The Alleghany County Board of
Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 6, 2004, at 6:30pm in the Conference Room of the County Office Building, 90
South Main Street,
Sparta, North Carolina.
Present: Chair Eldon Edwards, Vice-Chairman Warren
Taylor, Commissioner Graylen Blevins, Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon, Commissioner Ken Richardson, County Manager Don Adams, and Clerk to the Board Karen Evans. County Attorney Ed Woltz was absent.
County Manager Don Adams called the meeting to order.
Commissioner
Ken Richardson opened the meeting with a prayer.
County Manager Don Adams explained the organizational meeting procedures.
Commissioner
Eldon Edwards made a motion to approve the agenda for this December 6,
2004, meeting. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the
motion. Vote 5:0.
AGENDA
Monday, December 6,
2004
6:30 PM
6:30 Meeting
Called To Order
Motion on Agenda for
December 6, 2004 meeting
Motion
on Minutes for November 15 and 29, 2004 meetings
6:35 Election
of Chair & Vice-Chair
Meeting Schedule &
Procedures
County Attorney
Register of Deeds Bond
Board Appointments
7:00 Public
Hearing
RE: NAPCO, Incorporated
7:30 Bryan
Edwards
RE: Blue Ridge Business Development Center
County Business
1.
Joint Meeting
Schedule for 2005
2.
Legislative
Goals Conference
3.
Hill Climb
Resolution
4.
Register of
Deeds Budget Amendments
5.
COA Budget
Amendment/Senior Tar Heel Legislature
6.
Recreation
Budget Amendments
7.
Videotaping
Budget Amendment
8.
Garbage
Franchise Ordinances
9.
Other Business
10.
Public
Comments—30 minutes
11.
Closed
Session—NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (4)—economic development
NCGS
143-318.11 (a) (3)—legal
NCGS
143-318.11 (a) (6)—personnel
12.
Adjourn
Commissioner
Warren Taylor made a motion to approve the minutes for the November 15 and 29,
2004, meetings. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.
County Manager Don Adams asked for a nomination appointing a chairman for
the upcoming year.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor stated that he would like to nominate Eldon Edwards for Chairman. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 4:0.
(Eldon Edwards did not vote)
Chair
Eldon Edwards voiced his appreciation to the Board for their confidence in him
to be Chairman for another year.
Chair
Eldon Edwards made a motion to nominate Warren Taylor as Vice-Chairman for the
upcoming year. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.
Chair
Eldon Edwards reviewed minor clarification changes to the rules and procedures
of the Board.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon asked for clarification about Rule 21 on excused
absence versus unexcused absence and how the vote counts for each absence.
Chair
Eldon Edwards explained that an excused absence is when the Commissioner calls
the County Manager’s office or himself to let it be known that the Commissioner
will be absent from the meeting. He
further explained that an unexcused absence is when the Commissioner fails to
attend a meeting without notifying the County Manager’s office or himself.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon reiterated that an excused absence vote shall not
be recorded but an unexcused absence vote shall be recorded as voting in the
affirmative on any matters that are voted on during the meeting.
Commissioner
Ken Richardson and Commissioner Sandy
Carter Herndon
discussed the Board voting to excuse a member from voting on matters involving
their own financial interest or official conduct.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon talked about the rule concerning the adoption,
amendment or repeal of ordinances and if a Board member is absent on the day of
vote and an unexcused vote counting in the affirmative.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor and Commissioner Ken Richardson talked about a Board member not
voting when present and the Board deciding how the vote is counted.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the rules and procedures
as presented. Commissioner Warren Taylor
seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.
Chair
Eldon Edwards talked about how Ed
Woltz is doing a
good job for the County as County Attorney.
Commissioner
Ken Richardson talked about how citizens have asked that the Commissioners
check to see if anyone in Alleghany County is interested in being the County Attorney.
Commissioner
Graylen Blevins and Commissioner Sandy
Carter Herndon stated
their support for checking to see if anyone in Alleghany County is interested in being County Attorney.
County Manager Don Adams talked about checking with local attorneys and
bring the discussion back to the next meeting.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor talked about attorneys who are not familiar with local government
law and having to spend extra time researching matters.
The
Board of Commissioners and County Manager Don Adams talked about polling
attorneys to see if there is any interest for County Attorney.
County Manager Don Adams talked about a list of all of the bonded positions
including the Register of Deeds at $25,000.
He explained the reason to review the Register of Deeds bond is due to
her recent election win.
Commissioner
Graylen Blevins made a motion to approve the Register of Deeds bond. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.
Commissioner
Ken Richardson mentioned that he serves on the State Mental Health Board and
would like to fill the vacancy on the New River Behavioral Health Board and the
Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.
The
Board of Commissioners talked about the other vacant slots on various boards.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon stated that she would volunteer for the Alleghany
County Library Board appointment.
Commissioner
Ken Richardson clarified that he would like to serve on the Criminal Justice
Partnership Program Board instead of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.
Commissioner
Graylen Blevins volunteered for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor volunteered for the Job Link/ESC Board.
Commissioner
Ken Richardson made a motion to approve Sandy Carter Herndon to serve on the Alleghany County Library Board, Graylen
Blevins to serve on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, Warren Taylor to
serve on the Job Link/ESC Board and himself to serve on the New River
Behavioral Health Board and Criminal Justice Partnership Program. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the
motion. Vote 5:0.
Chair
Eldon Edwards talked about the public hearing is regarding the expansion of
NAPCO, Incorporated.
County Manager Don Adams gave a brief overview of NAPCO, Incorporated
moving into the Springford Building. He explained the
County has applied for a $250,000 grant through the Rural Center to help with renovations of the building with a $12,000 match required from the County. He reviewed the Incentive Agreement of
$31,500 paid over a period of five years with the initial payment of the $12,000
cash match for the grant. He further
explained that NAPCO is planning to hire 25 people and create $1,500,000 in
additional investment. He explained that
all of the elements have not been worked out.
He further explained that the State is to make their decision on December 9,
2004 regarding the grant. He stated that he is asking for permission to
sign off on the incentive agreement. He
further stated that he will come back later, after the State makes their decision,
to further review the deal.
Chair
Eldon Edwards recessed the regular meeting at 7:00pm and opened the public hearing in regards to the NAPCO, Incorporated
expansion project.
Rocky
Proffitt with NAPCO talked about how much the County Manager has greatly assisted him in working on the application,
business plan and other aspects of this project. He said thank you for Don Adams and the Board
of Commissioners in working together on this project. He stated that he has the financing together
for the purchase of the building and new equipment.
Chair
Eldon Edwards asked for further public comments. None were received.
Chair
Eldon Edwards closed the public hearing at 7:04pm and reconvened the regular meeting.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the Incentive Agreement
with NAPCO, Incorporated. Commissioner
Warren Taylor seconded the motion. Vote
5:0.
County Manager Don Adams presented the 2005 Joint Meeting Schedule with
the Town Council.
The
Board of Commissioners agreed to this schedule unless other issues arise that
need additional meetings.
County Manager Don Adams discussed the upcoming Legislative Goals
Conference in January. He stated that we
should be receiving the goals soon from the Association. He further stated that the Board needs to
select a voting delegate for this conference.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor made a motion to approve Commissioner Ken Richardson as the
voting delegate for the Legislative Goals Conference. Commissioner Graylen Blevins seconded the
motion. Vote 5:0.
Commissioner
Ken Richardson and County Manager Don Adams talked about goals coming back
before the Board soon.
County Manager Don Adams presented a resolution asking the Department of
Transportation to temporary close Doughton Mountain Road on May 14 and 15, 2005 for the Hill Climb event.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve the resolution as
presented. Commissioner Graylen Blevins
seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.
County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #14 in
the amount of $6,963 and Register of Deeds Enhancement Fund #1 in the amount of
$6,963. He reviewed the reasons for
these budget amendments being the auditors haven’t separated these funds
appropriately during past audits.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor made a motion to approve budget amendments General Fund #14 and Register
of Deeds Enhancement Fund #1. Commissioner
Graylen Blevins seconded the motion. Vote
5:0.
County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #15 in
the amount of $160 for Council on Aging.
He explained that the money is needed to be used as matching funds for
additional funding that Council on Aging has received for In-Home Aide
services. He presented a nomination form
for Cliff Phillips to be reappointed as the County’s Senior Tar Heel
Legislature.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve budget amendment General
Fund #15 in the amount of $160 and reappoint Cliff Phillips as our Senior Tar
Heel Legislature. Commissioner Warren
Taylor seconded the motion.
The
Board of Commissioners talked about recently appointing Pat Polley as the
alternate Senior Tar Heel Legislature.
The
Board voted on the motion on the floor. Vote 5:0.
County
Manager Don Adams presented budget amendments General Fund General Fund #16 in
the amount $5,714 for the Youth Soccer program and General Fund #17 in the
amount of $286 for the Youth Baseball program.
He explained the reasons for the budget amendments.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor made a motion to approve budget amendments General Fund #16 in
the amount of $5,714 and #17 in the amount of $286. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.
County Manager Don Adams presented budget amendment General Fund #18 in
the amount of $660 for personnel to videotape the Commissioners meetings. He reminded everyone that the Cyber Campus
will provide everything else needed for the taping.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to approve budget amendment General
Fund #18 in the amount of $660 for the videotaping. Commissioner Warren Taylor seconded the
motion. Vote 5:0.
County Manager Don Adams discussed two garbage franchise ordinances;
Alleghany Garbage Service and M&J’s Disposal. He explained that these ordinances offer two
different types of services; small household collection and construction debris
collection. He reviewed the changes from
the County Attorney; fees changes must go before the Board because of granting
an exclusive ordinance the Board of Commissioners must be aware of price
changes, unincorporated area of Alleghany County is the territory for the ordinances, proposed 10-year
franchise.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor asked to clarify if a contractor wishes to dispose of debris by
the Dumpster method, M&J will provide the Dumpster or if the contractor
wishes to dispose of the debris themselves, they can. He stated that the franchise only gives the
service of providing Dumpsters if a contractor wishes to use a Dumpster service.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon read a portion of the ordinance stating that
“nothing herein shall require any citizen, resident, business or commercial
entity to use the services provided by the franchise holder”.
County Manager Don Adams talked about the policy of the Board when considering
ordinances is to require a public hearing plus franchise ordinances must be
voted on twice before final adoption.
The
Board of Commissioners and County Manager Don Adams discussed holding a public
hearing on these matters.
County Manager Don Adams asked if the Board would like to continue the
policy of having all public hearing at night meetings rather than day meetings.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon stated that night public hearings give more
opportunity for the public to attend the public hearings.
County Manager Don Adams stated that he will schedule the public hearing on
the ordinances for the first meeting in January.
County Manager Don Adams asked about scheduling public hearings on a case-by-case
basis when something comes up at the last minute that cannot wait until the
next night meeting.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon stated that she thinks it is fine to determine the best
avenue for the public hearing.
Commissioner
Graylen Blevins stated that public hearings that have a public interest should
be scheduled at the night meeting.
County Manager Don Adams stated that he will try to schedule the public hearings
at the night meeting if at all possible.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor stated that he thinks it is fine for Don Adams and Chair Eldon
Edwards to set the public hearing schedule for items that come up at the last
minute.
Commissioner
Ken Richardson talked about the honor and challenges to serve on this Board
again. He further talked about a list of
concerns that citizens have talked to him about; need for better communication
on the actions of the Commissioners, new Board didn’t bring jobs into the
County, meet quarterly with the School Board at different schools, voting
machines needing a paper trail, need additional money for the schools, concerns
about the hospital situation, have agencies come to the Board to give a status
report and the need to recruit another dentist to the County.
Bryan
Edwards came before the Board on behalf of the Blue Ridge Business Development Center as Chairman. He
talked about an opportunity through e-NC for $50,000 with a $30,000 cash match
from County and a $20,000 in-kind match to qualify for the grant. He presented a list of activities that the Business Development Center has been involved in.
He talked about how the $50,000 will be made available now and the
County’s $30,000 can be included in the next budget year.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor asked about the plans for spending these funds.
Bryan
Edwards stated that the $50,000 is for operating expenses and the $30,000 will
go towards making the unfinished space useable for new clients.
County
Manager Don Adams talked about this money is for renovating the unfinished
space. He reviewed the current agreement
that the County has with the Business Development Center for the unfinished space.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon stated that the lease payments would come back to
County for out of pocket expenses for renovating the unfinished space.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor, County Manager Don Adams and Patrick Woodie talked about finding a new client before renovating any
spaces.
Chair
Eldon Edwards asked about the $30,000 that will be set aside with money coming
back to the County.
Bryan
Edwards stated that the $30,000 is a required match.
Patrick Woodie talked about the three-year grant cycle where Alleghany County didn’t get the third year as promised. He explained reasons for the additional
funding opportunities. He further
explained that the in-kind match is the usage of the building for free.
Chair
Eldon Edwards and Patrick
Woodie talked about
how the $30,000 will go towards renovating the unfinished space.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor, Commissioner Graylen Blevins and Patrick Woodie talked about the $30,000 staying in the County account
until the money is needed to renovate the unfinished space.
Bryan
Edwards stated that e-NC’s meeting is later this week and the need to let them
know if Alleghany County is interested in this grant cycle.
Patrick Woodie stated they would need a letter from Don Adams stating the
County supports this idea.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor made a motion to endorse this request and consider it in next
year’s budget. Commissioner Graylen
Blevins seconded the motion.
Bryan
Edwards stated that the money would have to be appropriated next year.
The
Board of Commissioners voted on the motion on the floor. Vote 5:0.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon talked about attending a cultural tourism workshop
in Boone with people from the Blue Ridge Natural Heritage area.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor stated that he was glad that Commissioner Ken Richardson mentioned
the quarterly meetings with School Board.
He asked the County Manager to schedule these meetings with Duane Davis and report back
to the Commissioners.
Commissioner
Ken Richardson stated that the citizens in each community would appreciate it
if the meetings are held at each school.
County Manager Don Adams stated that he will bring this back to next
meeting.
Chair
Eldon Edwards asked for public comments.
Jane
Phipps Boger invited the Board to Wilkes Community College for Business After Hours on December 17 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.
Commissioner
Sandy Carter Herndon made a motion to enter into closed session under
NCGS 143-318.11 (a) (3)—legal, (a) (4)—economic development and (a)
(6)—personnel at 7:56pm. Commissioner Warren
Taylor seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.
Commissioner
Warren Taylor made a motion to adjourn the closed session and reconvene the
regular meeting at 8:41pm. Commissioner Sandy Carter Herndon seconded the motion. Vote 5:0.
Chair
Eldon Edwards stated that no action was taken during closed session.
Being
no further business, Commissioner Warren Taylor made a motion to adjourn the
meeting at 8:42pm. Commissioner
Graylen Blevins seconded the motion.
Vote 5:0.
Respectfully
submitted,
Karen Evans
Clerk to the Board
Attest:
Eldon Edwards
Chairman
North Carolina
Alleghany County
RESOLUTION
Blue Ridge Sports Car Hill Climb
WHEREAS,
the Central Carolina Region of the Sports Car Club of America, Inc. (SCCA), has
expressed a desire to hold a Hill Climb event in the Laurel Springs Community
during May 14 & 15, 2005; and
WHEREAS,
the Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce supports this event known as The Blue
Ridge Hill Climb – Doughton Mountain Road; and
WHEREAS,
the publicity afforded the sponsoring community will serve as a valuable
economic development tool; and
WHEREAS,
the event will have positive economic impact on the sponsoring community;
NOW,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners
welcomes the Blue Ridge Hill Climb and supports the SCCA request of the North
Carolina Department of Transportation for the temporary closure of Doughton Mountain Road during the period of the
event.
Adopted this the 6th day of December, 2004.