April 8, County Manager Bone requested amending the agenda to include the following items:

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1 April 8, 2015 The Martin County Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session for Wednesday, April 8, 2015 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. Vice Chairman Lilley offered the invocation. Chairman Smith welcomed everyone to the meeting. The following elected officials were recognized: Sheriff Dan Gibbs and Bear Grass Mayor Charlotte Griffin. AGENDA APPROVAL County Manager Bone requested amending the agenda to include the following items: Presentations Item 5-2: NC Association of County Commissioners April Board Update Video New Business Item 8-7: Approval of Insurance Rates & Addition of Optional Employee Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance Commissioner Bond made the MOTION to approve the agenda as amended, with a SECOND by Vice Chairman Lilley. The motion was unanimously APPROVED. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Bowen made the MOTION to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Vice Chairman Lilley SECONDED the motion. The motion was unanimously APPROVED. 1. Minutes for March 18, 2015, Regular & Closed Sessions, March 19, 2015 Special Session & April 1, 2015 Special Emergency Session. 2. Financial Report for February 2015 included for informational purposes. 3. Tax Relief Orders Real & Personal for March 2015 in the amount of $ 1,

2 Year Levy Lname Fname Reason Value Total 2014 Ambrose Sabra Long Error in Landfill Fee Anthony Florell Barfield Error in Landfill Fee Brown Mary C. Heirs Error in Landfill Fee Little Sherry Error in Landfill Fee Short Roland Error in Landfill Fee Whitaker Leamon Earl Surrendered Tags Whitaker Leamon Earl Surrendered Tags Total 1, Tax Collector s Report March 2015 March March Real (20) $431, $8,228, Personal (25) 23, ,087, Total $454, $12,315, MV (30) 3, , Total MV $3, $75, All Total $457, $12,390, Resolution Recognizing April as Public Health Month in Martin County The first National Public Health Week took place during 1995 and has seen increasing support over the years. National Public Health Week is a United States health awareness event backed by the American Public Health Association (APHA). During the first full week of April each year, American Public Health Association APHA brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation. For nearly 20 years, APHA has served as the organizer of NPHW. Every year, the Association develops a national campaign to educate the public, policymakers and practitioners about issues related to each year's theme. APHA creates new NPHW materials each year that can be used during and after NPHW to raise awareness about public health and prevention. This event aims to highlight public health achievements and also improve the general health of the American people, by educating the public about various health issues and how they can live longer lives. Through health education, health awareness campaigns can reduce the effects and consequences of many health conditions and diseases by preventing their onset or tackling any symptoms or issues early on.

3 The Martin-Tyrell-Washington District Health Department has provided public health services for many years in the tri-county area. MTW District Health Department Director Terrell Davis requested that the Martin County Board of Commissioners proclaim the month of April as Public Health Month to raise awareness of the importance of the services provided by the local Health Department. The resolution below was approved by the Martin County Board of Commissioners: Resolution Recognizing April As Public Health Month In Martin County WHEREAS, in recognition of the importance of prevention in Public Health, the Martin County Board of Commissioners supports this year s Public Health month theme of making the United States the Healthiest Nation in One Generation by 2030; and WHEREAS, public health measures to control and eliminate infectious diseases, improve environmental sanitation, and promote healthy lifestyle practices have been the greatest cause of improved health status and increased life expectancy for North Carolina s residents, such that North Carolinians now have an average life expectancy at birth of more than 77 years; and WHEREAS, public health plays a critical role in eliminating health inequities and preventing chronic diseases and injuries, resulting in improved productivity and decreased health care costs for all North Carolinians; and WHEREAS, communities, employers, hospitals and health care providers, as well as individuals, families, insurers, legislators and policy makers, schools and childcare facilities must all work together to identify and develop innovative solutions to health problems facing the people of North Carolina; and WHEREAS, preventing diseases before they start is critical to helping people live longer, healthier lives while managing health-related costs; and WHEREAS, strong public health systems are critical for sustaining and improving community health. NOW, THEREFORE, THE MARTIN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS does hereby proclaim April, as "PUBLIC HEALTH MONTH" in Martin County and urges our citizens to recognize that Public Health is working to improve health and ensure health equity across our communities. Adopted this is 8th day of April Ronnie Smith, Chairman Marion Thompson, Clerk to the Board

4 6. The Clerk Report is included each month for informational purposes. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE (S) None PRESENTATION (S) East Carolina Behavioral Health Northern Regional Director Bland Baker, accompanied by Central Regional Director Dave Peterson, stated in accordance with N. C. General Statute 122C 115 (c1), CoastalCare and East Carolina Behavioral Health recently entered into an agreement to consolidate their agencies into a twenty-four county Area Authority. The consolidated agencies will serve the following counties: (CoastalCare counties) Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender Counties and (East Carolina Behavioral Health counties) Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Martin, Northampton, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, and Washington. N. C. General Statute 122C 118.1, permits an alternative Area Board structure to be implemented if: The total population of the Area Authority catchment area exceeds 1,250,000, and The counties which comprise the Area Authority agree by resolution to an alternative structure. The total population of the new Area Authority created by the consolidation of CoastalCare and East Carolina Behavioral Health is 1,260,778. In the presentation, Director Baker explained how this move to approve an alternative governance structure for the twenty-four counties is believed to be in the best interest of the residents of the consolidated Area Authority. As a means to provide a local presence in the counties served and to assure that each county has input into the services received by its residents, the twenty-four county catchment area will have three regions: Northern, Central and Southern. The resolution below contains the details of the proposed alternative governance structure. Director Baker added as a managed care organization (MCO), the merged agency would have the ability to adjust rates. Each member county has been asked to appoint two members [one Commissioner or designee, and one appointee, who meets the requirements outlined in N. C. G. S. 122C (b)] to its regional advisory board before the effective date of July 1, Martin County would be a part of the ten county Northern Region. In a letter received from CEO Foster Norman, of CoastalCare and CEO Leza Wainwright, of East Carolina Behavioral Health, it was requested that each county in the catchment area adopt a resolution in support for an Alternative Governance Structure for the Area Authority. As of this presentation, Director Baker stated nineteen of the twenty-four counties had adopted the resolution.

5 Vice Chairman Lilley made the MOTION to approve the resolution below as presented, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bowen. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Resolution of Support for an Alternative Governance Structure for the Area Authority serving Martin County WHEREAS, in accordance with N. C. General Statute 122C 115 (c1), the Area Board of CoastalCare, an Area Authority serving Brunswick, Carteret, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender Counties and the Area Board of East Carolina Behavioral Health, an Area Authority serving Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Martin, Northampton, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties, have entered into an agreement to consolidate their agencies into a twenty-four county Area Authority serving all previously names counties; and WHEREAS, the Secretary of the N. C. Department of Health and Human Services has approved this consolidation, as required by law; and WHEREAS, N. C. General Statute 122C 118.1, which specifies the composition of an Area Authority Board, permits an alternative Area Board structure to be implemented 1) if the total population of the Area Authority catchment area exceeds 1,250,000 and 2) if the counties which comprise the Area Authority agree by resolution to an alternative structure; and WHEREAS, the total population of the new Area Authority created by the consolidation of CoastalCare and East Carolina Behavioral Health is 1,260,778; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the residents of the twenty-four counties to approve an alternative governance structure for the consolidated Area Authority; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Martin County Board of Commissioners, do hereby approve the structure of the Area Board and the Regional Advisory Boards of the consolidated Area Authority, as outlined below. To provide a local presence in the counties served and to assure that each county has input into the services received by its residents, the twenty-four county catchment area will have three regions. The regions have been designed to equalize, to the extent possible, the number of counties, population in the region, and overall square mileage of the regions. The three regions and the counties served are: Northern Region: Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Gates, Hertford, Martin, Northampton, Pasquotank and Perquimans Counties. Central Region: Beaufort, Craven, Dare, Hyde, Pamlico, Pitt, Tyrell and Washington Counties. Southern Region: Brunswick, Carteret, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender Counties. The counties in each region will appoint two members to the Regional Advisory Board: one county commissioner or designee and another individual who meets the requirements outlined in

6 N. C. G. S. 122C (b). In addition, the Regional Advisory Board will include the Chair or designee of the regional Consumer and Family Advisory Committee. County Commissioner members of the Regional Advisory Boards may serve for as long as they are a commissioner. Other members of the Regional Advisory Board may serve for up to three, three year consecutive terms. The primary functions of the Regional Advisory Board will be to advise the Area Authority Chief Executive Officer on the evaluation and hiring of a Regional Director; recommending priorities for expenditure of state and county funds for development of the annual budget; determining local priorities for inclusion in the overall strategic plan; identifying community needs and concerns; monitoring resolution of issues; and monitoring performance at the local level, including access to care, expenditure of service funds, number of consumers served, services delivered, provider network size and composition, outcomes, and consumer satisfaction. Each Regional Advisory Board will establish its own bylaws based on local needs, but in compliance with standardized requirements established by the Governing Board for quorums, frequency of meetings, elections of officers, duties of members, committees and committee appointments, and attendance standards. Such bylaws are subject to the approval of the Governing Board. Each Regional Advisory Board will select four (4) members to serve as the Area Authority Governing Board: one county commissioner, the Consumer and Family Advisory Committee chair or designee, and two other members. In addition, the chair or designee of the Area Authority Network Council shall serve on the Governing Board as a non-voting member. The county commissioner members of the Governing Board shall serve one three year term without consecutive reappointment, so that commissioner representation on the Governing Board will rotate among the counties in each region. The other members of the Governing Board may serve three, three year terms. The Governing Board's primary responsibilities will include determining policy; strategic planning, including consideration of local priorities as determined by the Regional Advisory Boards; budgets; hiring and evaluations of the Chief Executive Officer; monitoring of deliverables, including overall performance and financial management; government affairs and advocacy; reporting to constituent counties; responding to concerns and feedback from the Regional Advisory Boards; reviewing, revising and approving the Regional Advisory Board bylaws; and all other responsibilities outlined in N. C. law for Area Authority Boards. The Governing Board will develop and adopt bylaws to address its activities in accordance with law. ADOPTED this 8th day of April, Ronnie Smith, Chairman Marion B. Thompson, NCCCC Clerk to the Board

7 NCACC April Board Update Video The NC Association of County Commissioners requested its video for April be shown at the April board meeting of County Commissioners. Throughout the video, the Commissioners were informed of NCACC sponsored upcoming events, as well as new benefits available to NCACC Pool members. PUBLIC HEARING 2011 CDBG HU Program Closeout Commissioner Bowen made the MOTION to enter the 2011 CDBG Hook UP program closeout Public Hearing, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bond. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. McDavid Associates, working as project administrator on behalf of Martin County, stated the 2011 CDBG Hook Up program has been completed. A grant in the amount of $75,000 was awarded to Martin County to fund the tap installation, house service installation and plumbing repair cost needed to connect existing low to moderate income (LMI) houses to existing County Water System lines. Program Management worked with 40 possible applicants and was able to qualify and connect 23 of these applicants to the County Water System. Conducting a public hearing at the end of every CDBG program to receive any comments the public may have is a program requirement. The April 8, 2015 public hearing served as the public hearing for the closeout of the 2011 CDBG Hook Up program. No comments were received by mail or during the public hearing from the public. Chairman Smith inquired if any monies were left over. The response was all grant funds were exhausted. Commissioner Ayers made the MOTION to end the public hearing, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bond. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Project Manager Barnette requested the Board authorize the Chairman to approve the minutes for the 2011 CDBG Hook Up program public hearing. Vice Chairman Lilley made the MOTION to authorize the Chairman to approve the minutes containing the public hearing to close out the 2011 CDBG Hook Up program, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bond. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. OLD BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS

8 Resolution to Accept Building Reuse Grant Award for AHON County Manager Bone recalled that on December 1, 2014, the Board of Commissioners approved the submission of a NC Commerce Building Reuse Existing Buildings grant application in the amount of $500,000 to assist Ann s House of Nuts (AHON) in the investment / installation of a $7.2 million dollar PET line. The maximum grant amount for a Tier I County is $500,000. The grant program will require AHON to match the grant funds, dollar-for-dollar. The grant will require the County to commit 5% of funds to the grant, which would be $25,000. These funds can be used for grant administration. The company must also provide health insurance to its employees and pay at least the Martin County average weekly wage. Additionally, fifty (50) new payroll jobs would be created over a specified period, after the installation of the new PET line. Applications for this grant program were submitted in January, and awards were made in February. The grant notification letter listed the award amount as $500,000. The Board of Commissioners was asked to approve the following resolution to accept the award. Commissioner Bond made the MOTION to approve the resolution below to accept the Building Reuse Grant award for AHON, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bowen. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION NC DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE BUILDING REUSE GRANT APPLICATION ANN'S HOUSE OF NUTS PET IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT MARTIN COUNTY WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Economic Development Division has authorizes the awarding of grants from appropriated funds to aid eligible units of government in financing the cost of building reuse activities needed to create jobs; and Martin County needs assistance in financing a Building Reuse project that may qualify for Rural Economic Development Division grant funding; and Martin County has submitted a $500,000 grant request to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and has been awarded said $500,000 grant for the Ann's House of Nuts PET Improvements Project; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF MARTIN COUNTY: That Martin County will arrange financing for all remaining costs of the project.

9 That Martin County supports an application for financial assistance to assist Ann's House of Nuts, Inc. in the renovation/upfit of their Robersonville facility that will support the creation of a minimum of 50 new full-time jobs. That Martin County approves a local cash match of five (5%) percent of the original grant request to be used solely to support proposed renovation activities at Ann's House of Nuts, Inc.'s Robersonville facility. That Ronnie Smith, Chairman, and successors so titled, is hereby authorized to execute and file an application on behalf of Martin County with the Rural Economic Development Division for a grant to assist in the above-named building reuse project. That Ronnie Smith, Chairman, and successors so titled, is hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the Rural Economic Development Division may request in connection with an application or with the project proposed; to make assurances as contained in the application; and to execute such other documents as may be required in connection with the application. That Martin County has substantially complied or will substantially comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances applicable to the project and to the grants pertaining thereto. Adopted this the day of, 2015 at Williamston, North Carolina. (SEAL) Ronnie Smith, Chairman Martin County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Marion Thompson, Clerk to the Board Resolution to Accept Building Reuse Grant Award for Syfan County Manager Bone recounted on December 1, 2014, the Board of Commissioners approved the submission of a NC Commerce Rural Division Existing Building grant application in the amount of $250,000 to assist Syfan with a $7 million dollar expansion by establishing a new tower and adding new plant equipment for an additional line to manufacture shrink wrap. The maximum grant of this type for a Tier I county, like Martin County, is $500,000. The grant program will require Syfan to match the grant funds, dollar-for-dollar. The grant will require the County to commit 5% of funds to the grant, which would be $12,500. These funds can be used for grant administration. The company must also provide health insurance to its

10 employees and pay at least the Martin County average weekly wage. After construction of the addition and new equipment over the next 24 months, Syfan will create 25 new jobs. Applications for this grant program were submitted in January, and awards were made in February. The grant notification letter listed the award amount as $250,000. The Board of Commissioners was asked to approve the resolution below to accept the award. Commissioner Bowen made the MOTION to approve the resolution below to accept the Building Reuse Grant award for Syfan, with a SECOND by Vice Chairman Lilley. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. AUTHORIZING RESOLUTION NC DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE BUILDING REUSE GRANT APPLICATION SYFAN MANUFACTURING BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS MARTIN COUNTY WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Economic Development Division has authorizes the awarding of grants from appropriated funds to aid eligible units of government in financing the cost of building reuse activities needed to create jobs; and Martin County needs assistance in financing a Building Reuse project that may qualify for Rural Economic Development Division grant funding; and Martin County has submitted a $250,000 grant request to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and has been awarded said $250,000 grant for the Syfan Manufacturing Building Improvements Project; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF MARTIN COUNTY: That Martin County will arrange financing for all remaining costs of the project. That Martin County supports an application for financial assistance to assist Syfan Manufacturing, Inc. in the renovation/expansion of their Martin County facility that will support the creation of a minimum of 25 new full-time jobs. That Martin County approves a local cash match of five (5%) percent of the original grant request to be used solely to support proposed renovation/expansion activities at Syfan Manufacturing's Martin County facility. That Ronnie Smith, Chairman, and successors so titled, is hereby authorized to execute and file an application on behalf of Martin County with the Rural Economic Development Division for a grant to assist in the above-named building reuse project. That Ronnie Smith, Chairman, and successors so titled, is hereby authorized and directed to furnish such information as the Rural Economic Development Division may request in connection with an application or with the project proposed; to make

11 assurances as contained in the application; and to execute such other documents as may be required in connection with the application. That Martin County has substantially complied or will substantially comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances applicable to the project and to the grants pertaining thereto. Adopted this the day of, 2015 at Williamston, North Carolina. (SEAL) ATTEST: Marion Thompson, Clerk to the Board Personnel Policy Revisions for Use of Leave Clarification Ronnie Smith, Chairman Martin County Board of Commissioners County Manager Bone commented the Martin County Personnel Policy was adopted as an ordinance on April 19, It governed the actions involving all employees and provides rules and policies concerning personnel management. At the March 12, 2014 Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board adopted a resolution repealing the personnel policy as an ordinance and adopting the Personnel Policy simply as a policy. Revisions to the Personnel Policy were approved at the Board of Commissioners September 10, 2014 meeting. County Manager Bone stated these current revisions were recommended for clarifications and consistency in the order of use of annual, sick, and FMLA leave, as presented below. Vice Chairman Lilley made the MOTION to approve the amendment to the Personnel Policy to clarify the use of leave, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bond. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Amendments to Martin County Personnel Policy Proposed April 8, 2015 To Be Effective April 8, 2015 Strikethrough = Existing language proposed for deletion Underlined = Proposed new language (all other language remains the same)

12 ARTICLE VII ANNUAL LEAVE Section 3: Manner of Taking Annual leave may be taken as earned by a permanent employee subject to the approval of the Department Head at such times when it will least interfere with the efficient operation of the office. The employee shall complete a REQUEST FOR LEAVE (MC Form PL15) and submit it for approval. Annual leave may be used for sick leave purposes after sick leave has been exhausted. Before using annual leave, employees must exhaust bonus leave, and comp time and holiday pay (in that order) are to be exhausted. Annual leave may be taken in units of no less than 15 minutes. Only scheduled work days shall be charged in calculating the amount of leave taken. Department Heads will notify the County Manager when taking annual leave. Section 5: Use of Sick Leave ARTICLE VIII SICK LEAVE Sick leave may be granted for illness, bodily injury, required medical or dental examinations or treatments, or exposure to a contagious disease when continuing to work might jeopardize the health of others, or quarantine of an employee or a member of the employee s immediate family. Sick leave may be allowed for maternity/paternity leave. Sick leave may be used for death in the employee s immediate family but not to exceed three (3) days for any one occurrence. Annual leave shall be requested if additional time is needed. (For this paragraph, immediate family shall be deemed to include spouse, mother, father, legal guardian, children, sister, brother, grandparents, grandchildren, mother or father-inlaw, son or daughter-in-law, step-mother, step-father or step-children.) Before using sick leave, employees must exhaust bonus leave, comp time, and holiday pay (in that order). Sick leave may be taken in units of no less than one-half hour. Notification of the desire to take sick leave should be submitted to the Department Head prior to the leave or no later than one-half hour after the beginning of a scheduled workday.

13 Employees in the Communications Department must give their supervisor notice of desire to take sick leave two (2) hours before the beginning of their assigned shift so that a replacement employee can be contacted for that shift. The employee shall complete a REQUEST FOR LEAVE (MC Form PL15) and submit it for approval. In cases where an employee notifies the Department Head by telephone of the desire to take sick leave, the Department Head will fill out the REQUEST FOR LEAVE (MC Form PL 15) to reflect the employee s request, and will cite the date and time of their phone conversation on the form. Section 3. Leave Charges ARTICLE X FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE A. For the birth of a child, the employee may choose* to exhaust available annual and/or sick leave, or any portion, or go on leave without pay; except that sick leave may be used only during the period of disability. This applies to both parents. B. For the adoption of a child, the parents may choose* to exhaust available annual leave, or any portion, or go on leave without pay. C. For the serious health condition of the employee or his child, spouse or parent, the employee may choose* to exhaust his available sick and/or annual leave, or any portion, or go on leave without pay. * Up to the maximum of 12 weeks in a 12-month period under FMLA; request for additional leave greater than this amount of time would be subject to (as applicable): Annual Leave, Sick Leave or Leave Without Pay. FMLA leave is normally unpaid. Any accrued bonus leave, comp time, or holiday time that an employee on FMLA leave has accrued will be applied to the period of FMLA leave to turn all or part of that leave into paid FMLA leave. Once any accrued bonus leave, comp time, and holiday time is exhausted, any accrued sick and annual leave will be applied to the period of FMLA leave as allowed, in that order. In all situations, the FMLA leave and use of accrued leave will run concurrently, until the accrued leave has been exhausted. After the exhaustion of all accrued leave during FMLA leave, the employee may apply for voluntary shared leave, as per Article VIII, Section 9 of the Martin County Personnel Policy. Adopted the 8 th day of April, Ronnie Smith, Chairman of the Board Marion B. Thompson, Clerk to the Board

14 Reclassification of Part-Time Nutrition Coordinator & Full-Time Home Delivered Meals Coordinator into Single, Full-Time Position Department of Aging Director Charmaine Hardison stated as part of an ongoing effort, staff constantly strives to find new efficiencies in the delivery of services to Martin County residents. Several positions have been consolidated, reduced or eliminated over the last few years. At the March 19 th Board of Commissioners budget meeting, Lisa Edmonds, on behalf of Department of Aging Director Charmaine Hardison, suggested the consolidation of two positions Home Delivered Meal Coordinator (full-time) and Williamston Home Nutrition Coordinator (part-time). Staff asked for approval to re-classify the positions at this time, so the advertisement for the new position may proceed. County Manager Bone added the two employees currently holding these positions will be given an opportunity to apply for the reclassified position. Vice Chairman Lilley made the MOTION to approve reclassifying the Home Delivered Meal Coordinator (full-time) and Williamston Home Nutrition Coordinator (part-time) into one single position, with a SECOND by Commissioner Ayers. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Transfer of Animal Control Services to the Sheriff s Office County Manager Bone stated the Sheriff s Office has been assisted in the provision of Animal Control services due to the department being short-staffed. Deputy Chris Wilkerson has been working in Animal Control since March 30, County staff recommended the permanent transfer of Animal Control services to the Sheriff s Office, in an arrangement similar to Wilson County and several other counties. The transfer of authority from the County Manager to the Sheriff s Office had been discussed about five years ago. Sheriff Gibbs s proposal, similar to the one previously suggested, would include two Sheriff s Deputies / Animal Control Officers and one Animal Control Technician (as a civilian employee). County Manager Bone stated the duties for the Animal Control Technician would be more focused on caring for the animals and facilities, expanding opportunities / hours for adoption, and other tasks. This position would not require BLET certification, as would the other two positions. The Technician s duties would be focused at the facility, transporting animals to and from the veterinarian s office, and could possibly assist the Sheriff s Deputies / Animal Control Officers in checking cat traps and other minor tasks, but again, the focus of this position would be at the facility. The two Sheriff s Deputies / Animal Control Officers would focus on responding to calls / complaints and being out in the community. Sheriff Gibbs suggested a 7-day, 10-hour schedule for these deputies, so Martin County would be providing a higher level of service (7 days a week, instead of 5 days/week and response to emergencies on weekends).

15 When asked about the primary duty of the Deputy Sheriff / Animal Control Officers, Sheriff Gibbs replied even though animal enforcement would be their primary duty, officers would be expected to respond to law enforcement emergencies, as necessary. The Board of Commissioners was asked to approve the transfer of Animal Control services to the Sheriff s Office, effective immediately. The Board was also asked to approve amending the Animal Control Ordinance so that the language reflects the transfer of authority from the County Manager to the Sheriff s Office. Commissioner Bowen made the MOTION to authorize the transfer of Animal Control from the County Manager to the Sheriff s Office, effective immediately, and to approve amending the Animals Ordinance so that the language reflects the transfer of authority, with a SECOND by Vice Chairman Lilley. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Approval of Timetable of Advertising & Hiring of New Tax Assessor County Manager Bone commented with the pending retirement of Tax Assessor Hilton Edmondson in December of this year, the importance of advertising soon will be crucial in finding a qualified replacement to allow time for on-the-job training, if necessary. County Manager Bone stated it would take at least two years for the Tax Assessor to become certified, if the certification has not be obtained already. Also, if the new Tax Assessor is not certified, it would be beneficial for this person to have as much on-the-job training under current Tax Assessor Hilton Edmondson, as there will be a great deal to learn. Part-time GIS (Geographic Information System) Mapping Technician (and former Tax Assessor) Bobby Beach plans to end his part-time employment with Martin County in the near future. The new Tax Assessor would also be expected to supervise / administer the County s GIS needs. Due to the technical complexity of this position and the possible need for on-the-job training, the County Manager and Tax Assessor sought approval from the Board of Commissioners to advertise for a Tax Assessor Trainee immediately, with the goal of hiring for this position by July 1, The recommended timetable would allow for six months of on-the job training. Commissioner Ayers made the MOTION to approve authorizing staff to advertise for a Tax Assessor / Tax Assessor Trainee position immediately, with a goal of hiring for the position by July 1, 2015, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bond. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Approval of Insurance Renewal Rates & Addition of Optional Employee Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance Staff requested an item concerning insurance renewal rates and additional optional insurance be added to the agenda. This item included: health insurance renewals, dental insurance renewal and the addition of optional employee group hospital indemnity insurance.

16 Health Insurance Renewal As part of its employee benefits package, Martin County provides health insurance to its employees through BlueCross BlueShield of NC (BCBSNC). The County pays for 100% of the cost of health insurance for its full-time employees. Full-time employees are also able to acquire health insurance coverage for their dependents, and they pay 100% of the cost of dependent coverage. Beginning in , Martin County started to offer a dual option both the regular insurance (Preferred Provider Organization or PPO plan) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options. At that time, it was suggested that by offering the dual option, the County and its employees would have an opportunity to evaluate the HSA option as a health insurance alternative. County Manager Bone stated Mark III, the County s health insurance broker, reported the original Blue Cross / Blue Shield renewal quote came in with a 17.7% increase. Mark III negotiated a rate increase of 7.4%. This would represent an increase of approximately $164,000. This was a firm quote. Being able to get a reduced quote was positive, considering this included some high claims. At the request of County Staff, Mark III investigated other options / possible coverage adjustments. Of the options presented, County Manager Bone recommended the second option that would modify the Blue Cross coverage (increasing the individual deductible from $1,500 to $2,500, plus some higher co-pays) with a 1.2% increase in costs. County Manager Bone further recommended the continuation of the dual option plan, to include a Health Savings Account (HSA) option, with an employer contribution of $1,000. During the April 9, 2014 Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board voted for employees who choose NOT to participate in wellness screenings in to be required to pay $20 / month toward their health insurance premiums, starting fiscal year Dental Insurance Renewal Mark III works a broker with Ameritas, Martin County s dental insurance provider, as well. The renewal calculation with Ameritas would have called for a 17.3% increase; however, Ameritas agreed to a 7.0% increase. County Manager Bone recommended approval of the dental insurance renewal with Ameritas. Optional Group Hospital Indemnity Insurance Currently, Martin County does not offer optional group hospital indemnity insurance. Enrollment would be voluntary and the cost would be fully borne by the employee. The plan (from Aflac) would pay the employee for most hospital stays (to help pay for costs not covered by regular health insurance). County Manager Bone recommended offering this insurance to employees.

17 After discussing the options presented, Vice Chairman Lilley made the MOTION to approve the options below regarding insurance, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bowen. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Blue Cross Blue Shield Health insurance renewal plan for , utilizing the dual option plan [Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Health Savings Account (HSA)] with the same coverage (option #1) with a 7.4% increase in costs, with an HSA account employer contribution of $1,000 ($500 in July; $500 in January). Dental insurance renewal with a 7% increase in rates. Optional group hospital indemnity insurance Budget Amendments Budget Amendments #21 Finance Officer Cindy Ange stated Martin County Emergency Management received an additional $2,880 from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety in the Homeland Security Grant Program. These funds must be used to conduct exercise activities and enhance hazard preparedness. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-21 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 Emergency Mgmt $ 2,880 This will result in an increase of $2,880 in the expenditures of the General Fund. To provide an increase in the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed. Emergency Mgmt Grants $ 2,880 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 Commissioner Ayers and SECONDED by Vice Chairman Lilley to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of April, The motion was APPROVED unanimously.

18 Budget Amendment #22 Finance Officer Ange commented Martin County was awarded $160,000 for the 2012 Single Family Rehabilitation Program in June Additional funds were made available through the SFR loan pool, since the County expended all of the original allocation. The County has been awarded an additional $97,861. 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 SSH CDBG Fund the expenditures are to be changed as follows. Increase Decrease Economic and Physical Development 2012 SFR Program $ 97,861 This will result in an increase of $97,861 in the expenditures of the SSH CDBG Fund. To provide an increase in the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed SFR Program $ 97,861 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 Commissioner Bowen and SECONDED by Commissioner Bond to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of April, The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Budget Amendment #23 The North Carolina Department of Insurance has awarded Martin County Department of Aging an additional $1, for the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Grant. These funds will be used by Staff to attend the SHIIP conference in June, as well as supplies for the program. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-23 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, 2015.

19 Section 1. To amend the General Fund, the expenditures are to be changed as follows. Increase Decrease Human Services Department of Aging $ 1,774 This will result in an increase of $1,774 in the expenditures of the General Fund. To provide an increase in the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed. Restricted Intergovernmental $ 1,774 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 Commissioner Bowen and SECONDED by Commissioner Bond to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of April, The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Budget Amendment #24 Finance Officer Ange stated Martin County Department of Social Services has seen a dramatic increase in Child Protective Services this year, which in turn, increases the need for foster care funds. DSS tries to place children with family members first, but family is not always an option. Room and board for a child placed in a children s home can be over $4,500 a month. Budget Amendment #24 would move funds from the Work First Program to the State Foster Home Fund and the IV-E Foster Home Fund. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-24 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 Human Services DSS State Foster Care $ 25,500 DSS IV-E Foster Home Fund $ 33,500 DSS Work First Transportation $ 59,000 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.

20 MOTION by Vice Chairman Lilley and SECONDED by Commissioner Bond to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of April, The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Budget Amendment #25 Finance Officer Ange stated the Department of Aging staff asked the Council on Aging to consider placing an additional $15,000 in the County budget for respite services. The Council on Aging Board approved this request. The County would not have been able to fill the needs of Martin County seniors through the end of the fiscal year without this contribution. BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT-25 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 Human Services DOA Respite $ 15,000 This will result in an increase of $15,000 in the expenditures of the General Fund. To provide an increase in the revenues for the above, the following revenues will be changed. Restricted Intergovernmental $ 15,000 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 Commissioner Bond and SECONDED by Commissioner Bowen to adopt the above budget ordinance amendment this 8th day of April, The motion was APPROVED unanimously. BOARD REPORTS / COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS Chairman Smith reported on legislation introduced as House Bill 390 sponsored by Rep. Paul Tine whereas, Washington County would be exclusively served by Beaufort Community College, excluding Martin Community College as a service provider of Continuing Education in Washington County. Some Martin County officials planned to travel to Raleigh on April 14 th to attend the Education Committee for Community Colleges meeting in opposition of the bill. Chairman Smith encouraged all Board members to attend.

21 Vice Chairman Lilley reported the NCACC Strategic Plan Regional Input Session in Pitt County on March 30th was productive. The goals for the various counties were very similar, which makes for good collaboration. CLOSED SESSIONS NC G. S (a)(3), Attorney/ Client Privilege NC G.S (a)(5) Contracts Negotiations NC G.S (a)(6) Personnel Around 8:41 p.m., Commissioner Bond made the MOTION to enter Closed Session in pursuant of NC G.S (a)(3), Attorney/ Client Privilege, NC G.S (a)(5) Contracts Negotiations, and NC G.S (a)(6) Personnel, with a SECOND by Commissioner Ayers. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. Around 9:36 p.m., Vice Chairman Lilley made the MOTION to end Closed Session in pursuant of NC G.S (a)(3), Attorney/ Client Privilege, NC G.S (a)(5) Contracts Negotiations, and NC G.S (a)(6) Personnel, with a SECOND by Commissioner Bond. The motion was APPROVED unanimously. OPEN SESSION No action in open session was taken regarding the closed session discussion. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, Commissioner Bowen made the MOTION to adjourn at 9:40 p.m., with a SECOND by Commissioner Ayers. The motion was unanimously APPROVED. The next regular meeting of the Martin County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2015 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