The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, November 6, 2006, at 6:30pm in the Conference Room of the County Office Building, 90 South Main, Sparta, North Carolina.

Present: Chair Eldon Edwards, Vice-Chair Warren Taylor, Commissioner Graylen Blevins, Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon, Commissioner Ken Richardson, County Attorney Donna Shumate, County Manager Don Adams, and Clerk to the Board Karen Evans.

Chair Eldon Edwards called the meeting to order.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that closed session-legal needs to be added to the agenda, JCPC and Amy Pardue needs to be switched and Martha Holder will not be in attendance.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins asked that closed session-personnel to be added to the agenda.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the agenda for this November 6, 2006, meeting. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

AGENDA

Monday, November 6, 2006

6:30 PM

6:30 Meeting Called To Order

Motion on Agenda for November 6, 2006, meeting

Motion on Minutes for October 10 and October 16, 2006, minutes

6:35 Public Hearing

RE: 2006/2007 Community Transportation Program

6:45 Public Hearing

RE: E-911 Road Names

6:55 JCPC Annual Report (moved)

7:00 Amy Pardue (moved)

RE: Subdivisions

7:10 Martha Holder (deleted)

RE: Tax Concerns

County Business

1. Budget Amendment—Capital Loan

2. Budget Amendment—Ropes Course

3. Budget Amendment—Veterans Service Officer

4. Budget Amendment—Council on Aging

5. ADM Funds / Agreement

6. Transportation Improvement Plan Presentation

7. Regional Tourism Initiative Memorandum

8. Other Business

9. Public Comments—30 minutes

10. Closed Session—NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (4)—economic development

NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3)—legal (added)

NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (6)—personnel (added)

11. Adjourn

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the minutes for the October 10 and October 16, 2006, meeting. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards opened the public hearing regarding the 2006/2007 CTP grant application.

April Choate, AIM Director, reviewed the summary for the grant including the administrative budget and the capital budget. She explained the County’s portion of each budget.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments. None were received.

Chair Eldon Edwards closed the public hearing at 6:35pm and reconvened the regular meeting.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the 2006/2007 CTP grant application. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #9 in the amount of $450. He explained that this is for a check that was issued during last budget year but was never cashed. He further explained that these monies are from last year’s capital loan and need to be placed into this year’s funds.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #9 in the amount of $450. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #10 in the amount of $3,000 for the Ropes Course. He explained that the County has already received approximately $1,500 in donations for the completion of the project. He further stated that the additional amount represents potential additional donations and revenues. He explained that this is a revenue neutral program.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #10 in the amount of $3,000 for the Ropes Course. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #11 in the amount of $7,701 for the Veterans Service Officer. He reminded everyone that Eldon Edwards retired November 1 as the Veterans Service Officer and prior discussions regarding changing the position to a 30-hour per week position with benefits.

Chair Eldon Edwards explained that the interview committee interviewed six people and selected Sam Nichols to be the Veterans Service Officer. He gave everyone a brief background about Mr. Nichols. He stated that the office will now be open five days a week for six hours per day.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #11 in the amount of $7,701. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams explained the number of applicants for the position and that they brought in people from the district service office to assist with the interview.

Wendy Williams, E-911 Coordinator/Mapper, presented two road names for approval; Easy Living Lane and Running Bear Lane. She explained the location of the roads.

Chair Eldon Edwards opened the public hearing at 6:45pm regarding the E-911 Road Names.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments. None were received.

Chair Eldon Edwards closed the public hearing at 6:46pm and reconvened the regular meeting.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the road names as presented by the E-911 Coordinator/Mapper. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Kay Luffman presented the annual report for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC). She explained the eight different programs they are involved with and the number of youth served. She gave overall statistics about youth going through the court system.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon stated her appreciation for having a program for the youth.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated his appreciation for their efforts.

County Manager Don Adams talked about a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Board of Education. He reminded everyone that the school bus garage was funded by the Commissioners with the understanding that the ADM monies would pay the County back over a seven-year period. He explained that the State does not consider a school bus garage as school facilities. He talked about associating the $57,500 payments over the next seven years to the new eight classroom addition at Sparta Elementary School. He stated that the MOU clarifies how and why the $57,500 will be drawn down from the State ADM funds for the next seven years. He further stated that the Board of Education passed the MOU on November 1.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the memorandum of understanding with the Board of Education. Commissioner Ken Richardson seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Amy Pardue, Planner, presented a preliminary plat for a subdivision. She explained that it is a 114-acre tract being divided into 56 lots in the Piney Creek Township. She further explained that the subdivision will be completed in one phase, a performance bond will be obtained, roads in the subdivision and lot sizes.

Commissioner Ken Richardson asked about the subdivision crossing state lines.

Amy Pardue stated that the developer is requesting joint approval from Alleghany County and Grayson County.

Chair Eldon Edwards and Amy Pardue talked about the location of the property.

Commissioner Warren Taylor asked about how parcels are taxed that are spilt by the state line.

County Manager Don Adams explained that the master bedroom determines the location of the dwelling. He further explained that the tax administrators decide on those properties.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to give preliminary approval for the Potato Creek Preserve subdivision. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon stated that she would like to commend the developers for the size of the lots.

Amy Pardue presented a revision to the Cave Rock Estates subdivision. She explained the revisions to the subdivision. She stated that she has revisited the property, it is in accordance with the subdivision ordinance, and she recommends approval. She explained that both plats will be recorded and cross referenced.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve the revised plat for Cave Rock Estates. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #12 in amount of $1,708 for Council on Aging. He explained that this to provide matching funds for a grant that requires a 25% match. He stated that with these additional monies, Council on Aging will be able to take care of the minimum wage issue.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #12 in the amount of $1,708. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams stated that the next Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) meeting is on November 20 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm in Wilkes County. He stated that he has provided copies to the Board of the last TIP presentation. He reviewed the County’s priorities.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon talked about submitting what was provided at the last meeting because the County’s priorities have not changed. She mentioned updating the bridge list.

Commissioner Ken Richardson, County Manager Don Adams and Phil Trew discussed the $1,000,000 earmarked Federal monies going towards the US 21 project. Mr. Trew explained that the $1,000,000 is not additional monies but just earmarked monies for that project.

County Manager Don Adams presented a memorandum of agreement regarding the regional tourism initiative. He quickly reviewed the regional tourism initiative. He stated that Alleghany County has committed $7,500 towards the project and has two members on the committee; Ken Richardson and himself. He further stated that the agreement allows the voting members to be from the contributing counties.

Commissioner Warren Taylor and County Manager Don Adams talked about the funding for the initiative. County Manager Don Adams gave the background information regarding grant possibilities.

Commissioner Warren Taylor asked if Commissioner Ken Richardson and County Manager Don Adams are satisfied with this agreement.

Commissioner Ken Richardson stated that this is the only way to go forward regarding the voting members. He talked about having an annual update, all counties must abide by this agreement and their annual meeting is approaching.

County Manager Don Adams talked about this being a membership group and success will come from the grant sources.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the memorandum of agreement. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Warren Taylor reminded everyone to vote tomorrow.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that he thinks it is in the best interest of the County to have a separate Planning Board.

Commissioner Warren Taylor mentioned that he thinks the Planning Board should be one Commissioner and four members from the original group that worked on the Property Rights Protection Ordinance.

Chair Eldon Edwards and Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon talked about having people willing to serve on the Board.

Commissioner Ken Richardson reminded everyone that he has already stated his willingness to continue to serve on the Planning Board.

The Board of Commissioners talked about setting up the Planning Board.

County Attorney Donna Shumate stated that she isn’t sure what the standard is but it is not unusual to have a Commissioner or not have a Commissioner on the Planning Board.

Commissioner Warren Taylor gave his reasons why a Commissioner is needed on the Board.

Commissioner Ken Richardson stated that by changing the Planning Board it appears that they County did something wrong and he doesn’t think the County has.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon explained her reasons for changing the Planning Board is because more work will be placed on the Planning Board as time goes by, and it will be difficult for the Commissioners to continue serving in that role along with everything else.

The Board of Commissioners continued discussing the make-up of the Planning Board and how to select the four remaining members.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon suggested that this decision be postponed until after the election and let that Board decide.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins stated that there is nothing wrong with the way it is.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that it will be left as it is for now.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments.

Raymond Russell stated that he saw information in the newspaper regarding the Maymead court hearing. He asked what happened with that hearing.

County Attorney Donna Shumate explained that a motion for summary judgment was heard on October 16, and everyone is waiting for a decision.

Raymond Russell talked about his new tax reevaluation, percentage of increase over the years and this year’s tax bill.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that public comments should address topics that were discussed during the meeting, and if there are other comments, then need to get on the agenda. He explained the agenda process. He suggested that Mr. Russell talk to the reevaluation people. He explained that the State mandates reevaluation every eight years and have set guidelines that must be followed. He further explained that he recommends everyone to get an appointment to meet with the reevaluation people so they can explain how they got the values. He stated that the Board of Equalization and Review meets in April on every year.

Raymond Russell stated his appreciation for the information. He talked about this year’s tax increase. He asked how he can find out why the tax rate jumped 10¢.

County Manager Don Adams stated information that is available online is a good starting point. He explained the budget process.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that next June the Board of Commissioners can lower the tax rate to a revenue neutral tax rate, which will provide some relief.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon stated the value doesn’t have anything to do with the Commissioners. She further stated the reason for revaluation is to bring the tax values inline with the market values. She talked about the process that the reevaluation company goes through concerning market pricing.

Raymond Russell asked the Board if they shouldn’t be promoting a stable environment.

Chair Eldon Edwards thanked Mr. Russell for his comments.

Raymond Russell stated his appreciation, as well.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for additional public comments. None were received.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to enter into closed session at 7:50pm under NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3)—legal, (a) (4)—economic development and (a) (6)—personnel. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards called for a brief recess at 7:50pm.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to adjourn the closed session at 8:33pm and reconvene the regular meeting. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that no decisions were made during closed session.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to provide Charleston Forge with a notice of satisfaction on their deed of trust since they have met their employment numbers as required in the incentive agreement. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Being no further business, Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to adjourn at 8:35pm. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen Evans

Clerk to the Board

Attest:

Eldon Edwards

Chairman