Surry County Board of Commissioners Meeting of September 21, 2015

Transcription

1 11251 Surry County Board of Commissioners Meeting of September 21, 2015 The Surry County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 6:00 p.m. on September 21, The meeting was held in the County Commissioners Meeting Room, Surry County Government Center, Dobson, North Carolina. Board members present for the meeting were Chairman R.F. Buck Golding, Commissioner Eddie Harris, Commissioner Paul Johnson and Commissioner Jimmy Miller. Vice-Chairman Larry Phillips was unable to attend. Others present for the meeting, at various times, were: Chris Knopf, County Manager Conchita Atkins, Clerk to the Board Edwin Woltz, County Attorney Betty Taylor, Assistant County Manager for Budget and Finance Sandy Snow, Assistant County Manager for Human Resources and Operations Kim Bates, Planning Director Michael Hartgrove, Tax Administrator Don Mitchell, Facilities Management Director News Media Chairman Golding called the meeting to order. Commissioner Harris delivered the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chairman Golding requested the Board review and approve the agenda. Upon motion of Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Harris, the Board voted unanimously to approve the agenda. Chairman Golding requested the Board consider the minutes of the September 8, 2015 and September 15, 2015 meeting. Upon motion of Commissioner Harris, seconded by minutes. Chairman Golding requested that the Board consider the consent agenda. Upon motion of Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Miller, the Board voted unanimously to approve the following consent agenda items: Requests by the County Manager: Approve the following from the Tax Department: Total releases for the month ending 8/31/2015 in the amount of $13, Total refunds for the month ending 8/31/2015 in the amount of $19,

2 Meeting of September 21, 2015 Continued Total NCVTS refunds for the month ending 8/31/2015 in the amount of $1, Total real and personal property discoveries for the month ending 8/31/2015 in the amount of $15, Total EMS and EMD additions as of 8/31/2015 in the amount of $86, Total EMS and EMD refunds as of 8/31/2015 in the amount of $ Total EMS and EMD releases as of 8/31/2015 in the amount of $7, Total EMS and EMD collections as of 8/31/2015 in the amount of $27, Approve the following resolution authorizing an analysis of Surry County s potential participation in the North Carolina State Health Plan.: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SURRY COUNTY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE HEALTH PLAN WHEREAS, Session Law was enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly on June 24, 2015 allowing units of local government, including Surry County, to enroll in the North Carolina State Health Plan; and WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute requires Surry County to submit a resolution prior to legally adopting the North Carolina State Health Plan for provision of health insurance benefits to employees and their dependents; and WHEREAS, by adopting this Resolution Surry County agrees to comply with all the statutory requirements of an existing employing unit under Chapter 135 of the North Carolina General Statutes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Surry County wishes to be considered for enrollment of its employees in the North Carolina State Health Plan and, in doing so, would agree at a minimum, to make contributions as required by the provisions of the State Health Plan. Approve the Ingleside Phase 3 final one-lot subdivision. Request from the Assistant County Manager for Budget and Finance: Approve budget change no 4 as follows: The Board of County Commissioners approved an amendment to the FY Budget Ordinance at their meeting on September 21, ACCOUNT PREVIOUS REVISED CODE DESCRIPTION AMOUNT CHANGE AMOUNT EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM FUND EXPENDITURES EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM Equipment 0 79,388 79,388 Increase departmental total. 380,780 79, ,168

3 Meeting of September 21, 2015 Continued REVENUE Subscriber Charges 380,084 79, ,472 Increase fund totals. 380,780 79, ,168 Chairman Golding then declared the meeting to be an open forum and invited members of the audience to address the Board on any matters of civic concern. Chairman Golding stated that Commissioner Phillips has some health issues but would be returning soon. Kathleen Edwards spoke against the tethering of dogs. Ms. Edwards stated that when some dogs are tethered they do not receive proper care. Ms. Edwards stated that several North Carolina counties have tethering laws. Ms. Edwards asked that a task force be formed to review tethering in the County and a report be presented in December Jimmy Fulk stated that he takes unused wooden pallets and builds dog houses for individuals whose dogs do not have a shelter. Lynn Shore stated that he had established a company, Property Data Review, in Boonville. The company will work with property owners during revaluation for a fee. If the property owner does not agree with the revaluation, they can call the company and the company will work with the property owner to review any possible mistakes on the revaluation. Mr. Shore stated that this could potentially cut back on appeals to the Board of Equalization and Review. Jennie Collins spoke against the tethering of dogs. Ms. Collins stated that some dogs are treated like a possession with no value. Ms. Collins asked the Board to support a 24/7 no tethering law. Matthew Waddell, Boy Scout Troop 648, requested to build a monument at the Surry County Sheriff s Office in memory of Deputy James Trevathan, the only deputy to give their life in Surry County, in the line of duty. Sheriff Atkinson spoke in favor of the monument. Commissioner Miller, the Board voted unanimously to allow Mr. Waddell to begin the project contingent upon him working with the Sheriff and Facilities Management Director. Bob Watkins, District Vice-Chairman Boy Scouts of America, stated the project had been reviewed and approved. JoAnn Cheatim, spoke against the tethering of dogs. Ms. Cheatim stated that she walks her dog daily and sees dogs tethered. She is saddened that something has not been done to solve the issue. Joe Davis, Southern Cross, addressed the Board regarding an event that will take place Saturday, September 26, The event will be a march for peace, rights and freedom. Mr. Davis stated the march is based on heritage not hatred or race. Mr. Davis requested to fly the confederate flag at the Historic

4 Meeting of September 21, 2015 Continued Courthouse. The event will take place in the streets and sidewalks of Dobson. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to approve the flag to be flown on Saturday, September 26, The motion was seconded by Commissioner Miller. The Board continued discussion. Commissioner Harris asked Mr. Davis which flag would be flown: Stars and Bars or the First National Flag and the time the flag would be flown. Mr. Davis stated the flag will be flown from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The flag to be flown would be the Federal North Carolina Confederate Flag. Mr. Davis stated this is not about race but about rights. Commissioner Harris stated the Board has given the Sons of Confederacy permission to fly the First National Confederate Flag on Confederate Memorial Day. Commissioner Harris applauded Mr. Davis for standing up for the First Amendment. Commissioner Harris expressed concerns regarding which flag will be flown over the Historic Courthouse. Commissioner Harris also has concerns that the Board is starting a precedent that other groups will come forward and request to fly various flags at the Historic Courthouse. Commissioner Harris stated the Board has to think about the broader of public good because it is County property. Richard Sawyers stated he joined the military when he was seventeen years old and still serves the military. Mr. Sawyers wants to see the exercise and rights of people demonstrated. Mr. Sawyers stated he has not forget his heritage. Mr. Sawyers believes in the First Amendment. Mr. Sawyers stated he fought for freedom of the country. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to amend his original motion to include the group fly the same flag as the Son of Confederacy which is the First National Flag on Saturday, September 26, The vote was as follows: Ayes: Chairman Golding, Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Miller Nays: Commissioner Harris Todd Tucker, Economic Development Partnership President, introduced Andrew Wright as the new Economic Development Partnership Vice-President for Existing Industries. Mr. Wright stated he is excited and ready for the challenge. Don Miner asked for clarification on issues that can be addressed in Open Forum. Mr. Miner also asked all Veterans in attendance to stand and asked for applause for their services. There being no additional comments, Chairman Golding closed the open forum, and the Board resumed regular business.

5 Meeting of September 21, 2015 Continued Chairman Golding informed the audience that it was time for the special recognition portion of the agenda. The Board recognized the following individuals: Hugh Davis Atkinson, Troop 505, Timothy Jack Marion, III, Troop 505, Bryan Andrew Mills, Troop 505, Elliott Frazier Smith, Troop 505, Andrew Joseph Creech, Troop 538, Nathan Bryan Eaton, Troop 538, Dylan Jacob Wagoner, Troop 545, James David Sawyers, Troop 553, Caleb Zane Simmons, Troop 553, Joshua Ethan Cox, Troop 561, Benjamin Ray Francis, Troop 561, John Everett Francis, Troop 561, Hunter Neal Clawson, Troop 596, and Luke Marion Needham, Troop 596, for their attainment of Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. Barry Hall, East Surry High Baseball Head Coach, for serving East Surry High School as a teacher and an athletic coach and retiring as the Head Coach for the East Surry High School Baseball Team, with over 40 years of service. Taking pride in the maintenance of the grounds work of the East Surry High School baseball field for approximately 40 years. Being a world-class baseball coach, winning 600 to 700 games in his career. Taking his teams to three state championship series during his years as Head Coach. Earned the admiration and respect of his players, team members and opposing coaches for his fairness, dedication, enthusiasm, professionalism, dependability and deep loyalty to the game. Touching countless lives with his dedication to his team and the game of baseball. Chairman Golding then declared the meeting to be a public hearing on zoning application ZCR1148. The site is acres of tax parcel The property owner is Kimberly T. Watkins. The property is currently RR. The petition is to rezone the property to HB. Kim Bates, Planning Director, presented facts pertaining to the rezoning and stated the Planning Board recommends approval of the rezoning. Commissioner Harris asked if a billboard could be placed on the property. Mr. Bates stated that the house would need to be removed to meet the required setbacks for a billboard. Chairman Golding asked for comments from the public. Robert Watkins stated that he has no interest in placing a billboard on the property he will only place small signage to identify the business. Chairman Golding closed the public hearing and asked the Board for a recommendation. following Statement of Consistency: Surry County Board of Commissioners Statement of Consistency: Subject: Case # ZCR1148, a Petition for General-Use Rezoning Applicant/Owner: Kimberly T. Watkins

6 Meeting of September 21, 2015 Continued Property Description: Tax Parcel # , located at 1048 Klondike Road, State Road Area, Elkin Township Requested Reclassification: From Residential Restricted (RR) to Highway Business (HB) Planning and Development Staff notes that the rezoning proposal appears reasonable based on apparent compatibility of the proposed classification with the progressing business development pattern of the area; and based on location in the State Road Community Activity Center. Staff notes that the small lot and structure size should effectively limit potential uses of the property to low-impact businesses. On September 14, 2015, the Surry County Planning Board, by a 7-0 vote, recommended approval of zoning reclassification of the subject property to HB, and found the proposal reasonable based on staff reporting and on positive findings in all criteria prescribed in Article 4, Section 3 of the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Board also determined that the proposed reclassification to HB is consistent with the following elements of the Land Use Plan: Community Activity Center designation encourages mixed zoning New commercial development should be encouraged to locate within existing areas of commercial activity Commercial sites should be served with necessary utilities Highway-oriented commercial uses shall be clustered along segments of principal and minor arterials, as described in the Thoroughfare Plan, in existing areas of similar development or around intersections; they should contain land uses that are mutually compatible and reinforcing in use and design; interchanges along major thoroughfares serve as excellent locations for this type of development Businesses should be served by roads and streets of a capacity sufficient for safe traffic flow; large businesses should locate at major intersections. The Surry County Board of Commissioners, having held a duly noticed public hearing on September 21, 2015, and having heard no substantive objection to the proposal, hereby concurs with the above Staff and Planning Board recommendations and consistency principles, and will vote on the question to adopt the proposed zoning map amendment. Upon motion of Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, the Board voted to approve the rezoning as presented. Ayes: Chairman Golding, Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Miller Nays: Commissioner Harris Kimberly Watkins reassured the Board that the parcel being rezoned is a jewel and they do not ever intend to put a billboard on the property or anything unsightly. The intention is to do something tasteful.

7 Meeting of September 21, 2015 Continued Jeff Cockerham, YVEDDI Transportation Director, stated that each year the North Carolina Department of Transportation distributes the Rural Operating Assistance Program Grant (ROAD) monies. The amount of the statewide allocation is based solely on the total state budgeted allocation to the ROAP fund. It is then allocated to counties based on the demographics of the County. The purpose of the grant is to assist with the operating cost of providing transportation to resident in Surry County which meet certain criteria s. Mr. Cockerham presented a certified statement, a plan to manage the ROAP funds and a Memorandum of Agreement. Upon motion of Commissioner Harris, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the County to apply for the ROAP funds. certified statement. Upon motion of Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Harris, the Board voted unanimously to approve the plan that manages the ROAP funds. Memorandum of Agreement. Chris Knopf, County Manager, addressed the Board regarding renewal of the Dockery lease agreement located at 303 North White Street, Dobson. The lease is for a one-year term. The Sheriff s Office utilizes the property. Upon motion of Commissioner Harris, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, the Board voted unanimously to renew the lease agreement for one year. Chris Knopf, County Manager, addressed the Board regarding a request from the Town of Dobson. The Town of Dobson s water treatment plant is nearly fifty-years old and in need of upgrades and repairs. Mr. Knopf stated that Josh Smith, Town of Dobson Manager, was in attendance. Josh Smith, Manager, Town of Dobson, stated the water plant is extremely old and in need of major upgrades. Mr. Smith addressed an evaluation of costs. Mr. Smith stated the town currently provides over twenty-million gallons of treated water per month to one of the largest employers in the County, as well as the college, school and County facilities. The town bills nearly one-thousand customers monthly with one-half of those bills being outside the town limits. The cost for the project is $3.7 million. The town has secured $800,000 in grants and $300,000 from fund balance to contribute to the project. The Town of Dobson is requesting a $100,000 contribution from the County to assist with the project and a letter of commitment. The Board discussed the project completion date and funding request.

8 Meeting of September 21, 2015 Continued Chairman Golding made a motion to allocate $25,000 per year for the next four years. Commissioner Harris seconded the motion. Commissioner Johnson requested to amend the motion to reflect that Surry County will send a letter of commitment to ensure that the grant agencies know the County has committed funds for the project and will work out the financing details at a later date. Chairman Golding accepted the amendment and Commissioner Miller seconded the motion. The Board voted on the amendment to the motion. The vote was unanimous. The Board voted on the original motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Smith thanked the Board for their commitment. Chris Knopf, County Manager, presented the 2016 County Commissioners Meeting calendar. calendar as presented. Commissioner Miller, the Board voted unanimously to reappoint Kenneth Johnson, Dr. Renfro Hauser, Joan Vasata and Roger Mitchell to the Animal Control Board. Commissioner Miller, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Tony Tilley to the Animal Control Board. Upon motion of Chairman Golding, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, the Board voted unanimously to reappoint Monty Venable, Phillip Snow and Doug Cook to the Northern Hospital Board of Trustees. Upon motion of Commissioner Harris, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, the Board voted unanimously to reappoint Mike Midkiff to the Agriculture District Committee. There was no further business to come before the Board. Commissioner Harris, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. The meeting ended at 8:05 p.m. Conchita Atkins Clerk to the Board