MOTION by Commissioner Smith, SECOND by Vice Chairman Bowen, to have the NCDOT safety team at the next meeting to discuss the intersection behind Bojangles. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Commissioner Perry asked that the railroad crossings throughout the county be discussed with the safety team too. WATER DISTRICT NO. 3

Manager Overman explained that Water Manager Kirk Rogers could not be present because of sickness and that he would make Mr. Rogers’ presentation.

The Martin County Water Department is ready to begin the sign-up campaign for district No. 3. The department will rely on staff, community leaders, and volunteers to disburse information and receive fees and applications for water service. The tap-on fees will be the following:

¾“ service = $150 (we hope to obtain approval from USDA to keep tap at $75) 1” service = $200 (we hope to obtain approval from USDA to keep tap at $100) 2” service - $1800

The application contains the following agreement:

I hereby agree to connect to the proposed water system when available and to be billed monthly for water consumption at the established rates. If I do not connect to the proposed water system when available, I understand that I will receive a minimum monthly bill at the established rates for service availability. I am enclosing payment for the tap-on fee.

Community meetings will be held in places such as churches, civic organizations and other meeting places deemed appropriate. Informational brochures will be handed out. A copy of the brochure was included in each Commissioner’s packet.

Manager Overman stated that approval was needed to move forward. MOTION by Commissioner Lilley, SECOND by Commissioner Perry, to continue with Water District No. 3. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Chairman Hurst reiterated that the Board fought hard to keep the sign-up prices for District No. 2 the same as District No. 1. He encouraged the Board to continue working to see that District 3 does not have to pay a higher tap-on fee.

COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT

Budget Amendment: MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowen, SECOND by Commissioner Lilley, to approve Budget Amendment 4 as presented. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT – 4

BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006.

Section 1. To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows:

Increase Decrease Public Safety Emergency Management $ 5,000

This will result in an increase of $5,000 in the expenditures of the General fund. To provide an increase in revenue for the above, the following revenues will be changed.

Intergovernmental Revenues Restricted $ 5,000

Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing Board and to the finance Officer for their direction. Financial Report: The Financial Report for August, 2005 was included in each Commissioner’s packet for informational purposes.

Tax Collector’s Report: The Tax Collector’s Report for August, 2005 was included in each Commissioner’s packet for informational purposes.

July, 2005 Year to Date

Property Taxes $ 3,068,849.05 $ 3,224,871.42 Motor Vehicles 102,660.66 210,612.73

Tax Relief & Refund Orders: MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowen, SECOND by Commissioner Smith, to approve the Tax Relief orders in the amount of $8,380.93 as presented. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board

Year Levy Name Remarks Value Total 2005 Martin County ABC Board Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2005 Martin County ABC Board Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2005 White Robert Lee Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2003 Bowen Fannie V Senior Citizens Exemption 1,500 12.53 2004 Bowen Fannie V Senior citizens Exemption 1,500 12.53 2005 Bowen Fannie V Senior citizens Exemption 1,500 12.53 2005 Wells Patricia Etals Error in Landfill Fee 450.00 2005 Taylor Faith M Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2005 Taylor Faith M Error in Listing 1,500 12.53 2005 Brown Norman Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2005 SBA Towers Inc #947 Error in Listing 142.84 2005 Cowan William Lindsley Error in Listing 5,930 49.52 2004 Lovick William Jerrod Error in Listing 12,000 99.60 2005 Lovick William Jerrod Error in Listing 10,800 98.61 2005 Western Union fin Services Error in Listing 117 1.01 2003 Goddard Tiffany Decarroll Repo 21,090 178.21 2004 Goddard Tiffany Decarroll Repo 19,750 166.89 2005 Goddard Tiffany Decarroll Repo 18,460 171.59 2005 Scott Danny Ray Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2005 Sauls R Gary Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2001 Whitaker tina Double List 19,270 158.02 2002 Whitaker Tina Double List 17,800 148.63 2003 Whitaker Tina Double List 16,490 137.70 2004 Whitaker Tina Double List 15,440 128.92 2005 Whitaker Tina Double List 14,430 132.55 2005 Cumbee Jimmy Clerk Error 7.98 2005 Martin County Shrine Club Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2005 Parker David Repo 15,450 141.91 2005 Revels Clarence Error in Landfill Fee 300.00 2001 Harney Willoughby Lee Error in Landfill Fee 120.00 2002 Harney Willoughby Lee Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2003 Harney Willoughby Lee Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2004 Harney Willoughby Lee Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2001 Harney Willoughby Lee Error in Landfill Fee 120.00 2002 Harney Willoughby Lee Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2003 Harney Willoughby Lee Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2004 Harney Willoughby Lee Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2004 Baker-Perry Charlotte Goddard Double List 24,560 205.08 2005 Baker-Perry Charlotte Goddard Double List 22,840 209.78 2003 Cowan William Lindsley Error in Listing 5,930 49.52 2004 Cowan William Lindsley Error in Listing 5,930 49.52 2005 Jernigan Spencer A Clerk Error .49 2005 Wisniewski Randy G Clerk Error 2.09 2005 Phelps Robert Martin Clerk Error 1.37 2005 Gurganus Warren D Clerk Error 4.94 2005 Barber David Christopher Clerk Error 67.64 2005 Payne Hugh B Error in Landfill Fee 750.00 2005 Price Scott M Sold Mobile Home 1,258 9.88 2005 Matthews Gladys Manning Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2005 Ormond Ella Mae Error in Landfill Fee 450.00 2005 Porter James F Jr & Melinda Error in Listing 9,690 80.92 2005 Porter James F Jr & Melinda Error in Value 9,450 78.91 2005 Porter James F Jr & Melinda Error in Value 10,865 90.72 2005 Porter James F Jr & Melinda Error in Value 20,315 169.63 2005 Porter james F Jr & Melinda Error in Value 9,202 76.84 2005 House Lael Bunting Hinman Error in Listing 2,100 17.75 2005 Modlin Seth Thomas Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2005 Williamston Town of Error in Landfill Fee 133.45 2005 Manning Buck Error in Landfill Fee 150.00 2004 Wooden Gwendolyn Williams High Mileage 2,625 41.61 2005 Manning Shelbert G Error in Value 4,640 38.74 2004 Whitley Robert E Out of Town 144.84 2004 Whitley Robert E Out of Town 47.64 2005 Perrone Charles Francis Bill of Sale 210 3.12 2005 Perrone Charles Francis Bill of Sale 600 8.91 2005 Miller Tracey Eugene Bill of Sale 8,700 73.52 2005 Prince Nelson B High Mileage 4,525 71.72 2005 Stalls Vernon Rudolph Bill of Sale 10,700 148.20

Resolution Approving Transfer of Adelphia Cable TV System: Manager Overman reminded everyone that due to the Adelphia bankruptcy, it is proposed to sell their assets in Martin County to Time Warner. The Board has contracted with David Harris of the Piedmont Triad Council of governments to assist us with this transfer process. The following resolution has been provided authorizing this transfer.

RESOLUTION BY THE COUNTY OF MARTIN, NORTH CAROLINA APROVING THE TRANSFER OF THE CABLE SYSTEM OWNED BY ADELPHIA TO TIME WARNER CABLE LLC

WHEREAS, Martin County, North Carolina (“Franchising Authority”) has granted a cable television franchise to an entity (“the Franchisee”) presently controlled by Adelphia Corporation (“Adelphia”), as debtor-in-possession; and

WHEREAS, on April 20. 2005, Adelphia and Time Warner NY Cable (“TWNY”) entered into an agreement, under the supervision of the Bankruptcy Court, whereby the Adelphia cable system serving Martin County will by acquired by TWNY (the “Transaction”) with an anticipated closing date of the first quarter of calendar year 2006; and

WHEREAS, Time Warner NY Cable LLC is registered with the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State to conduct business in North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Martin County Code and Title VI of the Communications Act of 1934 (the “Cable Act”), as amended, TWNY and Adelphia have submitted to the Franchising Authority an FCC Form 394 – Application for Franchise Authority Consent to Assign or Transfer Control of Cable Television, and other documentary materials required by Federal Communications Commission regulation or state law or as required by the Adelphia Franchise and Martin County code; and

WHEREAS, the Transfer shall not alter, affect or otherwise change the terms or conditions of the Adelphia Franchise, except as provided herein and the management of the cable system will continue to be at the local; and

WHEREAS, after careful evaluation of the Federal Communication Commission Form 394, Consolidated Balance Sheets of TWNY and related filings concerning the Transfer, it was found that TWNY has the legal and technical expertise, as well as the financial stability, to operate and maintain the cable television system in accordance with the Adelphia Franchise; and

WHEREAS, the County and Grantee hereby reserve all rights under applicable provisions of the Cable Act, including Sections 626 and 635. Nothing therein shall deem or be construed as waiver, release or surrender of any rights that either party may have under the Cable Act or any applicable law; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the County and its citizens to consent to the Transfer of Adelphia System:

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Board of Commissioners acting on behalf of the County (“the Franchising Authority”) that

1. The Franchising Authority hereby approves the Transaction; 2. That following the transfer of the Adelphia System, TWNY may, at any time and from time to time (i) assign or transfer its assets, including the Adelphia Franchise, provided, however, that such assignment or transfer is a parent or subsidiary of TWNY or any affiliate entity controlled by, controlling or under direct or indirect commons control with TWNY; (ii) restructure debt or change ownership interests among existing equity participants in TWNY, and/ or its affiliates; (iii) pledge or grant a security interest to any lender(s) of TWNY’s assets, including or but not limited to Adelphia Franchise, or of interests in Grantee, for purpose of securing an indebtedness without obtaining prior approval of the Franchising Authority; 3. That the Franchising Authority waives any rights of first refusal that it may have to assume Adelphia Franchise or acquire the Adelphia System upon any transfer contemplated hereunder; 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage. The Franchising Authority shall be notified promptly upon the closing of the transactions contemplated under the Agreement; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 5. Within sixty (60) days following the completion of the closing of the transactions described in FCC Form 394, TWNY will provide the required performance bond and insurance certificates required by the Franchise and will notify the Franchise Authority of its acceptance of the terms of the Franchise and the Resolution; and

ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF MARTIN, NORTH CAROLINA THIS THE 21ST DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2005.

MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowen, SECOND by Commissioner Lilley, to approve the Adelphia Cable transfer resolution as presented. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Updates: Manager Overman informed the Board that 293 road signs have been completed with 35 left to be erected. An additional 53 locations were identified and have been erected. Commissioner Perry stated that he has been receiving positive comments on this project.

No Dumping Signs have been installed at six locations. Chairman Hurst appealed to the citizens to help law enforcement by being responsible for reporting any dumping that they see.

Manager Overman provided a copy of a letter he has composed to be sent to the North Carolina Department of Transportation and CSX Railroads. He is still waiting for the address of the person to contact for CSX Railroads. Transporting Prisoners Safely: At the last meeting the Manager was asked to look at inmate security as inmates are transported to and from the courthouse for various hearings. Manager Overman met with Sheriff Roach and Jerry Benson to evaluate the situation. Options consist of doing something as simple as erecting a fence to constructing an enclosed sally port so that once an inmate is out of the vehicle he or she would be inside the building.

At a minimum, an eight foot chain link fence with razor wire around the perimeter of the parking lot behind the sheriff’s office would form a secure perimeter to keep inmates and the general public separated. This should not be too costly and could be done fairly quickly.

However, a much more secure situation for inmates and officers alike would entail the construction of an enclosed sally port. This option would have to be designed by an architect. Even though this would provide the greatest level of security, it would obviously cost more money.

Chairman Hurst requested the Manager to bring the cost of each option to the next Board meeting.

Commissioner Smith asked that the Manager also look into the cost of a private wooden fence which would accomplish the same scenario as keeping the inmates and general public separate.

Before going to the next item, Chairman Hurst introduced Tyler Archer, a new reporter with The Enterprise.

OLD BUSINESS

Bertie-Martin Regional jail Commission Appointment: Chairman Hurst explained that former Commissioner William H. Manson, Jr. was appointed to the Jail Commission at the last meeting to fill the unexpired term of Tommy Hathaway. Mr. Manson has received an appointment by the Governor and feels that he will not have the time to dedicate to the Jail Commission.

Commissioner Perry serves on this Board and explained that he has contacted several people in the western end of the county about serving. Mr. William Stalls of Hamilton has agreed to serve on this Board if appointed.

MOTION by Commissioner Perry, SECOND by Commissioner Lilley, to appoint William Stalls to the Bertie-Martin Regional Jail Commission to fill the unexpired term of Tommy Hathaway. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Economic Development Corporation Board Appointment: Chairman Hurst explained that the by-laws of the EDC originally stated that the Martin County Board of Commissioners would have four appointments to the Board: 2 County Commissioners and 2 citizen representatives. The Commissioners had requested the EDC Board to amend their by-laws to allow the Commissioners to appoint four people of their choosing. This request was granted. Since Commissioner Bowen has resigned from this Board, there is a vacancy.

MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowen, SECOND by Commissioner Smith, to appoint Billy Green to complete the term of Commissioner Tommy Bowen on the Economic Development Board. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Community Advisory Committee: MOTION by Commissioner Perry, SECOND by Commissioner Smith, to appoint Lucy Horton and Karen Coffield to the Community Advisory Committee. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Hamilton Property Offer: Manager Overman informed the Board that a formal offer has been received from the Town of Hamilton in the amount of $2,137.30 for the Paula Green property. This amount would cover our direct expenses in the foreclosure process. In order to sell this property to the Town of Hamilton, the Board must first declare the property surplus (Parcel # 09-0116 Paula Green Property).

MOTION by Commissioner Smith, SECOND by Commissioner Lilley, to declare the Paula Green property (Parcel # 09-0116) as surplus property. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

MOTION by Commissioner Smith, SECOND by Commissioner Lilley, to authorize the sale of the Paula Green property (Parcel # 09-0116) to the Town of Hamilton for $2,137.30. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

NEW BUSINESS

Emergency Management – NIMA Information & Resolution: Emergency Management Director Thomas Wall addressed the Board concerning a Presidential Order referencing the implementation of the NIMS (National Incident Management System) requirements. In order to receive FY 2005 preparedness funding, applicants will need to certify in their grant applications that they have met the NIMS requirements. Mr. Wall cited the following 2005 NIMS requirements:

 Incorporate NIMS into existing training programs and exercises  Ensure that federal preparedness funding supports state, local and tribal NIMS implementation  Incorporate NIMS into Emergency Operations Plans  Promote intrastate mutual aid agreements  Coordinate and provide NIMS technical assistance to local entities  Institutionalize the use of the Incident Command System  Complete the NIMS Awareness Course  Recognize the NIMS and adopt NIMS principles and policies  Establish a baseline by determining which NIMS requirements you already meet  Establish a timeframe and develop a strategy for full NIMS implementation  Institutionalize the use of the Incident Command System

Mr. Wall then presented the following Resolution for Board approval.

RESOLUTION FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

WHEREAS, the President of the United States in Homeland Security Directive (HSPD)- 5, directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and administer a National incident Management System (NIMS), which would provide a consistent nationwide approach for Federal, State, local, and tribal governments to work together more effectively and efficiently to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity;

WHEREAS, the collective input and guidance from all Federal, State, local, and tribal homeland security partners has been, and will continue to be, vital to the development, effective implementation and utilization of a comprehensive NIMS;

WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable that all Federal, State, local and tribal emergency agencies and personnel coordinate their efforts to effectively and efficiently provide the highest levels of incident management;

WHEREAS, to facilitate the most efficient and effective incident management it is critical that Federal, State, local, and tribal organizations utilize standardized terminology, standardized organizational structures, interoperable communications, consolidated action plans, unified command structures, uniform personnel qualification standards, uniform standards for planning, training, and exercising, comprehensive resource management, and designated incident facilities during emergencies or disasters; WHEREAS, the NIMS standardized procedures for managing personnel, communications, facilities and resources will improve the County’s ability to utilize federal funding to enhance local and state agency readiness, maintain first responder safety, and streamline incident management processes;

WHEREAS, the Incident Command System components of NIMS are already an integral part of various incident management activities throughout the County as required by the Martin County Emergency operations Plan;

WHEREAS, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (9-11 Commission) recommended adoption of a standardized incident Command System;

THEREFORE, the Martin County Board of Commissioners, on September 21, 2005, hereby establishes the National Incident Management System as the local standard for the management of routine and catastrophic emergencies.

MOTION by Commissioner Smith, CARRIED by the Chairman, to approve the NIMS Resolution as presented. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Emergency Operations Plan: Mr. Wall explained that one of the first tasks he had as Martin County’s Emergency Management Director was to review the new Emergency Operations Plan. Each Commissioner had received a copy of the plan to review and make suggestions for changes. Also included in each Commissioner’s packet were changes presented to Mr. Wall from agencies which were included in the Operations Plan.

Mr. Wall explained that the Emergency Operations Plan is a “work in progress”. As different situations arise, there will be changes to be made.

MOTION by Vice Chairman Bowen, SECOND by Commissioner Smith, to approve the Emergency Operation Plan as presented with the changes. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Before the Board voted on the motion, Commissioner Smith questions the section pertaining to transportation. He referred to the main driving force of evacuation as “own transportation”. He asked about using Martin County Transit to transport people wanting to evacuate who do not have available transportation. Chairman Hurst stated that we are already using Transit in situations like this whether it is voluntary or mandatory evacuations.

Southern Albemarle Association: Mr. George Matthews, Martin County’s Vice President of Southern Albemarle Association, presented the following list of delegates to represent Martin County at the Annual Meeting of the Southern Albemarle Association on October 20, 2005.

Mike & Kay Kilpatrick, Dan & Charlotte Bowen, Lula Council, Herman Daniels, Joseph R. Smith, Barbara Cotton, Tina P. Manning, Joseph & Shirley Williams, Mr. & Mrs. Gene Powell, Doug Damren, Mr. & Mrs. Hallet Davis, Mr. & Mrs. D. Bond, Jr., Milton Bennett, Jr., Mr. & Mrs. George Matthews, John s. Faulk, Thomas Chairs, Butch & Becky Lilley, James Batchelor, Mr. & Mrs. Haywood Harris, Mr. & Mrs. Moses Matthews, John H. Gurganus, Beulah Bennett, Janie Griffin, Booker T. Bond, Junious J. Horton, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Wilson, Phyllis Pearson, Billy & Liz Green, John & Mary Andrews, Brad Sommerer, C. Mort Hurst, Tommy Bowen, Ronnie Smith, Alphonzo Perry and W. Russell Overman.

MOTION by Commissioner Perry, SECOND by Commissioner Smith, to appoint the recommended delegates to represent Martin County at the Southern Albemarle Association Annual Meeting as presented. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

Intersection Behind Bojangles and Intersection of Hwy 11 and NC 903: As previously discussed in this meeting, the Board expressed its concern about the safety of travelers through these two intersections. Chairman Hurst requested Mr. Matthews and Ms. Charlotte Griffin to attend the next meeting of the Commissioners to discuss these intersections with the Safety Team of the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Health Department Budget Request: Manager Overman explained that the original Health Department budget request for $168,581 included funds to hire an additional Environmental Health Specialist. This position would have been responsible for septic tank inspections as well as inspections of restaurants and other food facilities. Manager Overman explained the he and Commissioner Perry met with health department representatives and the managers from Tyrrell and Washington counties in April and all agreed at that time that the position was justified and they would try to fund it in the FY 2005-06 budget. Manager Overman further explained that his proposed budget did not include funds for this position even though he pointed out the request for this position. The funds were not “cut from the budget” because the position was not needed, but it was never included in the budget because the funds were not available. Washington County did not include this position in its budget either.

Commissioner Perry stated that the Health Director (Keith Patton) discussed this position at the last Health Board meeting. Commissioner Perry informed the Health Board that he would present this information to the Martin County Commissioners. Washington County has since agreed to provide the additional funds. Martin County’s share would be $28,581.

Commissioner Perry pointed out that restaurant inspections are 50% behind because the Health Department is one position short.

Chairman Hurst explained that the county has just adopted its FY 2005-06 budget and his thoughts are that the new budget should not be amended unless it is an emergency situation.

Vice Chairman Bowen offered a compromise of waiting until January first to see if the county would have funds available then.

Commissioner Lilley explained that there were numerous budget requests that could not be funded, and he too felt amendments should only be given in emergency situations.

Vehicles Traveling Outside Martin County: Commissioner Perry explained that he had asked to have this item placed on the agenda. He stated his concern about vehicles belonging to the county being driven outside the county for personal business. Commissioners Smith and Lilley both expressed that they were under the impression that all vehicles leaving the county were on official county business; however, if this is not happening the policy needs to be clarified.

MOTION by Commissioner Perry, SECOND by Vice Chairman Bowen, that no county vehicle will leave Martin County unless on official county business. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

CLERK’S REPORT

Clerk to the Board Linda Hardison reviewed information included in each Commissioner’s packet and information passed out before the meeting. She also reminded the Commissioners of scheduled events for the remainder of September and October.

RECESS

At 8:15 p.m., Chairman Hurst called for a short recess.

PRESENTATION – FRIENDS OF THE OLD MARTIN COUTNY COURTHOUSE At 8:21 p.m. Chairman Hurst called the meeting back to order and introduced Lib Brandon, Chairman of the Friends of the Old Martin County Courthouse. Ms. Brandon collectively introduced the members of the committee and gave a brief history of the work this committee has funded to restore this historical landmark.

She then introduced Ms. Elizabeth Whitley Roberson who narrated a slide presentation showing the renovations to structure and explaining the plans for continued work to the building.

Chairman Hurst pointed out the legislators had helped a group in Beaufort County with renovations to an old theater. He suggested that we contact our legislators requesting grants to help with this project.

MOTION by Commissioner Smith, SECOND by Commissioner Lilley, to send a letter to Representative Warren and Senator Jenkins requesting any available funds to help with the restoration and renovations to the old Martin County Courthouse. MOTION APPROVED by a unanimous vote of the Board.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to discuss, Chairman Hurst declared the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Martin County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Martin County Governmental Center, 305 East Main Street, Williamston, North Carolina.

C. Mort Hurst, Chairman

Linda G. Hardison, Clerk to the Board