The Alleghany County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, September 19, 2005, 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 Sandy Carter Herndon, Commissioner Ken Richardson, County Attorney Donna Shumate, County Manager Don Adams and Clerk to the Board Karen Evans. Commissioner Graylen Blevins was present but arrived late.

Chair Eldon Edwards called the meeting to order and opened with a prayer.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the agenda for this September 19, 2005, meeting. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

AGENDA

Monday, September 19, 2005

10:00 AM

10:00 Meeting Called To Order

Motion on Agenda for September 19, 2005 meeting

Motion on Minutes for September 13, 2005 meeting

10:05 Mary Walker

RE: Tax Releases & Refunds

10:15 George Stancil

RE: Copier Expense

10:25 Gerald Leftwich

RE: NIMS Resolution

10:35 Amy Pardue

RE: Preliminary Plat Approval

Land-Use Committee Update

10:45 Randy Blankenship

RE: Building Inspections Annual Report

11:00 Health Department

RE: Annual Report

County Business

1. Social Services Budget Amendment

2. Building Inspections Vehicle-Budget Amendment

3. Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire Department Relief Fund

4. First Charter Banking Resolution

5. Planning Board Discussions

6. Other Business

7. Public Comments—30 minutes

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

9. Adjourn

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the minutes for the September 13, 2005, meeting. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

Mary Walker, Tax Administrator, presented the August 2005 real property requests in the amount of $3,140.50 for refunds and $6,300.15 for releases.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the August 2005 real property requests in the amount of $3,140.50 for refunds and $6,300.15 for releases. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

Mary Walker presented the August 2005 automobile requests in the amount of $52.94 for refunds and $321.76 for releases.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the August 2005 automobile requests in the amount of $52.94 for refunds and $321.76 for releases. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

Mary Walker presented a vehicle tax appeal for a motor home. She explained the vehicle has an assessed value of $61,563, the owners’ opinion is $50,000 and the purchase price was $47,059 which included a trade-in value of $16,047.78 for a tag-along trailer. She stated that isn’t recommending changing the assessed value due to the original price of the motor home was $63,467, which is, greater than the assessed value.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to accept the Tax Administrator’s recommendation on the motor home. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.

Mary Walker talked to the Board about the debt set-off program. She explained that this is a program that will garnish people’s state income taxes if they owe delinquent taxes. She stated that there is a $15 processing fee that must be paid by the delinquent party. She talked about the process, and she must send a letter to the delinquent account holders to notify them of the garnishment action.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins arrived at 10:10.

Mary Walker continued explaining the debt set-off program. She stated that she will be attending a meeting in Salisbury on September 28 about the program. She talked about the process of joining the debt set-off program.

Commissioner Warren Taylor and Mary Walker talked about the amount of postage needed to mail letters for the delinquent accounts. Mary Walker further talked about this program will include delinquent motor vehicles accounts.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon talked about a brochure she received about the program that states that any debt owed to a town or county over $50 is eligible for the program. She stated that she thinks the County should pursue this in order to get the back log off of the books.

Commissioner Warren Taylor and Mary Walker talked about the delinquent account holders must pay the $15 charge. Commissioner Warren Taylor stated the only thing the County will provide will be the postage and labor.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion for the Tax Administrator to pursue the debt set-off program for delinquent accounts. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Mary Walker talked about Official Payments Corporation. She stated that this will allow the Tax Office to collect payments by credit or debit cards. She talked about the number of requests that she receives for this service. She stated that Sheila Rebels will come to a County Commissioners’ meeting to explain the program in more detail and answer any questions the Board may have.

George Stancil, Extension Services Director, came before the Board to discuss a copier/printer that the Extension Service received from another department a couple of years ago. He talked about it may have been sufficient for that department but it isn’t for the Extension Service. He gave examples of the types of things that they produce with a copier. He talked about the price for the maintenance on their new copier versus the costs of the parts and maintenance for the old copier/printer. He stated that money is still owed on the copier/printer.

County Manager Don Adams explained in more detail how the Extension Service got the copier/printer from the Register of Deeds office. He further explained that the Register of Deeds didn’t need the equipment after her system was switched over. He talked about there is one more payment due on the copier/printer.

George Stancil stated that the copier/printer is a good piece of equipment if they get a backordered part in to put on the copier. He further stated that it couldn’t handle their volume.

County Manager Don Adams talked about the last payment of $4,400 is still due on the equipment.

The Board of Commissioners and County Manager talked about what to do with the piece of equipment.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the payment of $4,400. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins asked the County Manager to find a department that needs a copier/printer.

Gerald Leftwich, Emergency Management Coordinator, presented the National Incident Management System (NIMS) resolution to the Board. He explained the purpose of the resolution. He talked about conforming to the NIMS requirements and foresees no problems with the training aspect. He stated that the training can be combined, and the County should be compliant by the October 1, 2006, deadline.

County Manager Don Adams and Gerald Leftwich talked about any costs associated with the upgrades and training.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve the resolution as presented by the Emergency Management Coordinator. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Amy Pardue, Planner, presented a subdivision for preliminary plat approval. She explained that this is a 41.66 acres tract with 21 lots off of Ridgeglen Road. She further explained the proposed subdivision concerning the roads, phases, erosion control plan and driveway intersection permit.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve the preliminary plat as presented by the County Planner. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Amy Pardue gave the Board an update on the land-use committee meetings. She explained that they are having meetings twice a month with the next meeting tonight. She talked about the speakers who are coming to the meetings to share their experiences and expertise on the matter.

County Manager Don Adams mentioned that the meetings are public meetings and when they became public meetings one member resigned; John Hampton.

The Board of Commissioners, County Manager and Amy Pardue talked about an alternate member for the committee, even number of members and almost being too far into the process to appoint people to the committee.

Commissioner Ken Richardson stated that this is an advisory board and whoever appointed John Hampton should have a chance to submit someone else’s name for the committee.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins stated that he appointed John Hampton. He further stated that the committee has good overall county representation, and he is not opting to appoint any one else.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that the committee would be left as it is.

Randy Blankenship, Chief Building Inspector, came before the Board to present the annual report for the Building Inspections department. He gave the Board information regarding the number of inspections per day and per year, number of permits per year, number of complaints per year, number of customers’ visits and telephone calls daily and the average number of miles driven each year per inspector. Also, he told the Board about things that they had accomplished through the year including reorganizing all of the records, quarterly newsletters and the new permitting system.

Commissioner Ken Richardson, County Manager Don Adams and Randy Blankenship talked about the total construction costs.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon and Randy Blankenship talked about the recovery fund.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins and Randy Blankenship talked about Toni Williams being an asset to the department, and she is attending certification classes.

Randy Blankenship thanked the Board for their support of his department.

The Board of Commissioners thanked Randy Blankenship for his report.

Eva Wooten gave the Board a pamphlet concerning the annual report for the Health Department. She reviewed the pamphlet showing the concerns, achievements and statistics of the Appalachian District Health Department.

Commissioner Ken Richardson stated that he and Commissioner Taylor serve on this board. He further stated that 15% to 20% of the citizens depend upon the Health Department for their primary healthcare.

Commissioner Warren Taylor commented about the nice concise format for the report.

Eva Wooten expressed her appreciation of the Commissioners for supporting the Health Department and for their new building.

The Board of Commissioners thanked Eva Wooten for the report.

County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #8 in the amount of $46,511 for the new Social Services position that was previously approved. He explained the expenses related to this new position and this being funded 100% by the State.

Commissioner Graylen Blevins made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #8 in the amount of $46,511. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #9 in the amount of $2,940. He explained that this budget amendment is to replace the transmission in Jeff Cornett’s truck. He further explained that this pickup has 63,000 miles on it and the new transmission has a warranty.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #9 in the amount of $2,940. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams talked about the Local Fireman’s Relief Fund Trustees. He explained that the Commissioners need to appoint two trustees for the Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire Department. He stated that the two proposed trustees are Danny Brooks and Muriel Woodward with Danny Brooks replacing Don Tucker.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve the trustees for the Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire Department. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams presented a resolution from First Charter certifying who can sign banking documents on behalf of the County. He stated that normally the Finance Office staff, the Chairman and the County Manager sign these documents. He explained the internal policy about each check must be signed by two individuals with one individual being from the Finance Office and the other signature being the Chairman or the County Manager.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to approve the First Charter resolution. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to approve budget amendment General Fund #10 in the amount of $4,400 for the copier/printer payment. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

County Manager Don Adams talked to the Board about a Planning Board to review a polluting industries ordinance. He explained that the Commissioners can serve as the Planning Board. He stated that the Planning Board must be created by ordinance and hold a public hearing about the creation of the Planning Board. He explained changes in the law regarding the Planning Board submitting information to the Board of Commissioners and how the process will change after January 1. He stated that he is recommending holding a public hearing to appoint a planning board then proceed with the moratorium to take up any action then take it before the Commissioners. He talked about actions in January to hold a public hearing and have the Board of Commissioners serve as the review agency. He explained the timeline for the moratorium.

Commissioner Ken Richardson asked about Amy Pardue starting the preliminary work on the polluting industries ordinance.

Commissioner Warren Taylor talked about the Board of Commissioners serving as the planning board, meeting as a separate group and then come back to the Board of Commissioners with the information.

Commissioner Ken Richardson suggested meeting each Monday morning at 9:00am in October to discuss the ordinance.

County Manager Don Adams stated that he will schedule the public hearing on October 3.

Commissioner Ken Richardson clarified that the meetings on Monday would start after the public hearing.

The Board of Commissioners talked about appointing all five members but all five members don’t have to come to each meeting, only three, like the Board of E&R.

County Manager Don Adams stated that he will give the Commissioners copies of Ashe County and Wilkes County’s ordinances. He reiterated that the planning board will meet on Mondays at 9:00am during October starting October 10.

Commissioner Ken Richardson talked about the article in the Alleghany News concerning the school system. He stated that a joint meeting still hasn’t been set.

Commissioner Ken Richardson talked about attending the open house at the Family Resource Center and the asset it is to the County.

Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that he stopped by, also, and it was very nice.

Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon mentioned that there is a Commissioner vacancy on the Partnership for Children’s board.

Chair Eldon Edwards and Commissioner Warren Taylor talked about getting in contact with Charles Joines, Chairman of the school board, about a joint meeting.

Chair Eldon Edwards asked for public comments.

Charlie Scott talked about the land-use committee being a well-balanced committee. He further talked about the need to express this to the citizens.

County Manager Don Adams talked about possibly creating a marketing plan but it is hard to talk to the citizens when the committee is still working on the direction they are taking with the plan.

Commissioner Warren Taylor stated that they are meeting regularly and making progress, and that is all the Commissioners can ask of them.

County Manager Don Adams reviewed the progress of the committee.

Chair Eldon Edwards and County Manager Don Adams talked about certain agriculture exemptions defined by the law.

Commissioner Warren Taylor talked about being proactive when using the change of use concept.

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

Chair Eldon Edwards declared a brief recess at 11:42am.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to enter into closed session at 11:45am under NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3)—legal. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Commissioner Ken Richardson made a motion to adjourn closed session at 12:24pm and reconvene the regular meeting. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

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

Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to allow Nedra Barker to repay her back taxes over a five-year period without any penalties or interest since this error is due to a revaluation error. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion.

Chair Eldon Edwards stated that the amount owed is $552.

The Board voted on the motion on the floor. Vote 4:1 (Graylen Blevins).

Being no further business, Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:26pm. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Karen Evans

Clerk to the Board

Attest:

Eldon Edwards

Chairman

ALLEGHANY COUNTY

NORTH CAROLINA

RESOLUTION

DESIGNATION OF THE NATIONAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (NIMS)

AS THE BASIS FOR ALL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT IN ALLEGHANY COUNTY

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, and Local 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 of all Federal, State and Local Homeland Security partners has been, and will continue to be, vital to the development and effective implementation and utilization of a comprehensive NIMS;

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

WHEREAS, the NIMS standardized procedures for managing personnel, communications, facilities, and resources will improve the County’s ability to utilize funding to enhance local readiness, maintain first responder safety, and streamline incident management processes,

WHEREAS, the Incident Command System components are already an integral part of various incident management activities throughout the county, including the Alleghany County Emergency Operations Plan,

WHEREAS, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks (9-11 Commission) recommends adoption of a standard Incident Command System;

NOW, THEREFORE, let it be resolved that the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners does hereby establish the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as the County standard for incident management, and that all emergency agencies under County control, by being County Agencies, under contract with Alleghany County, or by a signatory to a Mutual Aid Agreement with Alleghany County, will function under the standards of the National Incident Management System.

Adopted this the 19^th day of September, 2005.