February 10, 2016 ASSEMBLY

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1 February 10, 2016 The Martin County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room, Martin County Governmental Center at 305 East Main Street, Williamston, North Carolina. ASSEMBLY Chairman Ronnie Smith, Vice Chairman Elmo Butch Lilley, Commissioner Tommy Bowen, Commissioner Dempsey Bond, Jr., Commissioner Joe R. Ayers, County Manager David Bone, County Attorney J. Melvin Bowen, Clerk to the Board Marion B. Thompson, and Finance Officer/Deputy Clerk Cindy Ange. Chairman Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Ayers led the pledge of allegiance. Commissioner Bowen offered the invocation. Chairman Smith began by welcoming the presenters, the citizens and others to the meeting. The following elected officials were acknowledged: Town of Parmele Mayor Jerry McCrary, Town of Williamston Mayor Joyce Whichard-Brown, Sheriff Dan Gibbs, Honorable Judge Regina Parker, and Town of Parmele Commissioner Glenda Bond. AGENDA APPROVAL Commissioner Bowen made the MOTION to approve the agenda, with a SECOND by Vice Chairman Lilley. The motion was unanimously APPROVED. PUBLIC COMMENTS Water Issues Ms. Connie Phelps, 5735 Fire Department Rd, Williamston, NC, stated she received a water bill for two months with a late fee. Ms. Phelps said she never received a water bill for one of those months. Ms. Phelps stated the water department refused to waive the late fee. Ms. Phelps suggested the Board do more to retain current customers, as well as seek new customers, and asked for consideration regarding the late fee. Chairman Smith assured Ms. Phelps the matter would receive further consideration. Mr. Wilson Fairall, 1399 Poplar Point Rd, Williamston, NC expressed concerns regarding the delay in the start-up date of the Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority Water Treatment Plant, the potential cause of discoloration of the water during the reverse flow of water in the pipelines, reduction in water rates for commercial customers, and an across the board water rate for all residential customers. Solar Farms Mr. Raymond Daniels, 1220 Elwood Holliday Rd, Jamesville, NC, thanked the Board for its service to the community. Mr. Daniels was concerned about a solar farm being built in the

2 vicinity of his property. Mr. Daniels suggested the solar farm would hinder the sale of lots in the area because no restrictions are being imposed. Mr. John Swinson, 1191 Elwood Holliday Rd. Jamesville, NC, asked that the Board to consider adopting a solar farm ordinance similar to the amended solar farm ordinance adopted by Washington County containing the following key elements: 1. Setback from existing residential properties must be 300 feet; and 2. A fence is required to surround the field at the setback line (300 feet from commercial boundaries); and 3. The owner must create and maintain a vegetative buffer outside the fence, in the setback area. Ms. Geri Bickers, 8629 Sunflower Meadows Ln. Wake Forest, NC, daughter of Mr. John Swinson, asked the Board to think about what if this happened to them or their parents. Ms. Bickers was concerned about the depreciation in property as well, with the solar farm being built so close to the adjourning properties. CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Bond made the MOTION to approve the Consent Agenda as listed below, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bowen. The motion was unanimously APPROVED. 1. Minutes for January 13, 2016, Regular & Closed Sessions. 2. Financial Report for December 2015 included for informational purposes. 3. Tax Refund Requests a. Parcel # Mr. Linwood and Mrs. Rebecca Boyd requested a refund for year 2015 for an overcharge for a trash can fee. The refund amount would be $172.00, due from the county for year 2015 only. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd requested the refund be mailed to them since their taxes have been paid in full. b. Parcel # Mr. Franklin and Mrs. Angela Paige requested a refund for an over valuation on a 2015 enclosed utility trailer. The trailer was originally valued at $29,000 but Mrs. Paige proved that the trailer only cost $2,610 new. The refund amount will be $203.59, due from the county for year 2015 only. Mr. and Mrs. Paige requested the refund be mailed to them since their taxes have been paid in full. c. Property ID #91003 Mr. William and Mrs. Crissie Hardison requested a refund for a double charge for a Sea Doo Jet Ski for 2015 tax year. The Jet Ski was originally charged on the property tax

3 bill with a valuation of $6,408 for There was discovery done, and it was included in the 2015 year a second time. The refund would be $49.66 due from the county for year 2015 only. Mr. and Mrs. Hardison requested the refund be mailed to them since their taxes have been made in full. d. Property ID # Mr. Jimmie and Ms. Jennifer Council requested a refund for a x80 mobile home that was also listed, charged and paid for by Mr. Jonathan K. Peaks on account # Mr. Peaks legally owned the mobile home for the 2015 taxation year. The refund amount would be $69.03 due from the county for year 2015 only. Mr. and Ms. Council requested the refund be mailed to them since their taxes have been paid in full. 4. Tax Relief Orders Real & Personal for January 2016 in the amount of $ Year Levy Lname Fname Reason Value Total 2015 Brown James William Jr Etals Error in Listing Perry Melanie Error in Landfill Fee Total Tax Collector s Report January 2016 January January Y-T-D Real (20) $810, $7,798, Personal (25) 192, ,048, Total $1,002, $11,846, MV (30) , Total MV $ $6, All Total $1,002, $11,852, Tax Collector s Request to Advertise Unpaid Taxes Martin County Tax Collector Christie Blevins reported the total of unpaid taxes that are liens on real property as of February 1, 2016 to be $1,995, Tax Collector Blevins requested and received the approval of the Board of Commissioners to advertise said unpaid taxes for in the Enterprise and Weekly Herald newspaper on April 7, 2016 or as soon as is possible thereafter, according to NC G. S of the Machinery Act of North Carolina. 7. Council on Aging Appointments/ Reappointment The Council of Aging recommended the appointment of Ms. Lula Council to replace Ms. Gloria Jones and Ms. Carolyn Harrell to replace Ms. Barbara Rogerson (deceased). Each has served two

4 consecutive terms. The terms for both, Ms. Jones and Ms. Rogerson, will expire February 10, Additionally, the Council of Aging recommended the reappointment of Mr. Steve Minor. Council of Aging bylaws state members can serve only two (2) consecutive terms. All of these appointments would be for three (3) year terms and would expire February 10, Clerk Report is included for informational purposes INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE (S) Martin County Sheriff Dan Gibbs introduced four newly hired full-time Deputy Sheriffs, Ashley Holliday, Joshua Holliday, Andrew Conger and Seymour Whitaker. Each Commissioner welcomed the Deputies to the Martin County workforce family, while encouraging them to keep the citizens and themselves safe. PRESENTATION (S) Parkdale Mills Inc. (formerly Williamston Yarn Mills) Parkdale Mills, Inc. produces and markets spun yarns in the United States and internationally. Reportedly, it is the world s leading manufacturer of spun yarns. Parkdale Mills offers knitting, weaving, military, hosiery, and home furnishing yarns. The company was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Gastonia, North Carolina. Parkdale Mills, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Parkdale Incorporated. Chairman Smith was present when Plant Manager Quentin Bivens, of Parkdale Mills Inc. (formerly Williamston Yarn Mills), recently made some comments during a budget public hearing at a meeting of the Williamston Town Commissioners concerning the impact of current water prices on the mill. Parkdale Mills is a water utility customer of the Town of Williamston. Mr. Bivens was invited to provide some comments to the Martin County Board of Commissioners concerning the economic impact of Parkdale Mills in our community, as well as the effects the recent water rate increase is having on the industry. Plant Manager Bivens stated Parkdale Mills currently employs 145 employees. Plant Manager Bivens commented staff and he had been given the task of streamlining cost at the plant. Great strides had been made. However, the water rate increases effective July 1, 2015, which doubled, eliminated any cost reduction conversion. Plant Manager Bivens stated Parkdale Mills has an energy consultant available willing to assist, if needed. Parkdale Mills averages using 2.5 million gallons of water per month and are being billed at an out of town water and sewer rate. Plant Manager Bivens humbly but frankly stated the Williamston product could be run at other facilities. A revision of the water rate would help substantially in convincing corporate office of the viability of the Williamston operation. Vice Chairman Lilley suggested addressing commercial rates. The goal is to work with industry to retain current employers and to make economic development attractive to potential businesses.

5 Martin County Tobacco Use/Food Choice Survey A voluntary survey was distributed at the Martin County Governmental Office building and Martin Memorial Library in July 2015 to collect data on tobacco use and food purchase choices. The survey was conducted by Public Health facility and students at East Carolina University in conjunction with the Northeastern North Carolina Partnership for Public Health. Albemarle Regional Health Services staff, Ms. Lisa Phillip, Tobacco Free Living Coordinator, Mr. Jed Hinkley, Healthy Food Coordinator, and Dr. Nancy Winterbauer, of East Carolina University, and Ms. Jill Jordan, Supervisor were in attendance for the presentation of the survey results. Coordinator Phillips stated the ninety-five survey participants were: 39% male Mean age: % had a bachelor s degree or higher 24% shopped at a farmer s market 2 or more times per week (in the summer Months) 11% smoke less than daily, 12% smoke daily Tobacco Use Coordinator Phillips stated participants were asked to respond to such questions about tobacco use as: What would help you quit smoking? How often are you exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS)? Where are you exposed to SHS? How much does it bother you when exposed to SHS? Over 80% of survey respondents supported smoke free places in Martin County, such as county buildings, within 25 feet of county buildings, public buildings, community colleges, schools, hospitals, restaurants & bars, recreational areas. (Hospitals, restaurants and/or bars already have tobacco and/or smoke free policies) Over 70% supported being smoke-free in county vehicles, county grounds and parks. Food Purchases Regarding use of farmer s market for food purchases, Coordinator Hinkley commented participants were asked to respond to questions such as: In the summer months, how often do you usually buy fruits or vegetables locally grown such as from a farmer s market, CSA (community supported agriculture), roadside stand, or pick-your-own produce farm? What are the main reasons that keep you from shopping at farmer s markets more often?

6 Some of the responses about food purchase at the farmer s markets were prices too high, no SNAP/EBT access, no transportation, no credit/debit accepted, etc. Mr. Hinkley reported studies reveal that prices are very compatible at farmer s markets to other location. Training is available to provide information on how to register to become SNAP/EBT authorized as well. Even though Martin County is rated as one of the lowest smoking areas in the State, it rates high in the obesity rate. Survey results will be used for training in the schools and other places to encourage Martin County citizens to become more aware of the benefits of a smoke free and health food choice society. New Community Action Agency Designee CADA Chairman Smith stated Choanoke Area Development Association (CADA) had received designation as the Community Action Agency for Martin County. Previously, Martin Community Action was the Community Action Agency for Martin, Pitt and Beaufort Counties. Pitt and Beaufort Counties will now be served by Greene Lamp, out of Kinston. Additionally, CADA (which has traditionally served Halifax, Northampton, Hertford and Bertie Counties) was awarded the NC Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in Martin and Edgecombe Counties in CADA Executive Director Sallie Surface, along with CADA Deputy Director Melvin Power, CADA Manager of Community Services Chris Moody and CADA Board Member Alfred Reddick (Halifax County), attended the meeting to provide the update to the Board. CADA also submitted FY Amendment #2 CSBG Program for remaining funds for Martin County or $70,953, and FY CSBG Application for funding all counties served. The amount for Martin County for fiscal year would be less than fiscal year or $66,329. Board of Commissioners approval was not required. With the remaining funds, a staff person for the CSBG program would be located at the NC Works Career Center. Included with the CSBG application was a work plan, as well as strategies for Martin County. A required public hearing regarding the funding was scheduled for February 16, 2016 at the Martin Memorial Library from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. The date of the CSBG transfer has not been confirmed, but CADA has been informed this designation will begin no later than July 1, 2016 for the program year. Martin County Board Members need to be in place on the CADA Board at the time of transfer. Six representatives from Martin County may be on the CADA Board - two county appointments, two community organization representatives and two elected to represent low-income residents. CADA has also applied to be the administrator of Head Start in Martin County. The announcement of that decision has not yet been made but is imminent. If CADA were to become the Head Start administrator in Martin County, Director Surface stated CADA would provide an early Head Start from pregnancy to 3 year old, in addition to the traditional forum.

7 Commissioner Bond asked if a grant match was required for the funding. Director Surface stated a grant match was not required. However, CADA would be requesting funding support from the Martin County Board of Commissioners. Robersonville Location Boys & Girls Club of the Coastal Plain Grand Opening Update Chairman Smith stated the Boys & Girls Club opened for business at the East End Elementary School in Robersonville on Tuesday, January 19, A ribbon-cutting for the grand opening took place on February 9, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. Vice President of Operations Donyell DJ Jones described the grand opening as being emotional and successful, a dream come true that had been in the making for 1 ½ years. VP Jones was accompanied by the following individuals. The Boys & Girls Club President/ CEO Jamie Cooper, members Chairman Roy Lilley, Honorable Judge Regina Parker, Dr. Norris Parker, and Mr. Willie Brown. The Robersonville location has 110 members enrolled. On average, eighty (80) youth participate each day. The unit is opened from 2:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, year round. Monies donated to each Boys & Girls Club stays with that location, i.e. Robersonville monies will be invested in the Robersonville location only. Boys & Girls Clubs offer young people 6 to 18 years of age a safe fun-filled environment that encourages development of the individual through positive role models and staff, and provide constructive activities to channel their youthful energy. Clubs are equipped with computers, and members receive instruction and guidance to encourage computer literacy. VP Jones restated the Boys & Girls Club s Formula For Impact includes the following priority outcomes: Academic success Healthy lifestyles Good character and citizenship VP Jones recalled that the Boys & Girls Club of the Coastal Plain, along with support from the community, still hopes to have a Boys & Girls Club in the coming months at E. J. Hayes Elementary in Martin County. With that said, VP Jones asked the Martin County Board of Commissioner to invest $60,000 in the kids of Martin County. Commissioner Bond made the MOTION to approve contributing $50,000 of the additional monies received by Martin County from the Alcoholic Beverage Commission to the Boys & Girls Club, with a SECOND by Chairman Smith. After a lengthy discussion, by a show of hands, Commissioners Smith and Bond voted to APPROVE a $50,000 contribution to the Boys & Girls Club, and Commissioners Lilley, Bowen and Ayers voted NOT To APPROVE the contribution at this time. The motion FAILED 2 to 3.

8 February NCACC Video Update The NC Association of County Commissioners produces a monthly NCACC update video for county boards of commissioners. The NCACC video was shown at the February board meeting. Those wishes to view the February NCACC video may do so at the following link: OLD BUSINESS Progress Report on Water Districts Research At the October 14, 2015 meeting, the Board of Commissioners directed staff to collect data for current Martin County Water Districts #1 & #2, Town of Williamston (city limits and ETJ) customers, as well as data for potential water customers in all systems, and to start talks with the Town of Williamston on consolidating systems under the MCRWASA at $.01 per gallon. During the second update (1 st update January 13, 2016) in response to the Board of County Commissioners latest request, Technology Consultant Danny Griffin stated this project has gone as far as it could go from a computer analysis standpoint. The final detailed reports have been produced and delivered to the Water Department for validation and possible field verification. As data corrections are made, the reports can be run again to produce more reliable numbers. Technology Consultant Griffin added a few mismatched addresses do not significantly skew the results. The area of most concerned are those cases that may have 50 addresses assigned to something such as an apartment complex, and have no service matches, thus the computer will estimate 50 potential customers. In actuality, there may be a single meter servicing the entire complex, and this will result in no potential customers. Only by way of human verification can these discrepancies be resolved. The unverified results are published below. An adjustment factor has been applied to account for the typical discrepancies that were found, but Technology Consultant Griffin stated it will not account for any major discrepancy as noted above. Table 1 Summary of Utility Billing Accounts by Status Verified Data as of 1/7/2016(Williamston), 1/31/2016(County) Active Inactive* Final Bill* Pending Total County Town Total * The classification systems for Inactive vs. Final Bill are not the same for the county and town. Each will have to explain how they are utilized.

9 Table 2 Computer Analysis of Actual and Potential Customers by Area **** PENDING FIELD VERIFICATION **** **** USE WITH CAUTION **** Addresses Served Potential* Invalid Address No use (1) WD WD County EJ EJ EJA TW Town Overall * Potential has been adjusted for errors, but due to the errors in the data and the nature of the analysis, the numbers may still be inflated. (1) Includes vacant lots, farm tracts, misc. buildings, cell towers, etc. that are not believed to have a requirement for water (2) Data in Table 2 may appear to conflict with Data in Table 1 because of the following: * When the address is invalid, the computer is unable to classify the account by status or by district * "Served" are those accounts with a status of "A" (active water service) * "Potential" are addresses where a service address matched but is shown as inactive, or where there was not a match and the location appears to be improved * There are still unresolved duplicates in the data County Manager Bone sought the Board s direction on moving forward with the water issues. Chairman Smith stated he was satisfied with the level of information presented. Chairman Smith suggested the next step would be to sell water. The goal would be to retain the current customers, while gaining new customers. Chairman Smith suggested coming up with an incentive for new customers where the tap fee into the water system would be affordable. Commissioner Bond stated the water rate should not be $40/1,000 gallon for Martin County Water District 1 & 2. Commissioner Bond also commented the Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority Water Treatment Plant start-up date had been delayed until March. Then,

10 Commissioner Bond suggested the price per gallon of water should be $.01, as already voted on by the Board of Commissioners. The County Board of Commissioners September 24, 2015 minutes show the following was approved unanimously by the Board. County Commissioner Vice Chairman Lilley made the MOTION to review reducing the water rate to $.01 per gallon, for a minimum base rate of $10/1,000 gallons, should the list of potential customers along with information provided by the Finance Officer and County Manager on the financial analysis of the estimated cost to cover debt and operations for Water Districts 1 & 2 reveal there would be potentially an adequate customers base to cover the debt service and cost to operate. Commissioner Bowen SECONDED the motion. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Commissioner Bond made a MOTION to enact the $.01/gallon, $10.00 flat rate 1 st gallon, effective March 1, 2016 for Martin County Water District 1 & 2, with a SECOND by Chairman Smith. Board members requested the data needed to make an informative decision before taking a vote. The amount of revenue from water sales from July 1, 2015 to the present was requested as well. After the discussion, Commissioner Bond opted to withdraw his motion and Chairman Smith withdrew his second because of the request for information. Budget Amendment #23, #24, #25 regarding the reduction of water rates from $53/gallon flat rate to $40/gallon flat rate were tabled until March s meeting. NEW BUSINESS Review Washington County Solar Farms Ordinance County Manager Bone explained that late in 2015, Commissioner Bowen had been approach by Mr. John Swinson, a local citizen from the Dardens Community, who expressed concern about a solar farm being constructed near his property. At the December 16, 2015 Board of Commissioners meeting during Public Comments, Mr. John Swinson gave the Board a Roanoke Beacon newspaper article dated December 9, 2015 regarding the Washington County Commissioners approving an amendment to its solar farm ordinance to include the following requirements: 1. Setback from existing residential properties must be 300 feet; and 2. A fence is required to surround the field at the setback line (300 feet from commercial boundaries); and 3. The owner must create and maintain a vegetative buffer outside the fence, in the setback area. As he did earlier during public comments, Mr. Swinson advocated for the Martin County Board of Commissioners to adopt a similar ordinance to Washington County, at that time. In an effort

11 to address Mr. Swinson concerns, Commissioner Bowen asked to have a discussion about the Washington County Solar Farm Ordinance on the February 10, In regards to the regulation of solar farms by counties, NC General Statute 153A-121 gives counties the rights to the exercise of general police power, and NC General Statute 153A Article 18 ( 153A-320 through 153A-390) gives counties the ability to regulate land use and zoning. Martin County does not have a land use / zoning ordinance. The application for the solar farm in question has already been submitted and would not be affected by an ordinance adopted by Martin County to govern solar farms, due to vested rights. Only applications for future solar farm projects would be affected by an ordinance established at his point. Martin County Safety/Code Enforcer Jody Griffin attended the meeting to answer questions and make comments. The Board discussed the Washington County amendments to the solar ordinance and received comments from Mr. Swinson and others, who encouraged the Board to adopt a solar farm ordinance to govern future intrusion by solar farm companies. Enforcer Griffin suggested the negotiations be left between the landowner and the solar farm company. Having reservations regarding some aspects of the ordinance, the Board instructed staff to gather information on solar farm ordinances from other counties, such as Forsyth and Johnson, for review at the March 9th meeting. Annual Adoption of the Remaining Sections of the Transit System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) Manual Deputy Transit Director Frank Halsey stated the North Carolina Department of Transportation refers to the network of coordinated public transportation programs as the Community Transportation Program (CTP). These entities, including Martin County Transit, provide public transportation to the general public and to clients of human services agencies. To be eligible to receive Section 5311 funds, community transportation providers must fulfill several minimum CTP requirements, one being the annual adoption of the revised SSPP Manual available from the North Carolina Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division. Martin County Transit is required to keep such current policies in the SSPP Notebook in our MCT offices. SSPP stands for System Safety Program Plan. The SSPP is the definitive guide for Martin County Transit operational practices. The seven sections of this SSPP Manual include: 1. Driver Employee Selection 2. Driver Employee Training 3. Martin County s Safety Data Acquisition Program 4. Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program (Section 4 was previously adopted on December 16, 2016) 5. Vehicle Maintenance Plan 6. Security Program 7. MCT Local Policy and Procedures (MCT Operator Handbook)

12 On February 3-4, 2015, the NCDOT- PTD conducted an SSP Audit for Martin County Transit. At that time, the updated template for sections one to six was supplied to the local agency. Section seven is a collection of the local policies and practices for Martin County transit system. Each Martin County Transit employee would receive a revised hard copy of this SSPP Manual, upon adoption, to put into their Martin County Transit Handbook. The Board of Commissioners was asked to adopt the draft, revised Seven Sections of the SSPP Manual for Martin County Transit. Commissioner Bowen made the MOTION to approve/adopt the revised seven sections of the SSPP manual (entered into these minutes by title Martin County Transit SSPP Revised Manual adopted February 10, 2016), with a SECOND by Vice Chairman Lilley. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Farmers Market Management Contract As County Manager Bone stated, Martin County was awarded a Tobacco Trust Fund grant for a part-time Farmers Market Manager position for the 2015 season, in The grant paid $5,000 for the cost of a part-time Farmers Market Manager for a period of 1 year. This was contracted to be a 5-month, seasonal position. The part-time manager would work with the Farmer s Market Association and be supervised by the County Extension Director. Martin County received $5,500 in grant funds for the 2016 season. An additional $500 was requested and granted to cover the November markets. The County is providing in-kind funds with rent-free use of the Farmers Market building [located at 4001 W. Main Street Ext. (Highway 64)] and is also providing part of the County Extension Director s salary. The Martin County Farmers Market Association members are local farmers and crafters who sell locally-grown produce, farm raised pork products, homemade baked goods, homemade jams and jellies, handmade crafts and other items at the Martin County Farmer s Market building. The Farmers Market Association typically operates from May through September and holds two specialty markets during other times of the year. The Board of Commissioners was asked to approve the 2016 Farmers Market Management Contract with Ms. Jean Brownfield, as presented below. Vice Chairman Lilley made the MOTION to approve the 2016 Farmers Market Management Contract, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bond. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. NORTH CAROLINA MARTIN COUNTY AGREEMENT Prepared by J. Melvin Bowen, of Bowen & Batchelor, Attorneys.

13 THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this the day of, 2016, by and between Jean Brownfield (hereinafter referred to as the Independent Contractor ) of 2501 McCaskey Road, Williamston, North Carolina 27892, party of the first part, and the County of Martin (hereinafter referred to as the Employer ), of P. O. Box 668, Williamston, North Carolina 27892, party of the second part. WITNESSETH: THAT for and in consideration of mutual promises each to the other as hereinafter set forth, the parties agree as follows: The Independent Contractor hereby agrees to provide professional services as the Market Manager for the Martin County Farmers Market as follows: 1. To open and close the Farmers Market each day the Market is open for vendors. 2. To assign booth spaces to vendors and work with the Treasurer of the Association to see that booth fees are collected and submitted in a timely manner to the Extension Office for processing. 3. To meet with the Martin County Farmers Market Association at their regular monthly meetings. 4. To assign groups to sell concessions at each market event. 5. To manage disputes between vendors and work with Extension advisors in necessary matters. 6. To administer the rules of the Market set by the Martin County Farmers Market Association and the Martin County Cooperative Extension Service. 7. To work with the President of the Martin County Farmers Association to advertise Farmers Market Events. 8. To manage and maintain on file the vendor application paperwork. As a 1099 Independent Contractor, the party of the first part shall make all tax payments to the federal and state governments of the full amount of the contract as required by law.

14 The Employer hereby agrees: 1. To pay the Independent Contractor for the year of 2016 the sum of ONE THOUSAND (1,000.00) per month for the months of May through September (which are the months the Market is open) plus the sum of FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($500.00) for two (2) specialty markets in the month of November, for a total annual payment of $5, At the end of the year 2016, the parties will negotiate and review said contract for any extensions beyond the year Independent Contractor Status. The party of the first part is an independent contractor within the meaning and definition of case laws and/or statutory laws of the State of North Carolina. The Employer shall not be held liable for any fringe benefits or other employee benefits under this contract. As an independent contractor, the party of the first part hereby waives any right to benefits under the North Carolina Workers Compensation Act that might arise out of and in the course of the work as a contract employee of the County of Martin. Entire Agreement. The parties have read this Agreement and agree to be bound by its terms, and further agree that it constitutes the complete and exclusive statement of the Agreement between them, superseding all other proposals or agreements, oral or written, and all other communications between them relating to the subject matter of the Agreement. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement, the day and year first above written. (SEAL) Jean Brownfield COUNTY OF MARTIN ATTEST: By: Chairman Clerk

15 Resolution In Support of the Connect NC Bond Chairman Smith stated on June 17, 2015, the Martin County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution supporting Governor McCrory and his administration s efforts to generate enough support to cause the NC legislators to approve adding the bond referendum to the ballot. That way, voters would be given the opportunity to make the important decision of the Connect NC bond initiative. The General Assembly heard the voices of their constituents and approved the addition of the bond referendum to the primary election to take place on March 15, At Jan. 13, 2016 meeting of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Board of Directors, a resolution was adopted that supports the Connect NC bond package, which would include funds for community colleges and water/sewer projects. Martin Community College could receive needed funding that could be used for new construction, repairs and renovations. The NCACC Board of Directors suggested each county consider expressing its support for the bond by adopting a similar resolution. Commissioner Bond made the MOTION to adopt the Resolution Supporting the Connect NC Bond Act as presented below, with a SECOND by Vice Chairman Lilley. The motion was unanimously APPROVED. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING CONNECT NC BOND ACT WHEREAS, North Carolina and its counties have a mutual desire to improve and enhance the quality of life for all of our state s citizens; and WHEREAS, the North Carolina Community College System is in need of new and renovated facilities to educate and prepare students and workers for the 21 st century for the purpose of enhancing the economic attractiveness of the State; and WHEREAS, Clean water and sewer systems are essential to attract new and strengthen existing industry and to provide for the needs of the State and its growing population; and WHEREAS, having parks and public facilities accessible to children and veterans with disabilities is essential to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens; and WHEREAS, financing these costs through a bond would be the most economical and affordable way to address these infrastructure needs; and WHEREAS, as a result of North Carolina s fiscal strength and strong balance sheet, no tax increase would be required to fund these bonds, and in addition, the State s Triple A Bond rating would be preserved; and

16 WHEREAS, the Connect NC Bond Act would provide funding for many critical needs facing North Carolina that would improve and enhance the quality of life in our counties; WHEREAS, reportedly, Martin Community College could receive needed funds to ensure new construction, repairs and renovations, upon passage of the Connect NC Bond Act. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Martin County Board of Commissioner does hereby express its support for the Connect NC Bond Act. ADOPTED, this 10th day of February, Appointments / Reappointments Equalization & Review Board Ronnie Smith, Chairman Marion B. Thompson, NCCCC Clerk to the Board County Manager Bone stated as per Statute (e), Tax Assessor Elisha Hardison would like to start the Board of Equalization and Review sessions this year on Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5 p.m. The Board E & R would adjourn on Monday, April 25, 2016, if applicable. Meetings would be held in the Martin County Board of Commissioners Room. Staff requested the reappointment of all five Martin County taxpayers listed below, who have been contacted and have agreed to serve another term on the 2016 Martin County Board of Equalization and Review, if approved. Staff also requested the reappointment of Mr. K. Pittman as the Chairman and Mr. Hugh Kennedy as the Vice Chairman. 1. K Pittman 2. Hugh Kennedy 3. Ella Thigpen 4. Donald White 5. Tracy Gurganus Commissioner Bowen made the MOTION to appoint/reappoint the five named individuals to the E & R Board, and to appoint/reappoint the same Chairman and Vice Chairman, with a SECOND by Commissioner Ayers. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Revised 2016 County Commissioners Meeting & Budget Schedule Outside Agencies County Manager Bone suggested the Board approve the following adjustments in the Budget Development Calendar / Board of Commissioners meeting schedule for 2016, in order to accommodate the development of a draft budget earlier in the calendar year:

17 Deadline for Budget Requests from Outside Agencies: Change from March 25, 2016 to March 18, 2016 Budget Workshop Outside Agency Presentations: Change from April 20, 2016 to March 30, 2016 County Manager Bone suggested to Superintendent Chris Mansfield a date of April 27, 2016 for the joint meeting with the Board of Education concerning its budget request, as well. Outside agencies would be informed of the adjusted schedule by letter in mid-february, if approved. Vice Chairman Lilley made a MOTION to approve the 2016 Meeting and Budget schedule as revised, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bond. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Budget Amendments Budget Amendments # 22 Finance Officer Cindy Ange stated the Martin County 4-H planned to send 15 children to 4-H Camp this year. Fundraisers would help pay for these children to attend camp, and Budget Amendment #22 would account for the proceeds raised through the fundraisers. The cost per child to camp would be $420. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT- 22 BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, Section 1. To amend the 4-H Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows. Increase Decrease Economic & Physical Development Co-operative Extension $ 6,300 This will result in an increase of $6,300 in the expenditures of the General Fund. To provide for an increase in revenue for the above, the following revenues will be changed. Miscellaneous $ 6,300 Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction. MOTION by Vice Chairman Lilley and SECONDED by Commissioner Bond to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 10th day of February The motion was APPROVED unanimously.

18 Budget Amendments #23, #24 & #25 Chairman Smith suggested tabling Budget Amendments # 23, #24, and #25 for Water Districts 1 & 2 until a later date. The Board consensually agreed. Budget Amendment # 26 Finance Officer Ange reported the Martin County Sheriff s Office received two donations for the DARE Program. DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is an international substance abuse prevention education program that seeks to prevent use of controlled drugs, membership in gangs, and violent behavior. Students who enter the program sign a pledge not to use drugs or join gangs and are taught about the dangers of recreational drug use in an interactive in-school curriculum. The Martin County Sheriff s Office teaches the DARE program to 5 th graders in Martin County Schools and at the Bear Grass Charter School. Additionally, on December 14, 2015, the Jamesville United Methodist Church donated $100 and on January 21, 2016, the Martin County ABC Board donated $3,052. The Sheriff s office planned to purchase certificates, awards and t-shirts for 325 DARE graduates this year. Jamesville United Methodist Church also donated $100 to the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program which will also be administered by the Martin County Sheriff s Office this year. (The donation to the GREAT program is not included in this budget amendment.) BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT- 26 BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of Commissioners of Martin County, North Carolina, that the following amendments be made to the annual budget ordinance for the fiscal year ending June 30, Section 1. To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows. Increase Decrease Public Safety Sheriff $ 3,152 This will result in an increase of $3,152 in the expenditures of the General Fund. To provide for an increase in revenue for the above, the following revenues will be changed. Intergovernmental Revenue DARE program $ 3,152 Section 2. Copies of this budget amendment shall be furnished to the Clerk to the Governing Board and to the Finance Officer for their direction.

19 MOTION by Commissioner Bond and SECONDED by Commissioner Bowen to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 10th day of February The motion was APPROVED unanimously. BOARD REPORTS/COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS - None CLOSED SESSION NC G.S (a)(4) Industry / Economic Development Around 10:06 p.m., Commissioner Bond made the MOTION to enter Closed Session in pursuant of NC G.S (a)(4) Industry / Economic Development, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bowen. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Around 10:40 p.m., Commissioner Bowen made the MOTION to end Closed Session in pursuant of NC G.S (a)(4) Industry / Economic Development, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bond. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. OPEN SESSION Any actions required by statute regarding the Closed Session item will be done in open session at a later time. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, Commissioner Bond made the MOTION to adjourn at 10:41 p.m., with a SECOND by Commissioner Bowen. The motion was unanimously APPROVED. The next regular meeting of the Martin County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Martin County Governmental Center, 305 East Main Street, Williamston, North Carolina. Ronnie Smith, Chairman Marion B. Thompson, NCCCC Clerk to the Board