The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, January 23, 2006, at 10:00am in the Conference Room of the County Office Building, 90 South Main Street, 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, welcomed everyone and opened with a prayer.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the agenda for this January 23, 2006, meeting. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

AGENDA

Monday, January 23, 2006

10:00 AM

10:00 Meeting Called To Order

Motion on Agenda for January 23, 2006 meeting

Motion on Minutes for January 10, 2006 meeting

10:05 Mary Walker

RE: Tax Releases & Refunds

10:15 Amy Pardue

RE: Variance Meeting Procedures

PARTF Grant

10:25 Dr. Jeff Cox

RE: Board of Education Annual Report

Facilities Report

County Business

1. Joint Meeting Reminder

2. Sparta Board of Adjustment Appointment

3. Economic Enhancement Program Budget Amendment

4. Voting Machines Discussions

5. Other Business

6. Public Comments—30 minutes

7. Closed Session—NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3)—legal

NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (6)—personnel

8. Adjourn

Commissioner Graylen Blevins made a motion to approve the minutes for the January 10, 2006, meeting. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mary Walker, Tax Administrator, presented the December 2005 real property requests in the amount of $149.72 for refunds and $5,596.64 for releases.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the December 2005 real property requests in the amount of $149.72 for refunds and $5,596.64 for releases. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mary Walker presented the December 2005 automobile requests in the amount of $315.62 for refunds and $709.85 for releases.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the December 2005 automobile requests in the amount of $315.62 for refunds and $709.85 for releases. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mary Walker presented a vehicle appeal for a 2005 Chevrolet Impala. She reviewed the assessed value of $17,170, appraised value of $11,850 and her recommendation of $15,275.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the Tax Administrator’s recommendation of $15,275. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mary Walker stated that they would be selling their first piece of property on February 2 at the Administration building. She said she will keep the Board updated on the property. She informed the Board that she will be discussing Official Payments with them at the first meeting in February.

Amy Pardue, Planner, came before the Board and presented the variance meeting procedures. She said that the changes recommended by the Board have been made. She reviewed those changes.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon and Amy Pardue discussed sending the written findings of fact on the most recent variance request.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to adopt the variance meetings rules of procedures. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Amy Pardue stated that the Recreation Department is requesting to apply for a PARTF grant to renovate the Duncan Recreation Pool area. She mentioned a few of the problems at the pool site.

Tabetha Williams displayed a video showing all of the problems at the pool site. She described the problems as they were viewed on the video.

Amy Pardue reminded everyone that the County received a PARTF grant to construct the adult softball field. She reviewed the PARTF grant being a dollar-for-dollar grant. She talked about the recreational survey and how it applies to this grant. She reviewed an itemized budget for the project in the amount of $138,175. She further reviewed three options for the Board to consider from the minimal renovations at a cost of $57,600 to complete renovations at a cost of $138,175. She explained everything in the three different options.

Commissioner Warren Taylor and Amy Pardue discussed the condition of the concrete at the pool. Commissioner Taylor stated that if the grant could be obtained then go with the complete renovations.

Chair Eldon Edwards talked about comments made at the public hearing being for the complete renovations, and he agrees.

Chair Eldon Edwards and Tabetha Williams discussed how the pool area will be renovated.

Amy Pardue explained that the grant deadline is January 31 for the 2006-2007 year.

Commissioner Ken Richardson said he is optimistic about the grant but the County should look at complete renovations anyway. He talked about the amount of the quotes and the need for a contract.

County Manager Don Adams and Commissioner Ken Richardson discussed the fuel oil tank. Amy Pardue said that G&B Energy inspected the site and didn’t think the tank was leaking.

Tabetha Williams gave the Board information about a new cost-efficient heat system that uses propane

Amy Pardue talked about starting on the work after this season.

Commissioner Ken Richardson stated his concerns about opening this season. He said he would close the facility this year and get the work completed.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins mentioned his concerns after seeing the video and the safety of individuals using the pool. He talked about the expense to heat a pool regardless if fuel oil is used or propane.

Commissioner Ken Richardson mentioned starting work in April and hope the grant is awarded.

County Manager Don Adams stated that any dollars spent before the grant award cannot be used towards the grant. He talked about splitting the work into two projects.

Amy Pardue stated that pool companies are already booking for this season’s work.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon talked about how the County must go through the bid process.

Chair Eldon Edwards said the best option is not to open this season.

County Manager Don Adams stated these problems have been occurring over a period of time.

Amy Pardue stated that about 50 children a day visit the pool during June and July.

Chair Eldon Edwards and Amy Pardue discussed the affects of closing the pool this season.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon and Amy Pardue discussed working with the Wellness Center about having somewhere for the children to swim. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon stated her disappointment that the pool has gotten in this condition.

Chair Eldon Edwards reiterated his concern about opening this season. He suggested contacting the Wellness Center.

Commissioner Warren Taylor talked about repairing it to the point that the inspector would say it is safe then renovate the facility in the winter. He further talked about his concern about the public not having a facility during the summer.

Commissioner Ken Richardson said that he recommends Amy Pardue submit the PARTF grant and try to get it awarded earlier.

Commissioner Warren Taylor asked about getting a contract and having two months to get the work completed.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to participate in application with PARTF for complete renovations. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins mentioned the maintenance of the facility being between the school system and county maintenance and the need to have more discussions about who is responsible for the maintenance of the pool.

Amy Pardue stated that the school staff is still helping a lot with the County maintenance department starting when the recreation department was created.

Tabetha Williams stated that the pool won’t be drained at the end of the season and a cover is being provided in estimates.

The Board voted on the motion on the floor. Vote 5:0.

Dr. Jeff Cox, Superintendent, gave the Board booklets concerning the college/tech prep career paths. He presented the Board of Education’s annual report including the highlights of the academic progress of each school, GEAR-UP grant, National Board Certified teachers, new teacher recruitment, all schools having a safe school plan, in process of updating the board policy manual, electronic purchase orders, energy savings contract and e-rate funding. He explained that they had provided 150 palm pilots to teachers and trained the teachers how to use them. He continued reviewing the highlights including they incorporated timekeeper in all schools, CTE courses, new courses, student population, Title 1 reading classes, preschool, $57,000 grant received to provide fresh fruits and vegetables, small schools funding and the highlights for each school. He stated their appreciation for the Commissioners’ support.

Dr. Cox talked about the facilities report that is required every five years. He explained the cost estimates in the report, facility needs and renovations at all of the schools.

Commissioner Ken Richardson talked about the need to address concerns at Piney Creek Elementary School and Glade Creek Elementary School.

Dr. Cox continued explaining about the facilities report.

Commissioner Warren Taylor and Dr. Cox discussed projected school population growth.

Dr. Cox stated that this plan has to be sent to the State showing things as they are projected now. He further stated that the Board of Education needs to have more discussions on the long-range plans.

The Board of Commissioners thanked Dr. Cox for his reports.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the presented school facilities plan. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams reminded the Board of the joint meeting with the Town Council on Monday, January 30 at 7:00pm at the County Office Building. He stated that if any Commissioners wish to add items to the agenda, let Karen Evans know.

County Manager Don Adams presented a letter from Bryan Edwards requesting that Mike Rowe be appointed to the Sparta Board of Adjustment.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve the appointment of Mike Rowe to the Sparta Board of Adjustment. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams presented General Fund budget amendment #19 in the amount of $1,638 for the economic enhancement program. He explained the budget amendment.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve General Fund budget amendment #19 in the amount of $1,636 for the economic enhancement program. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams reviewed a memo about the direct read equipment versus optical scan voting machines and a letter from the State Board of Elections. He reviewed the amount of monies available to the County is $116,390. He explained the reason for the additional monies.

Commissioner Warren Taylor and Karen Fender discussed ES&S personnel needed for election-day support.

County Manager Don Adams reviewed where the Board is at now with the voting machines.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon and Karen Fender discussed that the $82,250 along with the grant monies will purchase 28 machines.

Chair Eldon Edwards said that his recommendation is to buy the 28 machines now.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to purchase the ES&S system and spend the $82,250. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards talked about the letter from the Clerk of Court concerning the court security committee. He reviewed the recommended people to serve on the committee.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon stated that she will serve on that committee.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments.

Charlie Scott thanked the Board for taking on the pool project.

Susan Reinhardt agreed.

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

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to enter into closed session at 11:52am under NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3)—legal and (a) (6)—personnel. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

The Board of Commissioners took a brief recess at 11:52am.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to adjourn the closed session at 12:33pm and reconvene the regular meeting. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated no action was taken during closed session.

Being no further business, Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:34pm. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Evans

Clerk to the Board

Attest:

Eldon Edwards

Chairman