THE ANSON COUNTY BOARD of COMMISSIONERS Convened for Their Regular Monthly Meeting on Tuesday
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THE ANSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS convened for a meeting on Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. at South Piedmont Community College’s Lockhart/Taylor Center on North Washington Street in Wadesboro, NC.
Commissioners present: Blake Hildreth, Chair Steve Lear * Michael Livingston Dr. Jim Sims Bill Thacker
Staff members present: Chris Wease, County Manager Bonnie M. Huntley, CMC, Clerk to the Board James Bennett, Human Resource/Asst. Co. Mgr. Dorothy Tyson, Finance Officer Rita James, Data Processing
After a delicious meal sponsored by the ACTC, Chairman Hildreth called the meeting to Order, stating the purpose of the meeting was to hear a progress report from the Anson County Technology Coalition.
Dr. Don Altieri spoke on behalf of the Rural Internet Access Authority, noting their goal is to bring affordable high speed broad band Internet service to Anson County. The presentation being presented tonight has been given to local PTA groups. Through a power point presentation, Janine Rywak presented a summary of the Anson E-Communities Plan, a report on Planning Process and Outreach Activities, the Public Access Mini-Plan and the Training in Digital Literacy Mini-Plan. Assisted by Rev. Priscilla Durkin, the Web Application Mini-Plan and the Connectivity Mini-Plan was presented. A report on the Internet Fair held at the Burnsville Learning and Resource Center was also given.
*Commissioner Livingston joined the meeting.
Chairman Hildreth thanked those involved for the delicious meal and the progress report. Chairman Hildreth then called for a short recess, inviting everyone to move next door for the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
THE ANSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS reconvened for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 6, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. at South Piedmont Community College’s Lockhart/Taylor Center located on North Washington Street in Wadesboro, NC.
Commissioners present: Blake Hildreth, Chair Steve Lear Michael Livingston Dr. Jim Sims Bill Thacker Staff members present: Chris Wease, County Manager Bonnie M. Huntley, CMC, Clerk to the Board James Bennett, Human Resource/Asst. Co. Mgr. George Bower, Jr., County Attorney Dorothy Tyson, Finance Director Rita James, Data Processing Vance Gulledge, Utilities Administrator Marvin Deese, Building Inspector
Chairman Hildreth called the meeting to Order, welcoming citizens and county staff present. Elder Roman Henry of Little Rock Holiness Church Wadesboro, delivered the Invocation.
Approval of Agenda by Commissioners: Chairman Hildreth asked if there was any item in the Consent Agenda that needed to be removed for discussion. He announced that Sandra Ricketts would like to make a brief presentation on her Community Service Program and placed this as the first item under Administrative Matters. A discussion of a September11th commemorative event was added as item 3g under Administrative Matters. The appointment of Stan Vance as Review Officer was added under Appointments. Chairman Hildreth noted they had received a memo response from the Sheriff on a personnel matter, which necessitates a closed session. Commissioner Sims asked to add under Commissioner Concerns a question on the 9-1-1 addressing. Motion by Commissioner Livingston, seconded by Commissioner Lear, to approve the Agenda as presented with the additions. Motion carried unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Commissioner Livingston asked for data on the fee schedule for ACTS and it was removed from the Consent Agenda. Motion by Commissioner Thacker, seconded by Commissioner Livingston, to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion carried unanimously
At this point, Chairman Hildreth announced that with approval of the Consent Agenda, the request of the Ansonville Fire Department to raise their local fire tax was approved and thanked members of the department for coming.
Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes of regular session July 9 and 16, 2002. Approved closed session minutes of July 16, pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) to hear or investigate a complaint, charge or grievance by or against a public officer or employee. Approved minutes of a second closed session on July 16 pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-315.11(a)(6) to consider the qualifications, competence, performance and condition of appointment of a public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee.
Tax Releases: Vehicle Tax Releases July 02: Allen, Lannie 2001 6.24 Proration Autry, John D 2000 5.64 Proration Butler, Kevin A 2000 23.92 Proration Boone, Joseph O 2002 5.89 Value Broadaway, Wesley 2001 37.54 Value Carpenter, Lisa R 2001 32.07 Proration Catoe, James C 2002 21.55 Value Chambers, Vernon 2000 6.80 Proration Cowan, Robert 2001 137.82 Proration Dawkins, April 2002 33.83 Value Diggs, Deborah 2001 105.84 Double listed Eddie, Marlene 2001 24.85 Proration Erdmanczyk, Tiffany 2002 26.14 Situs Fuchs, Marco 2002 184.71 Listing error Hartsell, Roger 2001 77.22 Proration Lindsey, James W 2000 59.40 Proration Mabry, Benjamin 2002 6.95 Value Fowler, Martin 2001 60.66 Proration Goodwin, Steve 2001 30.00 Proration Jones, Calvin M 2001 19.90 Proration Lozano, Tammy 2002 55.73 Situs Martin, James A 2001 2.65 Interest Morgan, Joseph 2002 5.97 Situs Short, Joshua T 2001 12.58 Proration Spencer, Hester S 2002 121.12 Situs Tice, Lisa C 2000 13.77 Proration Tice, Lisa C 1999 72.30 Proration Waddell, Wendy 2001 70.95 Proration Williams, Gloria S 2001 99.77 Proration Total $ 1,361.81
Vehicle Tax Adjustments – July 02: Erdmanczyk, Tiffany 2002 2.66 Situs Lozano, Tammy 2002 6.64 Situs Morgan, Joseph 2002 0.70 Situs Spencer, Hester S 2002 12.34 Situs Total $ 22.34
Vehicle Tax Refunds-July 02: Bergman, George 2001 1.55 Proration Bergman, George 2001 7.30 Proration Burr, Miriam 2001 15.96 Proration Carpenter, Tangra 2001 23.20 Proration Koval, Alex P 2001 1.51 Proration Livingston, Johnny R 2001 11.28 Proration Melton, Daisy C 2001 18.90 Proration Moore, Jane S 2001 26.40 Proration Process Mechanical Piping 2001 32.94 Proration Process Mechanical Piping 2001 24.64 Proration Process Mechanical Piping 2001 8.78 Proration Turner, Karen 2001 8.76 Proration Tyson, Charles 2001 67.41 Proration Total $ 248.63
Property Tax Releases-July 02: Victory Temple 2001 106.05 Double Billed
Budget Report: Accepted the report as presented for activity June 30 – July 30, 2002. Economic Development Report: Accepted as presented. Manufactured Home Park Ordinance: Adopted on second reading as follows effective August 6, 2002: Item I: After discussion, Board feels a 4 ft. x 4 ft. front entrance stoop will address a major issue of safety while providing a uniform appearance. Delete the following: Article III – Section 3.6 Required Manufactured Home Space Improvements (p 12): Each manufactured home space shall be provided with a patio of at least one hundred (100) square feet constructed of concrete, brick, flagstone, or other such hard surfaced material, or a porch or deck of the same size raised above the ground and constructed of the same materials, or pressure treated lumber. A paved or gravel walkway, a minimum of two (2) feet wide, shall be provided from the road or off-street parking space to the patio or porch. Each patio and walkway shall be graded and properly drained to prevent ponding. Add the following: Article III – Section 3.6 Required Manufactured Home Space Improvements (p 12): Each manufactured home space shall be provided with a front entrance, stoop, porch or deck a minimum of 4 feet x 4 feet, constructed of pressure treated lumber only. This stoop, porch or deck shall meet all state codes that apply and be approved by the county building inspector. A paved or gravel walkway, a minimum of two (2) feet wide shall be provided, from the road or off-street parking space to the stoop, porch or deck. Each walkway shall be graded and properly drained to prevent ponding. This section shall apply for all manufactured homes, placed in all parks after a one (1) year period following adoption of this Ordinance. Item III: Under Article III section 3.8 and 3.9 statement is misleading. All manufactured homes at time of set-up are required by the state to meet footings, tie down and anchoring requirements, not just units set-up in a Manufactured Home Park. Through the inspection department and its inspectors, no home shall be granted power until compliance with all state codes has been met. These guidelines fall under the state codes with enforcement by county certified inspectors. Delete the following: Section 3.8: Required Footings (p 13) The support of all manufactured homes located within a manufactured home park shall rest upon property approved footings. When the manufactured home is accompanied with set-up instructions designed by a registered architect or engineer, then the owner shall use those set-up instructions as the standard for footings. If so such set of instructions are available, the Enforcement Officer will enforce the standards listed in the “State of North Carolina Regulations for Mobile Homes” booklet published by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Section 3.9: Tie Down and Anchoring Requirements (p.13): Manufactured homes shall be securely anchored to the ground by means of a tie down system. When the manufactured home is factory equipped with a tie down system designed by a registered architect or engineer, then the owner will use the manufacturer’s set of instructions as the standard of proper tie down procedures. If no such set of instructions is available, the Enforcement Officer will enforce standards listed in the “State of North Carolina Regulations for Mobile Homes” booklet published by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Add the following: Section 3.8: Reserve Section 3.9: Reserve Item III: Article V: Section 5.6 Non-conforming Manufactured Home Parks (existing Parks) #C: Delete the following: C Within a period of one (1) year following the adoption of this Ordinance, existing non- conforming manufactured home parks shall be required to comply with the requirements of Section 3.6, 3.16, (B), (C), (D), (E) and 3.17. Add the following: C Within a period of one (1) year following the adoption of this Ordinance, existing non-conforming manufactured home parks shall be required to comply with the requirements of Section 3.16 (B) (C) (D) (E) and 3.17. Zoning Ordinance Amendment: Adopted on second reading as follows effective August 6, 2002. ITEM 1: page 6, under Section 41: Definitions of Specific Terms and Words, change 41.7 to read: 41.7 Customary Home Occupation: Any use conducted entirely within a dwelling and carried on by the occupants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes and does not change the character thereof and with connection with which there is no display, no signage, no outside storage, provided further, that no person who is not a resident of that premises is employed in connection with the home occupation. Such occupations shall be carried on solely within the main dwelling and shall not occupy more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total floor space of the dwelling. Item 11: page 23 change Section 81. To read: Section 81: R-20 Residential District (Bona Fide Farms Exempt) This district is intended to be a quiet, low-density neighborhood consisting of single-family residences along with limited home occupations. 81.1. The following uses are permitted: Single family site built homes Manufactured home (doublewide and modular) with vinyl, brick or other types of siding, pitched roof with shingles and overhang and brick underpinning, on individual lots. 81.2 Dimensional Requirements: Within the R-20 Residential District as shown on the zoning map, the following dimensional requirements shall be complied with: 81.21 Twenty thousand (20,000) square feet minimum lot. Any part of the property located in the rod right-of-way shall not be included in the minimum lot area. 81.22 One hundred (100) feet minimum lot width as measured from one side lot line to the other at the front set back line. 81.23 Forty (40) feet minimum front yard as measured from the nearest point of the building to the road right-of-way 81.24 Fifteen (15) foot minimum side yard as measured from the nearest point of the principal building to the side lot line. 81.25 Thirty (30) foot minimum rear yard as measured from the nearest part of the principal building to the rear lot line. 81.26 Maximum permissible lot coverage by the principle building and all accessory buildings shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the total lot area. 81.27 Height of buildings shall not exceed forty (40) feet unless the depth of the front and total width of the side yard required herein shall be increased by two (2) feet for each one (1) foot or fraction thereof of building height in excess of forty (40) feet. 81.28 Accessory buildings shall not be erected in any required front or side yard or within twenty (20) feet of any street line or within ten (10) feet of any lot line not a street line. 81.29 Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Section 72 of this Ordinance. 81.3 Conditional Use: The following uses shall be permitted subject to review and finding of the Board of Adjustment; and in conformance with the overall planning of proper land use in Anson County as approved by the Planning Board, County Commissioners and County Land Use Plan. 81.31 Any public use including schools 81.32 Churches Item III: page 45 – Change Article IX Exceptions and Modifications to read: Article IX – General Regulations: Page 47 – Add Section 96: One Principal Building per Lot: Lot must abut on a street, right of way or easement. Every building erected or altered shall be located on a lot of record and there shall not be more than one (1) principal building per lot except for group developments. Item IV: page 3 – Changes Table of Contents to reflect above amendment Article Page IX EXCEPTIONS AND MODIFICATIONS 45 Change: IX GENERAL REGULATIONS: 45
Jail Food Contract: Bids were solicited with only one being submitted. Brad Pittman, d/b/a Western Sizzlin’, submitted the following bid: $ 1.99 Breakfast $ 3.50 Lunch $ 3.50 Dinner Board approved a Contract with Brad Pittman, /d/b/a Western Sizzlin for a term beginning August 6, 2002 through June 30, 2004. This Contract is renewable for a period of two years upon agreement of the Anson County Board of Commissioners and Western Sizzlin’ Restaurant. Said Contract is on file in the County Manager’s office and is by reference made a part of these minutes. Ansonville Fire District Tax: The Ansonville Volunteer Fire Department had requested to increase the district fire tax to the $.05 rate that is maintained by all other fire districts in the county. This was presented to the Board during budget discussions but since we have not approved a budget and a tax rate, this issue was not decided. They need to plan for the coming year including matching funds for a state grant and are requesting a decision on this issue. Board approved the request. ACTS-New Fee Schedule: The Transportation Advisory Board met and voted to recommend a change in the fee schedule for the system. The last increase was in 1999. The proposed change will increase rates by 6% to $9 per hour, from $8.57 and $.35 per mile from $.25. Commissioner Livingston asked if this was another area that would come back around in Medicaid and if the county would actually end up funding the increase. County Manager Wease noted that different programs pay for different riders and Medicaid does pay for some transportation. Commissioner Livingston asked what percentage is covered by Medicaid, with Scott Rowell, ACTS Director, answering 32%. County Manager Wease answered that the increase would be somewhat minimal but would be absorbed by the county. Commissioner Livingston then asked Scott if ACTS carries students to and from school with Scott answering they pick up children from the middle school and take them to after school programs at Smart Start. This program is paid by Smart Start. Motion by Commissioner Lear, seconded by Commissioner Thacker, to approve the increase. Motion carried 5 to 1 with Commissioner Livingston opposed.
Administrative Matters: The first item was an overview of the Community Service Program by Sandra Ricketts. Ms. Ricketts, appearing on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Corrections and the Community Service Work Program, known as Probation and Parole, reported that over a twelve month period her program contributed approximately $30,000 in free labor, in terms of minimum wage. She encouraged continued use of the program. Approximately six months ago they started a new car wash program. She commented Jeff Waisner as being the first department head to offer his facility. She also recognized Scott Rowell and Jim Roosen for using their services. Once a month, on a Friday, workers in this program will wash for free all county vehicles that are brought to the car wash site. She has worked with James Bennett to establish a beautification committee and they have been working on the courthouse. She has had a painter at the courthouse for the last three weeks painting and repairing rotten windows. There is still a lot of work to do and talented program workers with hours left to work. Ms. Ricketts noted that because of the pride she has for our county and in order to allow program participants to work off their hours, she often has to supervise workers as late as 8:00 p.m. in the evenings. She encouraged each Board member to volunteer two hours one evening to supervise these workers or to just come by and watch them work. Commissioner Livingston asked what participants of this program were allowed to do with Sandra answering it depends on their talent and education. They have assisted in preparing election sites, they have helped Coach Davis and certain areas of office work. She noted participants of this program can assist only governmental non-profit agencies.
Airport Paving and Lighting Project: The North Carolina Aeronautics Council voted to award Anson County $2,565,000 as the 90% match for the project and the county has budgeted the appropriate match in the airport budget. The following bids were received for the paving portion of the project: L-J Inc. -Columbia, SC $ 1,754,266.50 APAC-Carolina Inc.- Marston NC $ 1,787,688.75 Boggs Paving Inc. – Monroe, NC $ 1,922,605.00 J T Russell & Sons, Inc.- Albemarle NC $ 1,967,008.00 Hudson Paving, Inc. – Rockingham NC $ 2,181,555.00 The low bidder, L-J Inc. withdrew their bid due to a clerical error regarding stone quantities and cost, therefore it is recommended that the bid be awarded to APAC-Carolina Inc. of Marston, NC in the amount of $1,787,688.75. Jeff Kirby of the LPA Group was present to answer any questions. Commissioner Sims asked if County Attorney Bower had looked over the bids with County Manager Wease answering yes. Commissioner Sims then asked about the rate schedule included in the LPA Contract that says the rates listed are valid until 12/31/2002 and asked what about after this date. Jeff Kirby answered that the rate schedule and modifications will have to be approved by this Board before they can be changed. Commissioner Sims then referred to Exhibit C, discussion of travel, asking where to and from with Jeff answering in and around the airport project site. Jeff noted the inspector lives in Anson County and this is just a cost estimate of actual travel. After discussion motion by Commissioner Lear, seconded by Commissioner Livingston, that based upon the recommendation of County Manager Wease and County Attorney Bower, we approve the awarding of the bid to APAC-Carolina, Inc. contingent upon receipt and execution of the requisite grant agreement with the NC DOA and that the Chairman or the Manager be authorized to execute said contracts. Motion carried unanimously
The next portion is the awarding of the bid for Lighting Project. The following bids were received for the electrical portion of the project: Walker & Whiteside, Inc. – Greenville SC $ 372,748.00 King Electric of Fayetteville $ 400,105.00 Electrical Construction, Inc. –Lexington NC $ 424,033.00 After discussion, motion by Commissioner Lear, seconded by Commissioner Livingston, that based upon the recommendation of County Manager Wease and County Attorney Bower, the bid be awarded to Walker & Whiteside, Inc. for electrical work in the amount of $372,748 contingent upon receipt and execution of the requisite grant agreements with the NC DOA and that the Chairman or Manager be authorized to execute said contracts. County Manager Wease noted that these arrangements will maximize the use of the construction season and accelerate the project schedule. Motion carried unanimously
County Manager Wease noted it was also necessary to execute the agreement with LPA Group, Inc for professional services associated with the project, noting two components of the contract. First, Element 3 deals with the paving and lighting project specifically and the construction, administration and project oversight. This portion of the contract represents 9.69% of the total project cost and is included in the project budget approved by the DOA. Second, Element 4 deals with developing the remaining portions of the airport property in order to prepare sites for additional hangars, access roads and the terminal building. This element will allow the airport to be ready to provide prepared sites to prospective investors at the airport. Based on the existing available grant funding, these improvements can likely be accomplished while we have the contractor on site through a change order. It is recommended we design these improvements in anticipation of adjusting the construction contract with APAC later this fall. Motion by Commissioner Lear, seconded by Commissioner Livingston, to approve based on recommendation by County Manager Wease and County Attorney Bower. Motion carried unanimously A copy of said agreement is on file in the County Manager’s office and by reference made a part of these minutes.
Airport Hangar-Land Lease Policy and First Lease: County Manager Wease noted that to help us with the airport project and various activities that take place there, we developed an Airport Commission to help advise us. This Commission was appointed by this Board and is made up of different individuals that are users of the airport. This Commission makes up several working committees to look into various aspects of the project such as the acquisition of jet fuel, development of plans for a terminal building and an airport layout plan. The plan is a document that the State and Federal agencies asked us to maintain and review over time with a section pertaining to future development at the airport. This committee has been looking at developing a policy on how to develop the airport property and tonight, we have the opportunity to lease a piece of airport property to a private investor who in turn will construct a hangar and bring two aircraft to the county. This investor will open a charter business here in the county. By approving this lease, we will be setting a precedence for how we will work with future investors at the airport. County Manager Wease presented each Board member with an updated version of the draft policy for consideration. The last bulleted item noting that after the initial lease period for the hangar, any subsequent lease period shall be at the market rate and agreeable to both parties. This means leases will be renewed at market rates and will not tie us to any particular dollar values now. In the lease proposed tonight, we propose to lease the property at a nominal amount to get established so we can spur investment at the airport. Approving tonight’s lease will mean several hundred thousand dollars of investment at the airport with no action on our part other than leasing the property to allow the investment to occur. County Manager Wease noted the hangar and the airplanes housed in said hangar will be a taxable improvement January 1, 2003. Commissioner Livingston asked the size hangar with County Manager Wease answering 100 x 100 and they may go 100 x 80 depending on the amount of office space he needs. There was a discussion of how much space is available for lease and the number of hangars that could be placed at the airport. Commissioner Lear asked the possible tax value of a hangar of this sort with Jeff Kirby answering $200,000 to $220,000. Depending on what type planes are inside, they could be worth several million dollars. Commissioner Livingston asked Jeff if, based on his experience with airports, this lease amount was low or standard with Jeff answering he had not seen the lease but airports do tend to have a seed tenant to get things started. He asked the Board to keep in mind someone coming in ten years from now may want the same deal and it will be up to this Board whether or not the same deal is given. County Manager Wease noted some leases from established airports are a nickel a square foot to seventeen cents a square foot. The committee has recommended one dollar a year lease. Commissioner Thacker wondered if the Board should set the fee to reach out a few years rather that just for today with County Manager Wease noting we will not be tied to this rate as subsequent leases will be at the market rate. Commissioner Thacker asked if we were trading a parcel of land for tax benefits with County Manager Wease answering in twenty years the building will belong to the county unless they continue the lease. After discussion, motion by Commissioner Livingston to approve both, the first lease as well as the $1.00 per year set up with the 20 year lease. County Manager Wease noted the lease covers the ground space for a period of twenty years and it has spaces for commencing and expiring when we decide at the annual rate of $1.00 a year and a renew clause for ten year terms at the market rate. This means at the end of twenty years, they would have the ability to renew at the going rate at that time for leased land at airports. Commissioner Sims asked if he the investor would be required to keep his planes in this hangar and operate a viable business in order to retain the lease with County Manager Wease answering we cannot require him to run his business for twenty years in this location. Commissioner Sims just wanted to make sure the hanger would house the planes and we not find them housed somewhere else. County Manager Wease noted this was the objective. County Attorney Bower noted he reviewed a number of leases, wondering why a provision was not included to require him to site planes at a particular place but after talking with Bill Campbell of IOG, found we cannot require them to site planes at a particular place. Commissioner Sims asked to amend the motion that we approve the lease agreement and all things said by Commissioner Livingston but amend it to the effect that we ask for all possible assurances from the investor that he will locate planes of his business in Anson County. Jeff Kirby shared that the FAA has asked the investor to find a home base and that is why he wants to come to Anson County. Amendment seconded by Commissioner Thacker. Chairman Hildreth called for the vote. The amendment motion carried unanimously. The motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Hildreth noted the Draft Airport Policy was not addressed in the motion. Motion by Commissioner Livingston, seconded by Commissioner Sims, to approve the draft airport policy and any revisions that may need to be made. Commissioner Thacker asked if the policy had been reviewed by Jeff Cloud and if not, he would like Jeff’s approval before acting on this policy. Commissioner Livingston noted that draft policy means you will continue to upgrade until you get to the final policy. County Manager Wease noted this was a draft and will be used to move forward in what we do at the airport. After discussion, Commissioner Livingston withdrew his motion until next month with Commissioner Sims withdrawing his second.
Water Issue Discussion-Conservation Ordinance: County Manager Wease noted we needed to be responsive to our stewardship to the environment and the watershed and the request of the Governor of NC to develop restrictions for water use. We have always encouraged water customers to conserve water voluntarily but with the current state of the watershed, we need to develop an Ordinance for water conservation to cover mandatory and emergency stages of the drought issue. Currently there are no impending emergencies with our water supply but because there is no Ordinance in place, it would be responsible of us to develop a conservation Ordinance in order to institute mandatory and/or emergency restrictions for use of our public water supply. County Manager Wease presented each Board member with a draft copy of a Water Conservation Ordinance, drawn from pieces of both the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources proposed Ordinance and Ordinances obtained from different municipalities across the State. Motion by Commissioner Sims, seconded by Commissioner Lear, to approve as presented. County Manager Wease noted the Ordinance would require a second reading next month. Commissioner Sims felt the amount of penalty for the third offense was very lenient. Vance Gulledge voiced that he felt it would be appropriate to have the County Attorney review the matter to see what we can legally charge. Commissioner Livingston asked how the fines would be collected with County Manager Wease noting that if the person is a water customer we can collect through water bills. Enforcement will come either through water department employees or the Sheriff’s department. Commissioner Livingston asked how we would inform the public of this with County Manager Wease answering by press releases and our web site. They may consider some type flyer to be left in general stores across the county. Commissioner Livingston asked when this Ordinance would be enacted with County Manager Wease voicing that a second reading is required at the September meeting before it can be enforced. Commissioner Livingston felt with the severity of the situation we should not wait until next month to make the public aware of this situation. Motion carried unanimously. Water Intake-Short and Long Term Issues: This issue involved a discussion of the possibility that the water level in the lake could drop beyond what CP&L anticipates it will be. County Manager Wease presented each Board member with a copy of the raw water contingency requirements. CP&L maintains the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s permit to operate the hydroelectric facility that supports Blewett Falls Lake. The water level in the lake can be adjusted within the parameters established by the permit. County Manager Wease noted information received allows for a fluctuation of the water level of approximately seventeen feet from full pond. Our raw water intake does not function when the water level falls below ten feet of full pond. CP&L is aware of this and has agreed to maintain the water levels within our constraints barring an emergency. We understand that the lake levels will drop by six or seven feet from full pond. According to CP&L contacts, Anson County has been directed to address the raw water intake elevation issue in order to prevent any problems. County Manager Wease feels it would be in our best interest to consider long and short-term alternatives to reduce the potential threat posed by this situation. One contingency plan involves the rental of a barge, pump and pipe which requires about one week to implement. Rental includes delivery and installation and our staff would be trained to use the system. Implementation of this plan would require our staff to be responsible for operation and maintenance of the system twenty-four hours a day. In order to address the possibility that the water level will drop below our raw water intake, we feel we first need to develop a pre-sedimentation basin adjacent to the water plant. A lake of approximately fifty acres with an average depth of twenty feet would provide approximately two weeks of reserve water capacity. County Manager Wease presented each board member a hand out from Vance Gulledge giving cost estimates. County Manager Wease noted we would have Mary Beck look for grant funding to help with the cost of this project. Secondly, adjustments need to be made to the raw water intake itself. CP&L will begin the re- licensing process for the FERC permit next February. The result of this will be a new permit with the requisite water level parameters. County Manager Wease feels we should talk with CP&L and convey our concerns regarding the water level issue and wait until the FERC permit is issued before we incur the cost of constructing a new intake or make any significant modifications to the existing intake. After much discussion, Board members agreed by consensus for staff to develop the alternatives, short of funding. Commissioner Thacker asked if there were charges involved with the planning and development and felt this Board needed to know before giving the go ahead on this project. County Manager Wease answered that no charges were anticipated at this point. After discussion, Board members agreed to the study for the long-term solution but no funds are to be spent unless this item is brought back before the Board of Commissioners for approval.
Water Study Update: Brad Bucy, Engineer with Hobbs, Upchurch was to be here to give this report but was unable to appear.
Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant: Chairman Hildreth noted the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund has awarded Anson County a $200,000 grant for the pool project at Little Park. Private donors have raised approximately $160,000 of the needed $200,000 match and they are working to raise the additional funds. County Manager Wease noted that by accepting the grant, we would be responsible for administering the grant funds and suggested appointing a committee to develop and submit a final plan for the project for expenditure of the grant and matching funds. Acceptance of the Grant stipulates that funding for the project must be completed prior to August 31, 2004. County Manager Wease suggested that we accept the grant, realizing that if the entire match is not raised, the county could either fund the project or return the grant funds received back to the Trust Fund. Motion by Commissioner Lear, seconded by Commissioner Livingston, to move forward with accepting the grant. Motion carried unanimously. Chairman Hildreth noted the next part was appointing the committee. It was felt that Jeff Waisner, Wendell Small and Jim Strayhorn should be a part of the committee. Commissioner Lear asked about Wanda Chappell being a part with Commissioner Thacker feeling that a representative from the school system should be a member of the committee. It was mentioned that Dr. Truman should appoint this representative. County Manager Wease mentioned Elaine Scarborough while Commissioner Livingston voiced that he would like to see a more diverse committee with members from all races. He suggested Reverend Gatewood from the Morven community be a part of the committee. Motion by Commissioner Sims, seconded by Commissioner Livingston, to appoint Jeff Waisner, Wendell Small, Jim Strayhorn, Elaine Scarborough, Reverend Gatewood, Cheryl Everett and a representative from the school system to this committee, pending their acceptance with County Manager Wease serving in an ad hoc position. Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Hildreth called for a short break.
After the break, the next item was Budget Discussion. County Manager Wease voiced that the State may be a little closer to a budget than they were when we started our discussions. One of the latest discussions centers on the Alcohol and Law Enforcement Budget (ALE). This is about a seven million-dollar budget annually and they want to have local ABC Boards pay for this budget from local revenues. This is just another way that shows they are using local money to solve the state budget crisis. County Manager Wease mentioned that at the last discussion, the Board indicated they wanted to lower the tax rate from the proposed 83.4 cents to 78.4, with the objective being the lowest rate possible. He presented each Board member a handout showing the tax rate comparison and revaluation impact from each Commission district on randomly selected commercial and residential accounts and land use accounts, and the impact of their old value versus their new value with the old tax rate and the new tax rate. He also presented each Board member an updated 78.4 tax rate initiative with a change from the one included in the packet. County Manager Wease reported that each of the EMS ambulances have over one hundred thousand miles which means we are spending a lot of money on maintenance and repairs. He reminded Board members that last year we elected to not purchase a new ambulance but wait and purchase two this year. In the original budget proposal we discussed using $25,000 for installment purchase of two ambulances in January then in further discussion we discussed eliminating all capital outlay. In the revised budget, County Manager Wease included the $25,000 due to the fact that about this time next year, it will be time to either renew the ambulance contract or bid the service and issues of risk management will play a key role in contract discussions. County Manager Wease noted that currently, the House approved the ½ cent sales tax to counties effective January rather than next July. This would keep the state sales tax at 6.5 cents and next spring the money would be removed from the State and given to the counties with the hold harmless funding. County Manager Wease outlined the known impact to the local budget as worse case scenario, reimbursements eliminated as follows: Inventory Tax Reimbursement $ 569,000 Intangible Tax Reimbursement 212,000 Homestead Exemption Reimbursement 46,000 Food Stamp Reimbursement 32,000 County Manager Wease explained that these are all taxes the State has exempted from local taxation but promised streams of revenue in return and now eliminated those streams of revenue. We feel the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates again and we need to lower our revenue estimates another $30,000. The ABC reduction is about $7500 along with the special assistance to counties reduction to DSS which is about $25,000. County Manager Wease reminded Board members of the finding from last year’s Audit relative to the contract for Child Support Enforcement, which could mean a $98,000 liability to the county. All total, this is over a million-dollar impact to our local budget. According to County Manager Wease, the State will replace at least the $860,000 portion of the shortfall with $299,000 of new revenue. Legislation says the hold harmless provision and money will be three times the sales tax revenue we receive. County Manager Wease did say that based on staff level information, he feels the $299,000 is an inflated figure for sales tax revenue for Anson County. The net impact from their projected net revenue and the change in expenses would be $722,000. Referring to reductions made from the 83.4-cent proposal, removing the ambulances for a total of $567,000, with the new information and at the 83.4 rate, we would still be $154,000 short of a balanced budget. County Manager Wease noted this includes $300,000 appropriation from fund balance and other items. Commissioner Lear asked the negative impact of extending the interim budget an extra thirty days. County Manager Wease noted there are certain ramifications to the organization. He noted that the hiring freeze along with employees having to absorb extra duties with no compensation is frustrating employees and resulting in a number of resignations from staff. County Manager Wease noted he does not favor lifting the hiring freeze as a whole, but wants to look at positions on a case by case basis and filling vacancies in critical areas that are not on the list of cuts necessary for the tax rate. Commissioner Sims asked the Board to keep an open mind on the Natural Resource Conservationist position at Brown Creek Soil and Water. He commented that we pay so little and receive so much from this position and likened it to giving someone a quarter and getting back a dollar. County Manager Wease referred to the maintenance position feeling this is a difficult position to eliminate. We have one person handling this for all county buildings and it’s practically impossible for him to do all that is necessary. Commissioner Sims felt that given the current facts, the Board should consider continuing the interim budget for another thirty days and give the Manager the option and flexibility to fill positions that would otherwise create severe hardships. Chairman Hildreth noted this would delay the mailing of tax notices. Commissioner Livingston asked the Manager if he has a list of cuts in mind with the Manager referring to the list included in the packet, stating he feels the tax rate at eight-three and one-half cents to be the lesser of the two evils. We have a lean staff and programs and without compromising the integrity of the programs, he feels this is a fair tax rate. Commissioner Thacker suggested talking with the school maintenance department to see if they could offer some assistance on an emergency basis with our maintenance items. Chairman Hildreth feels it may come to consolidating responsibilities with James Bennett noting other counties have gone to that and offered to see what others are doing and report back to the Board. Commissioner Sims feels we may not be facing cuts but rather the guillotine. It was determined that we currently receive four percent from municipalities for collection of taxes and Commissioner Thacker felt this amount should be doubled. After much discussion of possible reductions, motion by Commissioner Thacker, seconded by Commissioner Lear, to extend our interim budget to September 30, with the Board meeting again on September 3 and if we know enough at that point of the uncertainties, we move forward with adopting a budget during the month of September. Motion carried unanimously County of Anson
INTERIM BUDGET ORDINANCE
BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Anson County, North Carolina, that pursuant to G.S. 159-16:
Section 1. The following amounts are hereby appropriated in the General Fund for the operation of the county government and its activities for the months of July through September, 2002 in accordance with the chart of accounts heretofore established for this county:
11-4110 Governing Body 106,163
11-4120 Administration 39,342
11-4125 Human Resources 20,051
11-4130 Finance 29,008
11-4140 Tax Assessor 52,123
11-4141 Tax Collector 36,406
11-4150 Revaluation FY 2002 0
11-4160 Provider Maintenance Court Facilities 9,625
11-4170 Board of Elections 48,032
11-4180 Register of Deeds 39,171
11-4210 Data Processing 39,087
11-4260 Courthouse/Law Enforcement Building 46,965
11-4263 Agricultural Center 5,522
11-4264 Belk Building 6,100
11-4265 Leased County Building 9,000
11-4266 Janitorial Service 7,056
11-4267 Building Maintenance 12,543
11-4310 Sheriff's Department 322,290
11-4320 Jail 178,248
11-4330 Emergency Management 15,892
11-4340 Volunteer Fire Departments 1,438 11-4350 Building Inspection/Zoning 41,320
11-4360 Medical Examiner 2,500
11-4370 Ambulance Service 124,975
11-4371 Rescue Services/911 75,742
11-4372 Rescue Services 11,000
11-4373 Criminal Justice Partnership 0
11-4521-4523 Transportation 105,714
11-4530 Airport 29,820
11-4720 Landfill 35,064
11-4750 N C Forestry Service 18,849
11-4920 Economic Development Commission 31,982
11-4930 Road Naming 1,000
11-4950 Cooperative Extension 53,800
11-4960 Soil Conservation Service 21,752
11-5110-5182 Health Programs 434,842
11-5200 Sandhills Center 12,500
11-5265 Anson Council on Alcoholism 1,875
11-5310-5580 Social Services 1,499,061
11-5830 Office of Juvenile Justice 31,278
11-5840 JCPC-Youth Services Advisory Council 425
11-5880 Elderly Services Activity Center 16,736
11-5881 Elderly Services – Title III 38,615
11-5882 Elderly Services – Title V 9,293
11-5883 Home Delivered Nutrition 18,392
11-5884 Congregate Nutrition 22,033
11-5885 Aging - P & A 897
11-5911 Public Schools – CE 833,491
11-5912 Public Schools – CO 0 11-5914 State School Bonds 0
11-5915 Public Schools – State ADM 0
11-5921 South Piedmont Community College- 97,660 CE
11-5922 South Piedmont Community College- 0 CO
11-6110 Library 47,445
11-6120 Parks and Recreation 83,541
11-9100 Debt Service 0
11-9912 Contingency – Emergencies 8,744
General Fund Totals: $4,734,408
Section 2. The following amount is hereby appropriated in the Emergency Telephone System – 911 for the operation of the ETS – 911 department during the months of July through September, 2002 in accordance with the chart of accounts heretofore established for this County:
Emergency Telephone Sys-911 $ 38,950
Section 3. The following amounts are hereby appropriated in the Water Fund for the operation of the water utilities during the months of July through September, 2002 in accordance with the chart of accounts heretofore established for this County:
Administration 184,303 Distribution 594,360 Filtration 392,268
Total $ 1,170,931
Section 4. The following amounts are hereby appropriated in the WWTP Fund for the operation of the wastewater treatment plant during the months of July through September, 2002 in accordance with the chart of accounts heretofore established for this County:
Administration 130,409 Operations & Maintenance 274,650
Total $ 405,059
Section 5. The following amount is hereby appropriated in the Fire District Tax Fund during the months of July through September, 2002 in accordance with the chart of accounts heretofore established for this County:
Ansonville Fire District Tax 7,674 Burnsville Fire District Tax 11,956 Wadesboro Township Fire Dist Tax 24,427 Lanesboro Fire District Tax 18,677 Lilesville Fire Service District 16,179 Morven Fire Service District 12,657 Gulledge Fire Service District 11,832
Total $ 103,402
Section 6. The County Manager is hereby authorized to transfer appropriations within a fund as contained herein under the following conditions: He may transfer amounts between objects of expenditures within a department without limitation and without a report being requested. These changes should not result in increases in recurring obligations such as salaries. He may not transfer amounts between funds or departments.
Section 7. Copies of this Interim Budget Ordinance shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Board of Commissioners and to the Budget Officer and Finance Officer to be kept on file by them for their direction in the disbursement of funds. Adopted this 6th day of August, 2002.
Chairman Hildreth then called on Cheryl Everett to make a short presentation. Ms. Everett serves as the outreach Coordinator for Greater St. Matthews and on September 7, they plan to sponsor a picnic at City Pond to honor all Law Enforcement personnel. She invited each Commissioner to attend this event and assist in presenting awards to all safety personnel. She asked the Board to sponsor and support this event in any way they could. They are hoping to make this an annual event in conjunction with the events of September 11.
Manufactured Home Discussion-Pre 1976: Chairman Hildreth noted several citizens have expressed concern that in some instances these mobile homes have been well maintained. According to our current Ordinance, once moved or ownership is transferred, it cannot be set back up as a residence unless it conforms to all Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards and bears the required HUD tag or approved by our Code Enforcement Officer and the Planning Board. The current Ordinance says no unit manufactured before 1977 is permitted to locate in Anson County in a park or individual tract and Chairman Hildreth feels the problem comes with changes in the standards of the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act for mobile homes. Chairman Hildreth favors keeping it where mobile homes from other counties cannot be brought into our county but feels some homes are in excellent condition and it is a shame to retire them from service. He does not want to take issue with the Planning Board but asked Board members to consider amending this requirement. Commissioner Sims agreed to some extent that condition is more important than the year. Chairman Hildreth proposed that any home considered for relocation or reuse as a residence, be inspected by our building inspection department and validated to meet current codes. Commissioner Sims wanted to make sure this would apply only to homes located in Anson County and still not permit those from other counties to come into our county. Chairman Hildreth feels this requirement is intended more for mobile home parks than individual lots. Commissioner Lear agreed with the basic policy but noted exceptions do exist and agreed with the proposed amendment. Chairman Hildreth understands the Planning Board considered making this decision but did not want to incur any additional liability to the county for a home that might be considered unsafe. Marvin Deese was present and noted prior to last year when the Manufactured Home Park Ordinance was written, there was a stipulation that a home that had paid county taxes for the previous year could be moved around within the county but still excluded homes outside the county. He felt the Board might want to talk with the Planning Board before making a final decision. After discussion, Board members agreed they would like to hear from the Planning Board in this issue. Chairman Hildreth will meet with the Planning Board and express this concern and report back to this Board the outcome of the meeting.
9/11 Commemorative Event: County Manager Wease felt this was some- what addressed through the request from Cheryl Everett. He feels a number of communities are doing commemorative events remembering 9-11 last year and suggesting doing an event on the town square. He suggested James Bennett represent the county and team with others to plan something for that day. James Bennett noted a lot of counties across the State are planning memorials for that day and would like to see us plan something that will involve the entire community, including Churches, schools and the band. He suggested using the community room at SPCC while Commissioner Thacker suggested the courthouse steps that would not limit the number of attendees. Commissioner Sims mentioned that his local postmaster had inquired of him the status of county addressing. Postmasters do not want to have to change addresses several times and they need to know a completion date because it affects their addressing at the Post Office. County Manager Wease noted Merrill would be in contact with the post office but noted we are still developing and finalizing the master street address guide. He feels we are still about two to three months away from the county enacting addressing but a parallel system will be run for about a year.
Appointments: Landfill Advisory Board: Commissioner Sims noted he is aware of the vacancy from his district but is waiting on the Landfill Advisory Board to meet again in September to get their input.
Board of Health: County Manager Wease noted Commissioner Livingston would need to be replaced on this Board. The Commissioners had suggested Commissioner Livingston’s replacement as a Commissioner also replace him on the Board of Health.
County Attorney: County Manager Wease noted he has not received any letters of interest for this position. He noted the DSS Attorney is from Rockingham but one option would be to contract with him for this assistance on an interim basis. County Attorney Bower noted he would not leave the Board high and dry and would work with the DSS Attorney if needed. County Manager Wease will contact the DSS Attorney to see if he would be interested in advising this Board on an interim basis while we continue our search.
Appointment of Stan Vance as Review Officer: Motion by Commissioner Livingston, seconded by Commissioner Thacker, to approve. Motion carried unanimously RESOLUTION APPOINTING REVIEW OFFICER WHEREAS, S.L. 1997-309 (S875) makes a number of significant changes in the procedures for recording maps and plats; and WHEREAS, the main purpose of the law is to transfer the responsibility for reviewing plats to determine whether they meet recording requirements from the Register of Deeds to a Review Officer; WHEREAS, the new G.S. 47-30.2 requires the Board of County Commissioners in each county, by Resolution, to appoint a person or persons to serve as Review Officer(s) to review each plat before it is recorded and certify that it meets the statutory requirements for recording; and WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Anson County Board of Commissioners to insure an expeditious review of all maps and plats as required by G.S. 47-30.2 before they are presented to the Register of Deeds for recording. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that effective August 6, 2002, Stan Vance, Sybil Williams and Joy Hardison are hereby appointed to perform all responsibilities as required for Review Officer under the appropriate North Carolina General Statutes. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution designating the Review Officer be recorded in the Anson County Register of Deeds office and indexed in the name of the Review Officer. This 6th day of August, 2002.
Closed Session: Motion by Commissioner Livingston, seconded by Commissioner Thacker, to go into closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(6) to hear or investigate a complaint, charge or grievance by or against a public officer or employee. Motion carried unanimously
Motion by Commissioner Livingston, seconded by Commissioner Sims, to go out of closed session. Motion carried unanimously
In regular session, motion by Commissioner Thacker, seconded by Commissioner Lear, that upon discussion in closed session, that this board take no action on the personnel issue. Motion carried unanimously
Motion by Commissioner Livingston, seconded by Commissioner Lear, to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously
Respectfully submitted:
Bonnie M. Huntley, CMC Clerk to the Board
Meeting time: 4-hr. 15 min.