THE ANSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS convened for their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 2, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. in Courtroom #1 located in the Anson County Courthouse.
Commissioners present:Bill Thacker, Chair
Michael Livingston, Vice Chair
Blake Hildreth
Steve Lear
Harold C. Smith
Ross Streater
Staff members present:Chris Wease, County Manager
Bonnie M. Huntley, CMC, Clerk to the Board
James Bennett, Human Resource/Asst. Co. Mgr.
Dorothy Tyson, Finance Officer
Chairman Thacker called the meeting to Order, welcoming those present. Reverend Jeff Glenn of Brown Creek Baptist Church delivered the Invocation.
Approval of the Agenda by Commissioners: Commissioner Lear asked to add a matter to Commissioner Concerns as well as Vice Chair Livingston. Commissioner Hildreth asked to give a report on courthouse security, which was added to Administrative Matters. Commissioner Streater asked to remove the Road Abandonment from Consent, which was placed first under Administrative Matters. Commissioner Smith voiced a concern for the ten-year contract with Marshville, which was removed from Consent and placed under Administrative Matters. County Manager Wease reported that other counties are adopting a Resolution against terrorism, based on the example from NCACC, which was placed under Commissioner Concerns. Motion by Vice Chair Livingston, seconded by Commissioner Lear, to approve the Agenda with the changes. Motion carried unanimously.
Consent Agenda: Motion by Commissioner Lear, seconded by Vice Chair Livingston, to approve the items as presented with the deletions. County Manager Wease presented each Commissioner with a copy of the budget report, which was not included in the packet. It seems packets went out before month end and this report needed to be done after month end and therefore is presented tonight for approval. Motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes: Approved minutes of August 23 and 30 and September 4 and 6, 2001
Tax Releases: Approved as follows:
Vehicle Tax Releases: Sep 01
Barber, Carrie T2000 23.21Proration
Billingston, Pamela2000 16.07Value
Brower, Kenneth Michael2000 67.23Situs
Crowder, Andrew2000 78.16Proration
Hasty, Carrie Ann2000 99.36Proration
Heilig, Charles Ray2000 46.72Proration
Herring, Mablen2000 38.15Proration
Lee, Queenie Mae2000 37.49Situs
Livingston, Chad Stewart2000 41.89Situs
Livingston, Chad Stewart2000 22.36Situs
Mullis, Marcus Lee2000 85.50Value
Patton, Mitchell A2000 39.96Proration
Payne, Christy2000 25.96Proration
Pierre, Michael Benjamin2000 4.66Proration
Pope, William K2000 26.42Value
Robins, Edmond2000 118.69Double billed
Robinson, Barry G2000 44.30Proration
Ross, Charles Henry2000 8.97Value
Spencer, Anthony L2000 72.73Situs
Stegall, Ronald Joe2000 81.98Value
Taylor, Bradley2000 2.16Proration
Thomas, Ann Moore2000 22.20Situs
Thompson, Marc Hayes2000 36.16Proration
Tripp, Verdia2000 2.70Proration
Tucker, Doris Turner2000 112.00Proration
Vinson, Emily W2000 82.54Proration
Watkins, Jesse Claude2000 18.30Situs
Watts, Christopher David2000 24.02Proration
Westbrook, Willard Ray2000 54.81Proration
Williamson, Frances2000 61.83Proration
Wright, Victoria2000 20.40Proration
Young, Clarice2000 45.04 Situs
Total $ 1,462.48
Vehicle Tax Adjustments: Sep 01
Brower, Kenneth Michael2000 6.85Situs
Lee, Queenie Mae2000 3.80Situs
Livingston, Chad Stewart2000 4.24Situs
Livingston, Chad Stewart2000 2.28Situs
Spencer, Anthony L2000 7.52Situs
Thomas, Ann Moore2000 2.44Situs
Watkins, Jesse Claude2000 2.99Situs
Young Clarice2000 4.55 Situs
Total $ 34.67
Vehicle Tax Refunds: Sep 01
Davis, Charles2000 12.76Proration
Edwards, Watler M2000 44.80Proration
Harrell, Miranda T2000 13.50Proration
Harrell, Wiley Junior2000 10.36Proration
Harward, Henry2000 18.34Proration
Herron, Betsy M2000 82.38Proration
Knotts, Margaret A2000 20.79Proration
McGrady, Jennie2000 19.16Proration
Pfeifer, Harvey Robinson2000 198.08Situs
Process Mechanical Piping2000 20.76Proration
Process Mechanical Piping2000 27.95Proration
Rendenna, Ruth2000 57.47Proration
Sharpe, Willie2000 19.16Proration
Thomas, Gary D2000 106.38Proration
Thomas, Johnny Craig2000 21.04Proration
Total $ 672.93
Property Tax Releases: Sep 01
Anson Press2001196.06Value
Baker, Johnnie Boyce Heirs1994119.49Value
Baker,Johnnie Boyce Heirs1995109.08Value
Baker, Johnnie Boyce Heirs1996 90.38Value
Baker, Johnnie Boyce Heirs1997 44.14Value
Baker, Johnnie Boyce Heirs2000 43.42Value
Burch, Graylon2001302.48Mapping Error
Cantu, Barbara Morton2001 26.71Listing error
Central Carolina Bank2001 28.71Value
Cobb-Vantress Inc2001 22,345.24Value
Cox, Odessa Charlotte2001366.30Listing Error
Cuddy Farms2001989.46Clerical Error
Culbertson, Michael2000217.44Listing Error
Culbertson, Michael2001150.99Listing Error
EAB Leasing2001 47.01Listing Error
Edgefield Land2001313.38Discovery
Edgefield Land2001262.92Discovery
Edgefield Land2001219.60Discovery
Edgefield Land2001173.75Discovery
Edgefield Land2001132.73Discovery
Hood, William A2001137.76Value
James, Nathan2001272.55Listing Error
Johnson, Harold B SR2001 10.83Value
Jones, Mike2001 40.96Listing Error
Lamas, Francisco2001545.44Listing Error
Ledbetter, Ronnie2001 71.50Listing Error
Lilesville Baptist Church2001 59.08Exempt
Little, Jerry2001125.12Listing Error
Little, Monica2001 51.81Listing Error
Maness, Tomika2001595.24Billing Error
McCormick, Ann1999237.06Billing Error
McCormick, Ann2000206.06Billing Error
McCormick, Ann2001141.06Billing Error
Melton, Vernon E2001 57.32Listing Error
Morgan, Nathan & Jeff Morgan2001 87.88Mapping Error
Morgan, Nathan & Jeff Morgan2001 10.18Mapping Error
Pope, Richard W2001 58.36Listing Error
Ratliff, Juanita2001 90.29Listing Error
Shaw, Gary & Joan2001 35.82Value
Stegall, Dale R2001 1.81Value
Sturdivant, Marcus2001 15.94Listing Error
Sustainable Forests2001 40.00Situs
Tommy’s Forest Products2001 2.06Situs
Vaughn, Darrell W JR2001 10.20Listing Error
Wadesboro Knitting Inc2001 2,003.28Situs
Watts, Ronald Lee1992 89.58Listing Error
Watts, Ronald Lee1993 77.89Listing Error
Watts, Ronald Lee1994181.62Listing Error
Watts, Ronald Lee1995164.06Listing Error
Watts, Ronald Lee1996138.82Listing Error
Watts, Ronald Lee1997 86.98Listing Error
Watts, Ronald Lee1998 82.68Listing Error
Watts, Ronald Lee1999 83.34Listing Error
Watts, Ronald Lee2000 73.77Listing Error
Watts, Ronald Lee2001 25.46Listing Error
Williams, Willie Mae2001184.00Exempt
Wolfe, Robert1995386.98Listing Error
Wolfe, Robert1996336.48Listing Error
Wolfe, Robert1997243.99Listing Error
Wolfe, Robert1998240.09Listing Error
Wolfe, Robert1998229.12Listing Error
Wolfe, Robert2000199.09Listing Error
Wolfe, Robert2001134.97 Listing Error
Total $ 34,045.82
Property Tax Refunds: Sep 01
Baker, Johnnie Boyce Heirs1998 34.00Value
Baker, Johnnie Boyce Heirs1999 45.00Value
Brewer, Garren2001 8.28Mapping Error
Diggs, Myrtle1998 34.00Billing Error
Diggs, Myrtle1999 45.00Billing Error
Diggs, Myrtle2000 41.00Billing Error
Simmons, Vanie2001 90.66Billing Error
Steele, Randy Gerald2001 72.03Listing Error
Total $ 369.97
Budget Amendment: The following amendment returns $13,075 of unexpended funds in Youth Services to the State, accepts the $132,868 in Grant Funds for the Sheriff’s Department for the Highway Safety Grant and appropriates $435 for Soil and Water Conservation District that was carried over as unspent funds from last FY.
AMENDMENT
Anson County Budget Ordinance FY 2001/02
BE IT ORDAINED by the Anson County Board of Commissioners that the 2001/02 FY Budget Ordinance be amended as follows:
Section 1. Expenditures:
Increase11-4310$ 132,868.
Increase11-4960 435.
Increase11-5830 13,075.
Total Increase$ 146,378.
Section 2. Revenues:
Increase11-4310$ 132,868.
Increase11-4110 13,510.
Total Increase$ 146,378.
Adopted this 2nd day of October, 2001.
Board also approved a contingency transfer of $22,000.00 to 11-4310-4540 for the County’s match for the Governor’s Highway Safety Program Grant.
Accepted the Economic Development Report as presented.
Approved the ACTS Lease Agreement for one year as presented.
Accepted the Budget Report as presented.
Administrative Matters:
Road Abandonment-Old Ferry Road SR1827: Commissioner Streater noted the he and several Commissioners have looked at this road and have received numerous phone calls on the matter. He noted there were several residents of the Morven area in attendance tonight and asked the Board to allow Mr. Jack Ratliff and anyone else that would like to speak on the matter to do so. Commissioner Streater presented each Commissioner with a copy of a letter from Mr. Ratliff and others on the subject. Chairman Thacker then recognized Mr. Jack Ratliff to speak to the issue. Mr. Ratliff noted he is concerned about the possibility of not being able to visit the Sneedsboro Ferry site in the near future. To him, it is a place to go and be at peace with the world, to be close to his ancestors and his God. Mr. Ratliff outlined for Board members his family connection with the area and reasons for not allowing the road to be closed. John Frank McLeod, Jr., owner of the property, noted he acquired the land in August from CP&L. He realizes that area folks have used the road for sometime as the area has been used as a campground and he voiced a concern for people using the area and a campfire getting out of control. He outlined for the Board his plans to create a hunting preserve with a 5500 square foot lodge. He believes when completed, this will be between a six hundred and six hundred fifty thousand dollar investment. Paul Kiker, land manager for Mr. McLeod, was of the impression the gravel road carried a fifty foot right-of-way. Mr. McLeod owns the property on both sides of the gravel road. Commissioner Streater asked Mr. McLeod about the cemetery located in the area with Mr. McLeod stating he is working with the Historical Society and it will be accessible. Mr. McLeod stated he wants the road closed to the river because of all the potential problems that could arise with the public having access to the area. He realizes the county has a sewer line to the river in this area and will give the county access to the line. Commissioner Streater asked Mr. McLeod if he was aware that this was the only access road to the river between the Pee Dee River and the Cheraw bridge with Mr. McLeod answering no. Chairman Thacker asked Mr. McLeod if he would consider meeting with those folks in attendance that oppose the road closing to work out some type agreement with Mr. McLeod stating he would consider it but it would have to be on his terms. Mr. Charles Mull asked to speak to the Board. He was born and raised on the river and noted that if this access is closed, folks in the area will have nowhere to fish except for private ponds. Mr. McLeod stated he would be willing to meet with one person from the committee of folks in opposition. Chairman Thacker asked Mr. Ratliff to head the group and meet with Mr. McLeod and report back to the County Manager. Commissioner Lear asked to be included in the discussion. Motion by Commissioner Streater, seconded by Commissioner Lear, to table the matter until the Manager receives a report on the meeting. Vice Chair Livingston asked County Manager Wease the process this issue should follow. County Manager Wease reported the step is for this Board to adopt a Resolution in support of the abandonment. The Resolution is then presented to the State. When approved by NC Board of Transportation, the County will need to conduct a public hearing to ultimately close the road to the public. He noted the State can abandon maintenance of the road without the Board’s permission but only the Commissioners can close the road. Commissioner Hildreth feels Ritchie Hearne of DOT would honor the wishes of this Board. Motion carried 5 to 1 with Commissioner Smith opposed.
County Manager Wease made several announcements. He noted a public hearing would be held in Raleigh on October 3 on their redistricting process. He reminded Board members of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Airport runway on October 15 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Robin Hayes and other will be present. Steve Leary hopes to have a C130 visit that day and Milton Barnes will be available to give dignitaries a helicopter ride. Lunch will be provided by Russell Sikes and unnamed helpers and Henry Little will provide the shovels. Vice Chair Livingston asked if the Commissioners would get to keep the shovels as a souvenir with Mr. Leary unable to answer. County Manager Wease told Board members to watch the paper for dates of the next community Land Use Planning meetings. He also reported on a public forum for the new mental health plan, saying those interested could contact him for dates.
James Bennett showed Board members the golf shirt he is proposing to give County employees at Christmas. The county seal and STEWARDS logo will be on the left breast and Vice Chair Livingston suggested having a small American flag placed on one shirtsleeve.
Commissioner Hildreth referred to the Legislative redistricting hearing and mentioned the article by Pryor Gibson in the local paper. He feels if the Board agrees with keeping Anson County whole, they send a letter of support to Pryor. Chairman Thacker mentioned he had received a copy of a Resolution from Union County that they are submitting where they want to be a district unto themselves and not be a part of Anson or anyone else.
Schedule of Values: County Manager Wease noted the values were submitted to Board members in early September and a public hearing was held on September 25. A representative from the Department of Revenue attended the public hearing. We are seeking approval of the values so we can move forward on revaluation. Eddie Mitchum was present and stated an ad has to run in the local paper for four consecutive weeks and if not challenged, the schedule will pass the second week of November. County Manager Wease expressed appreciation for the work done by staff, noting the new schedule will be reflected on tax billed mailed August 2002. Motion by Commissioner Lear, seconded by Vice Chair Livingston, to approve the schedule of values as presented. Commissioner Lear noted that if Board members have not seen the pamphlet prepared for revaluation, they should, as it was excellent in explaining the process. Motion carried unanimously.
Airport Engineering Contract: Jeff Kirby, LPA Group, was present and noted the relocation of the road was moving very quickly and should be completed in the next two weeks. Presented tonight are the Agreements for Professional Services for the Runway Site Preparation-Construction phase and runway paving and lighting-design phase. Jeff noted the project is proceeding very well. The grading contractor has a large amount of drainage pipe installed and is not quite at his anticipated daily production level but he’s getting there. County Manager Wease noted the contract has been reviewed by County Attorney Bower and approved as to form. This portion is funded at 90% through the grant program with the county having a 10% match. Vice Chair Livingston wants to see the project finally come together and feels it is a step forward and thanked Jeff and the whole group for their participation. Jeff noted it has been a long-term endeavor and shows commitment on the Board of the Commissioners to the county. Motion by Vice Chair Livingston, seconded by Commissioner Lear, to approve. Motion carried unanimously. Said Contract is on file in the Clerk’s office and is by reference made a part of these minutes.
RPO Resolution: County Manager Wease noted he met earlier in the day with representative of Centralina COG regarding the opportunity for counties to participate in the development of a Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO). Bill Duston, Planning Director with Centralina COG, noted this was a chance for rural counties to have an input with DOT that they have not had before. This gives you a voice in Raleigh on transportation issues coming down the line. Mr. Duston noted the maximum funding from the state is $100,000 with our match being $25,000 or about 20%. If the RPO is housed with Centralina, we could use our free hours that come with our dues as our match. County Manager Wease noted he cannot find anything negative about this and if this had been done five years ago, we could ask that the Monroe bypass be done now. The Resolution says we express an interest in pursuing this and we are encouraging neighboring counties to do the same. Commissioner Hildreth asked if we would do the match or use our hours with Centralina. Mr. Duston explained we have six blocks of ten hours and this will take one or two blocks. Commissioner Lear feels this is a worthwhile investment and made a motion to approve the Resolution. Commissioner Hildreth seconded the motion. Vice Chair Livingston asked Mr. Duston the type of transportation he was referring to. Bill answered that the new DOT was more than roads and we need to look at all types of transportation that suit our area. Motion carried unanimously.
RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION
IN RURAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS (RPOs)
Whereas, section 135 of Title 23, United States Code, declares that it is in the national interest to encourage and promote the development of transportation systems embracing various modes of transportation in a manner that will serve all areas of the State efficiently and effectively; and
Whereas, North Carolina General Statute 136-18 was amended by the North Carolina General Assembly by ratification of Senate Bill 1195 on July 6, 2000, and this same bill was signed by the Governor on July 14, 2000, and subsequently Chaptered, and which Chaptered statute provides for the establishment of Rural Transportation Planning Organizations (RPO's), similar in concept to Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO's) which provide transportation planning in North Carolina's urban areas; and
Whereas, the establishment of a Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO) would provide rural areas the opportunity to work in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation toward development of sound, short and long-range transportation planning for rural areas; and,
Whereas, the establishment of a Rural Transportation Planning Organization for the Region 'F' area would assist the North Carolina Department of Transportation in complying with the provisions of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21), enacted June 9, 1998, relative to the participation oflocal officials and the public in the transportation planning process; and,
Whereas, Anson County is a jurisdiction in this area eligible to participate in the Rural Transportation Planning Organization;
Now therefore, be it resolved that the Anson County Board of Commissioners does hereby express its interest and intent to pursue participation in a Rural Transportation Planning Organization; and
Be it further resolved that the Anson County Board of Commissioners encourages its neighboring jurisdictions, eligible to participate in this process, to do so, to provide for continual, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning in rural parts of North Carolina State Planning Region “F.”
Adopted this 2nd day of October, 2001.
Re-districting Discussion: County Manager Wease stated he had secured the assistance of Centralina with this matter. Bill Duston noted that an increase in population has made it necessary to move district lines. Districts 2, 4 and 5 are up for re-election next year with filing to begin in January 2002. He gave each Commissioner a handout, which included a color map noting each district and the population of each district. He attributed some of the increase in District 4 to the prison population since inmates are counted as population. Mr. Duston stated the general rule is district population should have a spread of 5%, plus or minus, with the ideal population of each of our districts being 3611. The goal is to not put Commissioners in a different district. Anytime district boundaries are changed and it affects voting, it is subject to review by the Justice Department in Washington. They require a sixty-day review period prior to the January 7 filing, which means it will have to be adopted and in Washington by November 7. Tricia Byrd, working with Bill on the project, will put together a plan that the County Manager will review on October 9. Bill suggested work sessions with the Board to review the plans on October 23 and 30. Commissioner Streater asked if Rochelle Williams was involved in the process with the County Manager stating she will attend the meeting on October 9. Commissioner Lear asked Mr. Duston to make the changes as least disruptive as possible. After discussion, Board elected to meet on October 22 and October 30, both meetings to be held in Courtroom #1 beginning at 6:00 p.m.